On March 29th, I will be casting a vote for Jim Johnson for Selectman. Jim really knows how important it is to bring the people of Winchester together to accomplish a common goal for our community. He is a well-informed, sensible, and highly effective public servant with a track record of dedication to our town. Jimmy has the perseverance and determination to get things done right, even if they take many years.

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I am writing in support of Jim Johnson’s candidacy for re-election to the Board of Selectmen on March 29. Jim is dedicated to making Winchester a better place for all residents, and I believe he strikes a terrific balance in his role on the Board of Selectmen, where he has so ably served this town. Faced with the competing pressures of tackling the serious infrastructure and planning needs of the town and keeping Winchester affordable for all of its residents, Jim is a thoughtful and determined voice on the Board of Selectmen.

Jim’s passion for improving this town is evident to all who know him either personally or through watching him deliberate during Selectmen meetings. His first and last concern when considering a policy or vote is whether the measure proposed will improve life for Winchester residents. That is Jim’s sole agenda, and that agenda is evident in Jim’s votes and actions. Whether it is in his work on flood mitigation for our downtown or on critical school building projects at the VO and high school, Jim works with his fellow Board members to move Winchester forward.

Perhaps most importantly, I know Jim will always be an honest partner in government. While he and I may disagree from time to time on certain political issues, I know where Jim stands and I know him as a man who keeps his word. He doesn’t shy away from a vote or an issue because it might be politically tough. I respect Jim immensely for that trait, which is altogether too rare these days. I encourage you to cast one of your votes for Jim Johnson on March 29^th so that, together, we can continue to make Winchester a special place to live for all of our residents.

State Representative Michael S. Day

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I am writing to urge you to vote for both Jim Johnson and Lance Grenzeback for Selectmen on March 29^th. They each work tirelessly and well for Winchester residents. They each demonstrate a deep commitment to Winchester as a caring and connected community for everyone.

Winchester is one of the most effectively managed Towns in the Commonwealth. Maintaining the quality of our municipal services and schools in times of ongoing and significant budget pressures is not easy. Jim and Lance have each played a significant role in the decisions that have made this possible. With more challenges and opportunities ahead their continued presence on the Board of Selectmen has importance for all of us.

Here are just two examples. Jim has led the Selectmen’s complex, multi-year flood mitigation effort. Its completion is in sight but not assured. The successful conclusion of this project has enormous significance for hundreds of Winchester residents and businesses. Jim is critical to this effort.

Lance has led the Selectmen’s efforts to strengthen the economy and vibrancy of the Town Center. With new zoning allowing residential development now approved, attracting development that enhances and protects what makes our Town Center so wonderful is essential. At the same time Winchester’s neighborhoods also face significant challenges from new development. Lance’s demonstrated planning experience and leadership is more valuable than ever.

Maintaining the Board of Selectmen as a forum for authentic, respectful, experienced and engaged critical thinking is important to all of us. We can all be proud of having Jim and Lance as Selectmen. Please vote for each of them on Tuesday, March 29^th.

Tom Howley
Former Member/Chair of Winchester Board of Selectmen