Submitted by the Michael Greis for Selectman Campaign

Michael Greis held his campaign kick-off at the Needham Historical Society on Sunday, March 11.

"I am not here because of specific policy stands but because I bring different life experience and skills to the the job," Greis told supporters at the event. "This is important because, for a group setting like the Board of Selectmen and for the community, we don't want to pit fixed ideological positions against each other but by thoughtful consideration of a variety of perspectives and options we can make better decisions for everyone."

Greis added: "I do not believe that policy-making is a zero-sum game but rather that it is a matter of optimization—finding the best solution where everyone is better off."

Greis highlighted his broad and deep experience as a collaborator and one who makes connections between people who have a range of interests who can work together for the betterment of the town.

He highlighted his plans to move forward as selectman:

• Ensuring that the town completes the next key steps in its facilities plan—Hillside and Mitchell schools;
• Moving past contention over the location and financing of the Senior Center to making sure that the Council on Aging can successfully provide vital services to seniors;  
• Focusing on a longer-term, financially feasible approach to choosing, planning for and funding the services we want to provide as a town;  
• And furthering economic development—smart planning for the future of the town.