To the editor:
Pat Brown has served the citizens of Rockport as assistant town clerk and acting town clerk for a total of seven years.
As a volunteer on several committees during that time, I had many occasions to seek her help and advice. I found her knowledgeable, positive, service-oriented, patient and always willing to "go the extra mile" to find the answers to my many questions.
She directed me to the correct department if I did not know where to get the needed information. This is especially important for new volunteers who may not know their way around Town Hall.
Put simply, Pat made our work better and easier to accomplish, saving us "newbies" time — and sometimes embarrassment.
I found she has a great sense of humor and an easy and gentle manner. Pat greets everyone with a smile and is always polite, putting those in need of help at their ease.
On May 8, I am casting my vote for Pat Brown, not only for the practical reason that she is well-versed in the difficult state laws and town by-laws, or because the elections go off without a hitch, or because she is innovative and saves the town money, or because her office runs smoothly, or because she has the full support and endorsement of retired Town Clerk Fred Frithsen, but because she has respect and compassion for her fellow Rockporters.
One of the important rights guaranteed by our Constitution is the privacy of your vote at the poll. The decision you make in the voting booth is yours and yours alone; that is what keeps our democracy strong.
Pat protects your precious vote by making sure all of the ballots are correctly and accurately counted and certified.
For all these reasons, I urge you to cast your vote on May 8 for Patricia Brown for Rockport town clerk.
Mel Michaels
Rockport
