Candidate Name: Catherine Harrison
Phone: 978-468-3359
Website/Social Media: Catherine-Harrison-for-Wenham-Select-Board
harrisonforselectman [at] gmail.com
Candidate Bio/Background: Thirty-four year resident of Wenham, married 43 years, parent of 2 graduates of H-W Schools. Professional/Education: Marketing Manager of Instrumentation Lab, Bedford; Medical Technologist, Salem Hospital; BA-Purdue U, MBA-Northeastern U.
1) What issues do you feel will be the most challenging for Wenham to resolve in the next 2 years? What skills do you have that will help the town meet these challenges?
Wenham is at an important crossroad. It needs to be forward facing--addressing issues such governance, economic enhancement, human resources, and community engagement. The advancement of these issues cannot happen until stability, transparency, and integrity are restored. My experience makes me uniquely qualified to help Wenham successfully navigate through this crossroad onto a clearer path forward. I have the vision and desire to move Wenham forward in concert with the community. I have 25 years of experience - School Committee, Finance Committee and, Select Board. The insights I’ve gained will allow me to “hit the ground running”. I will be immediately ready to help choose a new Town Administrator, make recommendations for the May Town Meeting, and address any other pressing town issues. By nature, I am a communicator, collaborator, and a stabilizer. Wenham needs to have confidence restored in its leadership in order to confidently look forward. I am well versed in best practices in municipal governance and will use those skills to improve the efficiency of our meetings and help restore the positive culture that the staff deserves.
2) How would you gather the information you need to make decisions and what principles would guide your decision making?
Good decision making is a process. It is important to have factual information about the topic as well as to understand the issue from different perspectives. As a Select Board, all decisions require a majority vote. it is very important, therefore, for all members to think independently, putting the best interest of the town at the forefront. A culture of mutual respect and trust is necessary. Select Board decisions must be made publicly. This may be a 2-meeting process. At the first meeting, the issue is presented, and background information provided. Before the next meeting, research into the details and individual discussions with experts may occur. This in-between period also allows for community members to develop their opinions on the issue. At the second meeting, after community input, the Select Board deliberates, shares ideas and comes to consensus. Principles include transparency, collaboration, integrity, inclusivity, examination of all perspectives, and a level of detailed knowledge pertinent to the decision. Best decisions often require flexibility amongst the Select Board members with the final result representing a “blend” of three member’s perspectives.
