Your Voice: A letter from selectman candidate Hutchings

To the Townspeople of Milton/Milton Mills:

It is time to move forward and allow the voters to decide what is in the best interest of our town. With the election rapidly approaching, I find myself pondering many questions regarding our present and future. First and foremost, we need strong leadership. With that, I bring a fresh perspective to the people, knowing it is time for action.

By introducing a fresh perspective to the taxpayers, I promise to listen and work hard with the other selectmen to understand all sides of each issue, seeking the best possible resolution through due diligence.

I plan to promote economic growth and create jobs by leveraging existing assets, such as our lakes and conservation land, bringing more tourism revenue, while maintaining the quaint qualities that make our town desirable to both our guests and residents. This includes cleaning up our scenic byway to ensure future generations can enjoy its majesty for years to come.

I believe in following our current Capital Improvement Plan to ensure our existing assets are handled effectively, future assets are well planned for, and our infrastructures receive the attention they deserve. By following this plan, our town is positioned to prevent future tax spikes, while reserving adequate funding to maintain our town. These goals will be achieved by promoting fiscal responsibility, and working closely with the budget committee, department heads, and schools, to ensure every dollar reaches its maximum potential. Doing so will require absolute transparency on behalf of our government, a quality I believe in wholeheartedly. Our town should be an "open book" where it is not only OK to read the pages, it is encouraged.

If you share my vision for the future of our town, please come out and vote for me on March 13.

- Erin Hutchings,

Milton

candidate for selectwoman