Letter: We Need Unity In Our Community! Why I Oppose The Recall

READING, MA — The following letter to the editor was submitted by Wenda Street resident Neil Taylor.

With all that has been going on in the world, the next few months will continue to be challenging and stressful. We need to focus our efforts on supporting kids, families, and schools. We need to focus our time and money on supporting local businesses. We need to find ways to look past our differences and work together.

Walking to the library last week, my 7 year old daughter was asking about all these signs around town. It was disheartening to have to explain what the recall was and how much time and effort has been put into it. Her questions made me think more about the topic more and our town.I support our amazing Select Board members who volunteer their time to find ways to make this town a great place to live. I had naively assumed up until a few years ago that these were paid, full-time positions. I’m glad that the members have different opinions from each other, and am ok with the fact that some may not align with my personal beliefs 100 percent of the time. That means there will be debate and compromise and that the group represents many voices in our town. I’m sure that all of the Select Board have made some missteps over the years. However none of the recent actions merit anything close to a recall.

In the few times that I’ve seen or talked to Vanessa Alvarado, it’s clear that she cares a lot about this town. I’m encouraged that we have a strong, smart female leader and appreciate all that she has done for Reading.

There have been numerous other letters written in local media, and a few presented reasonable reasons why some may prefer another candidate. However, the responsible, civically-minded option, the one that preserves decency in our town, would be to use these arguments in the upcoming election, which is happening this spring. The recall campaign has wasted money and time, and it has created unnecessary division in a time when we need to be working together.There are countless other ways that we can spend our time and energy to build connections and community. I love this town and really hope we can work together in the next few months and years to continue to make Reading a great place to live.

Ultimately, I want my daughter and son to grow up in a community where strong, female leadership is encouraged and supported, not silenced. I hope others believe this too and vote against the recall.

Neil TaylorWenda St.