Letter: George Manley for Recreation Commission

Editor’s note: Next week, April 17, is the last week for letters of support for candidates. The candidates themselves will have the opportunity to run a statement in the April 24 edition of the Weston Observer.

George Manley for Recreation Commission

I write to endorse George Manley for a seat on the Weston Recreation Commission.

In Stockbridge, I worked closely with George in several capacities. As Chair of the Select Board, our board asked him to bring his experience as a Wilderness First Responder and start-up founder to help us launch a municipal ambulance and fire service. He contributed brilliantly: this work underpins our upcoming launch. I also worked with George on several initiatives as part of the Stockbridge Mohican Commission, a reconciliation board I founded with our local indigenous community. We served together on the board of Laurel Hill Association, the oldest civic improvement organization in the United States. Finally, George was nominated and elected to our Parks and Recreation Board and served a 3-year term.

George is a high-tech entrepreneur. He writes business plans, secures funding, runs operations, and builds something where nothing existed. That is exactly the skill set Weston’s Recreation Commission needs as it faces significant capital decisions and the ongoing work of building programs worthy of this community. This Commission manages an extraordinary portfolio of assets, and its breadth of offerings may be unmatched in the Commonwealth. You have a jewel here. Elect a candidate with a clear track record of professional and volunteer experience, one who is up to the task of joining its leadership ranks.

A hallmark of just about any well-run organization is the strength of its leadership team. George has character, experience, and is a genuinely good person. He embodies the qualities a leader should possess for this extraordinary Recreation Commission.

I was sorry when Stockbridge lost George to Weston. If he is offering to serve, take him up on it.

Patrick White, Stockbridge, Massachusetts