Why I'm running for Select Board

The following candidate statement was published in the April 8 edition of the Lynnfield Villager.

Over the last few months of this campaign, I have had the pleasure of interacting with so many Lynnfield residents - some I have known for years, many that I have just gotten to know through this process. As you’ve heard me say many times by now, the key tenets of my campaign are focused around guiding the strategic direction of our town by improving town communication, providing greater transparency and empowering the community. That all remains true.

When I first pulled papers to run for office, I was doing it for my own kids - to make our great town even better. As I’ve spent time listening to so many individual stories and perspectives from fellow residents, I now feel connected to the community in an even deeper way. The voices that were theoretical (or that I’d just seen on Facebook) at the start of my campaign are now people who I want to represent and engage with to improve our community.

Having been a former member of the Lynnfield Finance Committee and current member of the Board of Library Trustees, I have a good working knowledge of the town process for decision making and managing finances. As a stay-at-home dad with 3 daughters in the Lynnfield Public Schools I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer in many different organizations including as Director of Communications for the Summer Street School PTO, a founding member of the Friends of Lynnfield Theater, and Treasurer of the Lynnfield Art Guild. I’ve seen how Lynnfield’s many volunteers selflessly contribute personal time, skill, and effort for the benefit of fellow residents. Lynnfield is my family’s home, and I enjoy working with other Lynnfield residents to collectively benefit our community.

It’s inspiring to see so many residents who are interested in engaging in town government. As a candidate for Select Board, I look forward to respectfully collaborating with fellow community members to create a future where every Lynnfield resident feels a sense of safety and belonging, and has a stronger voice in helping to guide our town’s future.

Thank you for reading and taking the time to educate yourself on local candidates. I respectfully ask you to visit Lynnfield High School next Tuesday, April 14 and to vote Joe Gallagher for Select Board.

Joe Gallagher