The decision to become a candidate for the Board of Selectmen was not easy, but I decided to do so because I can make a difference. My ability to build alliances in order to find winning solutions is one of the greatest assets I will add to the board. I bring a lifetime of skill and experience that enables me to work collaboratively with those with diverse points of view, to make alliances and to find solutions to difficult problems. I get things done.

As a parent of three Needham High graduates, and an active member of our community, many of you know me and of my commitment to our town. A planner by training, finding answers to make our future brighter and more secure is how I've lived and worked.

When the Little Red Schoolhouse was threatened with demolition, I was determined not to lose that historical building. With a dedicated group of citizens, we found a way to save the building that now houses the Needham Historical Society on the grounds of the Newman School.

Most recently, I spearheaded a committee that believed there was better, more inclusive solution to renovate our Town Hall, rather than lose some of the most beautiful and valuable historical features. My dedication to find a better way to renovate and reinvigorate our most important town building, led to a new and inspiring effort by many in our community including the town's government to make a new plan for our Town Hall. This plan for the redevelopment of the building that is the center of our municipal life is about to begin.

Needham’s challenges over the next years will require that we balance maintaining the town's financial strength, preserving residents' ability to stay in their homes while on fixed incomes, meeting our long-overdue promises to our senior citizens, and providing the excellent education for which we are known. Finding that balance is a daunting task, but it is not impossible. My extensive experience, skills and respect for the different needs of all our constituencies will help me lead Needham through potentially intractable challenges with more winning solutions for all of us.

Over the next few weeks, I hope to listen to you and discuss how we can work together to get things done for Needham when I am elected to the Board of the Selectmen.

I will always seek to better understand the diverse concerns of our community, for the governance of our town is about you.

Maurice (Moe) Handel

Candidate for Selectmen