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.
Though only 12 members of each precinct’s 36 member delegation are up for re-election in any year, this year is different. That’s because the recent decennial census has resulted in changes to the boundaries of 4 of Belmont’s 8 precincts: 1, 2, 6 and 8. For those precincts, including Precinct 1, all 36 Town Meeting members in affected precincts are required to stand for re-election.
Three year position (vote for not more than 36)
Click on the links below to view the candidate’s survey. A check mark (✓ ) indicates candidates who have submitted surveys.
Leonard G. Abram ✓
Jennifer G. Ausrotas ✓
Heather A. Barr
Carolyn J. Bishop ✓
Reed F. Bundy ✓
Mark Carthy ✓
Alexander Derek deWinter✓
Diane M. Dideo ✓
Jason Thomas Dideo ✓
Peter J. Dizikes ✓
Nicole Anna Barry Dorn ✓
Michael F. Flaherty
Alisa L. Gardner-Todreas ✓
Three year position (vote for not more than 36)
Leonard G. Abram | 55 Hill Rd, #710
| Name | Len Abram |
|---|---|
| Campaign Website (optional) | http://www.lenabram.com |
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Member of Beth El Temple Center |
| Candidate’s Statement | A neighbor in our apartment building moved to New Hampshire. She was in her 40s, single, a job on 128, a daughter in college. Why was she leaving Belmont after so many years? She replied, “It’s too expensive.” As a Town Meeting Member, I’d be focused on restraining, if not reducing, the cost of government – so that longtime residents can afford to live here. A major cost of government is our excellent schools. After several hundred million dollars invested, let’s make sure we aren’t teaching our kids to dislike their own country. Criticism, yes. Indoctrination, no. |
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Jennifer G. Ausrotas | 65 Richardson Rd | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Jennifer Ausrotas |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 3rd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I worked on and supported the successful campaigns of Jamal Saeh for School Committee and the debt exclusion for the new high and middle schools. I also participate in the Belmont Council on Aging’s volunteer driver program for seniors and volunteered for its program to purchase groceries and other essentials for at-risk residents during Covid. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I am running to have a voice in critical town issues such as housing, schools, resident services, and fiscal responsibility and transparency. I believe Belmont currently does a good job in many of these areas, but can do better. In particular, I want to ensure that both students and seniors continue to be provided recreational programming, social and emotional support services, and educational opportunities. I also support solar panels at the high/middle school and an expanded recycling program consistent with Belmont’s commitment to climate action. |
| Your Precinct | Traffic and the continued development of the new Belmont High and Middle Schools continue to be of particular concern for those living in Precinct 1, who have borne a disproportionate share of the impact of the project. If elected, I will work to ensure that the proposed new traffic pattern on Concord Avenue – moving the bike lane and parked cars – will not be implemented because of the traffic and safety issues it would create. I will also support the tunnel under the tracks and the community path to provide safe routes for residents. |
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Heather A. Barr | 180 School St | Candidate for re-election
No survey received.
Carolyn J. Bishop | 7 Orchard St | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Carolyn Bishop |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 11th (or more) |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Volunteer activities: Environmental Advisory Committee 3 years, followed by Conservation Commission for 14 years. On finding out that the Town was spraying routinely twice a year with Malathion and Sevin to kill insects, I organized a public education forum and the Town stopped the spraying. I organized the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Earthday with a week of events in 1990. After seeing people fishing in Claypit Pond, I got a grant from DEP to have the fish in Claypit Pond tested. Finding them contaminated with Chlordane as well as other chemicals, the Board of Health posted signs banning eating any fish from the pond. I was appointed to the Belmont Advisory Recycling Committee which brought curbside recycling to Belmont. Work on the Committee to Study an Expanded Warrant led to the informative booklet that accompanies the warrant. And so it goes! There’s always a need for participants. |
| Candidate’s Statement | The issues affecting our environment continue to multiply. Citizen involvement is always needed on issues such as coordinated appropriate care for our green space, dealing with increased flooding events, contamination and sedimentation of the pond, loss of street trees in spite of planting programs, concerns about dense development as well as meeting the needs of diverse groups of residents etc. Town meeting is historically a fixture of local government that dates back to the colonial days in the 1700s. It is a way to hear and be heard on many issues that can often be ignored. I hope to continue participating in working for our ‘home town’. |
