David Wilkinson: Differing Opinions Are Healthy But They Need To Be Honest And Respectful
The following comments were made by Town Councilor David Wilkinson at the November 9, 2020 Town Council meeting. David Wilkinson sought reelection in 2020, but was unsuccessful. David was elected in November, 2018 and served two years on the Town Council.
I would first like to start off by thanking the Residents of Charlestown who put their trust in me with town governance over the past 2 years. I learned so much more about the town, and solidified my position that we have a plethora of things to be thankful for. We are truly lucky to live in such a wonderful place that is well run and managed by people who truly care.
Along with those learnings, I sadly discovered that this town is divided….and this division leads to many ill feelings that go back decades, and quite frankly are more than likely not relevant today. I have witnessed these ill feelings first hand with false political attacks, some directed at me. Nonetheless, this division is not good for this town and will lead down a dark road…again, we should be thankful for all we have in this great town. Differing opinions are healthy as long as they are respectful. Put politics aside and put the future and well being of this town first.
I would be remiss if I did not give a special thanks to our Town Administrator and Town Clerk. Mark and Amy, it is not easy to do what you do every day…but you make it look easy, so thank you for your excellence. Also, a special thank you to our Town Solicitor Peter who also gives 110% to our town with legal guidance. And of course to all of our town employees…massive thanks for what you do day in and day out.
I had several goals when I was first elected, to use my business experience to make unbiased decisions for the greater good of Charlestown, and I can look in the mirror and say I did this to the best of my abilities. I also wanted to meet new people and make new friends…this I also accomplished and I am thankful for the people I met, and friends I made.
Thank you Charlestown for allowing me to serve you for these past 2 years.
November 13, 2020 @ 11:30 am
Thank you David for your service to Charlestown. My wife and I have been citizens of Charlestown for the past 14 years. We have had the pleasure of getting to know David and Erika Wilkinson and their family as neighbors. They love this town and country as we do. We feel that we lost the clear thinking and informed opinions of a man on the town council that has the knowledge, skill and attitude, in which he has already demonstrated, to move this town forward in the difficult times ahead. I feel Dave will be back because he has the “MacArthur” commitment of getting the job done.
“He shall return”
November 12, 2020 @ 11:10 am
Thank you David, for your service and dedication to Charlestown. You were a great councilman and I hope that you will run again, and the townspeople will realize how valuable and impartial you are, and elect you to the Council at another time.
November 12, 2020 @ 9:51 am
Thank you kindly….I enjoyed my time and service and I will be back! David
November 11, 2020 @ 5:17 pm
Although you and I have rarely had occasion to engage in conversation, I have paid close attention to your public remarks and performance. I concur with the sentiments expressed by others below. On issues coming before the council, you have been well-versed, exceptionally thoughtful, and remarkably even-tempered. For that, and your teflon-skill at dodging partisan politics, I am grateful to you, and baffled that you were not returned to office. We would be blessed if you ignored the bruises and took another shot at public office at the next election.
November 11, 2020 @ 7:03 am
Thank you David for diligent and consistent service. You took the position seriously and did your homework trying to find the best solutions. As a resident I will miss your representation in Council. It is not an easy job and requires commitment which you displayed admirably. I hope other residents appreciate it. In an election year of divided loyalties some independents get overlooked by many who do not delve further into candidates and vote a party line. Thank you again for your service. The town is well run at the moment for which I am thankful and like you hope divisiveness can be resolved.
November 11, 2020 @ 3:04 am
Thank you, David. You have been an asset to the town. You have worked hard to reduce the tax rate to its current level and have made yourself part of the Charlestown community by making yourself available whenever you could. You have not promoted your self interests or spoken out for special interests in this town. Thank you again.