Markey has what it takes to be Moderator

When Joe Markey asked me to support him in his effort to be our next moderator, I told him this was not something I did lightly. The next hour of conversation was more like me being the attorney asking all the questions. I had several for him, but three were most important to me.

First, was he qualified?
Graduating law school this year along with his experience as a rule 3:03 prosecutor, in Newton District Court, was all I needed to know to believe that he was qualified. His energy, determination and due diligence are a bonus. I have great respect for Mr. Bourque and Mr. Miller and am grateful to them for their service to our town as our Moderator. Knowing Joe Markey, I am confident that our town meeting will continue to be in good hands.

Second; Did he have any personal agendas related to our town that he was looking to use this position for? Based on his five-year history as a volunteer in our town already and knowing him personally, I was convinced that answer was no. I am firm in my belief that personal agendas held by any elected official are destructive to our process and represent nothing but selfishness on the part of that official.

Third; Would he give it his all?
As I’ve watched Joe in his service to our town and spoken to those he has worked very closely with, this was an easy answer of yes.

A few friends and family members asked if I was comfortable with someone so young running our town meeting? The short answer was that I haven’t really thought of Joe as being so young. I don’t understand why some are so quick to judge with so little information. I can’t imagine being asked if I thought someone who was qualified was too old to do the job. Joe is more than qualified to be our Moderator.

Joe comes into this election to town office very much like I tried to.
He brings to us a desire to serve the town that has served him and his family so well.
He comes to us with no personal agendas or baggage.
He comes to us most importantly wanting a better Lynnfield.

I hope you’ll join me in voting on April 9th for Joe Markey to be our next moderator.

Respectfully,
Jim Fagan
Former School Committee Member