Espindola Endorses Romano
I write this letter to enthusiastically support Andrew Romano for Select Board. If you have been following Andrew, you know that he is already on top of the issues Fairhaven is facing. He has been proactive in getting his message out to us from the moment he first committed to running.
I first met Andrew when he was a teenager and he was recording meetings for the Government Access Channel. He is dedicated to open and transparent government. He understands the importance of ensuring the community is able to observe the proceedings at all meetings and has access to all meeting materials. Moreover, he has the integrity required to ensure that only things allowed by State Open Meeting Law will be discussed when meetings go into Executive Session (when things are not open and transparent to the community).
Andrew sees that the only way for the Town to truly understand the financial circumstances ahead of us is to build a comprehensive financial forecasting model using tools, templates and guidance that are readily available to the town, at no cost, through state agencies. This type of model would take into account every single facet of Town Government and allow Town Administration to run “what-if” scenarios when it comes to critical decisions about union contracts, staffing needs, revenue sources, capital projects, etc. It would allow for leaders and policy makers to fully and clearly understand the long term implications of changes BEFORE they are made.
The Town’s current circumstances demonstrate why having this type of analysis in place is so critical. It is encouraging that Andrew understands that this type of analysis is required to make good, informed policy decisions.
I know these things about Andrew to be true because several months ago, before anyone pulled papers for Select Board, Andrew reached out to me to better understand what is involved in being a Select Board member.
I shared my experiences with him and, at his request, I have met with him prior to each Select Board meeting since to explain what my thought process is in preparing for a meeting, what resources I turn to in preparation, etc. I have enjoyed working with Andrew because he is very eager to learn. He has the type of energy it takes to do the job the right way. Andrew has already begun to delve into the wealth of guidance available from the Department of Revenue, Mass Municipal Association, etc.
Without any assurances that he will be elected, he has already spent considerable time over the past several months learning the job so he will be ready to hit the ground running. Now that’s dedication.
Andrew will bring the type of work ethic, critical thinking and vision required to help the Town navigate through the challenging times ahead and he will not be afraid to challenge the process when he feels things are not being done correctly.
I urge you to vote for Andrew Romano, Select Board.
Bob Espindola, Fairhaven
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