I came to Sudbury in 1961, which was a few years after Chris Morely made his entrance into the world and to the town, and I have seen a lot of folks come and go in service to the town. I have heard a lot of rhetoric, seen cronyism, reformers, and many good citizens who just wanted to serve their town. That is what Chris wants to do, and what he has been doing admirably for the past decade.

When my family and I arrived, Sudbury was no longer a farming community, although there were real farms, and development had already occurred. But it was a considerably smaller town with very few opportunities for shopping (no big supermarkets, no TJ Maxx, no Sushi bars) and no worries about 40B.

There was affordable housing, however, and that was what most of us lived in. The good school systems were a draw for young families like ours and we appreciated the support of the seniors for the ever-increasing school costs. Our kids played in the cornfield that is now Haskell Field and tromped through the woods freely. It was a simpler time, but still required the time and dedication of the citizens who took up the task of guiding the town in its growth.

Then, as now, I looked for candidates with integrity, a history of service to the town, the ability to keep the town's interests in the forefront, and a fair and even-handed approach to the challenges in front of them. Chris fits the bill on all counts.

I have known Chris for 37 years, since he began dating the daughter of very good friends who is now his wife. I know of his genuine love of Sudbury and his desire to protect our open space and at the same time, enhance our business district with the (so) long-discussed sewer project — sensible ideas.

I urge you to join me in voting for Chris Morely for Planning Board.

Mary Anne Donnellan

Butler Road