To the editor, 

I’m writing this letter to the citizens of Grafton to introduce myself as a candidate for Select Board. I have been a proud member of this community for 27 years and would be humbled and honored to serve on the board in the town that I call home. I am running because I believe in my heart that we need accurate representation of the people that live in this town. I want to be the voice of common sense for all voters and for those that feel like maybe they haven’t been heard.

My family is originally from Grafton, I grew up in Worcester and moved back to Grafton when I was 27 years old and have lived here ever since. I have raised my family here in Grafton; I’ve been with my lovely wife Christina for the past 23 years and together we have four children, 3 of whom attended Grafton schools. Two of my sons are in law enforcement, one is a Massachusetts State Trooper and the other is in the Department of Corrections. My stepson is a Software Engineer, and my youngest (my daughter) is a Business major at Worcester State University.

I have been an IT professional for 25+ years, the last 7 spent in the area of Cyber Security as a Sr. Cyber Security Analyst. Being in Cyber Security I have to investigate issues with a very analytical nature and mind, I would take the same common sense approach to addressing issues in our town. I understand full well that all of us just really want what is best for the town of Grafton and its residents.

I have also spent the better part of my life trying to give back to the community. I have coached town sports for 14 years. At a previous IT job I developed and managed an IT equipment donation program where I donated previously used IT equipment to non-profits in need and when all my kids left the nest I volunteered for Big Brother, I care.

My goal is for the town of Grafton to be as fiscally responsible and to continue to receive its fair share of state and local aid in order to maintain and update the high level of services this town provides. I also fully support our small businesses, I support our men and women in law enforcement (I BACK THE BLUE) and our first responders; I support our veterans, I’m in favor of affordable housing for the elderly as well as maintaining our conservation lands. I’m also a bit of a history buff and therefore have a deep concern for preserving the small town charm that we all enjoy living here in Grafton.

For all that that know me, people know me as a man of my word, I try to be the best person that I can be. I will count on and listen to constituents for continual input to aid the board with ideas for tough to solve problems. I would like to be your voice on the select board and I would like to count on your voice and your vote on Tuesday, May 17, to help me get there. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself to you, please find my “Carl Palmer For Grafton” Facebook page at the following link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078541159743. I look forward to your comments; let me know what you think, thank you for your time.

Carl Palmer