Silberstein listens, collaborates, accomplishes
Editor, Townsman:
Over the past five years, I have worked closely with state senate candidate Debbie Silberstein in my roles on the Andover Special Education Parent Advisory Council, the Budget Advisory Task Force, and the Strategic Planning Steering Committee. In each capacity, she has proven to be a true visionary who works tirelessly to advocate for quality and excellence. She is a leader amongst leaders, a consensus builder, and a diplomatic problem-solver. Silberstein is a masterful listener who works diligently to facilitate, negotiate, and collaborate, and when necessary, she does not hesitate to challenge the status quo. She is a community activist and independent thinker and these skills will serve her and her constituents well in the Senate. She is a tireless advocate for the children and seniors, and promotes diversity and equal opportunity for all.
The first time I met Silberstein was at a PTO meeting - she was there as a School Committee member speaking about Andover's budgetary struggles, and specifically, the escalating cost to fund special education. After much public debate and advocacy on my part, she approached me and asked if she could contact me to further understand the points I had raised. She called me the next morning, we spoke for a very long time, and she asked if I would come to speak at the School Committee meetings to help others understand the complexities of special education. She listens, she hears what you say, she thinks about how she can effect change, and she gets the job done.
She has been a champion of education, on the Andover School Committee, Finance Committee and as a private citizen. Her success in working with the teachers is evidenced by the endorsement of the Andover Teachers and the Massachusetts Teachers Association for this upcoming senate primary.
As a specialist in elder law and estate planning, she has a solid understanding of the issues our seniors face in these difficult economic times, and has spent countless hours working with the elderly throughout the district. With Silberstein, there are no special interests; just real people whose voice she represents.
Cyndi Webber
9 Gavin Circle
