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.
Karen Bauerle
Laura G. Burnes ✓
Roger Duane Colton ✓
Susanne Marie Croy
Sophia Louise Donohue ✓
Cabell T. Eames ✓
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.
Kenneth E. Lind ✓
Marie Virginia Warner ✓
Karen Bauerle | 59 Hurd Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
No response received.
Laura G. Burnes | 24 Branchaud Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
| Name | Laura Burnes |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I served on Town Meeting, attending all meetings and I look forward to more opportunities to engage with and in the town. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I have lived in Belmont for thirteen years and served in Town Meeting for the past year, supporting important capital projects including funding the library. I am a business owner, parent of two middle schoolers and advocate for racial equality. Belmont has long been a wonderful town to live and work in and I am committed to expanding that legacy to be more inclusive with smart investments, including advocating for school funding, creating opportunities for business growth and supporting affordable housing efforts. I am committed to this town and community and would be honored to continue serving. |
| Accomplishments | I was very pleased to be part of the governing body to approve the Library project, as well as the next phase in the community path development and the funding for the pre-development planning for Sherman Gardens. |
| Your Precinct (optional) | I am interested in taking an important role in renovating the Chenery playground and fields. They have long been neglected and are used by many people every day of the year. It is time to put it at the forefront of town improvements. |
| Government reform | Yes, I have read the report, and I read the findings with hope that we can get ourselves out of the financial challenges we face not only through thoughtful fiscal planning, but also through restructuring of our systems. It seems that our town governance needs to evolve and we should all be excited to explore the possibilities and thoughtful suggestions the report lays out. A concrete step towards integrating the suggestions of the report is the move to make the Town Treasurer appointed instead of elected. At January’s Special Town Meeting I supported putting the issue on the ballot and I plan to vote in support of the change in April. |
Roger Duane Colton | 34 Warwick Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
| Name | Roger Colton |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Belmont Media Center (Community Conversations podcast), Belmont Journal (hyper-local news show), Belmont Affordable Shelter Fund (providing crisis assistance to help those in need pay utility bills), Belmont Energy Committee, Belmont Housing Trust, Belmont General Manager Search Committee, Belmont Goes Solar Steering Committee, Belmont Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Waverley Square Fire Station Re-use Steering Committee, Belmont Energy Facilities Building Committee, Belmont Town Meeting Reform Working Group, Mass Municipal Energy Group. |
| Candidate’s Statement | It is important to know more about what I believe (what makes me tick) than to talk about specific issues. What is an “issue” today will not be in three years (e.g., Belmont Hill School parking lot). There are issues today we would not have dreamed about 3 years ago (e.g., did folks see the DPW gas tanks coming 3 years ago?). I believe as an elected official, I owe you, the voter, 3 things: (1) I believe in civil discourse. The days of accusations of bad faith and disrespect should come to an end. (2) I believe in an activist Town Meeting. What’s “good for the Town” should bubble up FROM TM, not merely come down TO TM from the Select Board. Moreover, a TMM should exercise my OWN judgment, not simply be a rubberstamp of leadership. (3) I believe in evidence-based decisionmaking. I am firmly “green.” I believe in affordable and accessible housing. Nonetheless, very few issues that come before TM have an ideological basis. And TM decisions should not be treated as “ideological tests.” I believe TMMs who see issues only thru the lens of ideology often make “bad” decisions because they fail to see the greys. |
| Accomplishments | Belmont Goes Solar. Reduced town budget directed toward energy bills thru “shared savings” contract (paying for the energy conservation out of the reduced energy bills). Preservation of Waverley Square Fire Station by finding state funding for local planning, WRITING the grant on behalf of the Town, and then chairing the Town committee to consider re-use options. |
| Your Precinct (optional) | People shouldn’t have to “promise” pct 6 voters to be “fiscally diligent.” That should be a “given.” Why would someone feel the need to NOT waste your tax dollars. In pct 6, in particular, we need to care for our “whole streets,” not merely curb to curb, but sidewalk to sidewalk. We need to care for our public green space, not merely our parks (that’s the easy promise), but our deltas as well. We need to care for our businesses. For example, how do we balance parking for Cushing Square with preserving our neighborhoods. Finally, we need to be proactive. The Methodist Church is being sold. Why are we only asking “what should we do if a church closes” only AFTER it happens and its hard to react in a timely fashion. |
| Government reform | Yes, I’ve read it. Yes, I agree with much (tho not all) of it. One concern: Belmont will not develop itself out of its budget crisis. There is simply not enough land. We’re not a Watertown that will have loads of new, taxable health care labs. And those who argue that, are fooling themselves (and you). We need new zoning not to solve our budget problems, but to have interesting, THRIVING, local business centers that people WANT to patronize (e.g., in pct 6, who is making plans to visit the Bakehaus’s coming gelato shop in Cushing Square and congregate on the plaza?). From a TM perspective, the success/failure presents itself possibly as a parking issue, or as a decision about what the Methodist Church becomes). |
Susanne Marie Croy | 95 Stults Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
No response received.
