I am writing to tell you about the experience and qualifications that would make Victoria Luksha an excellent addition to the Northfield Planning Board on May 7. She has the trifecta — planning, historical, and environmental bona fides — in the context of a strong commitment to community, transparency, and progress appropriate to our town’s rural character.

I have worked with Victoria (Tori) for over a year on the Conservation Commission and continue to be impressed with her competence, her dedication to serving Northfield residents with integrity and candor, and her no-nonsense approach to problem-solving. Tori is assertive without being aggressive, and her deep commitment to Northfield is clear in her service to the town on the Conservation Commission, the AARPA grant committee, Community Preservation, the MA Cultural Council, and as a town election worker and as one of the three new resident members on the Emergency Services Building Committee.

In addition to her local service, Victoria serves regionally as a Franklin Community Co-op board member. She also has  professional experience at the state and national levels in areas relevant to the work of the Planning Board. Her professional experience in helping municipalities to build (or return to) vibrancy within the context of their community, cultural, and land-use needs is a good fit for the Planning Board.

Additionally, Tori is a U.S. Secretary of the Interior-qualified archaeologist, with a master’s degree and extensive hours in the field, and has substantial experience in assisting communities with environmental compliance.

Victoria Luksha has not only the qualifications and the ability to do the job well, but the demonstrated drive and commitment to serve faithfully in helping to preserve Northfield’s rural character, natural resources, and community involvement while working to help our small-town economy prosper. She’s the whole package.

I encourage you to consider Victoria Luksha for Northfield Planning Board on Tuesday, May 7. She is well qualified, has demonstrated dedication and capabilities, and is committed to the future of Northfield.

Sarah Kerns

Northfield