Candidates’ Survey: Town Meeting Precinct 6

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, 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.

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Daniel Patrick Barry 129 Goden St Candidate for re-election

Name	Daniel Barry
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	4th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Volunteer for various Belmont High School Band and Performing Arts booster activities (cooking hot dogs, setting up tables, etc.). Volunteer for the 2015 and 2021 Operating Overrides, the campaign to build the new middle and high school, and several School Committee and Select Board races (holding signs, dropping leaflets, etc.).
Candidate’s Statement	In the eight years that I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Town Meeting Member, I have worked hard to ensure that Belmont continues to be a great place to call home. As a very strong supporter of our schools (upon which our property values depend) who wants Belmont to remain affordable, I’m concerned that we only get 5% of our property taxes from commercial uses (comparable communities average 15% and Lexington is at 17%). That’s why I’ve been working with town leaders from across the political spectrum to promote responsible economic development that will bring in much-needed revenue to the town at very little expense. Belmont currently faces a multi-million-dollar structural budget deficit that threatens the educational, public safety and senior services upon which we rely. Encouraging commercial development in our non-residential neighborhoods, especially near Route 2, could generate substantial funds that can stabilize our finances and secure our future. I would greatly appreciate your support and hope you will consider giving me one of your 36 votes for Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member on Tuesday, April 5th. Thanks!
Your Precinct	I’m a candidate in Precinct 6 but I previously served Precinct 1 until this year’s re-districting.

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Karen McNay Bauerle 59 Hurd Rd Candidate for re-election

No survey received.

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Kathryn M. Bonfiglio 84 Long Ave Candidate for re-election

Name	Kathryn Bonfiglio
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	2nd
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Long time Board member and have served as President of Belmont Against Racism. Assisted with programs at the Belmont Public Library for One Book One Belmont. Have volunteered with Belmont Helps.
Candidate’s Statement	I support the Housing Production Plan to put Belmont on the path to reaching the required 10% affordable housing to avoid 40 B projects. I support more affordable and low-income housing in general to meet the needs of young and seniors alike. I support smart growth near transportation and Belmont’s Climate Action Roadmap. Let’s get the new library built with a combination of state, local, and private funds. It is a valuable community space used by all ages. Improve our walking and biking infrastructure. Maintain our excellent schools. Would like to see the town attract more small businesses. Phase out air and noise polluting gas leaf blowers. I support the recommendations of the Diversity task Force so that all are welcome and feel they belong in our community.
Your Precinct	Precinct 6 (Formerly, Precinct 1 but due to redistricting, am now in Precinct 6)

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John Joseph Bowe 20 Elizabeth Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	John Bowe
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	7th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Current: Belmont Historical Society board member. Foster parent, through DCF. Past: School Committee (2003-09). Ex-officio (through school committee) on Capital Budget Committee and Warrant Committee. Wellington Building Committee. Information Technology Advisory Committee, ITAC (founding member).
Candidate’s Statement	The pandemic has provided opportunities to expand participation through online meetings and wider and deeper electronic communication. TM should support policies that sustain these as we emerge from our isolation and return to primarily in-person meetings. Belmont has a reputation of being unfriendly to business. TM needs to support policies and zoning to attract and incentivize business to come here and thrive. Belmont’s vitality depend on these. While we have made progress with our infrastructure in recent years (most recent: High School, Police HQ, DPW), we must turn attention to our outdated library. Road are always a Belmont hot-button issue, TM has always done the bese we can with available funds.
Your Precinct	Cushing Square is hurting, with empty storefronts and litigation over Cushing Village. TM (and the SB and Planning Board) must support policies to attract business and bring more life back into the Square. I am excited to support the rehab of Payson Park through the CPA process. It is a neighborhood-scale gem that needs a refresh to provide decades of enjoyment.

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Amy E. Checkoway 26 Pequossette Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Amy Checkoway
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	2nd
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Serve on School Committee (currently Chair), and as part of this role, currently represent Belmont on EDCO (regional education collaborative) board, equity and curriculum & instruction subcommittees, and ex officio member of the Foundation for Belmont Education board. Also volunteer for Christmas in the Village, an annual holiday event for families who live in Belmont Village.
Candidate’s Statement	I am deeply committed to ensuring that we have excellent public schools and town infrastructure (including the rink and library). Other important priorities include affordable housing, revenue diversification, environmental sustainability, and actions that promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity. I have an in-depth understanding of many of the key issues facing our town, including our financial challenges, through my experience serving on the School Committee and participation in various town committees. It is critical that we work collaboratively and transparently to address Belmont’s structural deficit through multi-year financial planning, effective communication, and intensive community engagement.
Your Precinct	I support improvements to the Benton Library and Payson Park, both of which are located in Precinct 6.

