I am writing to enthusiastically support Joe Laurin for the Concord Select Board. I have known Joe for almost 20 years, and I have spent a lot of time with him — on the sidelines at football games, volunteering at Kicks for Cancer, and at numerous social events. From my interactions with Joe, I can tell you he is a giving, enthusiastic, kind, and loyal man. He gives a lot of himself to his family, friends, and to this town.

Over the past couple of years, I have gotten to know another side of Joe. Currently, Concord needs to focus on a range of issues/opportunities. Town spending needs to decrease, MCI Concord and Peabody have to be dealt with, and the cell service in town needs to be improved. Through discussions on these topics and more, I have come to see Joe as the type of leader the Select Board desperately needs at this time.

Joe and I have spoken about how he will use his background to structure an approach to problems, how he wants to balance growth with fiscal accountability, and how he will use his business expertise to focus on practical solutions, and collaborate and get things done. Joe is not afraid to speak up if he believes we are headed in the wrong direction. He is willing to compromise and always wants to listen to every perspective.

I believe it is time for a change in the Select Board, and Joe Laurin is the right person for that job. Joe will bring transparency, open discussion, and will represent all of the people in Concord. Joe will bring new thinking and a fresh perspective that Concord needs — especially right now. Please join me in supporting Joe Laurin for the Select Board.

Kristin Martines