Letter: Boshart's 'Intelligence, Work Ethic' Are Right for Moderator Role

Letter to the Editor:

I am writing to  support Harvey Boshart as Town Moderator. I have lived in Weston for the majority of my life and I have worked with Harvey for over 12 years. When Harvey moved to Weston nine years ago my wife and I strongly encouraged him to get involved with the community as we felt his intelligence, desire and work ethic would be a great resource to the Town. After spending a substantial majority of his time in Weston on various committees, we think it’s fitting that he seeks this position.

For those of you who do not know him, you may have seen him present at Town Meetings or other public meetings as a member of Finance Committee where he spent 6 years with his last year as Chairman. Currently, he is a member of the Police Station Study Committee and has recently been at various events around town presenting the committee’s findings.

The Town Moderator has direct responsibility for the proper functioning of our Town Meeting. It is at Town Meeting that the taxpayers exercise the “power of the wallet” where no town spending, debt or property taxes happen unless attendees of these meetings approve. While a Moderator has a duty of impartiality in presiding at town meetings over a broad range of warrant articles, it is essential that the person filling that office also has a strong background and understanding of the town’s finances so that the issues before the town meeting members get properly discussed, debated and voted upon.

Harvey’s financial expertise is highly desirable because the Moderator has the sole responsibility to appoint members of the finance committee. As most other elected and appointed officers, committees and boards of town government are spenders of tax dollars, we would want no one without these qualities to be responsible for making such important appointments. 

Harvey has spoken of his desire to improve participation in the Town Meeting.  He is passionate about our town and can often be found at The Weston Transfer Station, Ye Olde Cottage and other public domains talking with his fellow townspeople about the towns current events. He has found from these conversations that it is difficult for townspeople to find timely, concise and relevant information on the issues facing the Town. He hopes to change that.  Harvey also has shown that he has the temperament and tolerance to preside in a way where minority points of views get heard with courtesy and respect while moving discussion and debate toward a definitive vote that manifests the will of the majority.

I urge you to vote for Harvey Boshart for Moderator in the May 11 town election.

Jamie  Fagan
Concord Road