Presents

The League of Women Voters of Arlington is a non-partisan political organization committed to open government and citizen involvement. Men and Women are invited to join us by calling Susan Dutt Wheelock 781-646-3264

Introduction   page 3

QUESTIONS PRESENTED and the List of CANDIDATES   page 4

CANDIDATES' ANSWERS:

Moderator   page 4
Selectmen   page 4
Assessor   page 4-5
School Committee   page 5-6
Housing Authority   page 6

TOWN MEETING MEMBER CANDIDATES – by Precinct

List of Voting Locations   page 22

The League of Women Voters sent a questionnaire to each candidate requesting a description of qualifications in 50 words or less and the answers to one or two questions (200 words) regarding the office in which they candidate hopes to serve. Some responses have been edited for length and format.

Offices with candidates for Town Election as they will appear on the ballot:

MODERATOR FOR THREE YEARS (vote for NOT MORE THAN ONE)

John L. Worden, III, 27 Jason Street (candidate for re-election)

Question: How can you ensure that town meeting members have all necessary information to vote on an article at least a day before the vote is going to be held?

SELECTMEN FOR THREE YEARS (vote for NOT MORE THAN ONE)

         Kevin F. Greeley, 363 Mystic Street (candidate for re-election)

Question: The Board of Selectmen has had the same composition for five years, and no challenger has emerged this year. How will you ensure that new ideas and approaches to governing Arlington are brought forth at the Board of Selectmen level?

Question: What role, if any, should the Selectmen play in ensuring that Arlington's schools provide an appropriate level of educational services to Arlington's children?

ASSESSOR FOR THREE YEARS (vote for NOT MORE THAN ONE)                 

         James F. Doherty, 11 Moccasin Path (candidate for re-election)

Question: The Board of Assessors has had no challenger for many election cycles. How will you ensure that new ideas and approaches to the Board will emerge?

SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THREE YEARS  (vote for NOT MORE THAN TWO)

  Paul Schlichtman, 47 Mystic Street, #8C (candidate for re-election)

Suzanne Baratta Owayda, 15 Bradley Road (candidate for re-election)

Question: During your term of office, the Arlington Public Schools will be hiring its first new Superintendent in eleven years. How will you insure that (A) the search process is open and comprehensive; (B) the pool includes superior candidates; and (C) the selected candidate accepts the position?"

Question: Both State Standards and the Federal No Child Left Behind Act have added mandates to our already severe budget problems. These additions seem to support a perception that educational priorities were restructured. In particular, high school students and parents are concerned that these changes will have an adverse impact on college admissions. Have the educational priorities changed? Do you believe these changes are appropriate?

HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR FIVE YEARS (vote for NOT MORE THAN ONE)

         John J. Griffin, 111 Wildwood Avenue (candidate for re-election)

Marian E. King, 78 Gardner Street

Question: How would you improve the process for resolving tenant issues?

Question: How do you see your role in working collaboratively with other town entities to promote affordable housing?

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MODERATOR FOR THREE YEARS (vote for NOT MORE THAN ONE)

John L. Worden, III, (Candidate for re-election)

27 Jason Street

Present Occupation: Attorney

Qualifications: Having been involved in Town Meeting since 1970 – first as a Town Meeting Member, and later additionally as Moderator – approximately 500 Town Meeting sessions have given me important experience. My profession as an attorney gives me insight into the many legal issues that occur.

Question: How can you ensure that town meeting members have all necessary information to vote on an article at least a day before the vote is going to be held? (Candidates are limited to 200 words for their answer.)

The short answer is that I can’t. I have repeatedly urged Town officials and Town Meeting Members to make their materials available in advance, but all too often we get a long and complicated, or illegibly written motion at the last minute. Providing materials in advance of course helps the proponents to advance their cause, as well as helping the Town Meeting Members (and the Moderator) understand what is being proposed. With the warrant closing so long before the Meeting starts - longer than almost any other Town - there is no excuse for not being ready with a written proposed vote and any appropriate back-up information well before the particular article come up for discussion. That being said, there are occasions when something comes up on the spur of the moment, and can be dealt with by a short motion or amendment, so that a rule requiring everything to be available 24 hours in advance would not be appropriate.

