I am writing to strongly support Joe Laurin for the Concord Select Board. Having known Joe for a decade in various capacities, I can confidently say that he possesses the intellect, commitment, and disposition that we need in town leadership.

Joe is smart, thoughtful, and analytical. Over a long, successful career in engineering and business, he has proven that he can break down very complex problems and devise creative, practical solutions. He believes Concord needs a long-term, strategic plan to guide spending and development and is well-positioned to help create and execute it.

Joe and his extended family have deep roots in Concord. With children who went through the school system and a mother-in-law who spent her final years here, he understands the town from multiple perspectives. And he loves Concord. He has poured tremendous energy into volunteer work — youth sports, Cub Scouts, Kicks for Cancer, the Scholarship Fund — and will bring the same passion and devotion to his work on the board.

What I believe most sets Joe apart, however, is how he interacts with others. He has strong, well-reasoned opinions and expresses them openly, even when they are unpopular. Yet he welcomes challenges to his perspective, listens carefully to other viewpoints, and is humble and flexible enough to change his mind. Combining his directness with a very amiable personality, he has the right qualities to work productively with other Select Board members and to develop positive relationships with other town committee members.

With the town’s cost of living rapidly rising and with significant opportunities to develop the MCI and middle school properties, Concord needs Select Board leadership that is disciplined, analytical, and fiscally responsible. Joe would be outstanding in this role.

Jeff Hunt