| Your Precinct | One In a geographically small town with limited funding closely surrounded by larger wealthier towns with commercial development, we are challenged to fund many conflicting projects. Town Meeting members vote on the budget for the Town and hear diverse opinions from constituents with finance the largest puzzle. Pandemic Inflation is creating even more difficulties in meeting annual financial needs, much less the funding of the new buildings that are hoped for. Greatly increased traffic is another major concern. It is important that citizens let Town Meeting know their concerns and even more exciting, any suggestions or expertise they can share! I would appreciate your vote. |
Comments/Notes
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Reed F. Bundy | 259 School St| Candidate for re-election
| Name | Reed Bundy |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 3rd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Burbank youth soccer and basketball coach (2017-present) Burbank PTA volunteer (2018-present) Board Member, Advisor and Volunteer at Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership Active volunteer with community organizations including YearUp, Home Base Please visit my LinkedIn for more detail on my professional and personal commitment to social impact, sustainability, and corporate citizenship. |
| Candidate’s Statement | Since 2017, I have proudly served as your Town Meeting Member and hope to continue to do so. During that time, I have focused on supporting Belmont’s thriving schools and safe streets. I l co-led the effort to install traffic safety measures on School Street (across from the Burbank School) and am a strong supporter of thoughtful capital efforts that allow Belmont to be so much more than a “Town of Homes”. I believe we must do all we can to create a town that is bike and pedestrian friendly, while ensuring that we create a welcoming environment that attracts and retains small businesses in our centers and squares. I hope you will join me as we continue to build a safe, sustainable, small business-friendly, and welcoming town for our residents and generations to come. |
| Your Precinct | Precinct 1 is home to some of the busiest streets in Belmont, most of which are main thoroughfares for commuters from out-of-town. I believe that we need to work closely with the town to identify creative new ways to preserve and enhance safety measures on these streets so that residents on foot and bike have safe access for recreational and commuting purposes. |
Mark Carthy | 21 Stone Rd | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Mark Carthy |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 4th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Belmont Town Meeting Member, Library Trustee, Chair – Cable TV Advisory Committee. Lay Leader/Deacon Catholic Church North Haven, Maine (summer) |
| Candidate’s Statement | The town and school are taking parking and bus stops from Concord Avenue and surrounding streets for high school parking and expanded bike lanes. Residents are losing access to public transport and the right to park outside their houses. The town needs leaders to consider other options to high school parking and bike lane safety. I offer my forty years business experience to work on these issues. Lived in Belmont for 32 years and a homeowner for 28 years. |
| Your Precinct | Precinct 1 has active TMM who volunteer for and contribute to town wide issues. In recent years Precinct specific issues include traffic, high school parking and poor quality of roads and sidewalks. While the pandemic has reduced traffic we still see a lot of traffic from Fresh Pond cutting through Belmont via Concord and School streets. It can be difficult to venture on an errand between 4 and 6pm. More recently traffic and parking related to the new school campus is causing friction between residents in side streets near the high school and students trying to park or their parents doing a drop off/pickup. As TMM we need to find better solutions to getting students to and from school. |
Alexander Derek deWinter | 29 Madison St
| Name | Alexander Dewinter |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Candidate’s Statement | If elected, I will be a pragmatic and progressive voice for Precinct 1. One issue that prompted my run is the development at Beatrice Circle. Belmont does need more affordable housing, but the Beatrice Circle proposal exploited Chapter 40B to build with excessive density, disrupting a neighborhood. While Beatrice Circle isn’t a Precinct 1 issue, this sort of development could happen anywhere in Belmont. I will work in Town Meeting to counter future proposals like that at Beatrice Circle to ensure that Belmont remains the Town of Homes. |
Diane M. Dideo | 24 Trowbridge St
| Name | Diane Dideo |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I volunteer at the Belmont Senior Center and I am also on the board of the Belmont Historical Society. I am also a member of CFRB. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I am very concerned with the high real estate taxes that we pay in Belmont. It is very difficult to prioritize our projects, but we must live within our means. As a fourth generation Belmontian, I very much want to continue to live in our beautiful town, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for me and for all of our senior citizens. |
