This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Pragmatic, Thoughtful Leaders

One of my all-time favorite quotes is from the Lorax by Dr. Seuss, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” I first read this quote as a young child; at the time it had a profound impact on me, and has continued to do so throughout my life. I often share this quote because it clearly articulates the importance of getting involved.

Caring “a whole awful lot” about this community is why I ran for Board of Finance four years ago and why I’m running for Board of Selectmen in November. We need pragmatic, thoughtful leaders who are ready to face the challenges ahead, like declining school enrollment and an aging population. We need leaders who will find ways to reinvest in our schools and students while exploring creative options to help keep seniors from being taxed out of town.

Through Support Our Schools Madison, I have pushed to ensure our education budgets are properly funded, and as a member of Madison Cares Coalition, I have fought for thoughtful senior tax reform. As a member of the Board of Selectmen, I will fight to invest in our students and to implement an income-qualified senior tax freeze program, similar to the program that has been in place in Guilford and Durham for years.

Over the next few months, and should I be elected, throughout my term on the Board of Selectmen, I will be reaching out to as many of your readers as possible to better understand what they care about. When elected, I want to be your readers’ voice in town government. Unless Madison residents care a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. I would appreciate your readers’ support in November “a whole awful lot.”

Scott Gyllensten

Madison

Scott Gyllensten is a Democratic candidate for selectman.