Endorsements

Beacon

January 2, 2021

Dear Editor,

I wish to announce my candidacy for re-election to the Board of Selectmen in the March 30 Town Election.

The past three years have been challenging and very worthwhile. My first vote as a Selectman on April 9, 2018 was my most important: offering the Town Manager’s job to John Mangiaratti. John has continued the steady leadership of his two long serving predecessors and brought the energy and foresight of the next generation.

I have enjoyed working with the four men and three women who have been my colleagues on the Board in my first term. Together we adopted a sustainability policy for the Town and authorized the hiring of a full-time sustainability director, created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Commission and achieved the 10% 40B affordable housing threshold. Personally I take satisfaction in my leadership role in the outreach efforts to secure Town Meeting funding in 2019 and 2020 for the Kelley’s Corner Infrastructure Project, the North Acton Fire Station in 2019 and the Small Business Grant Program in 2020.

Every year brings a new challenge for the Board, and in 2020 it was the Covid-19 pandemic, which has disrupted life as usual here in Acton and everywhere else in the world. If re-elected to a second term, I will continue working with my colleagues and the Town Manager to inform and reassure the public, and guide the Town through what we all hope will be gradually improving circumstances. I also look forward to receiving and implementing the recommendations of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Commission, recruiting the next generation of diverse Actonians to serve on our Town boards and committees and assuming a sale of the K-Mart parcel is concluded, working with the new owners, Town staff and residents in re-developing the parcel.

A few final thoughts on the topic of race, diversity and inclusion in Acton. For there to be progress on the sensitive and complex issue of race we need to listen to and consider the opinions and perspectives of everyone regardless of race or ethnicity. There needs to be candor on all sides, without judgment, in order for the community to have "conversations that matter" as former longtime resident George Smith often said during meetings of the Diversity Coalition, of which he was a founding member. Without these fundamental understandings, we will not get to where we need to be.

Sincerely,

Jon Benson

March, 24, 2021

I support Jon Benson for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. Jon has served Acton well in his first term, and will continue to do so in his second term. Acton is a large Town with many complex and sometimes divisive issues, so Experience Matters. Our community needs Jon’s depth and breadth of knowledge and experience, including the excellent example and reminder he has provided for three years of the Board’s tradition of professionalism and civility.

Jon and I have been colleagues and friends for over a decade through our work on and in behalf of the Town. We met on the Community Preservation Committee. We stayed connected during my 9-year tenure on the Board of Selectmen, when Jon served on the Finance Committee and the Board-appointed Town Manager Search Committee before joining the Board himself in 2018. Since 2019 he has been the Board liaison for the Acton Community Housing Committee that I have been chairing since last year.

The work of the Board is challenging. The Board serves the entire Town, and must make decisions on a broad range of topics that can be complex or controversial or both. A strong work ethic is essential, as are pragmatism and time-sensitivity, openness to public input, the capacity to remain calm, civil and gracious in the face of disagreeable comments, and the ability to process all relevant information, including conflicting opinions, to reach reasonable and decisions. Jon brought these proven abilities with him to the Board three years ago, and has used them very effectively in his first term.

The Board and our community have been stronger for Jon’s presence on the Board. We are fortunate that his stint as Chairman coincided with the past year when life has been far from normal for everyone due to the worldwide pandemic. During these unsettled times, Town government has adapted nimbly to significant challenges, the result being that municipal operations have remained stable, and the essential local services that all of us expect and depend on have been uninterrupted. Jon with his calm, reasonable and informed manner has provided reassuring leadership. His continued influence on the Board is precisely what the Town needs as we transition to post-shutdown life.

I encourage voters who remain undecided and have not yet voted to visit Jon’s campaign website at JonBenson.org to learn more about the fine person he is, and why so many other residents have endorsed him for re-election. Please be sure to vote on or before Election Day, on Tuesday, March 30th

I am reaching out to all Acton voters to ask that they vote to re-elect Jon Benson for the Board of Selectmen

I have known Jon for the past forty years, and have had the pleasure of serving with him on the Board of Selectmen for the past two years. This year Jon has served as Chair of the Board, and I have with him as Vice-Chair. My time on the Board with him has validated my decision to endorse him when he first ran for election, and reinforces my opinion that he is truly worthy of a second term.

