To the Editor
I am writing in support of Maryann Thorpe for the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) 2 year. I have had the most fortunate opportunity to get to know Maryann as a member of the REAS foundation and at meetings with the Merchants of Sturbridge.
During this time I have without a doubt, met one of the most giving and selfless individuals I've known. Maryann is deeply committed to Sturbridge and has no political agenda. She is balanced, thoughtful, and intelligent.
During a difficult period in her life while lovingly caring for a family member, Maryann continued her service on the Master Plan Steering Committee. She was deeply concerned about letting the committee down even though it would have been understandable had she done so. This truly showed her dedication.
Our town is lucky to have an individual who is willing to step up and serve their local community who goes through this type of thought process while putting others first. This is the type of person that Maryann is. She has the skills that would enhance the committee and bring in new ideas and blood while balancing the laws that govern the ZBA.
Maryann is also a great listener who will give thoughtful responses. She can make tough decisions even if they are not popular. This position doesn’t always make you the most popular and that is why I believe it would take an individual like Maryann who is an unselfish person to be able to do the job and put others ahead of herself. I also support her because nothing she does is halfway it’s always at full tilt and I know that she will do a great service to our town and community.
Linda Cocalis
Sturbridge
Southbridge Evening News 03-31-10
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To the Editor
It is with great pleasure that I write in support of Maryann Thorpe for the Zoning Board of Appeals. Maryann is one of the most objective individuals I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. She is trustworthy, honest, and a woman of great character.
I’ve worked with Maryann and have witnessed first-hand her strong analytical skills when dealing with the many challenges faced within the Health Care Industry. Even in the most stressful situations I’ve always known her to base her decisions upon facts, never allowing her personal feelings to interfere with sound decision making.
I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Maryann’s strong ethical commitment in addressing the challenges she faces when dealing with complex labor issues. She utilizes a responsible and careful approach that is always mindful of doing the right thing. These are important qualities for public officials and I believe they make Maryann an excellent choice. Please vote for Maryann Thorpe for the 2-year seat on the ZBA.
Jeannine Creamer R.N.
Fiskdale
Southbridge Evening News: 03-30-10
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To the Editor:
I do not know the other person who is running for the two-year seat on the ZBA in Sturbridge, but I do know Maryann Thorpe from working with her on several committees. My impression of Maryann: fair, listens to all sides, willing to do homework. If she says she's going to do it, it gets done.
She is willing to go the extra mile, not on a committee just to be on a committee but there because she believes in Sturbridge, she has no hidden
agenda.
Having been on this board for nine years and chose not to run again because I believe in term limits. In my opinion Maryann would be an excellent choice for the ZBA. I'll be voting for her and urge anyone who is reading this to do the same.
GINGER PEABODY
FISKDALE
Southbridge Evening News: 03-19-10
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Letter to the Editor
I write to express my support of Maryann Thorpe for the Sturbridge Zoning Board of Appeals. I have known Maryann for a relatively short period of time – a little over a year – and though some may scoff, I know her well from serving with her on the REAS Foundation and seeing her work on the Master Plan Steering Committee (I am on the Planning Board, which is the entity that oversees the work of this committee).
I know her character: she is someone who keeps her word, says what she means, and means what she says. I know her intelligence: she is someone who thinks critically and asks probing questions, digs into issues to find her own answers, and relies on hard data when making decisions. I know her commitment: she is someone who invests herself entirely in every undertaking, has a laser-like focus on the task before her, and will not easily nor readily let an issue go until it’s fully vetted. I know her patience: she is someone who listens thoughtfully, speaks with purpose, and calms the storm.
A letter of support need not be filled with regurgitations of her professional accomplishments, her contributions to the Town, or testimony to her knowledge of the role of the ZBA. While those are important in their own right and easily learned from other sources, and things every voter ought to know – about every candidate – they do not tell the full story nor fully inform the decision-making process. Just because someone “can do the job” doesn’t make them the best person to do it.
Maryann Thorpe is the best person to do the job. Please join me in voting for Maryann Thorpe for Zoning Board of Appeals.
-Jennifer Morrison
Sturbridge
Southbridge Evening News 03-26-10
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We are fortuntate this year in that we have several contested political races. Surely, this can only be viewed as a positive reflection of our local democracy. Choices are important and most valuable during an election.
Sometimes those choices are stark; at other times not so. The latter is the case in terms of the race for a two-year seat on the ZBA as two good people are seeking our support. One of them is Donald Fairbrother – a good and decent man, the other is Maryann Thorpe - a good and decent woman. Both of them are respectable individuals. Unfortunately, we are limited to choosing between them; to that end I am hoping you will consider supporting Maryann Thorpe.
Maryann is an outstanding individual; a devoted mother and wife who has always been active in the community, whether supporting school functions and fundraising efforts to community projects such as the REAS Foundation, of which she is the Chief Marketing Officer. Maryann is an intelligent individual of unquestionable integrity who would serve the residents of this community with distinction as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. She has a strong background in administration and labor relations, maintaining a wealth of experience in dealing with the many legal, moral, and ethical challenges presented within the Health Care Industry.
Maryann keenly understands the importance of adhering to strict legal and ethical principles while deliberating on issues and recognizes the role of the Town Charter, Massachusetts General Laws and our Zoning Bylaws as they relate to the responsibilities associated with the ZBA. She is an independent thinker not prone to taking a position because it is easy or popular, but rather, recognizes the importance of doing that which is right, that which is legal, moral, and ethical. Those qualities I believe, are vital to every aspect of our lives, and certainly are important when considering the responsibility of a quasi-judicial body such as the ZBA.
Each of us – while considering the placement of our support – will question the worthiness of those privileged to receive our vote. To extend such an honor to any individual surely warrants such. It is with pride that I confidently extend my support to Maryann and I ask you to consider honoring her with the privilege of your vote for the two-year seat on the ZBA.
Thomas R. Creamer
Fiskdale
SPW: 03-25-10
Worcester Telegram and Gazette On the Common 03-30-10
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