[Editor's note: The following Letter to the Editor was submitted by Winchester resident Denise Goluboff.]

As a parent of two young children, I am keenly aware that Winchester School Committee decisions have a direct effect on my family for the entirety of my children’s formative years. Moreover, those decisions affect our town in varied ways, from real estate values, to taxation, to the quality of preparation provided to our future leaders as they emerge from their schooling and enter into the “real world.”

I also believe that democracy is all about listening to – and truly considering – new ideas and opinions, and that diversity of thought and idea are the key ingredients to making high quality decisions that bring positive, productive outcomes.

That’s why I like Mike, and why I think you should consider voting for Mike Galvin for School Committee. During the last 12 months, Mike collaborated alongside other families in town to advocate for a new, innovative model for redistricting to resolve our school capacity issues. He helped put together an alternate plan that the superintendent recommended.

Even though that plan was not selected, it was an experience that made Mike realize that more voices should be represented when big decisions about our schools are being made. He is committed to listening to Winchester families with an open mind and considering the real effects that the School Committee’s decisions have on all our residents. Whether that means tax concerns in relation to the cost of the new high school, future redistricting processes as our schools continue to overcrowd, special education needs, and many other issues.

We need a multitude of voices in our local government, and leaders with the courage to face our challenges equipped with new ideas and with open ears and hearts. Visit mikegalvin.org to learn more about Mike. I hope you’ll like him too!

Denise Goluboff