Please read the letter I wrote several weeks ago. I am sending it to Wareham Week in response to "Read, Think, Vote" that appeared in the March 17th edition.

Although a slightly different version appeared in several other newspapers a couple of weeks ago, it was clearly not read, by the author of Read, Think, Vote. I do agree with the author's encouragement of people to read, think, and vote. I would add, however, that people need to read widely to seek the truth and not buy into speculation.

Also, the statement that the administration is spending free cash down to nothing is inaccurate. Some free cash is being used to offset prior-year deficits in snow and ice. Prior-year expenses have already been incurred and were fully vetted during the audit process. The town does need to pay its bills.

After hundreds of hours and lots of duress, I think Selectman Brenda Eckstrom and I deserve to step down without the cheap shot that we "were perhaps sensing the growing discontent of the voters.” So please read this letter and know that it is simply time for me to get back to my life.

I decided not to seek another term as Selectman after long and careful consideration. I do so for two reasons: First and foremost, I wish to spend more time with my family, who are all concerned over the long hours and stress I have encountered over the last four years, and especially this past year while I have served as Chair. Second, although my organization has been extremely supportive of my community commitments, it is time for me to rededicate myself to my "day" job.

When I ran for Selectman I pledged to be open, honest, and accountable, to hold others in Wareham's administration to the same standard and to restore fiscal accountability.

With the first audit from the new auditor and the Department of Revenue financial management review behind us, and a Town Administrator and Accountant who have taken all the recommendations seriously and worked to make the needed systemic improvements, I think the town is well on its way to a more fiscally accountable position. In addition, the Capital Planning Committee is back on track after almost a decade of neglect of infrastructure.

Public Safety and Health concerns were next on my list, and the changes in the leadership at the Police Department and in Code Enforcement have made a marked difference. Lifeguards are back on the beaches, we have seasonal police, an accredited force, and new infrastructure in the form of advanced telecommunications systems and cruisers.

We also have a new Library Director and the hands of many volunteers who help maintain open hours and accreditation, a Town Planner, and so many other examples of teamwork and a changed culture for the administration.

Everyone is working hard so that we can all take pride in Wareham.

There is still a lot to do, but it makes it a lot easier, knowing there are others who have already stepped up and have been putting in the time to educate themselves on the workings of the town, who are running for office to continue to move Wareham forward in a positive direction.

I would like to thank my husband and children for their love and support, the many town employees who have assisted me during my time in office, especially John Sanguinet, Janet Wilson, and Shirley Oldfield; the many volunteers on Boards and Committees, without whom this town could not function, Town Administrator Mark Andrews, my colleagues on the Board of Selectmen, both current and former, and all of the citizens who have been so supportive and so understanding of my decision to step down.

In my final weeks, I will continue along the path of the last four years and hope to finalize a few initiatives.

I am not running, but I am not gone. I will remain engaged, as both John and I have been for over thirty years.

Respectfully,

Jane Donahue
Selectman