Content submitted by Elizabeth Almeida. Email news to news@westfordcat.org.
Elizabeth Almeida, Chairman of the Agricultural Commission, recently announced her bid for a seat on the Westford Board of Selectmen.
Almeida moved to Westford to launch her business Fat Moon Farm six years ago. She notes: “As an agricultural entrepreneur, I like to think of myself as providing something to the community beyond the food I grow. A little extra health and well-being. And knowledge.”
Almeida points to the educational programs, including field trips to her farm from inner city schools and high school internships, she has offered over the years as particular points of satisfaction.
As a selectman, Almeida said she will be committed, first, to maintaining Westford’s quaint-small town feel while keeping services and infrastructure modern. She also believes Westford has “world-class schools,” and wants to invest selectively to maintain and improve their quality and reputation, she said.
After becoming the Agricultural Commission chairman in 2014, and asking townspeople what the commission’s top priorities should be, Almeida led a core group of volunteers, and sought Community Preservation Committee funds to pay for the infrastructure of a 100-plot garden that serves a diverse range of residents as much as any program in town.
“The community garden is doubling in size in 2017,” Almeida said. “Its success is the result of a strong collaborative effort by the gardeners and town leaders, including myself. I think it’s an example of how I like to bring people together for the common good.
“We need to be looking at what it will take to maintain our fiscal health while continuing the high level of services we’ve come to expect,” she continued. “We have huge opportunities and challenges facing us with all this residential and commercial development. I hope the people of Westford will get to know me, my experience in Westford, and my vision for the town. Come to my campaign events. Visit my website. I want to be the most accessible and open selectman Westford has had.”
For more information: www.elizabethforselectman.com
Editor’s note: Also running for the Board of Selectmen are Tom Clay and Dennis Galvin.
