2023 Survey: Town Meeting Precinct 5

Town Meeting is made up of 36 members from each of the Town’s eight precincts, with each member serving overlapping, 3 year terms. That means each year, twelve Representative Town Meeting Members from each of our eight voting precincts are elected. Should a Town Meeting member resign before their three year term is complete, a replacement Town Meeting member will be elected for a one, or two year period to replace them.

Three year position (vote for not more than 12)

Click on the links below to view the candidate’s survey. A check mark (✓ ) indicates candidates who have submitted surveys. You will be asked to vote for no more than 12 candidates.

Two year position (vote for not more than 1)

Click on the links below to view the candidate’s survey. A check mark (✓ ) indicates candidates who have submitted surveys. You will be asked to vote for no more than 1 candidate for a two year position.

Catherine Ann Scott

Elaine C. Alligood | 265 Beech St. | Candidate for Re-election

Survey Response

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Nancy A. Carlson | 12 Poplar St. | Candidate for Re-election

No response received.

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Joanne E. Coakley | 95 Horace Rd. | Candidate for Re-election

No response received.

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Julie Schwendiman Crockett | 232 Trapelo Rd. | Candidate for Re-election

NameJulie Crockett
I’m a candidate for:Town Meeting
I am running as a:Candidate for re-election
I live in:Precinct 5
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)TOWN MEETING MEMBER (2014-Present)
*Elected with 50+ write-in votes in to represent voters in Precinct 5
*Committee to Elect Jim Williams for Selectman
*Co-sponsored Amendment (June 2015 – Article 21B) requiring the Warrant Committee to deliver report on Pensions and OPEB
*Committee to Elect Alexandra Ruban for Selectman
*Advised Constituents on Citizens’ Petition for STM regarding Special Permit for Cell Phone Towers
*Co-sponsored Citizens’ Petition resulting in Committee to Study the Number of Selectmen
*Committee to Elect Cassandra Page for Housing Authority
BUTLER PTA
*PTA Treasurer
*Math League Coach
*Math and Science Night Co-Chair
*VP of Fundraising
*Membership Chair
*Room Parent
*Audit Committee Chair
*By-Law Review Committee Chair
*Butler School Advisory Council
ADDITIONAL TOWN VOLUNTEER WORK
*Town of Belmont Education Scholarship Committee
*LWV Nominating Committee
*LWV Board of Directors
*LWV Membership Committee
*Lifetime Member, Belmont Historical Society
*PATRONS (Parents of Performing Arts) Membership Chair
Candidate’s Statement*As a Town Meeting Member, I do my best to help neighbors navigate how to effectively get their concerns heard and addressed. As a parent of 3 boys, Class of 2022, 2026, and 2034, I am committed for the “long haul”. I will continue to work to change the budgeting process to ensure schools receive the necessary funding. I will work to inform neighbors and parents about the need for an adequately-sized April 2024 Override, and I hope the town Select Board and school Superintendent can work together to campaign for the Override. I am an advocate of transparency and accountability. I invite constituents to go to https://www.belmont-ma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-meeting-documents-completed-sessions-of-town-meeting to see the voting records of all Town Meeting Members. Please contact me with your questions and concerns, I look forward to hearing from you! Email: julie.s.crockett@gmail.com; Call/Text: 617-299-0348.
Accomplishments*Sponsored Budget Amendment to allocate additional funds to Schools to add a Team of Teachers to Chenery (June 2020). Although this amendment was unsuccessful, it was a rare example of how Town Meeting can actually affect the budget, even after it has been voted on by The Select Board, the Warrant Committee, and the School Committee. I encourage constituents and TMMs to work together to adjust the budget when needed to adequately represent parents and constituents.
Your Precinct (optional)*Co-founder and President, Friends of PQ Park: Spearheaded community project to redesign and rebuild my neighborhood park (Pequossette Park). Required raising over $75,000 and securing a Community Preservation Grant of $650,000.
Government reform*I have read the Collins report and believe that many of its recommendations are long overdue. Voters will take a first step in implementing these recommendations by following Town Meeting’s lead and changing the Town Treasurer position to an appointed position, which means that the Town can hire a top-notch, experienced town treasurer from a larger pool of candidates. Currently, or if Question #2 doesn’t pass, voters are limited to choosing the Town Treasurer who is a town resident who may or may not be qualified. The only stipulation is that they need to collect 50 signatures to get on the ballot. For at least the last 10 tears (perhaps more) the Treasurer position has been unopposed.
*Belmont needs to re-work its budgeting process and renew its commitment to “One Belmont, One Budget”. The yearly budget should be jointly developed by the School Committee and Select Board to best meet the needs of parents and citizens. Currently, the Town controls all funds, including “Free Cash” resulting from the previous year returns from the school budget, and decides how much money it wants to allocate to the schools. This year, the Town plans to set aside $3M+ in a stabilization account, rather than using this money to fund ~$1M of essential staffing needs (this is a minimum amount needed for Kindergarten assistants, continuation of 6th grade language program, METCO aides/liaisons, and 4th grade strings). As we know, once things are taken away, they are never put back in place, even if voters were to decide to pass an override next year with sufficient funds for these things.
*The Warrant Committee’s role should be re-examined and return to its charge of “a committee appointed by the Town Moderator with the primary goal of analyzing financial matters.” Intended as an advisory board to Town Meeting, not an unelected decision-making body, the role and responsibilities of the WC are explained in the General Bylaws §40-425: https://ecode360.com/27111566.

