When it comes to the abilities needed to be an effective Board of Finance member, Owen Charles has what it takes. One of the most important assets to bring to the table is the potential to analyze spending priorities in the context of balancing costs and benefits.

This requires leadership and a public-focused perspective: vision, experience, the ability to listen and seek out public input to engage town leadership on issues that matter and represent the broad interests of all Madison residents.

Owen has a record of service in Madison, having served on the Board of Finance as liaison to Library and Police commissions and on the Madison Cable Access Board and other committees, but he also has proven leadership in his professional life as well as in organizing for public causes. Earlier this year he attended Board of Finance and town meetings to support and speak out in favor of the Senior Tax Freeze, when it was being challenged by members of the Board of Finance and town leadership. Over many years he has organized volunteers to form active and engaged events on behalf of many local and environmental causes.

He holds an MBA and registered nursing degree, and has worked 23 years in clinical research in business and finance related roles at medium and large corporations, where he has managed multi-million-dollar budget reduction initiatives and negotiated and monitored spending on countless high-priority cancer research projects.

There are three BOF member positions open. I encourage your readers to consider the value of making Owen, as the Green Party candidate, one of their choices; adding a third party to the mix will help ensure balance and proper public input.

I encourage your readers to join me in supporting Owen Charles at the polls Nov. 7.

Peter Pearce

Madison