Jon is an absolutely tireless worker for the Town of Acton. He is a clear thinker and a constant for Acton and its residents. Jon has acted as a stabilizing influence on the Board, balancing the political leanings of the individual members, and working hard towards consensus. This is not an easy task in such polarized times, but Jon holds the Board together and keeps us moving forward.

In addition to his present service on the Board of Selectmen, Jon has had extensive experience on the Finance Committee, Community Preservation Committee, Economic Development Committee, Kelley’s Corner Steering Committee, and two Town Manager Search Committees. This depth of experience and knowledge, plus his truly impressive list of contacts in town, are rare commodities, and factors that are missing in his opponent.

The past year has been verry challenging for everyone, and Jon has done a great job of helping all Actonians to weather the Covid-19 storm and the issues it brings. He has fostered and advocated for many innovative programs to help get Acton through, including the Business Grant Program, for the Kelley’s Corner project, which ultimately will be a great economic engine for our town, and a strong push for affordable housing. All this done with remote meetings, add to the complexity of all decision making.

Now is the time that we need proven, experienced leadership. Please vote for Jon Benson.

February 17, 2021

We in Acton are very lucky that Jon Benson has served the town in so many different ways in the decades he has lived here. He has a broad and deep understanding of the issues that face us.

Jon is able to listen to a broad range of opinions and work effectively – even with people with whom he has disagreements. This is particularly important in the current nationwide climate of ‘us’ and ‘them’.

During the last three years, Jon has succeeded in addressing some very complicated town needs such as the project to improve Kelley’s Corner, working toward a sustainable, inclusive Housing Production Plan, and preserving Open Space.

It has become very clear recently that the success of our democracy depends on the character of our elected officials at all levels. Jon’s character, his goals, and his skills are impeccable. Please join me in re-electing him.

People ask me “why are you supporting Jon Benson?” During my two terms as a Selectwoman in town, I was very active in supporting initiatives against hate, and working toward continual improvement of the tradition in Acton of being welcoming and supportive to people of all faiths, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual preferences, and gender identity. At Town Meetings, and in his time on the Finance Committee, the Community Preservation Commission (CPC) and Town Manager Search Committees, and as a Selectman, Jon has been a person of outreach and action in meeting goals that will improve the lives of all people in the town, including voices that might not have been previously heard. Are funds needed for more affordable housing? Jon worked hard on the CPC to make sure that we reached the necessary set-aside funding and advocated for funds for supported projects. When people wanted more open space, he advocated and did the outreach to ensure that funds to expand Great Hill and save it from development was achieved. For years the Acton Fire Chiefs were saying that the response times for life-saving medical and fire calls along Great Road and the Avalon Apartments was subpar. Jon worked to build support for a new station in North Acton, and at the same time helped spread the word about the need for the Douglas/Gates School project. In this time of pandemic he is making sure to communicate what is happening in town through his BOS Updates. Jon believes you need to listen to all sides, reconcile differences, and bring things to consensus to be an effective community leader and move things forward. He gets things done that really make a difference. I hope you will join me in re-electing Jon Benson for the Acton Board of Selectmen in this year’s March election. For more information go to JonBenson.org.

Back in 2008, as the economy crashed and difficult decisions faced Acton, I decided to run for selectman. At the time, I was on the CoA board but was largely apolitical. I ran for office because I thought my business background could help the town navigate some of the fiscal issues it faced.

Having lived in Acton a scant six years, I was unfamiliar with the local politics and issues. Jon Benson stepped in to mentor me.

Jon, having spent time on the FinCom, understood what financial challenges the town faced. He introduced me to Acton Leadership Group (ALG) and I was able to better grasp the problems faced by Acton. I feel as though my six years on the board accomplished a lot of my goals – Many because Jon was always supportive on any issue I worked on.

Finally, I think Jon has done a marvelous job during another unprecedented time in history. I urge you all to vote to re-elect this unsung hero who has done an incredible amount of work to improve the quality of life for all in Acton.

Thank you, Jon.

January 27, 2021

There are many reasons why I support Jon Benson’s re-election to Acton’s Board of Selectman. Foremost is Jon’s proven ability leading teams to construct balanced solutions addressing Acton’s challenges.

Jon learned the inner workings of Town government and finance from his service on the FinCom, the Community Preservation Committee and the Kelley’s Corner Improvements Committee. When Jon was elected a Selectman, he immersed himself in the effort to move the design and funding for the KC improvements forward, leading the KC Committee in its community outreach and education efforts. Jon’s leadership resulted in a near unanimous vote by Town Meeting members to fund the KC design and leverage millions in state funding, reversing a history of prior failures.

