First, we'd like to thank you for your continued readership and interest in Focus on Weston's positions on the topics that are important to our town. With so many critical issues facing Weston voters, we want to provide you with some additional background about our values and how we operate in advance of the articles we will be writing over the next several months.

What are we trying to accomplish?
Focus on Weston believes that community excellence requires an ongoing effort with the active engagement of all citizens. We are dedicated to sharing perspectives that encourage participation, stimulate creative thinking, and support the creation of value for residents, students, and local businesses without eroding the financial strength of the Town. We seek to enhance all that makes the Town desirable, a place where people want to live, both now and in the future.

What do we believe in?
We are all about:

• Vision and Planning – Encouraging creation of a long-term vision and strategic plans for the Town and the Weston Public Schools, with the benchmarks and tools required to measure our progress and achieve that vision.

• Communication – Communicating clearly with residents on the financial challenges facing the Town, and the economic implications of proposed annual budgets, initiatives, and major capital projects before they are adopted.

• Involvement – Encouraging all residents to participate in town elections and decision making, and supporting those with an interest in Town governance, by providing analytical and communications support.

Who are we?
We are a grassroots group of Weston residents who have been actively involved in Weston civic affairs, including as members of town committees and other important town organizations. We don’t think of ourselves as a media outlet, although we do believe that it continues to be important to provide residents a flow of information about the issues facing them as voters. We don’t think of ourselves as an open forum, although we welcome comments (via the Focus on Weston website) and we are committed to responding to any comments, questions or suggestions we receive. We welcome anyone who shares our objectives, especially if they have an interest in the type of work we do and the kinds of perspectives we think are valuable to residents.

We get questions from time to time asking exactly who we are, and after careful consideration we decided not to identify specific names for two reasons. First, our entire effort is predicated on the belief that it is the issues, the analysis of problems, and the solutions that are important, and that our viewpoints should be assessed on the merits of our facts, analyses and logic. Names shouldn’t matter. Second, we do not want to encourage – let alone be subjected to – the kind of uncivilized behavior in town politics we have seen over the past few years. Fact-based analysis and resulting positions need to stand on their own, and hold up to objective reflection, irrespective of personalities, demographics, or membership on various town committees or organizations.

How do we select issues?
We focus on important, strategic issues that have long-term implications for Weston and are (or should be) of interest to everyone in town -- primarily issues that are (or should be) an important focus of municipal governance and management, including the Schools. There tend to be two types of issues. The first set relates to proposals that appear in the Warrant articles voted at Town Meetings. The second set is based upon our analyses of Weston relative to other comparable MetroWest towns. Measurement and benchmarking are important parts of the process by which these kinds of issues reveal themselves.

In all cases, the issues we research have the potential to significantly impact Weston’s quality of life, reputation, desirability, and the financial implications of living here – meaning tax burden, related direct expenses, and home appreciation. We are not inherently “anti” anything; but we are “for” forward-looking financial management, operational excellence and a sense of stewardship on the part of town leaders and the School Committee.

How do we develop a point of view on an issue facing the town?
There is nothing magical or revolutionary about the way we approach a topic. We define the problem, think about the possible solutions, collect the relevant data, analyze alternatives thoroughly, reach a conclusion that is supported with facts and logic, take a position, and communicate what we’ve done and concluded in an easy-to-understand message to voters.

Our approach to identifying, encouraging and supporting highly qualified individuals to run for important town offices is basically the same. Our goal is to advocate for the best -- leaders who we believe promote good governance and strong, prudent financial management.

We are supportive of any town initiative that is the product of rigorous analysis, sound planning and fiscal prudence. And we are supportive of, and in basic agreement with, any or all town leaders who share those beliefs. Just winning an election is not enough.

From our perspective, there is no current publication, newsletter or website that seems to feel obligated to keep residents informed about the issues that matter most. Our objectives are not political or aspirational; they are about giving voters the information they need to make reasoned decisions on tough issues that have potentially far-reaching implications.

We appreciate the support
Over the course of the last year, we have received many comments from readers, and we thought we would share just a few that are representative:

“Your last letter was absolutely on point and will help to shape some informative debate, which should lead to better decisions”

“I deeply appreciate the formation of this group. I think it will add valuable input and hard data for the citizens of the Town. All three of your statements regarding the vision of the group are spot on. As an elected town official, I see that too few people are involved with all the decision making.”

“[I am] grateful for these emails and your attempts to expand the conversation about fiscal responsibility. Please know that this effort matters!”

“This is great! I agree with all of this and it’s finally time someone is presenting thoughtful opinions... Thank you!”

“As someone new to town (1 year 1 month of residency), comparatively young in age (age 29), who works in finance … I think this is a great first step. Thanks for leading the charge and opening eyes.”

“Thank you for organizing this and making these issues a priority. It is long overdue.”

“Good luck with your objectives and I hope that we can gain traction around the idea that we need to have a forward-looking approach to making Weston a more desirable place to live, otherwise we will continue to lose ground to all of our surrounding communities.”

“This work is so important. Thank you so much for helping to bring all stakeholders to the table without feeling intimidated when alternative views are raised. All voices need to be heard. Not just the select few.”

“I am happy to see this. An informed community is a strong one. Thank you”

Stay informed and spread the word!
Take a look at the many articles we have published over the past few years. And if you know anyone who you think would find our analysis to be helpful, please encourage them to visit our website where they can sign up to receive future emails.