Recently, the Bedford League of Women Voters encouraged Citizen readers to consider running for Town office in the March 2020 election. This week we asked some current officeholders to provide some brief comments on why they decided to get involved and their experiences. (Note: Coming next week will be information on how to run for office in Bedford.)
The League received comments from Selectman Margot Fleischman, School Committee member JoAnn Santiago, Planning Board members Shawn Hanegan and Amy Lloyd, and Library Trustee Elizabeth Hacala.
From Margot Fleischman, Selectmen
I often say that we have a “DIY” government, not to trivialize how local government works, but to make it clear that much of what we do, we do for ourselves. For most of our history, Bedford’s citizenry did all the work, from viewing the fences to measuring the manure. Nowadays, we have a Town Manager and professional staff who handle much of the burden. But from the Assessors to the ZBA, we still rely on our citizens to keep the wheels of government turning. Modern life exerts pressures on us that make it hard to find time to serve, and I respect the struggles we all face to balance our very real commitments. Nonetheless, I encourage every Bedford voter to contemplate how they might serve, if not now, then in the future. For those who say they could never run for anything, I say, you can, you should, and you must, if our form of government is going to endure.
From JoAnn Santiago, School Committee
My favorite childhood story was Stone Soup, a tale about a community where each member offers an ingredient and together make a delicious soup to share. Town government is like that soup … each person has something unique to offer to make our community great.
I did not intend to run for office. In 2015 I volunteered for a task force to explore expansion of the Lane School. The work was interesting, and I enjoyed contributing to our community. When a School Committee seat became vacant, running was the logical next step. It was frightening, but I’m glad I did it.
Serving on the School Committee is more than just Tuesday night meetings. Each member serves as a liaison to other committees in town, so I’ve gotten to know many wonderful people and learned a lot about how the town operates.
I strongly encourage anyone interested in running for office to talk to current members to find out more about the role. And if you aren’t sure about standing for election, consider volunteering for one of Bedford’s appointed committees.
From Shawn Hanegan, Planning Board
I think it’s important to give back to one’s own community. People can do this in many ways. For me, I got involved in town government because it allowed me to serve our town through my interest in public policy and in working with residents. It is fascinating to see what goes into making a town like Bedford work and learning from such dedicated people that make it work so well. Although my role doesn’t pay money, I feel paid back anytime somebody stops and thanks me for my work and also when I can see work that I’ve been a part of making a positive difference in people’s lives.
From Amy Lloyd, Planning Board
When I was first asked to run for the Planning Board, my immediate answer was “no way.” Yes, I had followed the Board’s activities with great interest, but I thought it would be too hard, too time-consuming, too political. Seven years later, I’m happy to report that my fears were unfounded: I look at my tenure on the Board as one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Bedford is a healthy, well-run community because of the efforts of people who care and are willing to pitch in and get stuff done. Consider joining us!
From Elizabeth Hacala, Library Board of Trustees
In Bedford, we have a rare opportunity to shape our community. The most obvious ways are voting in town elections and at Town Meeting. As important as those are, they are a small portion of the opportunities. To fully appreciate the richness of the Town and all that goes into making Bedford work, I encourage everyone to serve in town government at some point.
Joining committees and boards gives you the opportunity to make a real impact, gain a deeper appreciation of the town, and meet wonderful people. It transforms the work of governing from something ‘they’ do to something ‘we’ do together. I can’t say enough about how rewarding it is to serve.
Note: The Bedford League of Women Voters has informed residents about issues of community importance for more than 50 years. To learn more about the Bedford League of Women Voters, contact Lora Goldenberg, ljgoldenberg @ comcast.net.
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