My name is Sean Aherne and I am a write-in candidate for the open Littleton School Committee seat. When I learned that no one had pulled nomination papers to run for the Committee, I felt compelled to step up. Growing up in Eastern Massachusetts, my brother and I were fortunate to have parents who valued education. I intend to be an advocate for my daughter and all of our children.

I worked my way through college with multiple jobs including work study and eventually a resident assistant position. This in combination with a merit scholarship for my Political Science studies allowed me to attend Providence College. By the time I graduated, I was Student Body President and had worked on both municipal and congressional campaigns.

After working on a local congressional campaign the summer after college, I decided to pursue my Masters in Business Administration through a Graduate Assistant position at Providence College. I have spent the last decade working in finance. Currently, I am the Director of Finance at a regional hardware store with a location in town.

Upon earning my master’s degree, I wanted to remain engaged in public service, so I became a Big Brother in the Big Brother Big Sister program. The boy I began mentoring 10 years ago is now a young man entering his senior year of high school in the fall. I am blessed to be involved in his life.

My wife, Elizabeth, and I met during our first semester of college. In July, we will celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary and expect our first child, a girl, weeks later. She is equally called to service as an internal medicine physician at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. In addition to her clinical work, she is also on the faculty at the UMass Chan Medical School and runs her own addiction clinic.

Education has allowed my wife and me to do so much in life. It is critical to me that our daughter has the same opportunities. Education is not just a pillar of democracy but also enables so many to attain a better life.

I believe in servant leadership. If elected, I look forward to meeting with you and discussing what is important to you. It is only through listening and learning that our community will be best represented.

For those not familiar with the write-in process, when you vote, whether by mail or in person, on May 10th there will be no candidates listed for the open school committee’s seat. I would be honored if you would write my name SEAN AHERNE in the open space under the school committee section. Please be sure to also fill in the oval completely.