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Cosmo Macero | 4 Palfrey Rd. | Candidate for Re-election

NameCosmo Macero
I’m a candidate for:Town Meeting
I am running as a:Candidate for re-election
I live in:Precinct 5
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)Town Meeting member; Salvation Army of MA Board member; 10 years as Belmont Flag Football coach;
Candidate’s StatementI am honored to be considered for a second term as a Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member. Expanding the availability of affordable housing for all generations and enabling seniors to stay in Belmont are important initiatives and priorities. So to is creating a supportive environment for small businesses to establish themselves or grow in the business districts of Belmont. Finally: accountability and transparency in local government is critical. Town Meeting members should play a role in helping to ensure both.
AccomplishmentsI believe I contributed to a productive and healthy TM conversation and debate on multiple issues during my first term.
Your Precinct (optional)I believe Town Meeting members can be a helpful resource for all constituents in a precinct. I hope to enhance my activity in that area and assist my neighbors and fellow Precinct 5 citizens in whatever way possible with issues they may encounter with the town.
Government reformYes I have read the Collins Report. I do not agree with recommendations that Town Treasurer and Assessor become appointed positions. I DO believe Belmont should consider (once again) a 5-member Select Board as well as a fully empowered Town Manager position that is recruited from a robust pool of candidates with strong experience leading municipal departments.

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Lois Pollock | 383 Common St. | Candidate for Re-election

NameLois J Pollock
I’m a candidate for:Town Meeting
I am running as a:Candidate for re-election
I live in:Precinct 5
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)Most recent is my participation in maintaining and improving the gardens around the library.
Candidate’s StatementBelmont has always been my home town. I was raised here and I raised my family here. I want others to be able to thrive in Belmont. I will work to maintain our school system and all areas of our government and community that make Belmont an excellent place to live.
AccomplishmentsI supported the issues in Town Meeting that contributed to our town being well run, and will continue to advocate for improvements
Government reformThere is always room for improvement. We have a vote coming up on the future of the town treasurer. I look forward to the outcome and moving on from there.

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Andrea Serra-Masciari | 51 Flett Rd. | Candidate for Re-election

No response received.

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John P. Sullivan | 72 Palfrey Rd. | Candidate for Re-election

No response received.

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Mark D. Wagner | 21 Hastings Rd. | Candidate for Re-election

NameMark Wagner
I’m a candidate for:Town Meeting
I am running as a:Candidate for re-election
I live in:Precinct 5
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)Currently head coach of the Belmont High School Ultimate Frisbee team, a volunteer position I have held for seven years.
Candidate’s StatementThe two issues that I am most passionate about are achieving our town’s climate action goals and addressing the structural deficit. With respect to the latter, I am would like to see some “dramatic” changes put forth for debate, such as greater efforts at regionalization of services and dropping out of the CPA in exchange for a Prop 2 1/2 override.
AccomplishmentsI have a near-perfect attendance record at Town Meeting for 3 terms of office.
Government reformI strongly support replacing elected positions with hired positions, including Town Clerk. I support a more modern, centralized, and streamlined town in general.