Jon’s personal experiences show his interest in understanding and working with persons of all races and backgrounds. Jon chose to attend historically black Howard University Law School and his daughter in law is of Jamaican heritage. These experiences provide Jon with an ability to understand the issue of racial injustice from a unique, lived perspective. Jon provides a distinct viewpoint to the Board’s understanding of, and efforts to change the sources of, implicit bias and systemic racism.

Jon brings no ideology to town government, other than being open, accessible and working for Acton’s best interests. In troubled times, Action needs responsible leadership. Jon’s ability to consider differing viewpoints, ask challenging questions, rationally explain his position and work toward consensus provides that kind of leadership.

I will be casting my vote on March 30 to elect Jon a Selectman and I urge you to do so as well.

January 20, 2021

I am very pleased to offer my support for the re-election of Jon Benson to the Town of Acton Select Board. I have had the pleasure of working with Jon on a variety of local issues and committees and have always been extremely impressed with his sensible and balanced approach to getting work done. The success of the Select Board in addressing the issues facing the Town while concurrently dealing with the disruptions caused by the pandemic speak to his resolute contribution. His willingness to continue to serve the Town during these difficult times demonstrates his commitment to the Town’s wellbeing.

The Board of Selectman position is one that requires an open mind, a willingness to work hard, and proven experience. For these reasons I would ask you to join me in voting for Jon Benson for Town of Acton of Select Board on Tuesday, March 30th.

January 17, 2021

I was so pleased when I read that Jon was running for the Select Board again. Jon has been a valuable member of our community for years. He has offered his talents, time and commitment to create a better community for all of us.

Jon has served on the finance committee, committees addressing issues of affordable housing, conservation, and currently on the Select Board. All of these committees contribute massively to the success of our community.

Jon shows up, understands what is possible, then works tirelessly to get us there.

I hope you will vote for Jon for a second term on the Select Board.

January 17, 2021

I am pleased to endorse Jon Benson for re-election to the Acton Board of Selectmen. I have known Jon since the late 1990s when I was first elected to the Board. He helped me understand the vagaries of Acton town politics, having served on the Finance Committee in the 1980s, and he showed me the importance of reaching consensus and how to build agreement through transparency and communication.

When I became Moderator and there was significant turnover on the Finance Committee, I appointed Jon to again serve on the Fincom and I asked him to mentor some of the newer members to help them gain a similar understanding of town politics. He did an outstanding job just as he has done in his first term on the Board of Selectmen.

I particularly appreciate his work to bring disparate views together and to work non-stop to help make Acton a better place to live in this incredibly difficult time. Knowing firsthand the demands that are placed on a Selectman during a time of great stress, I recognize the tremendous effort Jon has put in and will continue to do so when he is re-elected. He has also done a remarkable job to keep former Selectmen informed of what is going on in town with his post-meeting updates. Please vote for Jon Benson for the Board of Selectmen.

January 14, 2021

I have worked with Jon Benson for many years. We served together on the Community Preservation Committee, two of the Town Manager Search Committees, Housing for All, and ACHC sub-committees. While we did not always agree on various issues that came before us, we did so in a respectful manner. The ability to work cooperatively with fellow selectmen and be open to different opinions are crucial attributes.

Jon has a firm understanding of governance. Governance is challenging. It requires a balancing of interests. Jon is a master in negotiating and compromise helped by his career in Family Law.

In his first term Jon has contributed greatly to help meet the major challenges we have faced, primarily the Pandemic. The Selectmen under his leadership have been successful in getting approval for some crucial projects: Kelley’s Corner, North Acton Fire Station, CARES ACT funding and Small Business Grants.

We need Jon’s leadership, knowledge of local government, respectful interaction with others, and his open mind. His support of the Town Manager and Town Staff is paramount. He comes with no agenda other than to promote good government.

Please join me in voting to Re-Elect Jon Benson.

January 13, 2021

I consider Jon a “natural” for this noble work! He has the experience, the vision, the focus on outcomes, and most importantly, the patience, to do what it takes to get successful results for our community.

I have admired his taking the time to keep former Selectmen up to speed with current issues with regular updates. This concept of building consensus through sharing of information just comes naturally to him, but not all people understand its power to get to the best solution.

