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Just a Little More Friendly

I want to support Norm Needleman as first selectman in Essex. I moved here five-plus years ago from Yarmouth, Maine. Yarmouth town government was conscious of being transparent in dealing with the public, and that openness trickled down to all the departments. It was an easy and pleasant place to be because the residents knew what to expect and we expected things to be fair and reasonable.

I am happy to have landed in Essex, but upon arrival there were a few bumps, and not always a clear and simple path to follow when dealing with the town. Shortly afterward, Norm became the first selectman and I have noticed the gradual change. Norm as a leader exhibits a calm, clear-headed approach that has, in my experience, infected the rest of the town departments, making everything seem just a little more resident-friendly.

I can name several examples, but I’ll submit just one minor but important and public example. The park on Grove Street was very little used when I came to town, except for the occasional tennis player, hidden behind the trees. That park has been revitalized and now it is used constantly. If I go past now, I am sure I will see children and parents on the play sets. The tennis courts are more open, and are in use a high percentage of the time. This is a small thing, but when the goal is improving the quality life, then we need to pay attention to all the small things, and help them along.

I hope Norm is elected back into office, and I hope his legacy will be, when one day he steps aside for the next person, that he made everyone in Essex life just a little better every year he served.

Bob Ward

Essex