Cabell T. Eames | 26 Lewis Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
| Name | Cabell Eames |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Current Vice Chair of Belmont Democratic Town Committee and elected State Committee member to the Democratic party serving Belmont. Previous Energy Commitee member and Green Alliance PTO member. Member of Sustainable Belmont. Active volunteer with Belmont Helps and Belmont Dramatic Club. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I take elected positions seriously, and during my time as a town meeting member, we have collectively voted on several vital issues. However, the next few years will be consequential regarding our fiscal health as a town. In addition to supporting the funding of our beloved schools and infrastructure projects, we need to prioritize resiliency. As a professional climate policy advocate, I am concerned that we are unprepared to support our most vulnerable population in the face of climate change and its worst effects. Meeting our affordable housing criteria and climate goals allows us the opportunity to reenvision our town and build sustainability. My motto is: when you know better, you do better. When dealt with earnestly and collaboratively, our challenges as a town deem to catalyze growth and success. To that end, I would be honored to have your vote to continue this most coveted work. |
| Accomplishments | I am extremely proud of the students who collaborated with other members of the PTO Green Alliance and me in 2016 to end styrofoam use in the Chenery Middle School cafeteria and successfully launch our composting program. Voted in favor of forward-thinking warrant articles, campaigned for funding for the library project, and voted for its passing. |
| Your Precinct (optional) | Several of our sidewalks are dangerous, and our tree canopy continues to be depleted. I would like to see a concrete plan that addresses these issues, as I know this issue is widespread. |
| Government reform | The Collins report revealed that we have repeatedly tapped into the hearts and minds of our residents and strapped them with momentous tasks. Therefore, I support most of the Collins Report’s recommendations and look forward to working with the town to ensure implementation. Most importantly, I believe in order for our town to thrive, we must learn to engage across differences and give voice to those most impacted, with the shared goal of solutions, not further disruptions. |
Judith F. Feinleib | 87 Oakley Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
| Name | Judith F Feinleib |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Assist Health Department with vaccination clinic postings in social media and via email Assist Temple Beth El with Facebook postings |
| Candidate’s Statement | In addition to town-wide concerns ― Belmont Hill School parking lot and destruction of wetlands and trees, property taxes, debt exclusions, schools, mid-life residents, seniors ― Precinct 6 has issues that affect it directly. These include the Benton Library chimney, the Bradford and Cushing Square business development. We will likely face a new issue when the Common Street Methodist Church is sold and probably developed. I will make sure applicable statutory and/or advisory input is obtained from the appropriate town agencies ― HDC, OCD, PB, ZBA ― and is then used to preserve and improve our neighborhood. |
| Accomplishments | Write If I May columns on Belmont government, residents & issues at www.jfeinleibifimay.com Advocate against Belmont Hill School parking project & for keeping Belmont’s wetlands & trees Work to balance property tax & Town Budget – 63%/schools, 37%/sidewalks-streets-sewers-salaries Member, committee to create a new Belmont newspaper |
| Your Precinct (optional) | Please see my comments about Precinct 6 in the candidate’s statement. |
| Government reform | Belmont’s government does need reform. Many of the Collins Center suggestions are worth considering. In addition, as the Planning Board hearings on the Belmont Hill School have demonstrated, we need to reform our committee system. I have written an article called “Reforming Belmont’s Committee System” and released it on March 5, 2023. If you have not already seen it, It can be found on my If I May Facebook page and on my website, www.jfeinleibifimay.com. |
Mary Teresa Watson Gavin | 12 Long Ave. | Candidate for Re-election
No response received.
