On June 13 Rockport residents will be going to the polls to vote for new select board members. One of the candidates running for a three year term is Douglas Cole. I have known Doug, personally and professionally, for 25 years. I have spoken with him about his interest in the select board and his commitment to the Town of Rockport. He is solid in his interest and unwavering in his commitment.

Doug’s interest stems from his view that things can be done better from the select board standpoint: that the focus should be on doing the right thing for the town, with an emphasis on doing and not just discussing. He is open-minded and an excellent listener, treating all ideas and issues with deliberate thought and reason.

His commitment is anchored in his desire to do what is best for the residents of Rockport in his service as selectman. He has a long history of experience in serving communities: thirty two years as a general surgeon at PBMC, president of the medical staff there, and medical humanitarian trips to Honduras and Haiti (many times). Doug has also been a member of the Rockport Harbor Committee and the Rockport Planning Board.

In other words, Doug is the perfect person for a select board position. He has the experience of years of providing medical services to the community, helping to run a medical staff in his elected position as president, and providing healthcare to communities in other parts of the world. All of these life experiences have provided him with the ability to connect with and advocate for his friends, neighbors, and patients.

Vote for Douglas Cole for Rockport Select Board. He will do what is right for Rockport.

W. Kevin Olehnik lives in Rockport