To the Editor:

I met Scott Wilson 26 years ago as a freshman at the University of New Hampshire. When we first met, we didn’t get along at all. He was very opinionated and he felt that I was the same way. Throughout our first two years in college, we ended up hanging out with the same group of friends and that’s when our relationship changed from being adversarial to being one of a great friendship.  I found out then that Scott was the type of person that I could depend upon no matter what issue I was facing. I didn’t realize that eventually, his strong character would impact me, my wife and the town in which I am proudly raising my three girls.

Scott didn’t surprise me when he walked into my office three years ago and told me that he was running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen in Tewksbury.  We had often debated town, state and federal politics and he always talked about getting more involved and making a difference. I knew he had the passion, the knowledge and commitment to be an excellent leader for Tewksbury and based upon the election results, many of my fellow residents felt the same way.

One of the things that was really important to Scott when he ran was the passage of our new High School. After his election, he worked closely with the High School Building Committee who had spent many years getting the new High School initiative to the point where it was going to the voters. It was Scott who stepped up, worked with the High School Building Committee and organized a marketing and communication team and plan for the residents. It wasn’t his responsibility and nobody asked him to do it. He just believed it was the right thing to do and he ended up creating a lot of positive energy in our town. As a result, the high school vote at town meeting broke a record for voter turnout and the ballot vote for a special town election also broke a record. This was the result of the time and energy of many residents and the person that started the communication campaign was Scott Wilson.

Over the last 3 years, I have had the opportunity to talk with Scott on a regular basis about his experience as a town leader. There is one thing that does not surprise me about Scott’s approach to his role as a Selectman; he doesn’t shy away from addressing the difficult issues. There have been many times that I have told him over the last three years that if he is going to get involved in a particular issue, it may impact his ability to get reelected if he chose to run again. He’s told me over and over, “I ran for Selectman to address the difficult issues and because I’m passionate about making a difference in moving Tewksbury forward. I’m not serving the residents if I’m just thinking about trying to get re-elected.”

I know that not everyone is going to agree with Scott’s approach to the issues in Tewksbury. After 26 years, he and I still disagree on some issues. But I do trust that Scott will always do what he feels is best for the future of Tewksbury. I do know that he is extremely well informed on the issues and is willing to talk with any and all residents about their concerns.

I am supporting Scott Wilson for reelection to the Board of Selectmen because of his willingness to address the difficult issues and his passion for moving Tewksbury forward. I encourage each of you to cast one of your votes for Scott Wilson on April 14^th.

Thank You.

Jim Wentworth