For all these reasons, and more, I wish Jon the best of luck with his campaign and count me in 100%!

Regards,

Bill Mullin

Board of Selectmen, 1992-1997

March 19 2021

Three years ago I wrote urging my fellow citizens to elect Jon Benson as a Selectman. Today I write to urge them to support his reelection.

Jon has done an excellent job, as I expected, in providing leadership for the Town. The Kelly’s Corner project was widely supported at Town Meeting and the money from the State generous. The long discussed North Acton Fire Station is at last under construction.Looking towards the future Jon has played a role in working to have the Town play a more important role in sustainability including the addition of a Town Official to be responsible in area, He has also worked to establish a Diversity Commission to work on these issues in The Town has long sought to achieve the safe harbour of 10 percent low income housing allows much greater control over proposed 40b housing proposals. Jon along with the Selectmen have achieved this goal.

For all these reasons and more, I urge you to vote for Jon Benson for reelection as a Selectman.

Jon Benson is a kind man of integrity and passion, always working to help others. I have gotten to know Jon really well over the past 4 years, starting when we first served together on the Town Manager Search committee in 2017. I was honored and happy when he asked me to work with him on the outreach projects with which the Town had been grappling for a few decades. The Kelley’s Corner Infrastructure Project, North Acton Fire Station, and most recently the Small Business Grant Program have all received overwhelming support at Town Meetings. I have been very impressed and proud seeing how Jon interacts, listens, and respects all people with different points of view. I saw this first hand when Jon was asked by neighbors of the upcoming North Acton Fire Station on Harris Street make it safer for their children by adding a sidewalk. Jon personally walked the street, realized a sidewalk was needed, and has already made it happen. As a first generation immigrant from India, he has not only helped me grow but been a great friend and mentor.

I am honored to work with Jon on his re-election campaign. This campaign has been a fun ride and a great learning experience navigating the treacherous political waters. Yet, throughout the campaign, Jon has adopted Michelle Obama’s famous motto as his guiding principle: “When they go low, we go high!”

I am happy to endorse Jon Benson and he sure has my support and vote.

March 12, 2021

I am writing as a private citizen and Acton resident for 36 years. I support Jon Benson’s re-election to the Select Board. He’s strong in all aspects of municipal government. I would like to highlight just a few.

He has what every Select Board needs. By that I mean he has used his skills honed over the years in his family law practice listening to both sides and showing compassion to each. As a Selectman dealing with aggrieved parties comes with the territory. For example, finding the right location for the dog park was a huge challenge. The decision was never going to please everyone. Jon took great care to meet with those who would be most impacted, to hear them, and to work toward mitigation and understanding. He has a unique skill that cannot be taken for granted.

I also admired the way in which he with the support of Select Board stepped in to save the Piper Lane lands to preserve the integrity of the Great Hill Conservation Land. I look forward to his biweekly newsletter summarizing the highlights from each Select Board Meeting – these are carefully done, invaluable, and a wonderful service. To quote Bill Mullin, “For all these reasons, and more, I wish Jon the best of luck with his campaign and count me in 100%.

March 12, 2021

Acton has been fortunate to have a very talented and dedicated Select Board. I believe Jon Benson has been a standout among his peers, and I strongly support his re-election. He has been the model of transparency, empathy and consensus building that is essential to good public policy. He listens, debates thoughtfully, makes his positions known, and often reaches out to those who disagree to find common ground. What a rare quality in a public servant these days!

In a recent discussion we had about the tradeoffs between open space preservation and affordable home construction, I was struck by his deep concern about finding a way to do both. When I suggested a few ideas and reference sources, he immediately asked for them, and later followed up with his impressions. This is someone who truly cares about Acton and making it a town that leads rather than follows, by seeking new ideas, weighing them without prejudice and acting with sensitivity to everyone’s concerns. What more could we ask for?

March 3, 2021

I write with great enthusiasm to express my support for Jon Benson as he seeks reelection to the Acton Select Board.

Jon has all the qualities of the most effective public servants. He works tremendously hard, does his research, considers all the relevant facts, and thoughtfully analyzes every issue from all possible angles. He uses the skills he cultivated in his long legal career to carefully weigh all the impacts of possible action before determining what is best for the town and how to achieve it.

