To the editor:
Running for any office does not mean serving one group of constituents only, regardless of how well-connected and well-known one may be within that group.
It means facing difficult questions from across your prospective constituency — including those from constituents who may be concerned that your positions are, at best, unclear, and, at worst, not aligned with the best interests of the town as a whole.
In recent years, I’ve seen courageous residents of Swampscott stand up to ask critical questions of our leaders about racial equity, climate justice, affordable housing and investments in our children’s education.
Yet this year, I have seen one prominent Select Board candidate demonstrate a response to questions by taking a stance to not listen, consider and challenge their own beliefs, but to attack the questioners.
I would remind this candidate that the people asking these difficult questions are your prospective constituents.
That is why my votes this year will be going to Kim Martin-Epstein and Katie Phelan, and I encourage my fellow residents to join me in electing these two candidates who have shown dignity and grace when challenged by their prospective constituents.
Alex Jafarzadeh
Swampscott