| Your Precinct | The Clay Pit Pond and park are the crown jewels of our town. I would like to see better maintenance of the park. |
Jason Thomas Dideo | 22 Trowbridge St
| Name | Jason Dideo |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Member of the Citizens for a Fiscally Responsible Belmont. Former Belmont Youth Wrestling Coach. |
| Candidate’s Statement | My name is Jason Dideo. I am a life long resident of Belmont. I am a registered nurse, and proudly serve our veteran population working in mental health and addictions as well as addressing homelessness in the veteran population in our country. I am a member of CFRB. I believe the soul of this town is in its diversity and inclusiveness of all of its citizens and would love the opportunity to serve my community, listening to all opinions and ideas and being a voice for Precinct 1 of this wonderful town. |
| Your Precinct | Traffic from the High School has significantly impacted Precinct 1 and parking for students should be limited to seniors only willing to car pool in order to reduce emissions. Public safety is of concern in public pedestrian areas including Claypit Pond, more lighting at bus stops and around the park should be in place in order to deter crime. |
Peter J. Dizikes | 34 Randolph St | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Peter Dizikes |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 4th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I have served on the campaign committee for multiple town-wide campaigns, including the 2018 Yes for Belmont campaign for the high school and middle school. I also did ground-game organizing work and extensive volunteering for the successful 2015 override campaign that helped pave our roads, fix our sidewalks, and support a new group of teachers in our schools. I have worked in citizen groups to help add pedestrian protections on Belmont’s roads, including School Street and the Burbank intersection, the latter of which has served as a model for town-wide traffic calming policy. As a parent with two children in the Belmont Public Schools, I have volunteered for many school-parent activities. Additionally, I have been a volunteer basketball coach with BYBA for several seasons. |
| Candidate’s Statement | Education is a vital part of our society, and I have worked extensively to keep Belmont’s schools strong, including serving on the campaign committee for the successful high school and middle school project. We also need to diversify Belmont’s revenues to improve our long-term fiscal footing. I have supported the town’s adoption of better energy policies, and have worked to make Belmont more user-friendly for pedestrians and cyclists; let’s prioritize the safety and convenience of Belmont residents, not cut-through drivers. In all ways possible, we should keep building a Belmont that serves residents of all ages. |
| Your Precinct | Belmont sees a lot of cut-through traffic and Precinct 1 has a significant share of it. It is also important to reduce vehicle traffic of all kinds, where possible. In light of this, I favor many measures that would make Belmont better for pedestrians and cyclists. These include the extension of the entire Community Path, which would also link Belmont together as a more connected community; the construction of the Alexander Avenue underpass, which could reduce vehicle traffic to the high school and middle school campus; traffic-calming measures and pedestrian protections on our roads; the development of more safe routes to school for kids; and continued study of traffic patterns throughout town. |
Nicole Anna Barry Dorn 42 Madison St
| Name | Nicole Dorn |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I served as the chair of Yes for Belmont in 2022. I am the Belmont Books liaison for the Wellington school PTO, and every year for the past four years have run an annual storytime event and fundraiser for the Wellington school in partnership with Belmont Books. I also am a volunteer librarian at the Wellington. I previously served as the Cookie Coordinator and troop leader for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. We are proud parents of two children in Belmont Public Schools – one at Chenery and one at the Wellington – and are active participants in the Belmont Youth Hockey Association and Belmont Soccer. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I have been a Belmont resident for 9 years and love living in Belmont. I believe in the future of our town and want to help protect this future by ensuring we have a plan for fiscal sustainability. As past chair of Yes for Belmont, I understand the need to address our deficit so we can provide effective town services and adequately fund our schools. Doing so will require solutions on multiple fronts – from identifying cost savings to raising additional revenue to making it easier to start and maintain businesses here. We also need key capital investments – including a new library and hockey rink – to ensure Belmont remains a vibrant community for years to come. |
| Your Precinct | I would be honored to represent Precinct 1 at Town Meeting. I am committed to listening to the concerns of all Precinct 1 residents and want to make sure Belmont remains a welcoming community for residents of all ages. |
Michael F. Flaherty | 200 Concord Ave
No survey received.
