Why I Support Ruth Pereen for Essex BOS

To the Editor,

Essex Town Elections are coming up on May 12, 2025, and for the first time in a few years we will have a contested Selectman’s race.  Incumbent Ruth Pereen is being challenged by Annie Cameron.  After much deliberation, we are supporting Ruth.  This may come as a surprise to many as our differences with Ruth are well known.  However, she has earned our support for a number of reasons. 

Even when we were intensely at odds, Ruth never left the table.  She never stopped trying to figure out a path forward.  She always responded to questions and forged ahead.  Her tenacity resulted in some reasonable compromises on issues like live music.  Her ability to listen to concerns about economic development ensured that she has helped to usher in unprecedented private investment in our town, including major revitalization on the Causeway. 

We have consistently opposed term limits for elected officials because it is a hard job that often involves a steep learning curve.  Term limits often foreclose important progress. In this case we have watched Ruth evolve and grow in a challenging job in any small town.  She has attended every meeting.  She has immersed herself in budget and personnel minutia.  She has grown into a leader who possesses unique perspective on a wide range of town issues.

Our town faces some sobering financial challenges at a time when our country’s economy has never been more volatile.  Dramatic changes to federal funding for everything from education to health care to infrastructure will have long term implications for small towns around America but especially here.  Continuity and an in depth understanding of the town’s fiscal position and unmet needs are going to be critical. 

Essex may be a small town, but our population is diverse.  Young families who need educational services and are looking for a new elementary school figure prominently.  With about 30% of the population over 60 issues like affordable housing and other services must be addressed. Any candidate who holds this office must represent every Essex resident and balance those interests without creating undue tax burdens or creating further economic stress.   

Ruth has made real progress in nearly every sector.  As she helps to usher in significant private investment in the town, we should not interrupt that process.  At a time when the average American may be feeling uniquely intense economic pressure – while municipal governments are losing substantial federal support – we need to tread lightly, stay the course and build on progress that has been and continues to be made under Ruth’s leadership.