Paul’s priorities and concerns span the three generations of Boehms now living in Concord. Think of him as the candidate with a multi-generational perspective. Paul brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and energy to the Select Board. Paul has been a dedicated and hardworking member of multiple town committees and task forces over the last 18 years. Paul is a multitasker with a high degree of energy! He is considered a valued team player. Through his work he has gained knowledge of the Town’s governance and its operations, having worked with town staff across many departments. He has great insight into what works and where improvement and efficiencies may be needed. Now that Paul is retired, we have an opportunity to have his experience, expertise and energy focused fully on Concord. Paul’s multi-generational perspective on many issues is the basis of his deep dedication to the future of our community. Combined with his wide knowledge of the Town, Paul is an ideal candidate for the Select Board.
Deena Whitfield
(excerpts from Town Caucus Nomination Speech)
Since returning to Concord nearly 15 years ago to raise my family, one of the greatest privileges has been the opportunity to have ongoing, meaningful conversations with my parents about the opportunities and challenges facing our shared community. True to his approach to both business and public service, my father has devoted considerable time and energy to the early stages of his campaign, focused on listening, learning, and gathering information. He has met one-on-one with dozens of Concord residents, deepening his understanding of the complex issues we face—such as finances, housing, affordability, taxes, and inclusion—and building personal connections along the way. When he announced his candidacy for the Select Board, I immediately recognized the valuable skills and perspective he would bring to the role.
Adrienne Boardman
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[Paul] has demonstrated that he is an active listener, collaborator, and problem solver. He uses data to support his thinking, is open to new ideas, and wants what is best for the community... I believe that Paul will be an effective Select Board member and will work to help steer Concord forward as we continue to grow and care for the wonderful amenities that we have in our town. We need someone with Paul’s experience and qualities to represent us on the Select Board.
Christine Denaro (Co-Chair Warner’s Pond Task Force)
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Paul has the ability to thoroughly listen and to weigh all opinions with equanimity, challenging what needs to be challenged, but always with respect. It is clear that people trust him … He has shown a comprehensive grasp of the facts, the impact of the applications on our community, and the financial implications of our decisions. We turn to him frequently to offer us clarity. … We can turn to Paul and expect competence, kindness, generosity, and courtesy.
Bill Kemeza (Co-Chair Warner’s Pond Task Force)
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What truly sets Paul apart is his multigenerational perspective. With his children having attended Concord Public Schools and his grandchildren currently enrolled at Thoreau Elementary School, Paul possesses a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing residents of all ages. This unique insight ensures that he will consider diverse viewpoints and work towards solutions that benefit the entire community. I have no doubt that Paul’s perspectives and approach to transparent problem-solving will serve our town well.
Shuchi Sharma (PTG Vice President)
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An effective Select Board member must be intelligent, insightful, collaborative, a good and careful listener, a skilled communicator, a person of the highest integrity, and a strong leader. The role requires a broad knowledge of Concord’s many constituencies, its traditions and importance in American history. In sum, it’s very challenging. I know that Paul Boehm is up to the task.
Art Fulman (former Select Board member)
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If Mr. Boehm is elected, I have no doubt that his inclusion on the Board will benefit all Concordians thanks to his mastery at resolving vexing issues and his commitment to guiding Concord upward and onward.
Ken Lizotte
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Paul Boehm has the balanced judgement, practical experience, and Concord values that we need on the Select Board. In Concord, we value education. Paul’s commitment to learning goes beyond the education of his children, and now grandchildren, in the Concord Public Schools. He has approached his service on numerous Town committees as a chance to educate the public so that we can make sound, informed choices. His natural proclivity to examine things deeply means that Paul has developed a comprehensive understanding of the things that Concord government does well – not just the things that need work.
Pam Rockwell
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Paul will advocate for Concord’s schools to receive the support they need to thrive in the 21st century. As a Select Board member, he will set the tone for our community, one that supports schools and builds bridges to all members of our community.
Joel Gagne (Thoreau and CMS Parent)
Paul is a dedicated hard worker and visionary on behalf of the town. Among all of his skills and results delivered for the town, I am impressed by his knowledge of and dedication to our natural resources, waterways, and recreational assets. I believe that his strategic thinking and action-planning will be a valued and valuable addition to the Select Board.
Elissa Brown
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Paul Boehm’s training in the business of environmental science combined with his exemplary service on town committees demonstrates a highly ethical, rigorously focused, thoughtful, open-minded, and disciplined approach to problem solving. The uncertainties imposed by certain climate change and federal disengagement suggest we need very smart people overseeing Concord’s problems. Paul Boehm is the smart choice.