Elizabeth S. Gibson | 15 Oakley Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
| Name | Elizabeth Gibson |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | In addition to town meeting I am currently involved with the Benton Library. Past community involvement includes the Belmont Historical Society, two terms on School Committee, and the Oakley Neighborhood Association which assisted the town in the redevelopment of the Our Lady of Mercy church property into residential buildings. |
| Candidate’s Statement | Our town has made important strides toward improving its infrastructure. We need to be mindful of tax implications, but we also need to continue investing in our town’s capital assets. My priorities are the schools, the Belmont Public Library and thoughtful development. |
| Accomplishments | I am very proud of the accomplishments of the Friends of the Benton Library. |
| Government reform | I support moving to a hired town treasurer. |
Suzanne Johannet | 45 Warwick Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
No response received.
Linda N. Oates | 302 Payson Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
No response received.
Brian S. Saper | 16 Old Middlesex Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
No response received.
Joel Michael Semuels | 18 Bellevue Rd. | Candidate for Re-election
| Name | Joel Semuels |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Council on Aging Board President, Friends of the Belmont Council on Aging, Inc., raise money for senior programs and services Town does not pay for. |
| Candidate’s Statement | Vote Yes to Select the Treasurer, don’t elect the Treasurer. You would not elect an accountant for Belmont. Treasurer is a similar professional who must have the experience to go into the bond market and save the town money. I am a retired attorney and advocate for senior programs and services. Rink will pass, but BELMONT needs prudent economic development to stave off large cuts in budget next year. Solving the fiscal cliff the Town faces is the highest priority. I am Belmont homeowner for 44 years, TMM 14 of last 16 years. Incumbent |
| Accomplishments | Voted responsibly for TMM articles. |
| Your Precinct (optional) | 6 |
| Government reform | Yes. Adopt changes in Report. |
Sophia Louise Donohue | 72 Chester Rd. #2
| Name | Sophia Donohue |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Member of the Boston Cyclists Union. |
| Candidate’s Statement | As a proud Belmont resident of 20 years, I will join Town Meeting as an advocate for accessibility and inclusion. My mother rented the home I grew up in here which gave me the wonderful opportunity to grow up in a safe neighborhood with fantastic schools. I aim to ensure other families and children are given the same opportunity by collaborating on affordable housing. I am pro traffic calming measures to make our streets safer, as well as the Belmont Community Path; these efforts will lead to a safer Belmont for all. |
| Your Precinct (optional) | As a member of Precinct 6 I aim to add traffic calming measures. There are various streets in our neighborhood which may be altered to dissuade cut through drivers and consistent speed offenders. This is most prevalent near the reservoir and Payson Park where many from our community enjoy outdoor activity. |
| Government reform | I do believe that reforms are needed in the Belmont Town Government. The recommendation that stood out to me the most is the need to shift our process towards the MA DLS Best Practices. Incorporating a unified structure of financial planning will ensure budget allocation, execution and accountability are held to a higher standard. Financial management is the pillar of any towns excellence, ensuring our money is used effectively will be more efficient with a Financial Management Team. |
Marcie S. Hirsch | 64 Old Middlesex Rd.
