Tag: opinion

Six Citizen Proposals to Strengthen Belmont’s Democracy

Belmont Town Meeting

Town Meeting member Paul Joy explains the six, citizens petitions he submitted for consideration at the annual Town Meeting in an effort to make Belmont’s government more “democratic, responsive, and forward-thinking.“

“Till Belmont Gets a Village” – The Case For Overlay Zoning 

Belmont Center - Belmont Historical Society

In 1857, as it looked to separate from Cambridge, Waltham and Watertown, Belmont’s lack of a commercial center (“village”) was a major issue. More than 160 years later, the town is looking to revitalize its “village” by modernizing its zoning regulations. In this opinion piece, Town Meeting Member Mary Lewis writes that the proposed Belmont Center Overlay will boost local business, provide accessible housing, and improve residents’ quality of life, fostering a vibrant, 21st century community.

IF I MAY: Keeping Belmont’s Democracy Alive

Viglirolo Rink

In her latest If I May opinion piece, Judith Feinleib calls out the town’s political leadership for what she describes as efforts to dismiss contrary voices and opinions. Feinleib calls on residents to speak up.

Open Letter: Budget Cutting and the School Department

typewriter letters

“I’m writing to express my deepest reservations about the status of our town’s budget cutting exercise and its impact on the School Department budget for FY 2021, ” School Committee member Michael Crowley begins his letter to the Select Board.