Alisa L. Gardner-Todreas | 16 Chenery Ter
| Name | Alisa Gardner-Todreas |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Burbank School library volunteer & room parent, Chenery School volunteer, Belmont Soccer Coach, Belmont Housing Trust member & Chair |
| Candidate’s Statement | I’ve lived in Belmont for 17 years with my husband and children, who attended the Belmont Public Schools. One issue I’ve been involved with is housing. I was on the Belmont Housing Trust (BHT) for 9 years; Chair for 2 years. During my tenure with the BHT, I worked with multiple Town committees, Town departments, and other stakeholders to advocate for affordable housing. Accomplishments include updating the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw and passing the Community Preservation Act. As with so many aspects of daily life, COVID has brought to the fore the importance of having a stable place to call home. Housing that is affordable, at all income levels, not only gives stability to its residents but also to the community as a whole. In addition, I volunteered in the public schools for over a decade, including spearheading the Burbank School’s digitization of the library catalog. I will continue advocating for sustainable funding and excellence in our schools. |
Christopher Grande | 64 School St | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Chris Grande |
|---|---|
| cgboston@gmail.com | |
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 2nd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Medford council on aging board of directors |
| Candidate’s Statement | Many of our plans revolve around the towns budget. Interior and exterior forces are at work. I am researching creative ways to raise revenue for our goals (schools, library, rink, parks) without resorting only to tax increases. Therefore my goals include getting more involved in budget related committees and business promotion work. |
| Your Precinct | Precinct 1 has traffic issues related to the high school and to being a cut through area from Watertown, Waltham and other close towns. I would like to work with the town and residents to selectively limit some of this traffic (certain places or times) to maintain a neighborhood feel. |
Kimberly Nicole Haley | 26 Merrill Ave | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Kimberly Haley |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 2nd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I’m currently the Vice Chair of the Belmont Human Rights Commission and Chair of the Diversity Task Force. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I’m looking to make Belmont more progressive in business and education. To be a more inclusive community for all. |
Jessica Olans Hausman | 11 Sharpe Rd | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Jessica Hausman |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 2nd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Steering Committee Yes for Belmont (2021 override) Belmont Library Flash Fundraiser 2021 volunteer Yes for Belmont (Belmont Middle and High School) President Start School Later Belmont Chapter (2016-2021) Various volunteering roles on several school committee campaigns (2016-present) |
| Candidate’s Statement | I have served as Precinct one’s Town Meeting Member for 4 years while campaigning for the public/private-funded new library and school committee candidates. I was on the steering committee for the recent override to hire teachers to fill our new school and reduce classroom size. I support the predominantly state-funded bike path to promote safety and reduce traffic. As a parent of small children, I provide information and spearhead campaign outreach to constituents in spaces where they’re less reached, including playgrounds, splash pads, and soccer fields. My business background enables me to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different infrastructure projects for Belmont’s future. |
| Your Precinct | Issues that most concern me for my fellow residents of precinct one include 1, safer bicycle routes to schools and Belmont’s downtown. 2, I will continue to strongly advocate keeping the plan for greenery and trees planned for the front of the new high school for environmental, sound proofing and community-wide impact rather than changing it to a parking lot. 3, I also support the state-funded community path that will allow access from Winn Brook area to the library area past the new middle and high school. This will reduce some car traffic to, and allow access through, the new high school campus. |
Jocelyn C. Hayes | 5 Colonial Ter | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Jocelyn Hayes |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 11th (or more) |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Member of the League of Women Voters since 1981 Member of Plymouth Congregational Church Former Library Trustee |
| Candidate’s Statement | I have lived in Belmont since 1965. For 60 years, I was an elementary school teacher and was chosen as Lexington’s Teacher of the Year in 1997. As an “elder” I am concerned about the lack of affordable housing and Belmont’s high taxes. |
James Y. Knight | 55 Watson Rd
| Name | James Y Knight |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Candidate’s Statement | I grew up in Belmont, graduated from BHS in 1997, and returned in 2011 with my wife Amitha. Our two children attend Belmont public schools along with their cousins, one of whom is in LABBB. Belmont’s schools and infrastructure have long been an interest of mine, and while much has been accomplished recently, we still need to ensure the library, skating rink, and community path projects are prudently and successfully completed. Belmont is a caring, diverse community, and I hope I can help to keep our town thriving and on a sustainable footing for many years to come. |
Mary Dewhurst Lewis | 34 Randolph St
