the following was submitted by Kathy Fagan

Dear Milton Neighbors,

I wanted to take a moment to thank the residents of Milton for allowing me the honor and opportunity to serve you as Selectman for the past three years. This experience was both extremely challenging and very gratifying. A newly restored and renovated library, two new full-service restaurants, the institution of numerous cost savings measures, and the appointment of new leadership in the Police, Fire, and DPW departments were just some of the highlights that I believe helped to have Milton be recognized as one of the top five small towns in America by CNN Money Magazine.

During this same period, we also suffered the losses of some great Milton residents, experienced extraordinary global economic turmoil, and had some very difficult but necessary conversations regarding zoning, long term planning and our town’s future, that challenged us as a community.  But through it all, Milton remains a beautiful, diverse, and strong town and we must all work together now and in the future to keep it so. I hope that Milton’s leaders will continue the progress that has been made in the past three years, including, but not limited to, the implementation of the wind turbine project, reducing waste and finding ways to stretch our tax payer dollars.

Due to the unprecedented close vote tally in this election (less than half of one percent differential), many people urged me to ask for a recount. I determined not to pursue this avenue for several reasons. It would have been unlikely to change the outcome. It would have been costly to the Town of Milton.  Finally , and most important, Milton’s residents deserve a seamless transition of governmental powers rather than an extended period in limbo that might further divide us as a community.  Now more than ever, we need to find common ground and move forward together. For all of these reasons and more, I concluded that a recount would be counterproductive.

I intend to remain very active in many facets of our marvelous town, serving as Town Meeting representative in Precinct 2, participating on a variety of town committees and private foundations, as well as continuing to advocate for support of our great schools.  I thank everyone who has supported me in this recent election and during my tenure as Selectman and I especially thank those residents who took the time to vote.

I wish all of Milton’s town leaders, town employees and residents good luck in the days ahead and thank you all for your service and your love for our great community.  See you around town.

All the best,

Kathy Fagan