Please support me on the ballot March 4 as a write in candidate (3-year) to serve as Lawrence Memorial Library Trustee.

I am throwing my hat into the ring for a position as library trustee. Now that I’m working less, I am starting to think about life after 50 years working in our family lumber business. It is a relief to feel that I have time to put some energy into the community. I served for over 10 years on the Bristol Conservation Commission and am considering joining the commission again at some point. I was fortunate to have served on the library board back when the library was renovated, turning a dark and damp downstairs space into the inviting space we have now. I enjoyed my time on the board and look forward to the opportunity to serve again.

The library serves as a place for everyone to explore new ideas independently, to enjoy familiar themes, and as a quiet space away from the other stresses of life. With social media available 24/7, the library can serve as a place to relax and be immersed in a book. I remember reading all the Tom Swift science fiction books at a young age, sparking a lifelong interest in space, science and fiction. I hope others can continue to have that eye-opening experience. I believe that presenting books for people young and old to explore without an agenda is a valuable public service.

Finally, another item that stimulated me to run is my discomfort with five people running for seats on the board, stating clearly that they want to be voted in as a block. I have never seen a block of voters run for the board. One reading of that strategy is that they want to take control of the library board and are unhappy with the present operations of the library. This hints towards having an agenda that none are willing to elaborate on, since their stated goals are pretty much what any person running for the board would want to do.

I feel any individual can bring positive attributes to the board, presenting a block of candidates stirs discomfort in my mind.

Kenneth Johnson

Bristol