Most important, Jon stands out for his willingness to listen – to everyone – carefully, openly, patiently, sincerely, and without prejudice. When I and my neighbors came before town boards to express serious concerns about the proposed West Acton sewer district, he was the first (and one of only a few) town official who actually listened to us. Any frustrated citizen who has ever felt ignored by those in power knows how affirming the simple act of listening can be.

After my son was struck by a car in front of R.J. Grey, I asked the Kelly’s Corner Redevelopment committee to add a pedestrian on-demand light to that crosswalk. Jon followed through and made sure this was added to the plan.

And when a worthwhile effort hits a stumbling block, Jon finds a way to make it work. For example, he created a grant program for small struggling local businesses that had been denied Covid relief by the state.

Despite the unique challenges of leading during a pandemic, Jon’s passion for and dedication to his job as Select Board member never waivers. Nobody knows more about how Acton works – and how to make it work better – than Jon Benson, and I will be proud to vote for him in the upcoming election.

February 19, 2021

My name is Dawn Wang, and I have been an Acton resident for 22 years. I am writing to endorse Jon Benson, the Chair of the Board of Selectmen (BOS), in his bid for a second term.

I met Jon last June when organizing a webinar on BLM, racial justice, and diversity on behalf of the Acton Chinese American Civic Society. Jon enthusiastically accepted my invitation to be a speaker and spent over two weeks researching and interviewing Acton residents. His talk on Acton’s diversity and history acted as a springboard for additional discussions about race in community. Many Acton residents and organizations praised the webinar as the first open dialogue on racial issues in the town. Under Jon’s leadership, the BOS formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission shortly thereafter.

Jon has also modeled how to grow and learn in the public sphere. After the racist Zoom bombing incident targeting two Black members of the Acton-Boxborough School Committee in December, the BOS called an emergency meeting, issued a strong statement condemning the hate crime, and kick-started an investigation. The BOS’s swift action was commendable, but received appropriate criticism for failing to center the affected members. Jon took it upon himself to apologize publicly for this mishandling at the next BOS meeting. In today’s society, it is much easier to criticize others than reflect upon and learn.

More important than Jon’s words are his actions. He was among the few white community leaders to support a Chinese candidate running for the School Committee back in 2008. And Jon continued to lend his support to a Black candidate for the School Committee in 2019. Jon has long advocated for lower-income and more vulnerable groups in Acton through concrete policy work such as affordable housing. Jon has cared to build a sustainable Acton by pushing the hiring of a full-time sustainability director.

Jon is a good listener, and he encourages openness in discussions and never rushes to judge. As an engineer, I appreciate Jon’s pragmatic approach to solving the Town’s issues and his efforts to balance the interests and needs of different groups. A retired lawyer, Jon is well versed in law and backs his arguments with evidence. I trust Jon to continue building an inclusive town and get things done for Acton.

February 16, 2021

As a long-term resident of Acton, I have seen the town go through many changes, some good, some not so much. But for the most part, Acton has done quite well, and its success can be attributed to the quality of life it affords its citizens. A great school system, strong local economy, lots of open space and conservation land also contributes to our wellbeing. However, one of the most significant keys to our success has been its strong local leadership and governance.

I first met Jon Benson several ago when I was appointed to the Finance Committee and the EDC. Jon’s leadership and vision were a key factor in many important projects and goals soon become reality. Projects such as the Housing Production plan, Kelleys Corner Infrastructure plan, the Small Business Program, the North Acton Fire Station just to name a few. Jon was also instrumental in the creation of the Social Justice and Diversity group that is headed by fellow Selectman David Martin. Jon’s tireless focus on the needs of our community is required now more than ever. He listens to all sides. He is respectful. He is organized and pays attention to detail to develop balanced solutions to complex problems, and I love his sense of humor.

In addition to our ongoing concerns regarding diversity and race, there are many projects that will require creative solutions and leadership such as filling empty storefronts in our commercial districts with new and productive business entities. Also, developing a solution for the empty Kmart parcel that will meet the needs of the town as well as the business goals of private developer, and the list goes on.

In short, Acton is fortunate to have good people like Jon Benson and his wonderful family. We need him now and for the future. I enthusiastically support Jon Benson for re-election to Acton’s Select Board.

February 15, 2021

We want to thank Jon Benson for all his hard work as an Acton Select Board member these past 3 years and enthusiastically support his candidacy for a second term. Especially in these difficult times, we appreciate the efforts of Jon and his dedicated colleagues on the Board, and also the work of the Acton Town government they oversee.