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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
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	8th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Belmont Media Center, Co-host, Belmont Journal, hyper-local news show Belmont Media Center, Podcast host, Community Conversations Columnist, Belmont Citizen-Herald (Community Conversations) Former Chair, Belmont Energy Committee Former Chair, Belmont Goes Solar Oversight Committee Former Chair, Belmont Housing Trust Former Chair, Waverly Square Fire Station Reuse Steering Committee Coordinator, Belmont Affordable Shelter Fund Former co-chair, Belmont General Manager Search Committee
Candidate’s Statement	Belmont is in a unique position today of needing more than ever to turn to grassroots opinion makers. Rather than having decisions always flow from the “top” down, ideas and community sentiments need to be identified, and need to flow from the grassroots “up.” Whether it involve town finances, the continued (and accelerated) “greening” of Belmont, maintenance of the quality of our schools, or housing and land-use decisions to serve everyone, I believe that for Town Meeting to truly be the community legislature it is intended to be, there needs to be an activist Town Meeting, not merely one that rubber-stamps decisions that have been made by the School Committee, Select Board and other Town officials. As reflected in the name of the column I wrote for the Citizen-Herald, and the podcast I hosted for the Belmont Media Center, I believe in “community conversations,” with an emphasis on communications from, to, and within the community.
Your Precinct	Precinct 6 is not unique in its needs. It has distinct neighborhoods that should be recognized and preserved. It has an aging population that needs to have housing options so that people can stay in their homes or, at the least, stay in Town. It has a population of limited income households who need an affordable home in which to live. It has children for whom reductions in carbon emissions are needed in order to preserve the planet for their future. It has people of all generations who need basic community services, such as an adequate community library and well-maintained parks. But perhaps most of all today, it has an engaged population who needs, and deserves, a civil discourse about community priorities and a civil resolution of legitimate disagreements about public policy.

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Susanne M. Croy 95 Stults Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Susanne Croy
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	7th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Current: Co-chair Friends of Payson Park Co-chair Community Preservation Act project: Payson Park Revitalization Phase II -Construction Past: Wellington PTO President School Advisory Councils: Wellington, Chenery, BHS Girl Scout leader
Candidate’s Statement	I am running for re-election because I have the energy, interest and time to represent my precinct, as well as help make wise decisions for the entire town. I have grown to enjoy staying fully informed of the works and discussions of the town’s boards and committees either on tv, or thru zoom. Zoom has made it easy to be as informed as one wishes to be. As a special educator, I am particularly interested in the decision-making of the school committee. As Co-chair of Friends of Payson Park, I am leading the process to obtain funding through the Community Preservation Act for the “Revitalization of Payson Park”. This CPA project will improve safety and access to the park by replacing aging benches, tables and playground equipment. Including paved walkways and repairing stairways and entrances will make the park accessible for play, relaxation, or attending concerts and performances. By volunteering to create and execute this CPA project, it takes the pressure off town employees to rebuild the park, and doesn’t require funds from the Capital Budget. I thank the residents of precinct six for giving me this opportunity.
Your Precinct	I was asked to help the town in its plan to improve the conditions at Payson Park. Children play there daily and adults enjoy coming there to relax, listen to a performance, or watch young children play soccer and T-ball. Unfortunately, the conditions of the park are not up to code. Neighbors asked me to become involved in communicating the park’s needs to the town. To that end, I was part of forming The Friends of Payson Park. As co-chair I have applied for and gained approval from the CPA for a grant to fix the deteriorating conditions at the park. We will be bringing this proposal to Town Meeting for approval of funding the June.

