I moved to Concord in 2013 and Joe Laurin was one of the first people I met. Joe coached my son’s soccer team and fed my boys at Heritage when I could not get there on time. I have watched the boys skate on his front yard ice rink and walked Joe’s Halloween maze almost every year. Joe has volunteered for more organizations than I can count and is fiercely committed to the future of Concord.

Having watched the recent March 16 debate, I am not convinced that any view heavily weighing incumbent experience is a reason to keep the status quo in the absence of meaningful progress. Nor am I impressed by the purported “steep learning curve” as another reason to avoid electing new leaders. We should hire for talent and judgment, not because the person is already familiar with the job, particularly when they have overseen an administrative budget that has risen significantly greater than inflation in the last few years. Further, as Joe rightly asserted in the debate, the Select Board is supposed to “lead the way” and not wait for the town manager to make suggestions, as was otherwise advocated.

I have had the privilege of being a public servant for most of my career and have worked for administrations with views different than my own. Still, I was comfortable doing so as those leaders were committed to the truth and service of their community. We should elect someone whose moral compass points in the same direction as our own even if we do not agree on every single issue. Joe has that moral compass and commitment. He also has the necessary acumen, respect for transparency and is focused on doing what is best for Concord. Please join me in voting for Joe Laurin.

Kim West