Letter to the Editor: Supporting Mark Siegenthaler

By Ken Larson

Mark Siegenthaler is my top choice for Bedford’s Select Board.

Mark has substantial experience in not only the mechanics of Bedford town government but also a clear vision of a sustainable and healthy path forward for the town.

Mark has been a Bedford resident for 38 years and for most of those years he has devoted his energy, experience, and knowledge to a number of town boards including the Select Board.

His professional experience in the field of affordable housing is invaluable to our town as we experience continued residential development pressure.

His tenure on the Select Board will start without a learning curve and his energy and expertise will be put to work right out of the box.

Vote for Mark Siegenthaler, the most qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable candidate for the Bedford Select Board.

I’m writing in support of Mark Siegenthaler for Select Board. Mark has lived in Bedford for nearly 40 years and served our town government in multiple roles for nearly 30 of those years, including serving 7 terms as a Selectman. Mark knows Bedford town government inside and out which gives him the breadth of experience to be an effective member of the Select Board.

Professionally, Mark worked for the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development for more than 25 years as well as for the City of Newton and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. His professional experience has given Mark a deep understanding of the relationship between state and local governments. I believe it would serve Bedford well to have someone with that knowledge and understanding on the Select Board.

I’ve gotten to know Mark in his role as Planning Board liaison to the Energy and Sustainability Committee. In that role, Mark has regularly attended Energy and Sustainability Committee meetings and demonstrated his understanding that local environmental action is crucial in this era of global climate change. Mark was, after all, the Selectman behind Bedford’s plastic bag ban. I’ve been impressed with Mark’s practical approach to problem-solving, his ability and willingness to listen to all aspects of an issue, and how he suggests effective solutions.

I believe that both Mark’s experience and his vision will be great assets to the Select Board.