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Tara Donner 47 Payson Rd, #2 Candidate for re-election

Name	Tara Donner
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	7th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Parent Representative to Chenery Middle School Council (2021-present) Former Belmont School Committee Member (2018-2021), founding member of Equity Subcommittee of the School Committee Belmont Public Library Long Range Planning Committee (2020) Member, Friends of Belmont Public Library First Church Belmont Member + Children’s Religious Education Teacher (2015-present) Belmont Against Racism Member Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance Member Member Chenery PTO (2018-present) Former Member, Wellington PTO (2013-2021)
Candidate’s Statement	The burden of residential property taxes coupled with desire to maintain excellent quality town services is a challenge. We must work together to maintain our major assets—superb schools, a dynamic library, high-quality safety services—as well as to improve the walking/biking infrastructure and carbon footprint of the town. As a former School Committee member and a 14-year TMM, I believe that we need to aggressively pursue development of neighborhood-friendly business, lobby state/national representatives for funding, and seek out creative funding sources to expand our revenue stream to reduce the need for frequent overrides while fully funding our town’s needs.

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Christine M. Doyle 15 Cedar Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Christine Doyle
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	4th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	1. Town of Belmont – Town Meeting since about 2011. 2. Warrant Committee – since about 2016. Vice Chair since 2019. Started subcommittee on “pension, OPEB, & debt” Also served on Subcommittees on Education (2016-2021), Public Safety (2021-present), Public Works (2016, 2022) 3. Long Term Capital Planning Committee, Chair. Temporary committee to examine and advance the Town’s capital planning process (2020 – 2022) 4. Organizer – Monthly cook group for homeless program at First Church Cambridge 5. Team Leader – Afghan refugee family support, Beth El Temple Center 6. Board of Directors – Massachusetts Rivers Alliance 7. Board of Trustees, Lasell Village senior living community 8. Founder and chair, Friends of Leo J. Martin Skiing
Candidate’s Statement	I am running for reelection to TM as a constructive, practical problem-solver. Financial constraints require careful and transparent evaluation of the short- and long-term needs of the Town and Schools. I support use of federal ARPA funds primarily for one-time needs. Sustainable operating choices and capital investments advance both our financial and climate goals. I have been grateful for the opportunity to serve in Town Meeting. At the risk of sounding dramatic, I believe strongly that local government, community agency, and collaboration are the best ways to achieve common goals, increase equity, expand opportunity, and sustain democratic institutions for our kids.
Your Precinct	In 2022 my street was redistricted from Precinct 1 to Precinct 6. So I am running for reelection, but now I am a candidate in Precinct 6.

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Theodore Dukas 236 Payson Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Theodore Dukas
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	6th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Board of the Council on Aging(current)
Candidate’s Statement	I am interested in re-election because I believe there is work to be done in the areas of taxes and residential development. Until the Town achieves 10% affordable housing we are subject to the plans of developers who may not always have the best interests of the town at heart. We know that the state is interested in developing housing within walking distance of public transportation, but we also want to insure that development is well planned. If I am re-elected, I will work on these two areas of Town concern
Your Precinct	In Pct 6, there is great interest in renovating Payson Park. In Town Meeting, I will add my vote what we hope will be an overwhelming majority in favor of getting this job done!

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Roy Epstein 34 Cushing Ave Candidate for re-election

No survey received.

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Stephen A. Evans 100 Van Ness Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Stephen Evans
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	4th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Organizer of override campaign to build a new Wellington Elementary School
Candidate’s Statement	I have been a TMM for several years and previously served on the boards of the Foundation for Belmont Education and the Wellington Afterschool Program (when my kids were younger!). If elected, I will support capital projects like the new library/rink and advocate for the responsible use of town financial resources to maintain and improve the services Belmont provides to its residents and through our schools. I hope to build on the efforts of prior generations and make our town a wonderful place to live for all. I welcome questions, so please contact me by email or phone.
Your Precinct	I am an enthusiastic supporter of the proposal to use community preservation funds to revitalize Payson Park.

