To the Editor:

Taking on the role of Chair of Peterborough’s Select Board has given me the opportunity to get to know a whole host of dedicated people who give of their time and talents through service on town committees working on a range of issues.

One of those people is Jeanne Dietsch, now a candidate to represent Peterborough, Bedford and the 12 other towns in District 9 in the state Senate in Concord.

I’ve seen Jeanne’s leadership in action through her work with town committees and at town meeting to improve high-speed internet access and implement creative new strategies to bring more young people here and strengthen our local economy. Jeanne is highly effective as a speaker and in making compelling presentations. She has that combination of experience, passion, and vision that helps groups accomplish big goals – and I think that’s a winning combination for our region and our state.

Not only is Jeanne aware of the devastating effects of many years of short-sighted policies at the state level that have downshifted more costs onto our towns and local property taxpayers, but she has specific ideas to make needed changes. She is persistent, thorough and effective.

I have generally been a Republican my whole life but now see in Jeanne a Democrat whom I can fully trust to do what she says and believe in without reservation – and that bodes well for her chances in November. Jeanne is a true leader who I strongly believe we need in our state legislature now.

Ed Juengst

Peterborough