Local nurse puts health on Wayland’s agenda
# **Katie Stiff Joins Wayland’s Board of Health Race: A Fresh Voice with Proven Expertise**
## **From Newcomer to Candidate in Three Years**
Katie Stiff didn’t set out to run for public office—she simply showed up. After moving to Wayland in 2020, she quickly immersed herself in local health initiatives, volunteering for the town’s health department. Within a year, she was encouraged to run when a vacancy opened. Today, she stands as a candidate for one of two open seats on the Board of Health, armed with hands-on experience and a nurse practitioner’s perspective from her daily work at a major Boston hospital.
Her journey reflects a commitment to **practical solutions over politics**. As she puts it: *“Showing up prepared and thinking about everyone’s safety—that’s what matters most.”*
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## **Navigating the Unexpected: No Two Meetings Are the Same**
Health board meetings in Wayland don’t follow a script. One day, it’s a complaint about standing water in a public space; the next, an unexpected outbreak demands immediate attention. Stiff thrives in this environment, embracing the unpredictability of local public health work.
While some might shy away from the lack of glamour, Stiff and her colleagues take pride in avoiding red tape. Their mantra? “We’d rather help than block.” Past successes include streamlined vaccine distribution, rigorous beach-water testing, and coordinated alerts with neighboring towns—all examples of the board’s low-key, action-driven approach.
Continuity vs. Change: The May Showdown
Stiff’s opponent in the race is fellow board member Jonathan Storer, setting the stage for a contest between two incumbents who share a common philosophy. Both candidates pledge to uphold the department’s solution-first ethos, leaving voters to decide between stability and fresh leadership in local health governance.
The stakes? A May vote that will shape how Wayland handles health crises, public safety, and community well-being for years to come.
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