| Name | Mary Lewis |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Over the years, I have volunteered many hours to important town causes, including the Underwood Pool, the override campaign, and the 7-12 School Campaign. I also havel been involved with Safe Routes to School, the Burbank and Chenery PTA/PTO, and you have probably seen me staying informed and sharing my thoughts at many town committee meetings. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I support a forward-looking Belmont that has vibrant commercial areas and more affordable housing, is walkable and bicycle-friendly, and that seeks sustainable revenue streams for funding public schools, the library, recreation, and green infrastructure. I have a track record of commitment to important town projects. In 2014, I helped fundraise for the Underwood Pool. In 2015, I joined the campaign to fund our schools when they faced a teaching shortage and overcrowding. In 2018, I was on the Steering Committee of the Yes for Belmont Campaign for 7-12 School, which has resulted in a beautiful new space for students and townspeople alike. I commit to building on my strong record of researching issues facing the town before taking a stand, thinking proactively, and advocating for Belmont’s future. |
| Your Precinct | Precinct One is particularly impacted by the expansion of the High School into a Middle and High School, traffic and parking reconfigurations, and the possible rebuild of the rink and library. These projects are important to our town and must be done in a way that is environmentally sustainable, traffic-calming, bike-friendly, and walkable, while preserving green space. I am in favor of completing the community path and the Alexander Street underpass, which will make it easier for folks in our precinct to reach Joey’s Park or commute to Alewife. With the Burbank Safe Routes Committee, I helped coordinate with town officials to bring traffic calming measures to School Street; these now serve as a model for how we can make our streets safer while reducing cut-through traffic in our neighborhood. |
David Alexander Lind 68 Fairmont St Candidate for re-election
| Name | David A. Lind |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 2nd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Commissioner on the Belmont Recreation Commission Member of the Committee on Ministry at First Church in Belmont, Unitarian-Universalist Belmont Youth Hockey Association coach of Squirt & Mite hockey teams |
| Candidate’s Statement | I grew up in town, graduating from Belmont High in 2001. Lara and I are raising our five children in the town we love, wanting it to be a welcoming, caring, tight-knit community for all. I will continue to bring the same skills, passion, and approach to Town Meeting as I have over the past two years, and while serving as one of the Belmont Recreation Commissioners. Our schools and library, our roads and recreation, our town services and budget, all need creative problem solving that balances both short and long-term needs. Thank you for your vote. |
| Your Precinct | As the precinct that is home to Belmont High, the new Junior High, Wellington, and Burbank, it is vital that we remain focused on traffic and parking issues, along with ensuring the utmost safety of our students walking or biking to schools. We need sensible solutions that balance the varying needs of our residents. |
Lawrence J. Link | 49 Orchard St
| Name | Lawrence (Larry) Link |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Transportation Advisory Comm Traffic Working Group–HS/MS Belmont Library Foundation Franklin & Marshall Alumni and Annual Fund volunteer Household Goods volunteer Berklee College Global Connections endowment/investment/finance advisory committees (various) |
| Candidate’s Statement | Belmont is working hard to catch up on significant deferred maintenance and challenging finances. Several successful steps have been taken but more efforts are required to sustain viable plans and finances. I have been following the good work of the Structural Change, Long-Term Financial Planning and Capital Budget committees, which, working together, offer the best solutions to the Town’s revenue limitations. I believe I can add my financial experience to that of others, and it is important to actively involved in order to maintain a strong community. That strength comes in larger part from bringing all facilities and key services to an appropriate level of service and condition. In particular, we need to advocate for a Library and Ice Rink commensurate with the high level of activity and needs of our citizens. At the same time, we need to recognize that many households are, and have been, under severe pressure meeting their personal budgets and cash-flow limits, which is why I support further steps to help utilize volunteer “hour” credits and real estate tax “deferrals” (indexed to US Treasury market rates). I also took an active role in raising philanthropic support for a potential new library. My family has personally contributed to same, as we will to the potential Ice Rink. Finally, we have been long-time supporters of the HS Scholarships Fund, Historical Society and Friends of the Library. Again, much progress has been made over the past 10-15 years. While more needs to be addressed, these are long-term deficits; therefore, it will take a long-term approach/planning, and disciplined efforts each year to rectify. I hope my work on Town Meeting will compliment my continued efforts with Town committees and volunteer efforts. |
Dawn MacKerron | 70 Becket Rd | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Dawn MacKerron |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 2nd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Golf, Walking, Church Activities |
| Candidate’s Statement | Town Meeting has the opportunity to influence budget decisions. I believe there needs to be a turn towards common sense spending from town government and I hope TM can influence proposals to help move in that direction. The cost overruns on the high school/middle school are very concerning. And the lack of oversight and audits on this building project is unacceptable. I hope Town Meeting can help to influence a better response to this project. I would like to see a balanced budget presented to us to vote on. |
