Letter to the Editor of the Dedham Times on March 10, 2023 from former Dedham School Committee member Steve Bilafer

To the Editor: 

I am writing in support of Stephen Acosta for a seat on Dedham School Committee. I have known Stephen for a number of years. We first met when I was one of his coaches in little league. He was a good teammate, a hard worker, and always striving to get better. As a young adult, I have found him to bring the same values of discipline and dedication to his career in public service. As a former member of School Committee, I am heartened to see young alumni of the Dedham Public Schools eager to give back and serve their community. Stephen is a fine example of that. I believe he will bring an important perspective to the committee’s work, that of someone with a more recent experience as a student, and as a young person seeking to start and raise his own family here. Stephen and his generation perhaps have the greatest stake in the future of our school system. I believe he will be an outstanding voice for their concerns. In addition, his work in the State House on budget, legislative, and policy matters also will be an asset to the committee. When functioning properly, the Dedham School Committee is a group of people with varied experiences and outlooks who come together around a common purpose, delivering the best possible educational experience for our students and their families. I am confident Stephen will bring that collaborative approach to the committee, along with his smarts, drive, and unique perspective. Our family heartily endorses his candidacy and we hope you will join us in giving Stephen Acosta one of your two votes for School Committee on Saturday, April 8th. 

Steve Bilafer
Court Street