WESTFORD — WestfordCAT reached out to each candidate running in the Annual Town Election. Candidates were given the same exact questions and were encouraged to answer them how they saw fit.
Valery Young is an incumbent seeking reelection to the School Committee. She is one of three candidates running for two open seats.
Experience and Education
Young has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
She previously worked for Intel Corporation in Hudson as a Failure Analysis Engineer.
Past/Present Municipal Experience
She has served as Vice Chair on the School Committee for two years and has served as Chair on the School Committee Finance Subcommittee.
She is a member of the Capital Planning Committee and the Collective Bargaining Subcommittee.
“I was a lead member of the Access to Town Meeting Committee and helped drive the creation of 30+ recommendations to improve the efficiency, communication and attendance of our open town meetings,” she said.
Volunteer Participation/Community Involvement
She served on the board of the Westford Preschool at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. She has also served on the Nabnasset School Advisory Council.
“I regularly volunteer in my children’s schools through library blocks, and support PTO events like coordinating Kindergarten Math and Science Night,” she said.
She continued, “I enjoy being a part of the community at every grade level, from browsing elementary STEM Fairs, acting as a Mystery Reader, being a part of the 8th grade Civics Activism projects, and attending Westford Academy Theatre Arts performances.”
What should voters know about you?
“Being a member of the Westford School Committee is more than just a recurring evening meeting on my calendar,” she said. “I eagerly take on extra roles and subcommittee work.”
She continued, “I am passionate about sharing town and school information on social media, so that it is more accessible for busy residents who may otherwise miss it.”
Why do you believe voters should choose you?
“I’ve dived wholeheartedly into this role for the past three years and am excited to use the knowledge I’ve gained and the relationships I’ve built,” she said.
If (re)elected, what impact do you hope to make?
“Over the next three years, the School Committee will be prioritizing the findings of our master plan feasibility study and supporting the goals of the new strategic district improvement plan,” she said. “I’m part of the new Budget Task Force and I look forward to digging into the revenue sources, spending levels and future unknowns that are constraining our town budget.”
Candidate’s Minute
Candidates were offered the opportunity to record a two to five-minute Candidate’s Minute with WestfordCAT.
