Letter: Smith's voice is needed on the council

Excerpted from Daily News of Newburyport (link)

“To the editor:

On Tuesday, I’m voting for Owen Smith to represent Ward 5 on the City Council.

For many years, Hale Street has been unsafe. Cars blow by cyclists and walkers, making it difficult to enjoy some of Ward 5’s most beautiful spots like the Little River Trail and the Common Pasture – to say nothing of the danger it puts kids in who are just trying to get to school.

There are also serious drainage issues on Hale and the surrounding streets, which makes the problem even worse. This has always been a problem, but this summer’s relentless rain made the lack of progress in Ward 5 more obvious than ever.

Owen Smith has the right experience to make sure progress happens on Hale Street and throughout Ward 5. His training in civil engineering means that he understands these issues as well as the many avenues of funding infrastructure projects. Owen will stand up for our needs and make sure that vetted projects move forward in a timely manner.

Owen will also bring fresh enthusiasm to the City Council. He has brought so much positive energy to his campaign! He has listened carefully to everyone in the ward, and I trust him to be my voice on important issues.

Owen is just what we need to make sure Ward 5 has active representation on the City Council.

We’re long overdue for a City Council that gets things done. Voting for Owen Smith is a step in the right direction for the future of Ward 5 and of Newburyport.”

DAWN MARIE HEFRON

Newburyport