To the editor:
Malcolm Gladwell popularized the “10,000-Hour Rule” in his book Outliers: The Story of Success. The idea is that achieving true expertise in any field requires approximately 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. The core message: experience is built through years of commitment, hands-on problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the people and challenges one serves. Katie, herself, will tell you that the first year she was just figuring it out and that now she is “herself” in the role.
As a Town Meeting member, I’ve closely followed Katie Phelan’s actions and decisions. She isn’t one to create drama or claim to have all the answers. Instead, she approaches every issue with curiosity and diligence — researching thoroughly and asking the right questions until she fully understands the matter at hand. She is incredibly smart, astute and thoughtful and maintains her relationships well with the other board members — not always agreeing but reaching across the isle and building relationships.
That’s exactly why Swampscott needs to reelect Katie Phalen to the Select Board. She has already invested the time — learning the complexities of town governance, navigating budgets, listening to residents, and making thoughtful decisions that move our community forward. Her leadership isn’t theoretical; it’s proven.
Electing someone new would mean starting over, losing the momentum and knowledge that Katie has gained through her dedicated service. In a time when strong, experienced leadership is more critical than ever, we cannot afford to put Swampscott’s future in the hands of someone still learning the ropes. Katie has done the work, put in the hours, and shown up for this town —time and time again.
Let’s not press reset on progress. Let’s reelect Katie Phelan and keep Swampscott moving forward.
Sincerely,
Linda Hayes
Swampscott