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SELECTMEN FOR THREE YEARS (vote for NOT MORE THAN ONE)

Kevin F. Greeley, Candidate for Selectmen (candidate for re-election)

363 Mystic Street

Present Occupation: Consultant

Qualifications: I believe I am qualified to serve as Selectman by experience and desire. My experience includes my residency in Arlington for 43 of my 53 years. 15 years on the Board of Selectmen, five times serving as chairman. My continuing desire is to improve Arlington for all our citizens.

Question: The board of Selectmen has had the same composition for five years, and no challenger has emerged this year. How will you ensure that new ideas and approaches to governing Arlington are brought forth at the Board of Selectmen level? (Candidates are limited to 200 words for their answer to both questions.)

New ideas and approaches to improving Arlington are always welcomed by me. I made the motion to make Citizen’s Open Forum a regular agenda item. Whether dealing with Webmaster’s, Technology Strategies, hiring a Town Manager, Vision 2020 or any other initiative – we always seek input from outside of the Board. We were "selected" to lead this community of all people – not just lead for a few.

In terms of composition and I have no challenger – I would like to believe the voter’s are satisfied with my and the board’s performance. However, we do need to make public service more attractive.

Let’s start with appropriate is not good enough! I am committed to doing all I can to help the Superintendent, the School Committee, teachers’ and staff to provide extraordinary educational services to Arlington’s children.

While the primary responsibility clearly lies with others, the Board of Selectmen has and will continue to do all we can to help our schools achieve the extraordinary. In just the past year we all have met on the Budget and Revenue Task Force to get a better grip on revenues and expenses for next year. Overall, it is our responsibility to create a climate for our extraordinary schools to flourish.

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ASSESSOR FOR THREE YEARS (vote for NOT MORE THAN ONE)

James F. Doherty, Candidate for Assessor (re-election)

11 Moccasin Path

Present Occupation: Property Tax Consultant

Qualifications: For the last twenty years, I have been in the field of real estate valuation working throughout the United States representing property owners and municipalities relating to Ad Valorem valuation matters. I am a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in Massachusetts, and have appraised hundreds of residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Question: The Board of Assessors has had no challenger for many election cycles.  How will you ensure that new ideas and approaches to the Board will emerge? (Candidates are limited to 200 words for their answer.)

Based on my professional qualifications, I feel that I can provide a balance as an advocate for taxpayers. Since first being elected to the Board in 1993, I have consistently initiated new ideas, which have benefited taxpayers. The first initiative was to work with my fellow members in increasing property tax exemptions for taxpayers, which had not increased in over twenty years. This past fall we brought an additional article which again increased the exemptions for eligible taxpayers with the support of the Board of Selectmen. As a result of my profession, I am constantly exposed to the latest trends and initiatives in the assessing field throughout the United States. I am regularly evaluating different methodologies and procedures with an eye as to how these can assist the taxpayers of Arlington. I believe the Assessing Department staff is very helpful to the citizens and responsive to their needs. I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of our town and to keep the Assessing Department on the leading edge. It has been a pleasure to serve in this capacity, and I respectfully ask for your vote on April 3, 2004.

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SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THREE YEARS  (vote for NOT MORE THAN TWO)

Paul Schlichtman, (Candidate for re-election)

Present Occupation: Coordinator, Research Testing & Assessment, Lowell Public Schools

• Qualifications: Member, Arlington School Committee, 2001-present
• Member, Minuteman Regional School Committee, 1997-2001
• President, Massachusetts Association of School Committees, 2004; Member of the Board of Directors 1998-present
• Town Meeting Member 1993-2003
• B.S., Brooklyn College; Ed.M. Harvard Graduate School of Education

21 years experience as a teacher and administrator

Question: During your term of office, the Arlington Public Schools will be hiring its first new Superintendent in eleven years. How will you insure that (A) the search process is open and comprehensive; (B) the pool includes superior candidates; and (C) the selected candidate accepts the position?" (Candidates are limited to 200 words for their answer to both questions.)

