To the Editor;
Call the event a black swan, force majeure or material adverse change, COVID-19 is causing significant disruption in life’s paradigm. With the public safety and health risks of this pandemic and to maintain important Planning Board continuity, I am withdrawing as a candidate for election to the Marion Planning Board.
I thank all of you who supported my election run. For an aging, higher-risk Boomer, it’s time to stay socially distanced and safe in the woods of East Marion enjoying summer evening “Quarantinis.”
Marion voter interest would be best served by returning all board incumbents to office. My withdrawal reduces potential vote-splitting and supports the retention of Planning Board continuity as it works on significant development projects, bylaws, and the town’s Master Plan. The Board of Selectmen are solid as John Waterman moves to board chair with strong community support. The town has excellent leadership with our new administrator, James McGrail, and capable staff. The assessor’s office incumbent is state certified. A pandemic is not a good time to make unnecessary political changes to our town boards.
Ted North, Marion
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