Finkel: I Helped Save Weston Schools $164,000

To the Editor:

, Board of Finance candidates were asked if Weston should hire paid consultants to supplement board member expertise. Candidates universally answered “yes”.

Serving as a consultant provides an opportunity for qualified professionals to contribute to our town, become familiar with the challenges we face, and to add real value. A successful experience may lead a consultant to consider a larger role on a town board, on an unpaid, volunteer basis. This is a good thing, and should absolutely be encouraged.

This is exactly what I’ve done. As an expense reduction consultant, I saved Weston schools $164,000 in a project completed last August. I knew I could do more for our town, so I joined the race for the Board of Finance. If elected, I’ll forgo any further projects with Weston and any fees owed for my completed project. A 100 percent divestment from any financial interest.

Yet somehow my opponents from the other party are calling my successful experience a conflict of interest. The Board of Ethics, whom I respect greatly, agrees, although their opinion is based on a misinterpretation of facts.

What message does this send to Westonites? Do good, have a sincere desire to do more, and be labeled ethically challenged. Rather, relevant experience and a commitment to serve are how we should judge candidates.

On Nov. 8, please vote for me. Declare that you see the truth, and value a candidate whose head and heart are in the right place.

David Finkel