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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
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	I was re-elected to a three year term in 2021 and served one year of that term. Because Precinct 6 has been re-precincted, two years of that three year term have disappeared completely. Therefore, I am running for re-election again. I served for three terms prior to 2021.
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	As a volunteer, I assist the Belmont Department of Health by posting Covid Vaccination Clinic information on social media and email. Benton Library Public Relations Coordinator Member Benton Library Board of Directors
Candidate’s Statement	Throughout my TMM service, I have promoted a balanced approach to housing and commercial needs in Cushing Square and along the Belmont Street/Trapelo Road corridor. I was an invited participant at the Economic Development Committee/Technical Assistance panel which obtained stakeholders’ views on Waverley Square development; I commented on how this will affects Cushing Square and the entire Belmont Street/Trapelo Road corridor. Many of you know me because I write – on a volunteer basis – If I May, a Belmont Citizen column. In some 18 pieces written since the column began, I have addressed issues that are important to Precinct 6 and to Belmont. These include, but are not limited to, how to deal with the lingering effects of Covid in “Using What We’ve Learned,” “Town Meeting and the Civil Service” on devising a viable way for Town Meeting to consider leaving the Civil Service should the issue arise again, “Harbingers of Change” on distinct citizen efforts that are steadily creating meaningful change in Belmont government, “Good Manners” on civility and treating all town employees equally, and “Rewarding Excellence” on the work done by Belmont’s Department of Health to create an extraordinary Covid vaccination clinic model. I am #13 on the list.
Your Precinct	PAYSON PARK PLAYGROUND – The Payson Park playground is not safe for children or adults. I spoke in favor of the project to repair and recondition the park with CPA funding at the Recreation Committee meeting and at the CPA hearing last fall and will support the project at Town Meeting if I am re-elected.

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Mary T.W. Gavin 12 Long Ave Candidate for re-election

Name	Mary T.W. Gavin
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	While this is my 7th time seeking election, it will be my first term representing the expanded Precinct 6, as Long Avenue where I live has been redistricted.
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Currently: active in the Belmont Garden Club.
Candidate’s Statement	I am eager to represent Precinct 6 at Town Meeting. As a former public school teacher and a parent of children who were educated in the Belmont Public Schools, I have been an active supporter of Belmont athletic, music and art programs and have been particularly engaged in quality of life issues, as demonstrated by my many years previously serving on the Traffic Advisory Committee. I would like to represent the people of Precinct 6 at Town Meeting and am interested in hearing your concerns, with the goal of continuing Belmont’s history of a warm and welcoming community.
Your Precinct	Traffic and parking

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Elizabeth S. Gibson 15 Oakley Rd Candidate for re-election

No survey received.

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Laurie A. Graham 46 Lawndale St, #1 Candidate for re-election

No survey received.

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Suzanne Johannet 45 Warwick Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Suzanne Johannet
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	4th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Town Meeting member President, Belmont Food Collaborative
Candidate’s Statement	I support the town’s Energy Road Map, and look for ways to save money by making sustainable choices. I believe that climate change is the biggest challenge facing us today. We need to work to keep our budget balanced without losing the strength of our schools, and we need to promote affordable housing so that Belmont can be a vibrant and diverse community. As a regular user of many library services, I support building a new library.

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Mary Ann Kazanjian 355 School St Candidate for re-election

No survey received.

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Stephen Klionsky 196 Payson Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Stephen Klionsky
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	7th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	I’ve coached Little League and Belmont Youth basketball. I’ve also served on the Light Board Advisory Committee advising the Select Board and Belmont Light for nine years and was chair of that committee for five years (2016-2021)
Candidate’s Statement	I want to continue serving as a TMM in Precinct 6 to contribute to solving the issues facing Belmont, including maintaining our excellent schools and town services. We must also keep up our infrastructure and I supported the new 7-12 grade school and the renovation of the police and DPW facility. More needs to be done as our library and skating rink are in dire need of replacement. Finally, we must also think globally and do our part to address the societal problem of climate change by reducing our town’s carbon footprint. To further that goal I am also running for a two-year seat on the new Municipal Light Board. My background is in energy law and utility regulation and I have served on the town committee advising Belmont Light and the Select Board on energy matters for nine years.
Your Precinct	Payson Park needs a “redo” to make it more useable and welcoming to the community. In addition, the Benton Library needs repair (chimney collapse) and I support the use of Community Preservation Act funds to bring it back to full use. Then there is always the state of our roads, some of which very much need repaving.

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Priya Adhikari Licht 174 Lewis Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Priya Adhikari Licht
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	3rd
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Burbank PTO Foundation for Belmont Education (Spelling Bee, grant review) Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition Belmont Math Parents
Candidate’s Statement	As an immigrant, small business owner and parent of two kids in the Belmont public schools, I hope to bring fresh perspective, a commitment to maintaining and improving our wonderful schools, and transparency on town matters. I have worked with Belmont Math Parents to advocate for challenging, rigorous and accessible math programs at the Chenery and in our high school. I have voted in favor of affordable housing and the community path. I support continuing investment in our town’s physical infrastructure, including the library, skating rink, roads, and sidewalks.
Your Precinct	I support the use of CPA funds to renovate Payson Park.

