To the editor:

While it’s easy to think that our leaders and managers are totally impartial, it’s undeniable that their life experience shapes the world around us. One has only to look around Lynnfield to see that certain needs are given funding and attention, while others are defunded or ignored. I believe that Alexis Leahy will bring a new and much needed perspective to the Lynnfield Select Board, given her experience as a member of the Finance Committee, as a former co-president of the Summer Street School (SSS) PTO, and as a mother of young children in our school system.

When Alexis was SSS PTO co-president and I was director of communications, I observed her leadership skills firsthand. The role of co-president required constant coordination between multiple event chairs, volunteers, and the school principal. It required a leader who could motivate volunteers to do their best, without micromanaging the events or overburdening any volunteers.

Alexis performed the role of co-president expertly and efficiently, and helped “fill the gaps” when volunteers weren’t available. She set up decorations at the SSS October Spooktacular, coordinated room parents to help assist SSS teachers and staff, and acted as treasurer for last year’s Fourth Grade Moving On ceremony, in addition to countless other unseen and unrecognized acts which ensured that SSS students had the best experience possible. Alexis’ perspective as a leader in our schools as well as a parent with young children will bring a much needed dedication to the school experience to the Select Board.

I’ve also seen Alexis’ contributions to the Finance Committee, and her attempts to quantify the budget requests from various departments. She balances the empathy and personal skills of a PTO leader with the critical thinking skills of a financial analyst – hardly surprising given her previous role as SSS PTO treasurer. Our town will experience a number of budget requests and negotiations in the coming months and years, and Alexis’ skill set and experience will make her an invaluable voice to prioritize the quality of life and education in Lynnfield.

This is an exciting time for Lynnfield. There is a clear appetite for change in our town, with four contested races and no less than 10 candidates running for open positions. As noted in the draft Lynnfield Vision Plan, “many residents feel like they don’t know what’s going on in Town Hall; the lack of communication has led to a distrust of town government and frustration with all involved.” I believe that this election represents an incredible opportunity for Lynnfield citizens to be better represented in our local government, especially in leadership roles which will clearly shape the future of our town.

For these reasons, I highly recommend that Lynnfield voters add a fresh perspective and capable leader to the Lynnfield Select Board, and vote Alexis Leahy for Select Board at the Lynnfield Town Election on Tuesday, April 9.

Joe Gallagher