LETTER TO THE EDITOR: I'm Supporting Our Town Officials

As strongly as I have felt about a number of issues in this town over the past 13 years I have lived here, I have never written a letter to the editor. I think I am at a breaking point.

I have no information other than what is reported in the press about what happened at and/or with . What I do know is that years ago I sat at someone’s house for a coffee with various members of the school committees in town and John Drobinski to discuss school budgets. I listened as Mr. Drobinski talked passionately about the schools and his concern over the impact of decreased funding.

Whenever I have been confused, which admittedly is often, about a town issue — the project or the proposed cell towers — I have found reason to call Larry O’Brien. He has never taken more than a couple of hours to return a call and spend time until I understood.

When I wanted to know about the proposal about ’s property being potentially used for housing, I called Jody Kablack. Again, she offered to meet with me. And I have not found many people as passionate about affordable housing and homelessness as Beth Rust. I share her values around this.

Finally, the school committee, all of whom I participated in electing, are a group who give their time freely to oversee the education of my four children. I trust them with what is likely the most significant reason I live in this town: the opportunity to grow academically, socially and with values consistent with what I teach them at home in the Sudbury Public Schools.

When my son stopped breathing several years ago, the was there before the paramedics and the officer acted with professionalism and compassion. These elected officials and town employees have responded, not always with answers I loved, but helped clear a path for me to better understanding.

There is a fine line between poor judgment and unethical behavior. There is also a difference between reality and perception. I will choose to support our Selectmen, town employees and our school committee members until I hear that there was an intention to break a law or dupe the citizens. I will not ask for their resignation based on one event (where the facts have yet to become clear) — I choose to support them for all the good they have done for me and my family.

And I offer my compassion and hope that anyone who struggles with alcohol, whether they be a town employee or a homeless, unemployed, underserved citizen, gets whatever help they need. I would hope that this town is full of people who share that wish, as well.

Christina Granahan
95 Shadow Oak Drive