As any current or former Selectman can attest, this is at least a full time job. It is even more so now with COVID disrupting people’s lives. Jon and his colleagues must address a wide variety of needs and issues as they arise, and then put in the time, patience, and effort to understand, evaluate, and decide. This role calls for a real community leader and public servant.

We have known Jon for decades and have seen firsthand how he puts in the necessary time, energy, homework, and outreach in whatever he does. And even more importantly he is also finisher; he gets things done. Here are a few examples that come to mind.

As many Beacon readers know, the North Acton fire station has been a topic of discussion in Acton for years. Legitimate financial, safety, and service questions and issues have been raised by a variety of concerned citizens and officials on all sides. As Chair of Select Board, Jon did the homework and gathered consensus by talking to many stakeholders and sponsoring public meetings. Now thanks in large part to Jon’s leadership, a concrete plan was developed and ground was broken for the new station this past October. Jon expends similar effort on other local issues like Kelly’s Corner, Piper Lane, and support for local businesses during the pandemic.

Diversity and inclusion are national issues today, but - as Jon and so many here know - we must also do our part locally to make sure all people in Acton have the same respect, opportunities, and sense of belonging to this community. Jon, with his Select Board colleagues, made the creation of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Commission their top priority this past year. This issue is personal for Jon. He attended law school at Howard University and is also the proud grandfather of a biracial child. Jon doing his part to making Acton a town we can all be proud to call home.

I have worked on two committees in recent years (Economic Development Committee and Kelley's Corner Steering Committee) and have had the pleasure to work with Jon Benson both in his current position as a Select Board member and as a member of the Finance Committee.

In his current term, Jon has distinguished himself in many ways. I will mention only two.

A key vote related to the Kelley's Corner Improvement Initiative failed to reach the required 2/3 majority by a small number of votes. A similar article was put forward the following year. Jon put together a voter outreach program in support of the article. (Jon contends that he was only one of a larger group behind the outreach effort. The town voted in favor of the article 89% YEA votes. The state was so impressed with the town's support for the project that assumed responsibility for the engineering expenses (approximately $450k), the subject of the article. Jon deserves a lot of credit for both the vote itself and its implications for the town.

More recently, as the COVID pandemic gripped the town along with the rest of the world, Jon started to publish a newsletter immediately after each BoS meeting that described what happened with respect to each of the key items on the previous evening's meeting. This newsletter has been a great source of information for all citizens about what's going in town. I hope that this practice will continue long after the pandemic recedes.

In my opinion, Jon Benson has been an excellent board member investing his time, energy, and passion to make the Town of Acton a better place to live and work. I plan to vote for him and I urge all of you to do the same.

February 8, 2021

Over the years, I’ve worked with Jon on disparate projects while watching as he has learned to navigate the through the regulations, processes and traditions to produce equal and non-judgmental town governance. Most recently we worked together as members of the Economic Development Committee to get funding for economically distressed local businesses. When the expected State funding for this project fell through, Jon mounted a campaign to get the necessary funds voted at Town Meeting. Unlike the usual glacial pace of Town Meeting actions, this campaign was swift and successful. First the rest of the selectmen had to get on board; then a majority of the finance committee; followed by residents willing to pay to help with survival of local businesses. It was a thoughtful, well-organized campaign that helped to meld the residential components of the Town with the commercial. This success has helped to make the community stronger.

Jon has developed another important attribute that makes him the better choice for reelection: patience. Jon has learned not to rush to judgment but to stop, listen, hear and understand opinions that may not be coincident to his own. The most recent is the disposal of the town- owned building at #3 School Street. Rather than rush to sell at a loss, and then cost the town for reconstruction, Jon has asked for others, neighbors and those concerned with the loss of a possible commercial site to have a chance to join in the mix of opinion. The final decision, even if its years in the making, will be a better decision because Jon has invited all to come together to help in making the decision. Please join me in voting for Jon Benson for a second term as Selectman.

Ann Chang

Please join me in supporting Mr. Jon Benson’s re-election for the Board of Selectmen.

Jon is a good friend of mine. When I first ran for school committee more than ten years ago, he not only stood in the soaking rain to support me on election day, but also offered me advice and insight on issues facing our town and our schools. Long before DEI became a widely accepted movement, Jon recognized the changing demographics in Acton and appreciated the value of diversity and inclusivity in school district’s leadership team.

