The following is a letter to the editor from Michele Crawford. Letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of WestfordCAT or its Board of Directors. To submit your own letter, e-mail asylvia@westfordcat.org
I am writing to express my support for Sue Hanly, RN and Stephanie Granger, MS for election to the Board of Health. While I have served on the Board of Health for the past 6 years, currently serving as Vice Chair, the support expressed below is my personal opinion and is not intended to express the position of the Board.
Sue Hanly, RN
Sue has served on the Board of Health for the past 7 years and is showing her ongoing commitment by running for another term. I have had the pleasure of serving with her for 6 of those years, witnessing her ability to listen to all sides of an issue, contributing to the Board with her medical expertise, and deliberating as a member of the team to come to fair and balanced decisions that represent the best interests of the community’s public health. She has the skills to understand the regulations that the Board must enforce, the concerns of stakeholders on each issue, and the established scientific principles that drive these decisions.
One expertise that Sue brings to the Board is her passion for mental health issues. For the past 7 years, Sue has demonstrated her fund raising ability in annually raising the $12,000.00 necessary to bring the William James Interface Referral Services to Westford residents, enabling confidential access to resources to prevent suicide and deal with depression at no cost to the Health Department or residents. She volunteers countless hours of her time to speak to families around the State about depression from a very personal standpoint and also runs parent support groups.
Away from the Board of Health, many of you will know Sue as a Westford School Nurse for the past 16 years, an active member of Westford Youth sports groups, and a member of St. Catherine’s Church, teaching religious education, leading mission trips, and providing much needed confidential financial support to under privileged local families through the Society of St. Vincent DePaul.
Sue demonstrates the epitome of one willing to volunteer her skills, time and energy to the betterment of all. Please join me in supporting Sue Hanly, RN, for re-election to the Board of Health.
Stephanie Granger
Stephanie has demonstrated an interest in the issues that impact Westford’s Public Health by attending numerous Board meetings and speaking at Open Hearings. Stephanie holds a Masters of Public Health degree from the Harvard School of Public Health, concentrating in Health Policy and Management. Ms. Granger’s work experience includes the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Maternal & Child Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Stephanie has received specialized training at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a Vaccine Specialist. Globally, Stephanie has volunteered her time in Haiti, dealing with the earthquake disaster aftermath.
Away from her interest in serving on the Board of Health, many of you may know Stephanie as a Westford parent and through her volunteerism in the Westford School System, Westford Youth Soccer, the J.V. Fletcher Library, and the Westford Conservation Commission.
Stephanie’s interactions with the Board have been intelligent, informed, and based in the science of Public Health. I believe that she would be an asset to the Board and bring a solid perspective as a member.
Please take the time to get out and vote on May 3rd. This is a contested election and I believe that when we have such credentialed candidates willing to serve, we should vote them in to benefit the Town of Westford!