The search will be open and comprehensive by ensuring that a diverse cross-section of people participate in an inclusive process. Our school committee’s statewide reputation for stable and thoughtful leadership and positive working relationships will attract excellent candidates. Our candidate pool will expand through a demonstrated willingness to seriously consider minority candidates. A timely process that respects candidates will improve our chances of hiring the best superintendent for Arlington.

Question: Both State Standards and the Federal No Child Left Behind Act have added mandates to our already severe budget problems. These additions seem to support a perception that educational priorities were restructured. In particular, high school students and parents are concerned that these changes will have an adverse impact on college admissions. Have the educational priorities changed? Do you believe these changes are appropriate?

Under Federal No Child Left Behind (FNCLB), every school in the nation will be sanctioned between now and 2014. This problem is nationwide; although Massachusetts has a Board of Education that chooses zealous interpretations, all states will suffer unless the law is fixed. On March 25, I will represent Massachusetts at the National School Board Association delegate assembly, and will urge national adoption of our agenda to fix and fully fund FNCLB and special needs mandates, and suspend punitive sanctions until FNCLB is corrected. Massachusetts schools have a competitive disadvantage, with the nation’s largest reduction in state school funding over the past two years. Unlike other states, we cannot replace lost state revenue locally, so all Massachusetts children will be disadvantaged until Massachusetts meets its constitutional obligation to fund our schools.

(Candidate for re-election) Suzanne Baratta Owayda

12 Bradley Road

Present Occupation: Chair of the Arlington School Committee

Qualification: During my tenure as a School Committee member I have worked very hard to learn about school finance, how school systems operate, and how to be an effective school committee member. This experience along with my willingness to listen, and keep an open mind allows me to approach difficult issues in a fair and balanced manner.

Question: During your term of office, the Arlington Public Schools will be hiring its first new Superintendent in eleven years. How will you insure that (A) the search process is open and comprehensive; (B) the pool includes superior candidates; and (C) the selected candidate accepts the position?" (Candidates are limited to 200 words for their answer to both questions.)

The Superintendent Search Subcommittee, will work hard to have an open and comprehensive process. The key is to organize early and establish focus groups to define how Arlington has changed over the past decade and to define the direction for the next decade. The pool will include superior candidates if we are honest about the challenges Arlington is facing and about community expectations. Many communities are currently engaged in superintendent searches, we have the potential to hire a superior candidate if we market Arlington as a great fit for a creative person who thrives on challenge.

Question: Both State Standards and the Federal No Child Left Behind Act have added mandates to our already severe budget problems. These additions seem to support a perception that educational priorities were restructured. In particular, high school students and parents are concerned that these changes will have an adverse impact on college admissions. Have the educational priorities changed? Do you believe these changes are appropriate.

The state standards give scope, sequence and accountability. It also sets a fairly high standard for achievement. The federal No Child Left Behind sets the bar for the minimum standards required by school districts. We can and have set our standards higher, for instance the School Committee recently increased the graduation requirements for AHS (students must take more foreign language, fine arts, history, science, and mathematics). NCLB prescribes requirements nationwide, so we should not see an adverse impact on college admissions but because our state curriculum is strong, I believe students will be better prepared once they get to college.

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HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR FIVE YEARS (vote for NOT MORE THAN ONE)

John Griffin (Candidate for (re-election)

111 Wildwood Avenue

Present Occupation: Real Estate Broker and Sales and Marketing ADESA Auctions

Qualifications: Active real estate broker 19 years. 15 years elected to the Arlington Housing Authority, graduate of the National Association of Realtors Institute, GRI designation; Active member Arlington’s Affordable Housing Task Force, Member NAHRO, Past volunteer on committees for the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, Former town meeting member precinct 12.

