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Yesterday and today I was able to make contact with a significant number of residents from Breakneck Road, Streeter Road, New Boston Road, and Stallion Hill Road.

The concerns expressed by residents these past two days remains consistent; the overwhelming number of Sturbridge residents are dissatisfied with "the lack of economic growth", a "diminishing tax base that is increasing the burden on residents", and the "lack of substantive dialogue and effort" in "moving the ball forward".

Some of those I spoke with identified a degree of frustration with what they described as an "all talk - no action" approach to economic development. Several expressed their level of exhaustion with what they identified as "years of being anti-growth" by the town that they think "still continues today". A few residents stated that they thought the town was "dying" because of "poor economic decision making", a "lack of engagement with businesses", and an "unwillingness to encourage growth".

A number of residents questioned the value of an Economic Development Committee that they stated is constantly being "second guessed every step of the way by the selectmen"

One resident - my last of the day - asked if maybe I "challenged" the Board of Selectmen "too much". I answered with a question and asked him if his "quality of life in Sturbridge has increased, decreased, or remained the same over the last six years". He quickly stated that it had "decreased" and went on to say that his "taxes are going through the roof" and he doesn't see an "increase in services matching" those increased taxes.

This gentlemen then offered his frustration with what he termed as "the town spending his money on nonsense", while his "life gets worse". He expressed a high level of discomfort with what he viewed as a "non-stop spending spree by people" that he thought "don't care about how difficult it is for me [him]". He then reached out, shook my hand firmly, smiled, and told me that he was counting on me to "straighten them out once you [I] get elected".

I thanked him, and indicated that the voters would determine whether or not that would be the case, but that regardless of what happens in April, he can rest assured that I will continue to be a strong voice for principled, objective, and fiscally conservative government that recognizes its responsibility to the residents.

I followed by mentioning that our "Finance Committee has tried for years to raise awareness relative to budgetary issues and have regularly identified items warranting review/study in their annual reports". Sadly, I had to report that "most of these items have solicited no commentary or consideration from from our selectmen with the exception of those items I have repeatedly brought before the public eye". He stated that he was unaware of the efforts of the Finance Committee and was glad to know 'they are doing their jobs". He told me to "keep up the good work".

It was a great way to end the day.

P.S. There is little doubt that we can get this right and have a prosperous community that balances our needs and wants through sound fiscal policy and economic development, while maintaining the character of this community in a manner embraced by all. To do it though, we need pragmatic, energetic, engaged, courageous, strong, and focused leadership from our Board of Selectmen. We need leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves and collect some sweat on their brows by actively engaging business leaders and owners in frank and meaningful dialogue, void of political posturing. We need leaders who are willing to "Lead from the Front" rather than sitting in the rear and waiting for something to happen. I am seeking your support and your vote because frankly, I at least, have yet to substantially witness such and we need it now more than ever..