I like to go about my business as inconspicuously as possible and let the results speak for themselves. This approach has worked for me in my career as an educator, but it is not an approach that most would consider conducive to getting re-elected to public office, so as the only Edgartown candidate on this year’s ballot in a contested race I would like to use this letter as an opportunity to thank the voters that initially voted me into office for their support and encourage any other voters that may not know me personally to review some of what the Edgartown parks department has accomplished over my first term in office and vote for me on April 16.

In my three years as Edgartown parks commissioner, the parks department has:

• Replaced two of the three changing areas/restrooms at South Beach (the third and final changing area is currently being renovated).

• Replaced half of our old playground equipment at the Robinson Road recreational area with upgraded, family-friendly equipment.

• Built a walkway and covered patio/seating area for our recreation area employees and guests to sit under to escape the summer sun.

• Worked with community members to get CPA funds to construct and install an outdoor gym and fitness area at Robinson Road that opens this summer.

• Refurbished the lifeguard stand, installed new walkways, benches and equipment at the Bend in the Road Beach.

• Supported the job of our parks patrol and lifeguards at South Beach by continuing to purchase the needed equipment for them to accomplish their jobs.

In addition to our annual warrant requests to maintain our operations, the parks department has submitted an additional $90,000 warrant article for next week’s town meeting in the hopes that the voters will help us continue the process of maintaining and upgrading our facilities.

The $90,000 we are requesting will allow us to resurface two of the five tennis courts at the Robinson Road Rec Area that are in serious need of repair due to major cracking and serious wear and tear, as well as replace the unsafe and rusty fencing around the roller hockey rink. In addition the funds will allow us to build five new lifeguard stands at South Beach to replace the ones we have now which are 20 years old and in rough shape.

It is my (obviously biased) opinion that the Edgartown parks department is the best run and most forward thinking parks department on the Island. This is due to its long history of quality management and the unwavering support of the voters of Edgartown who recognize that offering quality parks and recreational facilities to our residents and visitors is not a secondary aspect of the town to be overlooked and marginalized, but an important function of town government that brings visitors, and their accompanying business dollars to our town.

If re-elected I promise to carry on this tradition of excellence and ensure the parks department is a department that all Edgartown residents can be proud of.

Joel M. Graves Jr.
Edgartown