Question: How would you improve the process for resolving tenant issues? (Candidates are limited to 200 words for their answer to both questions.)

Our senior/disabled housing buildings have a full time tenant service provider who is the first line of communication. Each building has active tenant associations that tenants may bring issues before. If any of our tenant associations has a question or needs to talk, most of them pick up the phone and call the executive director, Frank Hurd, or they call a board member at home. All of our tenant associations, senior/disabled and family tenant associations meet to discuss issues during our, "Presidents Meeting", a group I formed two years ago when I was chairman of the Housing Authority and still participate in. Finally, tenants can bring any issue before the entire board of commissioners at any of our meetings.

Question: How do you see your role in working collaboratively with other town entities to promote affordable housing?

No one housing group will solve the housing crisis that exists today working alone The AHA has worked cooperatively with the Housing Corporation of Arlington for many years. AHA employees have remodeled kitchen and baths for them and performed on call maintenance for their properties. We keep any open line of communication with them and will work them on future endeavors. We also continue discussions with many other for profit and non profit housing developers that will further the housing goals of Arlington.

Marian E King

78 Gardner Street

Occupation: Co-Chair Mentomy Manor Tenants Association

Qualifications: My background is in nursing with knowledge of accessibility needs and rights of elderly, disabled, and families served by AHA. I live in Menotomy Manor (East Arlington family housing), and have re-established the tenant association. I participate in East Arlington Neighborhood Crime Watch, the Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants and regularly attend AHA board meetings.

Question: How would you improve the process for resolving tenant issues? (Candidates are limited to 200 words for their answer to both questions.)

Currently tenants have limited voice and no vote at AHA Board meetings. Cities in Massachusetts are required to have tenant representation on the Board of Commissioners. Having a vote, and active participation in policy, procedure, and activities of the housing authority will relieve the sense of futility experienced by many tenants currently. I will also invite the Mass Union to conduct training sessions for AHA personnel and members of grievance panels in proper grievance procedure process.

Question: How do you see your role in working collaboratively with other town entities to promote affordable housing?

Arlington has several groups representing the spectrum of affordable housing, which interact with the Arlington Redevelopment Board. The Arlington Housing Authority represents the needs of the very low-income families who are generally unable to benefit from the first time buyers programs of Housing Corporation of Arlington. When there is development of properties I would like to see collaboration of agencies for all levels of affordable housing. Developers should not be forced to choose between these agencies but should have the collaboration of all agencies. Subsidized public housing, subsidized rentals, rent to own programs, purchases with condo fee assistance, and some units in Arlington for families with disabilities (of all income levels) are all needed. We should try to provide seamless access to appropriate housing, moving people to programs on an interagency basis.

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1. Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: >What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

Compensation packages that will help Arlington attract and keep excellent teachers. Completion of Reed's Brook and staffing needed to maintain and operate all our parks. Explore partnerships with neighboring communities as a way of cutting costs.

Since 1992, my goal as a Town Meeting member has been to study the issues, seek input from others, advocate for warrant articles that strike me as progressive and wise, and oppose proposals that are frivolous, mean-spirited, or poorly reasoned. My enthusiasm for this form of government is strong and I want to remain involved.

Major budget busters i.e. health care costs and town employee pensions to be reviewed. All town owned properties to be placed under a single entity called a "Town Properties Manager" Require legislators to guarantee that all state mandated legislation will be financially supported in full.   

I have raised my family here in our town and have benefited from the many services provided. My attitude is one of "paying back" what has been given and I hope as a town meeting member to continue promoting the goals of fairness, providence and social enhancements that my children and grandchildren will witness.

Great schools, libraries and social services support the intangible inner fabric of any great community. Public safety (fire/police/ems) plays an equally important role. As does the maintenance and development of the town's physical plant, roads/sidewalks and public parks/fields.