| Name | Marcie Schorr Hirsch |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | President, Belmont Library Foundation (2019-current); preceded by serving as BLF Board Member and 2 years as co-President (2000-2019) Town Meeting member 2 terms (took sabbatical from that role to lead recent fundraising campaign for new library to avoid any conflict of interest; now running to again serve as Town Meeting representative from Precinct 6.) Member, Library Building Committee (current) Board Member, Brandeis University Alumnae Board (2021-current.) Appointed liason to Hiatt Career Development Center and Governance and Nominating Committee Board Member, New Rep Theater (served as company was relocating from Newton to Watertown’s Mosesian’s Center for the Arts) Board Member, Cambridge YWCA President, Lemberg Children’s Center, Waltham, MA |
| Candidate’s Statement | I moved to Belmont (Precinct 6, specifically) in 1975, initially as a renter and became homeowner in 1978. I am grateful to have lived here in both capacities, as it provided an appreciation of the perspectives of our two major resident populations across our community and in Precinct 6. I support a Belmont-wide strategy for infrastructure rebuilding and support, with continual consideration of the diverse needs and preferences of our residents. Roads, sidewalks, trees and other components of quality of life in Belmont are among the causes which deserve our attention. Building community through inclusiveness and respect for differing points of view are cornerstones of my commitment; transparency and engagement are the modes I believe encourage and support our residents in investing in making this a good town in which to live. Recognizing the balance between supporting highly local needs (I have supported the Benton library and the repair of Payson Park) while attending to town-wide resources (roads, the Belmont Public Library and Belmont’s schools) is important, and must be pursued thoughtfully and strategically. We must also include the needs of the Belmont business community on our agenda: the success of that sector significantly influences our quality of life and offers potential new sources of income to balance our financial commitments. We can also actively explore new and expanded strategies for reducing and accomodating the tax burden on those in our community who can least afford it. |
| Your Precinct (optional) | The Benton library’s evolution to its present volunteer-run status is a great example of what can be accomplished when need and desire in our precinct met creativity and resourcefulness. In a precinct with limited shared space, Precinct 6 residents are working to provide opportunities and facilities that bring us together across the seasons. The volunteer-led effort for Payson Park improvements and an infusion of funds from the CPA to accomplish it is another example of the possibilities for leveraging non-traditional sources for successful innovative initiatives. I am proud to be a member of the Precinct community in Belmont and feel optimistic that we will continue to work for and deliver successful outcomes for both Precinct 6 and residents throughout our town. |
| Government reform | The challenges facing Belmont spring from multiple sources; no one “fix” will address them all. Government reform, as well as other initiatives, must pass the test of alignment with the goals and values of the town. Efforts that support changes which will result in producing the results which our town seeks should be explored and evaluated. “Business as usual” is not a goal; it is a mechanism to be continually evaluated for effectiveness in helping us reach our goals in ways that support the values and desires our community is seeking. |
Caroline E. Light | 200 Payson Rd.
| Name | caroline light |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I help craft justice-centered policy to mitigate gun violence, and I work with survivors and families affected by gun violence. I also work closely with trans and gender nonbinary youth, helping them connect to gender-affirming care and other supportive resources. |
| Candidate’s Statement | Having lived in Belmont for almost 15years and raised three children here, I’m grateful for our wonderful school system and gifted teachers, and I’m eager to continue building upon the strengths of our schools. I support efforts to enhance our commitment to environmental justice and affordable housing, while expanding the accessibility and functionality of our public amenities and shared spaces. I am eager to participate in our local government in the interest of building a more inclusive and welcoming community for all Belmontians. Thank you for your consideration. |
| Your Precinct (optional) | 6 |
| Government reform | Given the serious financial challenges our town is facing, I’m in support of formalizing a well-trained Financial Management Team. |
Antonio Robert Molle | 24 Warwick Rd.
| Name | Antonio Robert Molle |
|---|---|
| Campaign website/Facebook page/ Etc. (optional) | https://antonioforbelmont.wixsite.com/antonio4precinct6 |
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Actively volunteering with the bi-partisan One Love, One Belmont Event. Active volunteer with the Council on Aging 2020-present Current member of an advisory vetting group that provides feedback to the selection committee with regard to the new Belmont Public School superintendent. Part of a working group that meets as needed with BPS staff and local business members to connect high school students to local small businesses for job opportunities. |
| Candidate’s Statement | Serving as a Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member would be both a privilege and a complementary continuation of my work to serve the residents of Belmont. The focus points of my campaign are youth, energy, and commitment. I will provide the residents of Precinct 6 my full attention and make myself available for any precinct related civic dialogue and problem resolution More specifically, I would seek to increase Belmont High School student participation with the Council on Aging. One way to do this is to expand the program in which young students can help senior citizens for community service hours which are necessary for graduation. |
| Your Precinct (optional) | I would like the Town to prioritize the repair of the Common Street sidewalks leading to Cushing Square. This would help residents of Precinct 6 as well as local businesses in Cushing Square who would benefit from increased foot traffic. In its current state, the sidewalk is not well suited for families using strollers, the disabled as well as posing a challenge for some members of the senior community. |
| Government reform | While I have read the Collins Report, there are a number of details that I need to further familiarize myself with. The report contains certain suggested changes to be made with regards to Belmont municipal government. Some of these changes may deserve considerable consideration, in that we need to balance the need to maintain the current high level of services while at the same time not overburdening the taxpayers. In my opinion, we should consider the recommendations, but also look for other ways to be more efficient with our expenditures and resources. Some of the proposals in the Collins Report are outside of the purview of Town Meeting. Rather they are questions for the voters to decide. The report covers a wide range of fiscal issues. If elected, I intend to hold a special meeting in Precinct 6 to obtain input directly from the residents on all major concerns. |
Kenneth E. Lind | 60 Hurd Rd.
