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On April 24, Gary Lavelle approved the following statement to the League of Women Voters: “Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be removing myself from the race for the three year term on the Planning Board.”
Because of this statement, the other candidate, Tom Spuhler, did not make his intended presentation since he was running as an uncontested candidate. Had he known he was dealing with a disingenuous competitor he would have run an entirely different campaign. I know Tom and have worked with him on a number of committees over the last 17 years and he has devoted much time and effort toward enhancing town government and zoning bylaws.
When the ballots were counted Lavelle had beaten Spuhler by 104 ballots. Something stinks here! In what way is it fair, when a  person withdraws from the race after the ballots were published; then, because he is elected and has the lack of moral character, under the circumstances, to swear in as a bona fide member of the planning board. That my friends is beyond the pale!  If this is what American Democracy is being reduced to on a local level, this country is losing its soul!
I believe the Planning Board would do itself a grave disservice in having a member join them with such a low level of integrity and be a part of Westford town government.  I am disgusted with these actions and do not support his “supposed” victory; and, I hope people who are sympathetic with my position speak up and make their voices heard in this travesty of Westford’s electoral process. I also suggest that he, voluntarily, resign his position on the Planning Board because of his “unforeseen circumstances” that removed him from the race in the first place. —Bob Krankewicz, Boston Road