I hope to continue to apply my managerial, analytical and financial skills as a TM Member as we navigate these difficult times and thereby assist in insuring that we emerge as a stronger and more unified community - Past activities: Robbins Farm Playground Community Build (Co-lead), Arlington Coalition (Team Leader) Together for Arlington and active citizen reviewer of budgetary issues.

Education (for society’s future), public safety (for peace of mind), human services (for needs across our community).

As a child I had the powerful example of my father’s years of volunteer service. The lesson was simple: if you live in a community, play an active role in shaping its destiny. With my votes during 15 years as a member, I have participated in Town Meeting’s evolution into an increasingly articulate, effective and necessary check and balance to Arlington’s power structure. Town Meeting, a unique institution, is where I started in local politics and wish to remain well into the future.

My priorities are items that preserve the best of the Arlington’s past while contributing to our town’s efforts to remain a vibrant community. I see our public neighborhood schools as a key ingredient to the ongoing attractiveness of Arlington as a community open to residents of all ages. Public safety is necessary so residents can feel comfortable in their homes and businesses. And finally, attention to the built and natural environment to preserve the unique physical attractiveness of Arlington.

Resident for 18 years, 2 children in middle and high school, President of Arlington Schools Foundation, 14 years commercial banking experience

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

Vote for NOT MORE THAN FOUR TOWN MEETING MEMBERS FOR THREE YEARS

As both a Town Meeting member and a member of the Finance Committee I will continue to strive for effective and efficient town government. Paramount is fiscal stability , as we address a number of long term commitments. For example our obligations to provide town employees with health insurance are increasing in cost by about 20% per year, an unsustainable rate. These and other costs must be contained! At the same time, I am committed to finishing our school rebuilding program and assuring quality education for our children. I have the knowledge and experience necessary to address these important issues!

My three highest priorities are to make headway in solving three tough budget problems: reducing the rate of growth in the cost of health insurance for town employees, striking the right balance of spending among the different departments, and managing the town financial reserves, growing them in good economic times and limiting their spending in bad economic times.

I have seen that those who are informed, active participants at Town Meeting can really make a difference. I have worked to become informed by regularly attending Finance Committee meetings, and I will actively represent my precinct at Town Meeting.

The most important issues Arlington faces this year are Schools/Education and Fire Department/Emergency Services.

When I lived in East Arlington, I became an activist for my neighborhood and helped form a neighborhood association that continues to do an excellent job of educating, organizing, and amplifying the otherwise quiet voice of the neighborhood.

I have a perfect Town Meeting Member attendance record because I care about the town and I care about the voice of the residents in my precinct - my neighbors. With your vote, I will work hard to best represent my NEW neighbors in Precinct 13!

My top three priorities as a Town Meeting Member would be to 1) get the teachers the contract that they deserve, 2) cut out the inefficiencies in the town’s operating costs and 3) work to lower the health care / pension cost to the town.

My interest in running for Town Meeting Member is to improve Arlington. I think it’s a terrific place to live. I have lived here all my life, I coach hockey here, and I want to make it that much better. My main motivation for running in this election is to bring common sense back to the town government level.

Thanks to the voters of Precinct 13 I have been a Town Meeting member since the late 1970s. I serve on the Board of Youth Services and I facilitate two groups for women who are recovering from domestic abuse, both under the Human Resources Department. Volunteering in these areas is my motivation for running once again for Town Meeting. My priorities are good town government, quality schools, affordable housing, public safety and filling the needs of all of our citizens in equitable fashion. If reelected I pledge to continue to serve the town to the best of my abilities.

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

Establishing priorities is important but approximate. Simply listing the three "highest" ignores the complexity of creating a budget. For example: Police, Fire, and Water/Sewer services are essential, which means they must be funded adequately before we fund other services. But what is "adequate"? Last year, the Town cut Police funds below "minimum manning" levels yet included money for Park Maintenance in the budget. This was a carefully considered, reasonable

allocation; but in lean times I believe we should maintain an emphasis on Police, Fire, and School funding and ease funding for less essential services like Parks and the Fox Branch.