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Jeanne Widmer | 126 Gilbert Rd. | Candidate for Re-election

NameJeanne Widmer
I’m a candidate for:Town Meeting
I am running as a:Candidate for re-election
I live in:Precinct 5
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)Been very active over decades: school committee, search committees, PTO officer, coaching, POMS photographer, wrote for Citizen Herald, dozens of campaigns, overrides, debt exclusions; continue to volunteer when asked.
Candidate’s StatementI enthusiastically support a new rink as well as other capital Improvements. While I have always supported the schools, I believe it is critical to provide adequate funding for other town services as well–Council on Aging, police, fire, DPW, and library etc. I support development that is appropriate (not overwhelming) for an area or neighborhood and taxes affordable for our older, long time residents.
AccomplishmentsIn past: working with others to bring Peter Holland as superintendent of schools (complete reform of schools); numerous victorious campaigns and overrides/debt exclusions. Currently: always make myself available as TMM to neighbors in Precinct 5. (e.g. while walking, reach out to residents and store managers to inquire about current concerns and problems)
Your Precinct (optional)Cushing Square witnessed an oversized (and unattractive) development that has hurt business since 2017 by taking commercial space and severely limiting parking and walking. I believe the town could have helped more than it did–signs for parking, for length of inconvenience for driving, walking, meetings with owners etc. I would like to see our town take a more active interest in revitalizing centers like the Cushing Square and Beech St/Trapelo Rd. area with a variety of small businesses drawing people into the areas. I have spoken with many business owners over the years who could not afford to stay because they did not know how long the inconvenience, and currently the lawsuit in Cushing Square, will last.
Government reformI have read the Collins Report and watched the budget discussions on Belmont Media. I support an appointed Treasurer and a budget balanced across departments and within means for many of our residents. Unlike Arlington, Watertown, and Lexiengton, we have no commercial base to support a larger budget which is unfortunate given the constraints of Prop 2 1/2.

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Jane A. Rosenzweig | 58 Bay State Rd.

NameJane Rosenzweig
I’m a candidate for:Town Meeting
I am running as a:First-time candidate
I live in:Precinct 5
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)I started a magazine for Belmont kids during the pandemic that published their art and creative writing during the time they were not in school/in hybrid school.
Candidate’s StatementAs a volunteer on the 2021 override campaign and the recent library debt exclusion campaign, I am grateful to have met so many residents who care deeply about Belmont’s future. As a Belmont Public School parent, I support forward-looking initiatives that will allow us to fund our excellent schools, maintain our infrastructure, and create a financially sustainable future for Belmont. We need to find innovative ways to expand Belmont’s commercial tax base, adapt our town to the effects of climate change, and make sure that all residents can obtain clear and accurate information about the town’s finances and challenges.
Government reformI have read the Collins report. I support–and think we should prioritize– better coordination in town government among those who are part of the budget process and the recommendation that we focus on economic development to grow Belmont’s commercial tax base.

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Catherine Ann Scott | 36 Brettwood Rd.

NameCatherine Scott
I’m a candidate for:Town Meeting
I am running as a:First-time candidate
I live in:Precinct 5
Candidate’s StatementI’m running because my family and I have lived in Belmont since 2013, and it seems like time to give back and get more involved. I hope to support the public school system, through my presence in Town Meeting, and also help work on housing solutions for the town.
Government reformI confess I have not read the whole report yet. I promise to do so if elected, at which point I would be better resourced in re: asking and getting answers to questions about the report and its implications. But I’ve read different summaries of it in venues like The Belmontonian and the Belmont Citizens’ Forum. It’s long seemed worrying to me that the Select Board has only three members, that different town decision-making bodies don’t seem to have a clear workflow between themselves, and that we don’t seem able as a town to access the kind of tax base from local business that would allow us to deliver services without fairly constant budget controversies and crises. I noted with relief in Rep Dave Rogers’s latest newsletter that he and Senator Brownsberger are focused on trying to find some sources of state funding for Belmont, especially in relation to the school budget — and yet, as the Collins report notes (I have read _that_ much) this is exactly the situation we should hope not to be in, as a town: being ‘saved,’ periodically, by extraordinary one-time sources of funding. Based on what I currently know, which as stated above is not fully calibrated to the Collins report yet — and which I expect will only accrue specificity and urgency with further reading and experience — yes, I am in favor of reform.

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