Jon is an experienced leader. I served with Jon on Town Manager search committee. He listened carefully to viewpoints expressed by other committee members and offered his perspectives based on facts and experience. His calm and professional demeanor during heated discussions and fair and objective evaluation of competing interests has always been a great asset to the decision-making process of our Board of Selectmen.

Jon served effectively on the Board of Selectmen during the last three years. He always took time to listen to and to try to understand concerns of residents. I am particularly impressed with his willingness to balance and respect diverse viewpoints and values from both recent immigrant families and long- term residents during the retail marijuana by-laws discussion. In addition to serving on Board of Selectmen for the last three years, Jon has served with dedication to our town on the Finance Committee and Community Preservation Committee.

With his extensive experience as a town leader and strong track-record as a member of BoS, Jon is well qualified to serve as our Selectmen for another term. Please join me to vote for Jon Benson for Board of Selectmen during the upcoming municipal election in March.

February 6, 2021

I have known Jon Benson for many years as a neighbor, community leader, Select Board Liaison to the Council on Aging Board, Select Board Chair, and as a fellow native New Yorker.

Jon’s decision to serve the Town of Acton following his legal career was to give back and dedicate time to a community that was very important to him and his family.

Acton is fortunate to have him working on behalf of all its residents. As Select Board Chair, and previously Select Board Member, he has worked tirelessly on many issues that impact Acton residents. His efforts to gain Town Meeting approval for the North Acton Fire Station, secure financing for the new Twin School and ongoing support for The Acton-funded Small Business Grant Program are examples of how he has helped all residents, school-age children and small businesses to remain viable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jon’s strong ability to maintain an open mind, balancing competing interests and making needed trade-offs are traits that make him an excellent Select Board Chair.

The issues facing Acton now and in the next few years include areas where Jon is well suited to help lead the Town. Jon is committed to Implementing recommendations of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Commission that will help reach our vision of zero tolerance for racism. He also plans to work with all parties to implement the improvements to the area assuming the K-Mart parcel is sold.

From Jon’s days in student government at Jamaica High School in Queens, NY, to his support for developing the Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Commission in Acton, he has had leadership responsibilities for combatting discrimination in any form. I know he will continue those activities if he is re-elected to the Select Board this year.

I appreciate Jon’s updates after each Select Board meeting to keep Acton residents up to date. It communicates the strong efforts of the Town Staff and leaders in doing everything possible to help us all cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

I recommend you join me in supporting Jon and voting for him to another term on the Select Board.

February 5, 2021

I’m supporting Jon Benson because he has the two qualities I look for in excellence in leadership and governance: First, he’s a people-person and enjoys actively engaging in the relationship and community-building that is critical to making all Actonians feel connected and involved in our Town. Second, Jon understands what it takes to do the job. He has a proven track record of leadership on issues pertinent to municipal governance in our unique Town include balancing land use, housing, economic development and conservation, and he practices sound fiscal management to support the vision for our future as a municipality.

February 03, 2021

My first meeting with Jon Benson was at a 2018 meeting with Chinese residents at which he asked for our support in his first campaign for Selectman. He was personable and approachable. Based on this limited impression, I decided to campaign for him. Three years later, he has proved to be a strong, seasoned leader with a tireless work ethic who advocates for all residents and has a long-term view on important issues.

What you see initially is what you get today. Someone who is organized and pays attention to details. An effective collaborator who knows the workings of the town and how to get things done. He is open, accessible and listens. His approach on important issues is to gather data and to reach out to people for their viewpoints which he weaves into a well thought out plan/presentation.

When he was asked to make a presentation on racial, religious and ethnic diversity at a July 2020 Acton diversity forum, he first reached out to established residents who he thought over the years had served the town well in addressing issues that arose from normal population increase. Then he reached out to the rapidly growing younger Chinese and South Asian Indian communities who found acceptance in Acton because of their highly paid high-tech engineering jobs, and their willingness and openness to share their rich cultures. He also sought out my perspective and observations of Chinese diversity in Acton. I was one of those high-tech engineers and moved to Acton in 1976. Jon wove all these transgenerational viewpoints into his presentation to the diversity forum. It was well received.

He is proud of issues addressed during his first three-year term as a Selectman. Some of these achievements; developing a new 2020 Housing Production Plan, reaching the 10% 40B affordable housing threshold, and obtaining funding for up to $4000 each for 43 Acton small businesses to help them stay alive.