Schools, Public Safety, Human Services

When the override measure failed last June, I knew I had to get involved. The fiscal crisis facing Arlington is a challenge I just

can't ignore. I'm a parent of school-age children, so I worry about the schools. However, I understand that schools are only part of the picture -- we need to run the entire town as efficiently as possible. I've lived in Arlington since 1985, and plan to live here for a long time to come. I want to help ensure that Arlington keeps on being a place I want to live.

Maintain safety services: fire, police, road maintenance, etc. Second priority is keeping a decent school system. Third is basic capital maintenance.

A community depends on the efforts of individual people, and is really the sum of each

persons interactions with everyone else. I think it is important to find a place in the community where you can contribute. I've lived in this precinct for more than a decade, and been a town

meeting member for some years. I think I understand both the possibilities and limitations

of town meeting, and feel that this is where I can give the most back to my community.

Adequately fund schools, Manage health care costs, Improve operational efficiencies

I am running for town meeting because I have skills and experiences that might be useful to the town. I have over 15 years of finance experience in a variety of industries. My work has resulted in lower product costs and improved quality in industries ranging from manufacturing to financial services to retail. I am motivated to run, and to give up some leisure time that I could spend with my family, because I care deeply about my community and I want to help get our finances in order.

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

Priorities are, in descending order, education, community safety, public works

The policies and practices of local government have a large impact on the quality of life for all of us. Fortunately, local government is also the most accessible to the community, and offers individuals a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their families and neighbors. I want to represent Precinct 15 to help improve the quality of life for my neighbors in the precinct and the Town as a whole.>

My top three priorities: Public Safety, Public Schools, Public works in that order.

I am motivated to represent my precinct by three factors: I believe that public service is important and that those who can should be involved in their community. I believe that I understand the issues and have something to contribute. And finally, I believe that if I want something to happen I should be involved in the process of making it happen. Its easy to be an armchair quarterback but decisions are made by those who show up.

My top three priorities are to care for the children and seniors of Arlington as well as providing vital public safety services with the limited fiscal resources available to the Town. It is essential that we educate our children, care for our elderly and offer fundamental public services to our residents.

As a lifelong resident and successful business owner in Arlington, I believe my combined experience will serve my precinct and the Town by successfully evaluating our priorities in this fiscally limited atmosphere.

All town services are important, but if I had to prioritize I would say: Public Safety (Police, Fire, Roads), Schools (including extra-curricular youth programs, Recreation Department), Senior Services (Council on Aging, Libraries, Trash)

In terms of prioritizing actions at Town Meeting, I would work towards making sure our budget is clear and easy to understand so we can make sure it is fiscally responsible. Second I want to see all departments run efficiently and staffed by qualified, competent employees that are paid competitively. And finally, we need to improve communication between the town and its residents.

Attendance 2003: 14/14 2002: 9/9 2001:10/10

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

Vote for NOT MORE THAN FOUR TOWN MEETING MEMBERS FOR THREE YEARS

My highest budget priorities are schools, traffic enforcement, and town services/public works. These may change if I am elected as I learn more about the concerns and needs of my precinct constituents.

I am running for Town Meeting Member because I want to continue to enjoy the benefits of living in a town with this truly democratic form of government. 

If the town issued municipal bonds at a lower than market rate, I think it would offer a compromise to higher taxes and an investment in Arlington.  Especially since interest rates are low and will rise to the town's advantage.

I am motivated by Arlington's energy, egalitarianism and activism in politics and in the community.  I can participate in town government because my children are grown and I am single.  In my precinct, the Dallin School rebuilding should be supported.  The firehouse on the other hand, which Town Meeting saved last year, could manage for the time being in their temporary dwelling.  