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Betsy Lipson 89 Townsend Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Betsy Lipson
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	3rd
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	For past 3 years, I’ve served as co-chair of the Belmont Housing Trust. In the past, I was on the Rec Commission and was president of Belmont Second Soccer when my kids were younger.
Candidate’s Statement	Belmont has to thread a needle when it comes to revitalization to exhibit vitality for our economic development, meeting the region’s housing needs (and recent state law on this), and engaging a convincing representation of residents in a shared vision on these things. I’m proud to be a part of the Housing Trust which has plans to facilitate a number of public discussions to collect input on this vision as it relates to our town’s Housing Production Plan.

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Gail S. Mann 196 Payson Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Gail Mann
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	3rd
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	In addition to being a Town Meeting member, I am a trustee of the Belmont Public Library, first elected in 2014 and most recently re-elected in 2020. In the past, I was Treasurer of the Cheney and Belmont High School PTOs. I was also on the board of the Belmont Foundation for Education for several years. During tax season I prepare tax returns for low income seniors.
Candidate’s Statement	My husband, Steve Klionsky, and I have lived in Belmont for more than 43 years. Our two grown children attended the Belmont Public Schools. As a long-time resident and Town Meeting member, I support maintaining the high quality of educational and other Town services we value through continued strong fiscal management. As a library trustee, I understand first-hand the importance of providing adequate capital funding to ensure that our Town facilities are and remain safe, welcoming, accessible and functional. I ask for the vote of precinct 6 residents on April 5 and look forward to continuing service to Belmont.
Your Precinct	Precinct 6, 196 Payson Road I support the rehabilitation of Payson Park.

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Jeanne R. Mooney 60 Oak Ave Candidate for re-election

Name	Jeanne Mooney
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	11th (or more)
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Over my near 38 years in Belmont I have participated in multiple community programs and activities. Schools: I was a recipient the School Committee’s volunteer award years ago and I served as a board member of the Foundation for Belmont Education. Funding of schools & town services: I am proud to to have worked hard to pass debt exclusions for the Chenery, Wellington, and Middle/High School. I chaired the override campaign in 2001 and continue to support campaigns that seek to maintain our community. Conservation & Open Space: I was a founding member of the Judy Record Conservation Fund that raised funds to help steward the care of what is now Lone Tree Hill. Diversity and inclusion: I am a member of Belmont Against Racism and participate regularly in programs and events to make Belmont a welcoming community for all.
Candidate’s Statement	As a TMM of 24 years, I actively attend town meetings, public hearings, and participate in community events so I can be an informed participant in the public process on your behalf. Belmont faces many issues that require input from residents and I am committed to coming together as a community to find solutions to our service and capital needs. I make it a priority to be informed. Over these last two challenging years of the pandemic I have attended meetings and hearings via Zoom on the many issues and projects facing the Town including the McLean development, housing, Community Path, the Middle/High School, storage tanks, leaf blowers, civil service, land conservation, climate sustainability, and diversity. As a parent of adult children that went K-12 in Belmont, I remain committed to excellence in our schools and follow the issues facing students and parents. With the challenge of funding our services and capital projects, I support the bylaw proposal to replace the Capital Budget Committee with a “Comprehensive Capital Budget Committee” to provide better understanding of capital needs and funding requirements. Maintaining our roads, sidewalks, and tree canopy is important, as is public/private funding a new library and new skating rink. As Belmont voters are asked to further invest in our future, public dialogue is important to setting priorities. I ask for your vote so I may continue representing Precinct 6.
Your Precinct	I support the CPA (Community Preservation Act) grant proposal to renovate the Payson Park Playground and the grant for repairs to the Benton Library chimney and roof as well as a study of the building envelope.

