To the voters of Onset,

I regret to inform my supporters and friends that I am withdrawing from the race for Onset Water Commissioner. I have served for 5 years and appreciate all the support that I received from the Onset residents, the Onset Fire Department, and the staff at the Onset Water Department. The workers at both departments have my complete support. They are dedicated professionals and I believe that they will always give our town the best professionalism.

I have thought long and hard on this decision as it is a role that I was honored to be in. On April 13 of this year my granddaughter, Hailey Pease, was diagnosed with ALL type leukemia. This has been and will continue to be my main focus.

I had originally thought that I may be able to manage this, but nothing can prepare a person for this terrible situation. Hailey is undergoing chemotherapy at Children's Hospital Boston and will be there for some time. My daughter, Shannon, is an excellent mother and I am very proud of her. She has had to quit her job and live at the hospital with my granddaughter.

We have received incredible support from many people and I thank them. The battle is just beginning. In lieu of that, we have and will continue to do all we can to support her mentally, financially, and with whatever it takes to see them through this.

We will be holding a fundraiser at the Wareham Elks on July 9th. I will be placing posters throughout the town to inform the public of this event.

Shannon has set up a page on Facebook, "Prayers for Hailey," and I ask those who are familiar with Facebook to give her support by stopping by and hitting the "like" button and leaving a message.

Again, thank you and God bless.

Sincerely,

Mark B. Maxim