To provide for higher standards of excellence in all Arlington Schools through increased school budgets and better facilities. Education is the key to our children's success and the quality of our schools is essential to the towns economic prosperity. Maintaining town services like DPW, Police, and Fire. Our streets, buildings, police and fire services are the most important aspect of any town budget, and the most visible indicator of our towns integrity and commitment to its residents. Increasing economic incentives for businesses in Arlington while simultaneously providing stricter protections against over development, and infringement on our limited open space, or any undue taxation on

School Department Budget, Rebuilding of Our Schools, Health Insurance

A retired Arlington teacher, I have been a town meeting member for over 20 years. Last year, due to severe family illnesses out of state, I missed several meetings while in PA taking care of my four grandsons, while my daughter and son-in-law both had major surgery. This was an exception, as my usual attendance at TM is very high, usually at 100%. My priority is to see that the Dallin school reconstruction begins ASAP. I am a member of two town health insurance committees and containment of Health Insurance is a priority.

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

Safety and security, schools, infrastructure

Long time homeowner, fiscal conservative private property rights.

Three highest priorities: education, infrastructure, and public safety

I believe that local government directly impacts people’s lives. I feel that it is important to understand the issues facing the town and take part in addressing them. I have professional experience in public administration and a long history of community involvement in Arlington. For the last ten years, I have used this experience to evaluate articles that have come before Town Meeting. I respectfully ask to continue my service to precinct 17 and welcome questions and opinions from residents.

Schools , Public Works, Capital Planning

I have been active in town affairs since moving here in 1989, as a TMM from Precinct 17 since 1997 and from Precinct 1 in the early 1990s. I was a board member of the Arlington Center for the Arts from 1990-1998 and president for several years. Currently I am chairman of the town's Open Space Committee, president of the Arlington Land Trust, and a member of the Vision 2020 Reservoir Committee. I use the Minuteman Bikeway regularly and am concerned in general about the protection and maintenance of the town's public open spaces.

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

Attendance 2003: 13/14 2002: 9/9 2001:10/10Public Education, Public Works, and Public Library - I would prefer that the Library budget not take such a disproportionate cut in funds as it did in last year’s budget.

As a candidate for re-election, I wish to participate in the human drama that is Town Meeting. Why and how an article is or is not successful cannot be fully realized by reading the Advocate. As a research analyst for Boston College, I welcome the challenge of understanding the various financial articles and making an informed decision for all of Arlington’s citizens.

Schools (including rebuilding the elementary schools), Police services, Fire services

As an Arlington resident, I have a strong interest in keeping Arlington a high-quality place to live. I have been a town meeting member for more than 10 years and during this time, I have learned how the town government works and how to work most effectively for the people of the town.

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Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

Schools, Community Safety: Police and Fire, and Public Works.

I have served on Town Meeting for the past six years. Having the opportunity to "make a difference" is what motivates me to serve. When I first considered running for the Town Meeting in 1997, I had an opportunity to serve my neighbors in reviewing a Zoning Board of Appeals matter. I canvassed the neighbors for their opinions and conducted research on the issue. The matter was resolved with the abutters and the appellant all-benefiting, although the permit was denied. Collectively, we were able to make a difference.

I am concerned about fiscal responsibility. Government should live within its budget. I am also concerned about excessive regulation. People and businesses should be free to pursue their goals providing they don’t harm their neighbors. I’d like to help insure that government operates as efficiently as possible, giving taxpayers the biggest bang for their buck.

I’ve been in Town Meeting for six years, and have been appointed to the Tree Committee. My goal for this appointment is to hit a compromise between the folks who really appreciate trees, and private property regulation and increased paperwork for the Town.

Schools, Symmes area, town services/employees.

I want to try to protect the taxpayer. I want to try to balance the efforts of the school parents, senior citizens and town employees. I feel bad that the state mandates programs but does not fund these efforts. I try to support the finance committee for their under-appreciated and endless tasks they deal with all year. I am always impressed with the hard work I see at town meeting, I feel honored to represent my area for my neighbors.

To preserve the quality of education in Town, especially preventing the loss of teachers; to maintain the core services that make Arlington a vibrant community; and to make sure that we consider a full range of funding sources.