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Katherine Oates 82 Cushing Ave Candidate for re-election

Name	Katherine Oates
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	2nd
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Yes for Belmont 7-12 campaign, Wellington volunteer (in various capacities), Belmont Youth Hockey & Soccer coach
Candidate’s Statement	I support smart expansion of the town’s commercial activity to provide additional town revenue. I am committed to sustainability and energy efficiency measures (e.g. ZNE) whenever possible for both new and refurbished infrastructure projects. Affordable housing options, maintaining our excellent schools, and improving the state of our roads are all topics important to me as well. I look forward to serving a second term as a town meeting member, in a term when Belmont will face a number of critical infrastructure (capital budget) projects in addition to the challenge of the annual budget process.

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Linda N. Oates 302 Payson Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Linda Oates
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	11th (or more)
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Years-long involvement with Payson Park improvements Organizer of 23 trees donated to Payson Park Former member Warrant Committee Former member Fire Station Building Committee Served on search committees for Wellington principal, Town Administrator, Fire Station Site Feasibility Committee Supporter of Rec. Dep’t. swim programs Supporter of school music programs, especially via music POMS Current sponsor of Payson Park safety/access project via CPA funding
Candidate’s Statement	I have followed Payson Park since 1978. Improvements over time good but many problematic issues of aging and weathering need correction. I would like to vote for the project in this year’s Town Meeting. Another more recent focus has been the area of “User friendly” Disability Issues since I am now on crutches. Good sewer and water drainage away from homes is desired. Empty stores need to be filled.
Your Precinct	Payson Park Safety/Access plan now heading toward Town Meeting. Correction of deficits needed to ensure safe play for children and safe access for all users.

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Aaron B. Pikcilingis 24 Branchaud Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Aaron Pikcilingis
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	3rd
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Member, Structural Change Impact Group (SCIG) Chair, SCIG Working Group on Consolidation, Regionalization, and Outsourcing Member, Vision 21 Implementation Group Youth Soccer and Basketball coach
Candidate’s Statement	I believe we should secure Belmont’s future by making plans that enable us to fund public services, address long-term capital needs, and support those in need. Last year I devised, sponsored, and fought tirelessly to pass articles to adopt provisions of the BRAVE Act, providing support to residents and employees of our town who sacrifice for the greater good. I will continue to lead at Town Meeting and as a member of the Structural Change Impact Group and Vision 21 Implementation Committee, supporting efforts that will make Belmont a better place to work, learn, and live for all. One specific action we need to take as a town is to update our Master Plan, which was most recently updated in 2009. A Master Plan serves as a guiding document for policy decisions in all areas and functions of the town. It will be critical to get broad community input on the kind of place we want our town to be in the long term, then devise and implement policies that will get us there. I will support this process through my work on town committees and as a Town Meeting Member.
Your Precinct	A key issue for Precinct 6 relates to Governor Baker’s new economic development bill for MBTA communities like Belmont, which requires that we zone for higher density and multi-family housing in at least one area within 1/2 mile of MBTA service. A great thing about Precinct 6 is that we all live within 1/2 mile of public transit, so it will be important to participate in the process of our rezoning effort to ensure the needs of our current and future residents are met. I will advocate for our neighborhood as we work toward the goals of providing improved access to housing to a broader range of people. I will make a pointed effort to understand the ways in which previous and current zoning policies have supported structural racism and advocate for specific changes that will move us in the direction of justice.

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Brian S. Saper 16 Old Middlesex Rd Candidate for re-election

Name	Brian Saper
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	6th
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	I have been a Belmont poll worker since 2007 and have worked as precinct clerk since 2012. I have worked for the Meet Belmont Committee. I am on the Board of the Friends of the Benton Library. I do a lot of work for residents that call the Beech Street Center asking for help or repairs around their homes. I paid for the performance stage at Payson Park. I donated a screen to the Town Hall Auditorium so meetings can show Power Points or videos large enough for everyone to read and appreciate.
Candidate’s Statement	:Belmont is the Town of Homes, but for many longtime residents it is getting difficult to afford the increasing real estate taxes as Belmont tries to keep up with budget increases. Listening to the public forums on the McLean housing projects over the years, it now seems likely that housing for downsizing could become available and offer new affordable opportunities for the seniors in Belmont. As the 73 bus is being replaced by electric buses, perhaps it is time to extend bus service from Waverley Square to Belmont Center.

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Judith R. Singler 53 Selwyn Rd Candidate for re-election

No survey received.

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Laurie Rutherford Slap 95 Long Ave Candidate for re-election

No survey received.