| Your Precinct | Everyone in Precinct 1 living in the Concord Ave area is affected by the HS kids parking on Concord Ave. Our side streets are clogged with HS students parking and others parking there as well having lost the Concord Ave spots. The proposed bikes lanes spell disaster for us. They are not safe, do not allow enough room for emergency vehicles to get through, is devastating for businesses on Concord Ave and will result in a traffic nightmare. |
Anne Marie S. Mahoney | 24 Goden St | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Anne Marie Mahoney |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 4th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Chair, Capital Budget Committee Chair, DPW/Belmont Police Station Building Committee Member, Long Term Capital Planning Committee Former Select Board Former School Committee Former Community Preservation Committee Offer Bereavement programs at the Beech Street Center including a monthly bereavement support drop-in. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I chaired the successful DPW/ Police Station building project. Utilizing creative design, partnerships with Town departments, CPA funds, and generous citizen donations we renovated and added to both facilities for $13.0 million without a debt exclusion. No new taxes to complete this project. I urge the Rink and Library to rely on creative solutions, modest scope and donations, as well. I serve on the Long Term Capital Planning and Capital Budget Committees. Belmont needs a longer-term Capital plan than we presently have. And a larger and more reliable stream of funding for Capital requests. CBC’s annual discretionary allocation cannot adequately address school building repairs such as roofs, windows, HVAC and fire alarms; town-wide technology; public safety equipment and vehicles; and sidewalks. |
| Your Precinct | One tight section of Precincts 1 and 6 houses four schools- BHS, Wellington, Burbank and Chenery. I support residents’ pleas for traffic mitigation, pedestrian and bicycle safety. While not popular with some residents, I believe that the high school building project should include on-campus, student parking. Our residential streets should be for public access, not designated student parking and unsafe student drop-off and pick-up. |
Robert Edward McGaw | 23 Louise Rd | Candidate for re-election
| Name | ROBERT MCGAW |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 6th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I have been honored to serve on the Belmont Board of Registrars of Voters, where I have supported efforts to make it as easy for every qualified voter to cast their vote and have it accurately counted, and the Bylaw Review Committee, where we strive to ensure that all proposed bylaws are appropriated worded. I am a long-term member of the Belmont Democratic Town Committee. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I would greatly appreciate your vote to reelect me as Town Meeting Member of Precinct One. The Town has many issues confronting it, and I hope to be a voice urging the Town to seek excellence rather than mediocrity, to spend tax funds frugally for the common good, and to ensure the Town gets full value for its tax dollars. We need to keep our schools excellent because our children will be our future. We need to reach out to all of our neighbors and build a strong community. We all need to engage in the public discussions of issues that affect Belmont. I hope you will join me in these efforts. I want Town Committees to allow public comment BEFORE the Committee votes on issues, instead of afterwards. Residents who have taken the time to participate in a Committee meeting should be allowed to speak BEFORE the vote is taken. |
| Your Precinct | I am focused on improving traffic on Concord Avenue and ensuring that the promised 1.3MW solar panels are installed on the Middle School-High School project, which will save the Town money. I will focus on the library and ice rink projects to make sure they comply with Belmont’s Sustainable Building Design Policy. |
Holly Hart Muson | 40 Temple St | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Holly Muson |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 4th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Community Path Project Committee member |
| Candidate’s Statement | As a 20-year resident of Belmont with two children who have graduated from the public schools, I support the commitment of the Town to building and maintaining excellent human and physical resources for our youth. As a member of the Community Path Project Committee, I am working to integrate what residents desire in creating safe and attractive infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages. As a Town Meeting Member, I communicate with my neighbors frequently about how town decisions impact their lives, and welcome their input to further inform my positions on local issues. I am particularly focused on a responsible economic plan and environmentally sustainable practices for our community. |
Jeffrey S. North | 138 School St
| Name | Jeffrey North |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Belmont Citizens Forum Newsletter, managing editor and writer, Belmont Conservation Commission Land Management Committee for Lone Tree Hill Wildlife Alliance, International Advisory Board Greater Boston Trout Unlimited, board member Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center, Board of Advisors 2011-2018 |
| Candidate’s Statement | The high quality of education produced by Belmont schools reflects community strengths that are not strictly proportional to spending. Better strategies to augment those strengths in our schools is an alternative to overrides. Similarly, improving local transportation, built- and natural infrastructure can be achieved via best practices borrowed from neighboring towns, and by leveraging regional resources and shared services where possible. Let’s get creative and resourceful. |
| Your Precinct | I am committed to fiscal responsibility as we strive for improvements in our schools, environmental stewardship of our open spaces, electrification of our transportation and infrastructure, and leaving every precinct in Belmont better for the next generation. |
Daniel J. OConnell | 23 Becket Rd | Candidate for re-election
No survey received.
