It's official

In case you haven't heard, there was a brief moment on Thursday when I found out that I might be in limbo for a few weeks.

The town charter - our local "Constitution" - states that selectmen will serve a three year term. That's it - three years. There's no provision in there to serve after an election, even if that election is contested, as it is in this case.

For a few hours this past Thursday, it appeared as though the charter, combined with the recount, would prevent me (and Mr. Murphy) from taking office on Monday. The town would have had three selectmen for the next several weeks while the recount was done.

In the end, it was determined that as the top vote getter with a comfortable margin, my win was not contested. The contested part of the race is between the second and third place finishers.

So, for the next few weeks, Falmouth will have four selectmen.

Congratulations

"Congratulations! Sometimes we are so surprised, happily surprised these days, when we realize other people see what we do! Obviously their are others who see your qualities that we need in leadership, honesty and straight forward approach to keeping Falmouth a great community. It gives most of us a little hope. Best of everything to you and your family on your journey. Wow!! How good is this!" -- Mr. H

"Hello Brent! All our best CONGRATULATIONS for your win! We are so happy for you & your family - God bless! Much success ahead!" -- Mr. & Mrs. D

"I want to say a most sincere congratulations on your win. You EARNED my vote because I watched you become a true leader over the past year. You listen; you think well on your feet; you find ways to try to keep a difficult board moving forward; you challenge fellow selectmen to look for a compromise; and you still seem to have the Big Picture in view. Three years ago, I didn't feel that way; but going in to this election, you were the only one I felt good giving my vote. I hope you can find a way to get the Board to give up the unnecessary discussions and keep the focus on the big issues. Again, congratulations!" -- Mrs. S

"We'll never know how much greater the landslide would have been if the Enterprise even mildly liked you." -- Mr. G

"Congratulations on your impressive win last night! Obviously a lot of the stuff you've been trying to do has paid off. Keep up the good work..." -- Mr. A

"Congratulations on your win yesterday, and best of luck in your new term." -- Ms. S

"Congratulation for winning, but even more important the top vote getter. People do pay attention to all comments made and votes." -- Mr. N

"Congratulations on your re-election to the Board of Selectmen. You deserved re-election." -- Mr. C

"Congratulations on your re-election - it is well deserved...I have been impressed with how you have managed to bridge many of the divisive issues before the board this year (wastewater, wind turbines). I also appreciate your seriousness with my tax dollars, as well as your political courage to advocate for more town revenue, when needed, for long-term investment in Falmouth. Anyway, please keep up the good work." -- Mr. L

"Congratulations!" -- Mr. D

"Congratulations on your re-election as a Falmouth Selectman." -- Mr. L

"Congratulations, Brent, on the successful outcome of your election! Best wishes for a most productive year!" -- Mr. F

"Congratulations, I'm glad not only did you win, but were the top vote getter with room to spare. I think it says a lot about how people feel about your time on the board." -- Mr. M

"So happy with the outcome. Falmouth is in good hands with, at least, one person." -- Mrs. R

"CONGRATULATIONS!!! The work goes on...." -- Ms. H

(as noted elsewhere, each comment comes from a different individual)

Thank you

Thank you to my wife, who has supported and encouraged me. It would be impossible to do what I do without her.

Thank you to my children, who have tolerated the intrusion of this public life into their private lives.

Thank you to my volunteers, who - among other things - stood in the pouring rain to help the campaign.

Thank you to the voters of Falmouth who cast votes for me. The work I do as a selectman, I do for you.

(unofficial) Election Results

BRENT VW PUTNAM.....3127
KEVIN E MURPHY.....2919
PAUL D BRODEUR.....2913
DAVID R MORIARTY.....1397
Write-in Votes.....1414

Best wishes and kudos

"I thought you were brilliant last night. I hope the whole Town was watching." -- Ms. L

"We wish you all the very best & hope you are re-elected...you have our votes & our admiration - God bless & all the very best to you, Rebecca & your family" -- Mr. & Mrs. D

"Good luck tomorrow." -- Ms. M

"Good luck on Tuesday." -- Mrs. B

"Brent...lets keep a licensed Ham Operator in the Selectmens Office....they all have such good sense Right? Good Luck" -- Mr. D

"Good luck [we] are bullet voting for you." -- Mr. W

"Good afternoon Mr. Putnam, You MUST win on Tuesday! Best of luck!" -- Mr. H

"GO BRENT!!" -- Mrs. D

"I believe you're the best man for the job." -- Mr. D

"Good luck today Brent. While our politics often don't jibe, you have been the one Selectman with an open mind on the waste water stuff. I have encouraged people not to go with the write in candidate because we don't know her position of the issues and you have been out front showing your concern for the citizens of Falmouth. I admire you for your leadership." -- Mr. P

"Brent has my for support for his re-election as selectman. I worked with Brent when he was president of the East Falmouth Village Association. As selectman I continue to see a man who is dedicated and devoted to our community with a clear vision of how we can be better by enhancing our individual lives while keeping an eye on preservation of our precious environment. Brent's important work for the Town of Falmouth has just begun." -- Ms. H

(note...each Mr. D or Mrs. D is a different Mr. D or Mrs. D)

Vote Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Be a part of the process.

Make your voice heard.

Stand up and be counted.

Vote.

If you don't, someone else will - and they will make decisions for you.

Putnam has boosted integrity of Falmouth board

It seems somewhat disingenuous that a now former Falmouth selectman would suggest that an addition by subtraction is needed in Tuesday's Falmouth town election (Letters, May 10).

It was almost one year ago when Falmouth voters took advantage of an addition-by-subtraction opportunity and changed the composition of the board of selectmen. That change brought a number of very positive improvements to the board of Falmouth's town government, including more civility, integrity, transparency and accountability.

I urge all Falmouth citizens to exercise the precious right to vote in next week's election and to choose to re-elect Brent Putnam for another term. He has demonstrated that he is a hardworking, thoughtful and skilled leader for our community. Let's vote to continue his work of making Falmouth government better. I will vote to continue Mr. Putnam's good work to get the job done!

Margaret Finnell
North Falmouth

(this letter was published in the Saturday, May 14, 2011 edition of the Cape Cod Times)

Good problems

For those of you who asked for - but have not received - a sign, we haven't forgotten you.

We just ran out.

The good news is that we just got more, so we'll be delivering those over the next few days.

Meet Brent...again!

In case you missed the kick-off party at Liam Maguire's, I'll be hosting a couple of other meet and greet events this week.

Start off your week with coffee at Betsy's Diner on Monday, April 25, from 7am-9am and,

Unwind after work with a cocktail (hors d'oeuvres & cash bar) at JR Brody's on Tuesday, April 26, from 5:30-7:30pm.

Meet Brent!

You - yes, YOU - are invited!

There are two opportunities to meet me this week:

1) Wednesday, April 6, the Falmouth Young Professionals After Hours is at The Beach House Restaurant (7 Nathan Ellis Highway, Routes 28A & 151, North Falmouth), from 5:30-7:30pm.

2) Thursday, April 7, Campaign Kick-Off Party at Liam Maguire's (Main Street, Falmouth, across from the library) from 5-7pm. Hors d'oeuvres will be served, and there's a cash bar. Come early (or stay late) and have dinner; the food and entertainment is great.

Feel free to join me. Come, have some fun, meet some people, and share your opinions and concerns with me. I'm here to represent you; I hope to see you there.

Yes.