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Marie Virginia Warner 39 Hillside Ter Candidate for re-election

Name	Marie Warner
Campaign Website (optional)	http://www.warnerforprecinct6.com
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	2nd
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	~ CEO, Founder of Boston Women Connect – Organization of Boston metro area women professionals & small business owners ~ Vice President, CFRB – Citizens for a Fiscally Responsible Belmont (non-partisan 501(c)4 nonprofit) ~ Chair – No Override Now Committee ~ Co-produced video tutorial on the Belmont tax abatement process broadcast by the Belmont Media Center
Candidate’s Statement	Belmont has been my home and Precinct 6 my neighborhood for 25 years. I care deeply for our town, embrace our strengths as a community and work to improve life in our town and our precinct for all residents. I was elected to a three-year term as a Town Meeting Member in 2021. Because of the re-redrawing of Precinct borders I am again running for election in 2022. In the past year as your Town Meeting Member, I have actively represented Precinct 6 with 100% participation in every Town Meeting vote. My commitment as Town Meeting Member is reflected in my active and vocal participation at Select Board and other public meetings. Said one Belmont neighbor on social media in response, “Thank you, Marie for being our voice, as well as our eyes and ears.” I relentlessly advocate for transparent and efficient financial stewardship. Without that strong stewardship, our quality of life in Belmont is jeopardized. Maintaining our excellent schools, repairing our roads and enhancing town services becomes unsustainable and unaffordable. I ask for your vote so that I may continue to represent you and serve our community, Precinct 6.
Your Precinct	~ Rehabilitation of Payson Park, while not disrupting the Summer schedule of free concerts ~ Repair and maintenance of the Precinct’s roads and sidewalks ~ Affordability and equity for all residents – renters, owners, families and retirees ~ Fostering appropriate commercial development in Cushing Square, and promoting our local businesses

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Julie Wu 66 Hillside Ter Candidate for re-election

Name	Julie Wu
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	2nd
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Diversity Task Force; Solid Waste and Recycling Committee; President and co-founder of Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition; Client Services Manager of Belmont Helps; Founder of Belmont Composts!; Affirmative Action Officer of Belmont Democratic Town Committee.
Candidate’s Statement	I would like to continue working toward making Belmont a dynamic, welcoming, sustainable, and economically vibrant town.

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Laura G. Burnes 24 Branchaud Rd

Name	Laura Burnes
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	First-time candidate
I live in:	Precinct 6
Candidate’s Statement	I am a Branchaud Rd resident, Wellington and Chenery parent and a Business owner. I believe we can build a more equitable and accessible Belmont through smart financial plans to fully fund our schools and address capital needs including rebuilding our library and the skating rink. As a town meeting member I will work collaboratively to stabilize and protect these critical resources that promote community and joy.

Cabell T. Eames 26 Lewis Rd

Name	Cabell Eames
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	First-time candidate
I live in:	Precinct 6
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Chair Green Alliance-Chenery Middle School 2017-2021. Energy Committee 2019-2021, Belmont DTC Vice-Chair 2019-2022, Current Democratic State Commitee Member (elected). Belmont Helps volunteer.
Candidate’s Statement	I am the proud parent of two children, one at the high school and the other at the middle school. I love our community, as it has given so much to my family, and want to see it continue to grow and be welcoming to all. I believe we can have a beautiful library, a net-zero high school, and thriving businesses through thoughtful, strategic planning. Our climate action plan is equally crucial to the future of our town, and lucrative decisions lie ahead. In my profession, I collaborate with our state and federal government on climate policy and, if elected, look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to our town government.
Your Precinct	Precinct 6

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Jeffrey P. Geibel 39 Hillside Ter

No survey received.

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Evelyn Garcia Gomez 41 Carleton Rd

Name	Evelyn Gómez
Campaign Website (optional)	http://evelyngomez.org
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	First-time candidate
I live in:	Precinct 6
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	Belmont School Committee, 2020-2021 Belmont Juneteenth Planning Committee Black and Brown in Belmont Massachusetts Invention Convention
Candidate’s Statement	I support equitable schools, updated library, and affordable housing.
Your Precinct	I support the Payson Park rebuild project.

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Jerrel A. Jones 8 Payson Rd

No survey received.

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Edward Avedis Kazanjian 355 School St

No survey received.

