I am writing to endorse unequivocally Joe Laurin for the Select Board. I know Joe as a parent, business person, and volunteer, including his involvement in The Scholarship Fund of Concord and Carlisle, Kicks for Cancer, youth soccer and basketball, and Scouts. He works tirelessly, listens to all viewpoints of disparate stakeholders, and naturally possesses the willingness to negotiate and compromise to get to yes. Given his business acumen, he focuses on data-driven decision-making without getting stuck in “analysis paralysis” or perfection over progress. He has stood up in public forums, like Town Meeting, to advocate for what’s right, even if unpopular, so that residents can hear all sides of an issue to make a fully informed decision. That’s not easy to do, but we residents need Joe’s tenacity and strength.

Joe is very concerned about the affordability of living in Concord, and I am, too. Joe recognizes the need to diversify our tax base in a safe, fair manner that relies much less on residential property taxes. He understands that this means not only finding other revenue sources but also prioritizing spending to services essential to 21st-century living in Concord. To get there, we need new ways of looking at decades-long policies, an uncomfortable but critical undertaking to maintain our wonderful community without spending cuts that undermine the quality of services. Joe embraces this daunting mission. Joe also endorses new services, like a wireless solution — an issue that has plagued the safety of Concord for too long.

On the Select Board, Joe will provide a balanced and fresh perspective, using logic, data, humility, and common sense to the many challenges that our town faces. He will do so with respect and consensus-building. Please join me in voting for Joe Laurin for Select Board on April 8.

Patricia Geyer