After a high-pressured career as a surgeon and raising four kids in Concord, Michael Williams could have eased into a well-deserved retirement. Instead, Michael is listening to community members, actively learning about educational policy, and investing his time in improving outcomes for my children. Just listen to his knowledgeable responses at any of the candidate forums. In addition to his commitment to learn, he has an instinctual capacity for empathy and compassion that I experienced firsthand at a time when no other School Committee member reached out. This compassion is what I hope to see modeled for our students. I agree with Michael that a diverse, welcoming community enriches our lives, broadens our children’s horizons, and ensures our future.
If Alexa Anderson and Sandeep Pisharody are running together just one year after Tracey Marano and Andrew Herchek ran a campaign together, I have grave concerns that the School Committee will become an echo chamber. The fact that sitting committee members are endorsing candidates is alarming. Having a committee dominated by like-minded individuals can lead to poor decision-making, stifled creativity, and a lack of critical evaluation because it discourages diverse perspectives and healthy debate, potentially leading to groupthink and overlooking crucial issues. By contrast, an effective committee needs diverse voices at the table who can represent the perspectives of the broader group that it serves.
I thank Alexa for her five years of service on the committee. New community members are waiting to serve in her place. It is time for a new voice at the table, meaningful discussion, and accountability. Thank you, Michael Williams, for your commitment to represent my children at the table.
Kristen Hagerty
Revolutionary Road