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Melissa A. McKenna 15 Warwick Rd

Name	Melissa McKenna
Email	melissa@ideadrop.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)	Foundation for Belmont Education, Secretary; Coach, Belmont Youth Basketball; Volunteer, CMS PTO; (Past) President Wellington PTO; (Past) VP Enrichment Wellington PTO; (Past) Team Assistant Belmont Youth Lacrosse
Candidate’s Statement	As a ten-year resident of Belmont and parent of two Belmont Public Schools students, I am running for Town Meeting to continue my commitment to supporting our schools, ensuring access to services and resources for all Belmont residents, and increasing opportunities for small businesses and economic growth in Belmont. I will prioritize transparency and reasoned collaboration, while committing to understanding the issues facing our town. I support maintaining community resources, including the library, rink, safe town infrastructure, and robustly staffed schools. We must continue to meet the needs of our diverse student population and community, as equitably as possible. I will explore all of the options to increase affordable housing as well as opportunities for commercial growth in both the near and long term.
Your Precinct	I will listen to abutters, precinct 6 residents and all members of the Belmont Community as we move forward with plans to update and restore the park spaces in our precinct including Payson Park and the playground at Chenery. We must work to create welcoming public spaces, open for the enjoyment of all members of the community, while maintaining responsible spending and balancing the concerns of neighbors.

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Michael Pridham 6 York Rd

No survey received.

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Joel Michael Semuels 18 Bellevue Rd

Name	Joel Semuels
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	Candidate for re-election
I live in:	Precinct 6
I am seeking my ___ term in office:	15 years as TMM, lost last election
Volunteer & community activities? (optional)	President, Friends of Council on Aging fund raising and funding scholarships and programs and services Town does not fund. Member, 2 time chair, Council on Aging Board
Candidate’s Statement	Our schools are great, our community is safe and our TownServices are very good. Let’s keep it that way. A misaligned wheel is worse than a misaligned child. Prioritizing the roads can wait. Let’s get creative and fund a new library before we have to close the current one or spend money to repair it that we will never get back. I am a retired Elder Law attorney and will work hard to represent you again in TM.
Your Precinct	Look for me at the bottom of the precinct 6 ballot, Vote for Joel when you go to the Poll!

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Owen Toland 84 Pine St

Name	Owen Toland
I’m a candidate for:	Town Meeting
I am running as a:	First-time candidate
I live in:	Precinct 6
Candidate’s Statement	I am a 2008 BHS Graduate and have lived in Belmont for 25+ Years. I also work in Belmont as a real estate agent for the past 10+ years. I think it’s important that our town can be enjoyed by all its residents from our seniors to our children. I believe there is a fine balance between investing in our town and doing so in a financially responsible manner. I look forward to the opportunity of giving back to the town I love!
Your Precinct	Benton Library, Roads, Cushing Square

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Kristen F. Zecchi 32 Warwick Rd

Name	Kristen Zecchi
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 am an active community volunteer, including serving as a Girl Scout troop leader; committee chairperson at Watertown Children’s Theater at Mosesian Center for the Arts; school volunteer at Burbank and Chenery; volunteer with Heading Home, an NGO to help transition families out of homelessness; and volunteer with and member of New Roads church.
Candidate’s Statement	Having recently moved from Precinct 1 where I was a two-term Town Meeting Member, I am eager to continue to serve my community in Precinct 6. As the mother of two children in Belmont’s public schools, I am committed to maintaining the highest caliber of education for all, but also understand that fiscal needs must be balanced. I believe in facilitating small business growth to enhance our community and also deepen our commercial tax base. I support policy that ensures we are welcoming to all. Attention to quality-of-life issues is critical, and I am an advocate for actively managing increased traffic, increased pedestrian safety measures, and access to affordable housing for seniors and new families alike. I look forward to being in touch with you, my Precinct 6 neighbors, to best understand the issues that matter to you. I hope you will give me your vote on April 5, when you can find my name at the very end of the ballot.
Your Precinct	I believe that precinct issues are town issues and town issues are precinct issues; it is difficult to separate the two. That said, areas that are particularly relevant to Precinct 6 that concern me include maintaining a vibrant economic corridor and community center in Cushing Square; ensuring safe traffic patterns around Chenery and Cushing; and paying attention to new development and zoning in the area.

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