I am writing to support Bopha Malone in her candidacy for Bedford’s Select Board. As a teacher for more than 16 years in a neighboring town, I have seen firsthand the important role town government plays in strengthening the community and supporting families.

In the time that I have known her, Bopha has impressed me as an open, engaging, and accessible individual. She has worked tirelessly to meet and connect with as many people as possible, going door to door to hundreds of homes in Bedford, and asking residents to share their concerns with her at informal gatherings. I am confident that she will go out of her way to be a visible part of the community and continue to go out of her way to listen to the concerns and needs of the people of Bedford.

Her business experience as a bank relationship manager and business advisor will help her in the role, connecting people to resources. Just as importantly, she has extensive experience leading and serving on the boards of non-profit organizations and educational institutions and knows how to get things done.

Bedford has become a wonderfully diverse community, with more than 50 languages spoken in the schools, but our town government does no yet reflect that diversity. I believe that there is real value in including many perspectives in our local government and fresh perspectives and ideas.

I urge the people of Bedford to vote for Bopha for Select Board member on March 14. We all will benefit from her perspective, her willingness to listen, and her wealth of experience.