To the editor:

Spending virtually my entire career in public service, the most important function of government is the education of our young.

Having served four communities as town manager or administrator, the one thing I found missing when I took my oath in Westport in 2007 was a truly first class educational facility for its future leaders.

The vote on January 23 is the community's chance to ensure its own future by guaranteeing that every generation of Westporters is now educated in a first class setting.

Prior to coming to Westport, I was town manager of Southbridge and Northbridge, both economically challenged mill towns in central Massachusetts.  Despite their issues, both towns now have something that Westport now lacks a— modern senior junior high school. I was proud to be part of both projects but I always wondered as town administrator, "Why not Westport?"

Now Westport has its chance — the once in a lifetime opportunity to truly establish itself as a citadel of public education on Massachusetts’ South Coast. The sea of politics like the waters off Westport is always dotted with rocks and shoals but on January 23, please chart a course for a better education and future for every Westporter. Support the School … Godspeed!

Michael J. Coughlin Jr.

Methuen, Mass.

Mr. Couhglin is former Westport town administrator (April 2007 to September 2011)