Henry McFarlan Ogilby | 96 Taylor Rd | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Henry Ogilby |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 3rd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Belmont Historical Society board member Board Chairman at library in Maine |
| Candidate’s Statement | I love Belmont! We need to work on serving the needs of all our residents including young children and senior citizens. High School parking is a major problem and we need a new library. Thank you for your vote! |
| Your Precinct | Resolving High school parking has become a major issue for residents of precinct #1 |
Corinne McCue Olmsted | 28 Stone Rd | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Corinne McCue Olmsted |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 3rd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Library Trustee since 2016; Town Meeting Member since 2017; Library Trustee Liaison to the School Committee |
| Candidate’s Statement | Successfully addressing Belmont’s current infrastructure, service and economic needs is critical to Belmont’s future. The town budget and needed capital projects require effective solutions. As an economist, I have relevant experience in financial and economic analysis and modeling, including valuation, property tax, renewable energy and business development. As a library trustee and parent of three children in Belmont’s public schools, I strongly support education – our schools and library. And as a resident, I feel it is important we address our most basic town services issues – crumbling roads and overflowing trash/recycling – as well as support recreational spaces. I am an informed and active TMM and I will support solutions for Belmont that are effective, sustainable and fiscally responsible. |
| Your Precinct | Precinct 1 benefits from proximity to schools, library, Belmont center and more but is therefore most directly affected by current and planned capital projects and traffic. It is important to ensure that our projects are completed successfully – which includes addressing related traffic and parking issues. Precinct 1 also contains four of Belmont’s schools and is heavily traveled by students walking and biking to school. It is critical that we address issues of traffic safety in our Precinct. |
Emily A. Peterson 22 Glendale Rd Candidate for re-election
| Name | Emily Peterson |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 3rd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I have been involved in efforts to increase (or maintain) Belmont’s tree canopy in collaboration with the Shade Tree Committee. I raised funds and arranged the planting of 9 new trees in the field on Orchard Street and two oak trees at the Wellington school. I am also a soccer coach. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I voted for roll call voting to increase transparency, affordable housing at McLean, and the community path. I am a member of Belmont Math Parents group to maintain quality math instruction for ALL learning levels in our public schools. I support traffic measures to reduce cut-through traffic and seek to maintain the solar array at BHS to achieve ZNE. I will advocate for responsible ways to invest in additional tree canopy, safe roads for biking, the library, and the skating rink. We also need to make Belmont more attractive to business investment and take advantage of the Trapelo Corridor with additional investment in affordable housing, public transport and business infrastructure. |
| Your Precinct | I am concerned about the traffic and parking impacts of the new high school. I advocated for installation of stop signs on School Street at Orchard to increase pedestrian safety. I am concerned about the removal of trees from the BHS site plan and the temporary parking lot. If necessary, I will fundraise to enable the planting of trees at the new high school. |
Adriana Poole | 53 Louse Rd | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Adriana Poole |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 4th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Boston West Fair Skies – a grassroots organization I have started in 2013 to address the airplane noise over Belmont and neighbor communities due to the flight paths change from radar to GPS which concentrated the noise over narrow air corridors. |
| Candidate’s Statement | Maintaining our schools’ excellence by assuring funding to protect class size and course offerings remains a top priority. Finding/promoting climate action measures has entered a phase of urgency. We need to narrow the affordable housing gap between demand and availability while working within the zoning bylaws frame to preserve our town’s character. I have been actively involved in addressing traffic/parking challenges related to the new construction of the High/Middle school which have negatively impacted my neighborhood. I ask for your vote and I will be humbled to serve you for a fourth consecutive term. Questions? Email me at: apoole@pooleweb.com . |
| Your Precinct | I have been working and will continue to be involved in addressing traffic and parking issues related to the new High School and future Middle School and which have been heavily impacting my neighborhood. |
Meredith Moss Quinn | 29 Myrtle St
| Name | Meredith Quinn |
|---|---|
| meredithMquinn@gmail.com | |
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I volunteer with Belmont Helps, Food for Free, Living Room Conversations, and in my congregation. |
| Candidate’s Statement | Across all issues facing Belmont, I value our ability as neighbors to speak and listen respectfully to each other. I bring experience bridging differences and facilitating difficult conversations. You can count on me to listen to you and to other elected representatives with an open mind and heart, and a commitment to do what is best for all our neighbors. In addition, I have an MBA and a solid grounding in finances, and I’m not afraid to get into the weeds to understand the choices before us. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch – I welcome conversation! |
| Your Precinct | Most of Precinct One is grappling with traffic challenges and pedestrian safety as a result of the reconfigured high school. Separately, I also note that because of the redistricting, Precinct One includes new households, including voters in the Hill Estates area. I promise to represent those voters as well. |
Jamal Saeh | 72 Watson Rd
No survey received.
Yvette J. Tenney | 70 Bow Rd | Candidate for re-election
| Name | Yvette Tenney |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 5th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Supported Belmont Goes Solar by becoming a solar household Supported School overrides by soliciting support from seniors Helped the Belmont Community Path Committee analyze questionnaires Served as treasurer for the Yes for Belmont Pool Committee Oboist in the Belmont Parent Teacher Band Past volunteer for Samaritans suicide crisis line in Boston for ten years |
| Candidate’s Statement | During eleven years as a Town Meeting member, I have worked for passage of the Community Preservation Act, renovation of the Belmont pool, overrides to support the schools, debt exclusion for the new Middle and High School, Belmont Goes Solar, the tunnel under the tracks, and the community path. The new library and hockey rink will further enhance our community. While I am thrilled to live in a walkable town, we also need sufficient convenient parking. Affordable housing, such as that proposed at McLean, will meet critical needs and avoid forced development, as occurred at Beatrice Circle. |
| Your Precinct | Precinct 1 is fortunate in being in close proximity to the library and skating rink. The plans for the library have wonderful features–outdoor reading balcony and play area, proximity to the stream, views of the green in front of the pool–that would enhance our neighborhood. I will work to help the town move forward on funding both facilities. |
Stephen Tomczyk | 47 Hamilton Rd | Candidate for re-election
No survey received.
