LtE: Thank you Reading!
Dear Neighbors,
It is with deep gratitude that I thank the voters of Reading for the privilege to serve on your Select Board for a third term. Simultaneously campaigning and serving - while exhausting! - has been a powerful catalyst to reconnect with our dedicated army of volunteers and learn more about what issues and initiatives are on the minds of residents and business owners.
It was also gratifying to see our election turnout reach almost 24%. My kudos to the staff and volunteers who made sure that everyone knew there was an important local election happening, and who delivered flawless early in-person, day of, and mail in voting. Congratulations to Sal Bramante on joining the Reading Select Board; I look forward to working with him over the next 3 years and welcome his perspective. I say thank you to Carlo Bacci for his service on the Select Board and thank you to everyone who stepped up to run for the Select Board, School Committee, RMLD Board of Commissioners and Town Meeting. Reading relies on the hard work of these dedicated residents and the support of their families.
2026 has certainly not been an easy year for many with the impacts of Federal funding cuts and inflation driven cost increases in fuel, food, and so many items, and now the rising human cost of the war in Iran. I re-commit my focus and energy to collaborating with the Select Board, staff and other elected and appointed representatives to address our growing fiscal challenges, while also delivering a new elementary school, Center for Adult Living, and pickleball courts. I will also continue my state advocacy work with our current and future state delegation so that Reading continues to build climate resiliency, preserves our beloved passive recreation spaces and works toward solving our housing and broader affordability issues.
As a senior member of your Select Board, and with the support and collaboration of our Town Manager and department staff, I am looking forward to serving Reading for the next three years. Although we may have our policy differences, I am committed to serving in the best interests of all Reading residents to build a safe, happy and prosperous future together.
Sincerely,
Karen Gately Herrick, Dividence Rd
Select Board Member and Town Meeting Member Precinct 8