Dear Editor,
I’ve known Carlo Bacci and his family for nearly 20 years, long before he ever considered running for public office. One of his daughters went through elementary school with my son, and over the years I’ve had the chance to see firsthand the kind of parent, neighbor, and community member Carlo is. Kids will always find their own path, but I truly believe how someone raises their family says a lot about their character, and in my book, Carlo sets the bar high.
When Carlo first ran for the Select Board in 2020, I had the opportunity to get to know him in a different way. He may not be the most polished speaker, but that’s one of the things I appreciate about him. What he says is genuine, thoughtful, and grounded in a real concern for Reading. As a local business owner, he brought a fresh and practical perspective to the board, and I’ve always found his straightforward communication style refreshing.
Through my work on the RECAL Committee, I worked alongside Carlo and other Select Board members and saw his approach up close. Carlo isn’t afraid to ask tough questions or challenge assumptions, but he does it with the goal of making things better, not louder. He consistently thinks about the long-term impact of decisions and how projects will truly serve the community, not just in the moment but years down the road.
Many people know Carlo as an avid pickleball player, and yes, he was a strong advocate for the new courts at Symonds Way. But what stands out more to me is how often he shows up. Whether it’s the Symonds Way Exploratory Committee, the CPA Study Committee, or other town efforts, Carlo is there, putting in the time and the work because he genuinely cares about Reading and the people who live here.
I also want to speak honestly about something many of us have felt at board, committee, and commission meetings. Volunteering for the town can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be discouraging when respect and civility break down. People absolutely have the right to voice their opinions, but no one deserves to be verbally attacked for trying to serve their community. I’ve seen Carlo make a real effort to keep conversations constructive and to lower the temperature, even in difficult moments. We’re all human, and none of us are perfect, but Carlo leads with respect and a sincere desire to move the town forward.
For all these reasons, his integrity, his work ethic, and his commitment to Reading, I continue to believe Carlo is the right choice. I hope you’ll join me in supporting him for Select Board.
Respectfully submitted,
John Sasso
Richards Road
