Supporting Annie Cameron for Essex Select Board.

To the Editor,

While some may think I am “new” to town—my roots are long established here. My great-grandparents were born and raised in town, my grandmother was born and raised in town, my mother was born and raised in town—my extended family has owned and operated several facets of different businesses in town over the past 111 years. I come from here. The first place I lived as a baby, coming home from the hospital, was on Eastern Ave. - and this past October, my husband and I moved to Essex, to Eastern Ave. As a proud native, I am a proud supporter of Annie Cameron for the Select Board.
Though I may have spent some time outside of Essex, I have kept in touch with what has been going on in town over the past few years, and that fuels my support and excitement to vote for Annie. From many people I have spoken with or heard from - the message is clear: Annie is a doer. Annie is a listener. Annie is collaborative. Collaborative is the key word for me.
When coming to my decision, I knew that the town’s current policy on entertainment licensing and support of local business was going to be at the top of my mind. It’s no secret to anyone in town, and even those beyond Essex, that we have a very restrictive policy on entertainment. I took it upon myself to look back in minutes on the select board and it was very clear when that started taking shape - and in my opinion, holding Essex back. As a taxpayer in town (keyword there, too) revenue is important - and it doesn’t take an
MBA to understand that business = growth, and growth = revenue. I believe Annie is the candidate to approach this issue with balance - supporting both residents and businesses - in a town this small, it can’t be a one-over-the-other game.
I understand that there is no magic wand to immediately fix issues right away, however, what I do believe is that Annie will come to the table fairly, justly, and collaboratively with businesses and residents to support the needs of both at a time where it is critical to support the needs of both. Recent developments, whether with growth evidently coming to the Causeway, or some permitting being granted on a probationary status feels conveniently timed for this election - but I cannot let that cloud the rearview mirror as to what has gone on over the past few years.

It’s time to look forward. It’s time to elect Annie.