| Name | Kenneth Lind |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Transportation Advisory Committee member: 2021-present Belmont Soccer Association assistant coach: 2012-2021 Belmont Dolphins swim team parent volunteer: 2016- present |
| Candidate’s Statement | I serve on Belmont’s Transportation Advisory Committee, and take a balanced approach to build a cohesive community of walkers, bikers, riders and drivers. I listen to all voices, including residents who use our streets daily, to consider neighborhood impacts. It is important to plan wisely and comprehensively as Belmont continues to grow. I am also a parent of students at Chenery and BHS. I have supported all the recent initiatives for the schools, and believe we can make smart, responsible investments that continue our strong commitment to education while sustaining a vibrant community. |
| Your Precinct (optional) | I have lived in Belmont for more than 15 years where we have raised our family. My views have consistently been aligned with those of the precinct and I look forward to representing all views from the precinct at Town Meeting. |
| Government reform | I have read the Financial Organization Structure Review and agree with its findings and recommendations. Belmont is a growing town and needs a strong government organization to manage its future needs. The current structure is more reflective of the past when Belmont was a smaller town with simpler operations. Building a successful 21st century town that serves all residents requires a strong, well-managed government that takes its financial duties very seriously. Having professionals appointed to these positions with the knowledge and authority to responsibly manage our town is essential. |
Marie Virginia Warner | 39 Hillside Terr.
| Name | Marie Virginia Warner |
|---|---|
| Campaign website/Facebook page/ Etc. (optional) | http://www.warnerforprecinct6.com |
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 6 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Member of Warrant Committee and Chair of the Public Services Subcommittee, Marie Virginia Warner is committed to transparent and strong financial stewardship for our town and schools. Marie Virginia Warner serves on the Property Tax Working Group of Warrant Committee, advocating PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) programs to equitably tax large non-profit organizations to support our schools and town services. Member of the Economic Development Committee, elected by unanimous vote of committee and Select Board, Marie Virginia Warner works to attract and to strengthen local business, fill empty store fronts and lessen the tax burden on residents. CSNA (Cushing Square Neighborhood Association) member, Marie Virginia Warner reports and monitors important Precinct 6 commercial and town news. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I am committed to working for a better Belmont, and serve on the Economic Development Committee, the Warrant Committee, and as Chair of the Public Services Subcommittee. We must work together for a financially sustainable Belmont. Strong fiscal stewardship, plus healthy, appropriate commercial growth support town services, schools, roads, sidewalks – and Belmont’s future. Homeowner in Precinct 6 for 26 years, I am a member of the Cushing Square Neighborhood Association and founder of Belmont-based business, Boston Women Connect, a women’s business owner community. I am running for the 2-year seat and commit to represent all Precinct 6 neighbors – families, retirees, couples, homeowners and renters. |
| Government reform | I have read and re-read the Collins Center Report. Not only did the Collins Center Report highlight efficiencies in the town governance, but stressed the following. Belmont must not only affect structural reform but also strong fiscal management. Town officials must ALSO focus on these findings/reforms suggested in the Collins Center Report: pg. 5: in 2022…the Town was the 10th most expensive place in Massachusetts to own a home – while per capita income ranked 22nd. pg. 5: The average homeowner could be expected to pay $15,568 annually in property taxes, or approximately 15.73% of their income. pg. 6: the Town is asking far more of its residential taxpayers than its comparable peers. Finding 2.2: The Town lacks a comprehensive strategy for reducing overall expenses. Despite prior reports and significant evidence, the Town has not moved in the direction in any substantial way of controlling costs or the growth of future spending. |