I feel like I know my neighbors and would be proud to represent them at town meeting. As a parent of children in the Arlington public schools, this is a way that I can give back to the community. As an engineer and manager, a key aspect of my job is to troubleshoot situations, and to solve problems when resources are limited; these are skills I can bring to town meeting.

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

Education, public safety and public works are the highest priorities. Each is linked to sustaining an inviting, caring and supportive climate in which our youngest and our oldest citizens are respected and, if needed, protected are each an important focus.

I have sat on town meeting and served as a member of the Arlington Redevelopment Board for much of my tenure as a resident of Arlington. I believe that active participation by each person, in whatever way he or she feels comfortable is part of what makes Arlington the wonderful community that it is.

Park Circle Fire House must not close. Money should be shifted in the budget - or find new monies. Closing of Park Circle is a danger to all who reside in Pct. 20. Slide in town services must stop. Money should be found thru public and private partnerships. Fees should not be the entire answers to our fiscal situation.

This is a great opportunity for the new town manager to come up with some innovative ideas to augment the present budget and therefore prevent the shrinking of services and staff's inability to "get things done". Activist and love of the town.

Education, public safety, and creating a balanced budget that does not use all of our reserves.

I would like to serve as a Town Meeting Member for another term because I have enjoyed the opportunity to help make the town better. I am an Arlington native and a social worker by training. This year I am particularly motivated because of the pending issue of the Dallin School. I am the mother of a 3 year old, and would like him and the other children in the neighborhood to be able to be educated in a new, safe building.

I feel fortunate to live in Arlington and hope by becoming a member of town meeting I can play a part in strengthening our town by solidifying our financial footing, funding our schools and the school construction program, and finding innovative ways to make the town an affordable place to live. As a parent, former teacher, and Deputy Director of the Kennedy Library I often encourage young people to become involved in civic affairs. I am running for town meeting to work with others to continue to make this community a special place to live and raise a family.

Table of Contents

Candidates for Town Meeting Member were asked to respond to two questions and answer both with a 100 word limit:

Question 1.Recently the Board of Selectmen confirmed their 3 highest fiscal priorities on the town budget.  Please state your 3.

Questions 2: What particular interest or experience motivates you to represent your precinct for town meeting.

Attendance at Annual Town Meeting is noted for Town Meeting candidates who are asking to be re-elected using the following format: the year; number of meetings attended/total number of meetings.

Note: Some TMMs are appointed after Town Meetings opens. The number of meetings they are expected to attend will differ from the total number of meetings that year.

Note: Sometimes there are good reasons to miss Town Meeting. Please talk to your Town Meeting Candidate, if you are concerned.

My three highest priorities on the town budget are adequate funding to support 1 - quality of public education through restoration of high school, middle school and elementary services and programs; 2 - adequate DPW services, including public properties maintenance; and 3 – maintaining appropriate public safety staffing levels

My involvement with the Peirce School community motivated my initial run for Town Meeting. I continue to seek reelection to insure that neighborhood concerns are represented.

There needs be an appropriate balance between Townside and Schoolside, and among the Town departments. Clearly efficiency is mandatory and one does wants to reward departments that have increased their efficiency. Even so, some functions seem to be inherently more stable in terms of efficiency - education does not seem to have changed much since the 1800's, and that needs to be recognized as well. I don't really want to favor one Dept over another, since they are all important; one may be better able to use more resources than another, however, and should get the resources if there is a choice.

1 Thompson School

2   Hardy School

3   Edith Fox Library

4   Hardy School

5   Thompson School

6   Gibbs Jr. High (East)

7   Gibbs Jr. High (East)

8   Town Hall

9   Chestnut Manor

10   Town Hall

11   Bishop School

12   Brackett School

13   Stratton Schoool

14   Highland Fire Station

15   Stratton School

16   Dallin School

17   Highland Fire Station

18   Dallin School

19   Peirce School

20   Park Ave Congregational Church

21   Peirce School

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For specific information about what precinct you live in and where you vote, see: http://www.lwva.com