Racial Issues. The recent racial attacks on two black A/B School Committee members are examples of how difficult it is to address this issue. It is here in our town. We need to act on it instead of just talking about it. For those residents who would like to know more about Jon Benson’s beliefs on this subject, go to the web site Jonbenson.org, click on Issues/Positions, scroll down to Statement on Race and Diversity and read its entirety. Jon’s background and experience makes him eminently suited to tackle this systemic racism.

Much more to do… REELECT JON BENSON TO SELECT BOARD.

January 31, 2021

I am very pleased to offer my support for the re-election of Jon Benson to the Town of Acton Select Board. Jon was instrumental in the successful passing of town article for small business grants during the difficult time in 2020. As the select board liaison, he has kept the EDC informed of related activities and always encourages discussion and feedback. As someone who is familiar with the democratic process of governance, he is willing to share his knowledge with new comers in town including many first-generation immigrants.

Jon is someone who has demonstrated his successful leadership through years of service to the town with a balanced approach to many complex issues. I encourage you to vote for him in the upcoming election.

January 31, 2021

As a 24-year Acton resident, a six-year Acton business owner, parent of two children who went through the Acton school system, and proud Black Lives Matter sign carrier and protester, I endorse Jon Benson for a second term on the Acton Select Board. Jon has proven himself as a dedicated person to the Acton community over these last three years. Jon has been putting in 50 to 70-hour weeks to the town since the start of the pandemic, let alone 40-hour weeks prior.

I personally worked closely with Jon on business initiatives with the Acton Economic Development Committee. This includes helping hard hit businesses with the Acton Small Business Grant program, reduction/forgiveness in liquor fees, loosening of restrictions on outdoor signage and outdoor seating during the pandemic, and the Acton Local Business sign campaign called “Support Your Community. Shop Local. Eat Local”.

Jon worked heavily on many town initiatives, including continuing the town meetings during the pandemic and the Kelley’s Corner Infrastructure project. Of significance is the town sustainability policy and the hiring of a full-time sustainability director. Jon also worked on a Grant program for hard hit families hit by the pandemic, as well as achievement of the 10% 40B housing threshold. This goes beyond the normal annual budget and regular initiatives.

On the subject of equity and inclusion, it was the aligned ideas of Jon and Selectman colleague David Martin that led to the establishment of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission and Jon was out front in changing the name of the Board of Selectmen to the Select Board . Besides his positive actions in Acton, as a graduate of Howard Law School and grandparent of a biracial granddaughter, we can be confident that Jon stands for racial justice and BLM.

Most importantly, Jon stands for the processes of the town and the due process of all groups to be heard, whether or not Jon agrees with that group. He truly represents all people of Acton and takes this duty very seriously. In times of political extremism, it is important to have someone who follows the correct processes not only to reduce potential exposure for the town, but to ensure all people have their time to be heard and feel their issues have been listened to. Again, this is not that Jon agrees with them, but it is his job to ensure due process.

Thank you and please re-elect Jon Benson for the Select Board.

January 27, 2021

Jon Benson, present chair of the Acton Selectmen, is running for re-election on March 30. In my opinion he’s done a great job and we’re lucky he’s willing to take on this challenging position again. His website is at http://jonbenson.org/

January 27, 2021

I had the opportunity to hear from and interact with Jon Benson a few years back, when he was contesting to be a Selectman. As a relatively new Acton resident and a first-generation immigrant, I honestly wasn't familiar with the New England town governance model and didn't know the exact role of a Selectman (and in case you are wondering, yes, I do know now!) But Jon came across as articulate, thoughtful, willing to listen and level-headed. Since those are 'all-season' qualities, he won my vote that day.

Since then, I have had the pleasure of interacting with him several times during his outreach sessions related to the Kelley's Corner Infrastructure project and the North Acton Fire Station project. Everything I've seen from him has served to reinforce my initial impressions. He listens to everything people have to say, seems to care most about the betterment of the town, and acts accordingly. So I am happy that he is running for a second term.

Before one of the town meetings, I was talking to a long-time Acton resident regarding Kelley's project. He didn't seem optimistic about any progress - he said the project was being discussed 10-15 years back, and would still be in discussions 10-15 years later! After the project was approved at the town meeting, I was happy to correct him :) Obviously, the credit for this is shared among many - the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, the project teams and other Town Committees. But as one of the key members involved with these efforts, Jon deserves a lot of credit.