I am writing in support of David King, a candidate for South Hadley’s Selectboard at the April 14 town election.
I have known David for several years. He is the chair of South Hadley’s Bylaw Review Committee, a Town Meeting representative for Precinct C, a volunteer for the Trustees of Reservations and for Showcase South Hadley, and a leader in the South Hadley Music Parents Association when his two children were students in our schools.
David is recently retired, but he developed his considerable leadership skills as a manager for several multi-million dollar businesses in Massachusetts and other parts of our country.
This kind of experience is greatly needed now, as South Hadley — along with many other municipalities across the state — is facing a dire fiscal crisis. Navigating that crisis over the next three or more years will require budget expertise, teamwork, innovative thinking, and a cool head — all things that David acquired over a long career and has continued to develop as a hard-working volunteer for our town.
A good heart is also a component of municipal leadership, and that’s another reason I’m supporting David. I know him to be kind and compassionate, a good listener open to multiple viewpoints and perspectives.
Please join me in voting for David King for Selectboard on April 14.
Susan Newton
South Hadley