Jennifer Walker Thomas 55 Bright Rd Candidate for re-election
No survey received.
Alex K. Thurston 101 Baker St Candidate for re-election
No survey received.
John J. Weis | 30 Chenery Ter | Candidate for re-election
| Name | John J. (Jack) Weis |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 6th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | • Town Meeting member since 2009. • Current member of the Warrant Committee, the Town’s primary fiscal watchdog, since 2017. Current chair of the Education Subcommittee. • Formerly Belmont’s representative on the School Committee of the Minuteman Regional Career & Technical High School (2010-2016). • Current member of the Belmont Food Pantry Board of Directors. Active volunteer and volunteer coordinator since 2007. |
| Candidate’s Statement | I care about the full range of issues that come before Town Meeting, and the impact they have on our community. I believe that I bring a balanced perspective and creative problem-solving skills to addressing these important matters. My continuing pledge to the residents of Precinct One: • I will take the time to get educated about the issues facing our community. • I will listen to all viewpoints with an open ear and an open mind. • I will actively participate in the deliberations at Town Meeting. • I will vote on each matter based on what I think is in the best interests of all Belmont residents, not just my own personal interests. |
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Elizabeth F. Woo 16 Randolph St Candidate for re-election
No survey received.
Breda Zimkus 134 Concord Ave Candidate for re-election
| Name | Breda Zimkus |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 2nd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I am currently the co-leader of Girl Scouts Troop 82027, and I have just finished coaching a Belmont Youth Basketball Association team of 3rd and 4th grade girls. |
| Candidate’s Statement | As a 10-year resident of Belmont and Town Meeting Member up for re-election, I will continue to educate myself on every article on the Town Meeting warrant and vote in a way that invests in our community while being fiscally responsible. I am committed to ensuring that Belmont’s students have the infrastructure and support that they need to be successful in school, and I believe that Belmont should continue to consider public-private partnerships and outside grants to assist in funding future capital expenditures. |
| Your Precinct | Many residents of Precinct 1, including myself, are concerned with traffic on Concord Avenue and adjacent neighborhoods as a result of the newly renovated high school. I would like to find ways to reduce traffic and keep Belmont’s roadways safe for both pedestrians and cyclists. |
Matthew Taylor | 59 Edgemoor Rd
| Name | Matthew Taylor |
|---|---|
| matt@02478.org | |
| Campaign Website (optional) | https://www.02478.org |
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 1 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | I have run every street in our town https://www.02478.org/#footnote-every-street For the past 5 years. I’ve co-organized the largest machine learning meetup in the Boston area. Since 2018 I have focused on studying neighboring towns, urban planning, traffic management and the best practices from other municipalities. |
| Candidate’s Statement | Alphabetically at the bottom of your ballot: I’m a parent of two BPS (Burbank) students. I’m a logistics guy. During committee meetings, I show up informed and eager to listen. You’ll hear how I’ve studied other towns and what can be applied to our community—such as calming traffic, noise ordinances, business regulations and infrastructure projects. As an example of what you can expect from me, my comments on the proposed Concord Ave bike lane: https://www.02478.org/2022/02/belmont-wins-with-concord-ave-bike-lane/ I fully support our public schools and our tradition of local government services. I view community as a multi-generational team sport. Longer term, we must seriously handle the many recommendations from the Structural Change Impact Group and developing a Master Plan for our town. I love hearing from you, especially when we think differently. Please write me or visit https://www.02478.org |
| Your Precinct | Our precinct has a lot to off our community! I am currently focused on the Concord Ave ecosystem and its effects on Precinct 1 and our broader community. The logistics of the traffic, parking, and transportation on the surrounding neighborhoods, students and employees are essential to quality of life and a welcoming, vibrant community. Now is the least expensive time to invest in our shared future. We should explore private and public ways to say yes to as much as possible—7-12 school, our library, skating rink, small businesses, nature, memorials, places of worship, and bike/pedestrian safety – which all come together along one of our busiest avenues. |