Brian Rosborough
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This is a critical time for our Town--with important decisions to be made about the use of newly available land, the conflicting pressures on our budget and tax rates, and the ever present need to retain the unique character of Concord. Over the last eighteen months, I have had the privilege of working on the 2229 Main Street Task Force, chaired by Paul. I can see that he is an analytic thinker, a person with principles but also with the breadth of vision to understand the need for compromise. He recognizes the huge amount of work required to be an effective Select Board member. As he shepherded the Task Force towards our recommendation and report, I saw just how much time and effort he will personally expend to resolve the many complex issues that face our Select Board.
Frank (Rich) Feely
(excerpts from Town Caucus Nomination Speech)
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The Select Board has many responsibilities: executive and financial oversight, litigation, committee formation and appointments, as well as policy. But ultimately, its deliberations boil down to one question: what does Concord stand for as a town? Paul Boehm has the vision and experience to find the right answers. He connects multiple generations and interests, collaborates effectively within town government, and follows through to align our community’s needs with its values and resources.
Matt Johnson (former Select Board Chair)
As a longtime resident, Paul has been a volunteer actively engaged in the life of our community. Over the past 15 years, he has served and applied his experiences on multiple town committees... Paul has also worked as an environmental scientist (Ph.D.), where he developed the expertise for solving complex problems and communicating and explaining challenging issues to increase public awareness and understanding. This combination of skills, experience, and volunteer service are important for all of us as Concord faces critical decisions in the next few years to address significant land use and financial management issues.
Gary Clayton (former Select Board Chair & Concord250 Chair)
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Concord needs Paul Boehm’s collaborative decision-making to assure that that key challenges facing our community are addressed transparently and wholistically. Paul actively solicits a wide range of perspectives to assure that difficult decisions include all voices in town and address competing town goals. His leadership of the 2229 Main Street Task Force demonstrates his commitment to analytical thinking, teamwork, inclusion of the community, and building a true vision for the site. As an environmental scientist, Paul has a skill for distilling complex problems into their essential components, defining trade-offs and potential solutions. He truly likes talking to people, hearing their perspective and incorporating their viewpoints into an evolving solution. Concord’s Select Board will have to address many complex issues, such as best use of the MCI-Concord property, and balancing increasing demands on the town budget with sustaining Concord’s affordability for all citizens. Paul has the skill and passion to do the job.
Ellen Quackenbush
We have long admired the intelligence, energy, character, and good humor Paul brings to the many programs that he leads and/or participates in. Paul is a thoughtful problem solver who is interested in making a positive and practical contribution to his many endeavors. We are very fortunate to have him available to help address the many challenges that our town of Concord faces.
Miriam & David Zarchan
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Paul is attentive to the diverse points of view in our town and is alert to making defensible decisions with a long view to the future. He is fair and impartial. His ability to make decisions with clear rationale will be an asset to the Select Board, as will his track record of working tirelessly and collaboratively with diverse groups. Paul is committed to good governance and clear, civil communication.
Elise Woodward (former Select Board Chair & Concord Honored Citizen)
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Paul’s background in environmental science means he can expertly analyze data, apply an iterative, “360 degree” approach, without bias. He is willing to listen and learn new things. He is willing to compromise at choice moments to get to the best possible outcome for all parties.
Paul takes a strategic, long view on policy, informed by his professional background and his multigenerational stake in Concord. When you join me in voting for Paul for Select Board, your vote will be for public service above self-interest, and a vote for Concord.
Julie McClure (Chair of Concord Housing Development Corp)
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Paul is the brilliant big picture leader we need now to strategize long-term land use and financial stability.
Terri Ackerman (outgoing Select Board member)
Paul is a man of integrity and depth of experience who bases his decisions on sound evidence and prudent fiscal decision making. He will make a knowledgeable, measured, and creative contribution to the Select Board.
Diane Proctor (LWVCC Board Member)
During my time as town moderator, I came to admire citizens with three qualities. First, they did their homework, served on committees, and were knowledgeable about subjects being considered. Second, they genuinely respected others’ opinions and were not pursuing personal (or secret) agendas. And third, they were thoughtful decision makers. Paul Boehm for Select Board embodies these qualities. And for those wanting to vote for change, please note: Paul has never held elected office before.
Eric Van Loon (former Town Moderator)
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