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.
Click on the link below to view the survey. A check mark (✓ ) indicates candidates who have submitted surveys.
One year position (vote for not more than 1)
Three year position (vote for not more than 12)
Kathryn Boundy Auffinger | 211 Lexington St
| Name | Kathryn Auffinger |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 4 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Butler PTA board member, co-VP of In-school Enrichment Co-coordinator of Library Night at Butler Co-coordinator of the International Fair at Butler Volunteer for the Yes for Belmont campaign |
| Candidate’s Statement | One of Belmont’s highest priorities should be adequately funding our public school system so that our district can meet more students’ needs. After serving as a Butler PTA board member for five years, I understand the role that the PTAs/PTOs/FBE have played for a long time in providing technology, enrichments, and classroom libraries. Belmont should look to expand its commercial tax base in ways that make our neighborhoods more vibrant and livable, while increasing revenue for all town services. I support thoughtful economic development in Waverley Square to revitalize the area. |
| Your Precinct | I would like to see a revitalized Waverley Square with mixed-use buildings, businesses that encourage community, and more green space. I also support efforts to promote walking and cycling in the neighborhood. |
Helen E. Bakeman | 92 Lexington St
No survey received.
Kenroy R. Cayetano | 426 Trapelo Rd, #3
| Name | Kenroy Cayetano |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 4 |
| Candidate’s Statement | Transparency is the thread that ties everything together. In the past,, our town’s goals and commitments have not always been clear to its resident, as a result we’ve repeatedly had difficulty funding our most important priorities. One of my goals is to engage more people in setting priorities for the town. By communicating with people in our precinct through playground meet ups for young families, a few zoom meetings with break out rooms to meet town meeting members, and in-person meetings for those who are not as comfortable with technology, we can talk about the needs of our town and the opportunities we have to foster the community we want and deserve. |
| Your Precinct | Daniel Butler Elementary School is at the heart of our precinct, it is important that we continue to support the school and the teachers in its mission. Additionally, it’s vital for the long term economic health of the precinct and the town that we find ways to improve the commercial corridor along Trapelo Road. |
Michael B. Chesson | 21 Whitcomb St
| Name | Michael Chesson |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 4 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 4th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Historic District Commission, Community Preservation Committee, Shade Tree Committee; vice-president, Belmont Historical Society |
| Candidate’s Statement | I oppose town government financing by override; some pass, others fail. There is no stability. Eventually the town will plunge over the much discussed “fiscal cliff.” A better approach would be a hard hiring freeze by Town Meeting, and observed and executed by the Select Board. Lay off administrators, especially in the bloated School Department, and rehire the teachers who were cut after the recent failed override. Reduce the work force by attrition. Dozens were added to the town payroll despite the failed override, all through the pandemic. |
| Your Precinct | I urge residents of Precinct 4 to inform themselves about major changes to Waverley Square as outlined by the Urban Land Institute and the Belmont Economic Development Committee and Office of Community Planning. I support “tree equity” for Precinct 4, which has fewer trees than other precincts, and none that are on the list of notable trees in Belmont, posted on the town website, and updated regularly by the Shade Tree Committee. Both Precincts 4 and 5 are south of Trapelo Road, an area with less tree canopy than those to the north. Trees cool your neighborhood and the entire town. |
Kevin M. Cunningham | 20 Chandler St
No survey received.
David Richard Flewelling | 36 Sycamore St
| Name | David Flewelling |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 4 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 8th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Currently serve as the Wellington Station Master Member of the Belmont Historical Society |
| Candidate’s Statement | The Town faces many challenges. Balancing the budget, providing quality services to residents and educating our students. It is important that we commit to making the Town affordable so that those wishing to stay in their homes are able to do so. Our neighborhoods should remain neighborhoods, our streets should be safe to bike and drive on and walking routes should be safe for all pedestrians. |
| Your Precinct | As the Town looks to make Waverley Square a more vibrant part of the community it will be important to remember both its history and uniqueness. As the Wellington Station Master it is important that we promote the History of our Town and why this is a great place to live. |
Sheila M. Flewelling | 36 Sycamore St
| Name | Sheila Flewelling |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 4 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 8th |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Member of the Belmont Historical Society Served on the Waverley Fire Station Re-Use Steering Committee Served on the Waverley Trail Committee |
| Candidate’s Statement | Communication, respect and transparency are vital in solving the many issues the Town is facing. Thoughtful development that interfaces with both the neighborhoods and abutting businesses with attention to traffic, parking, bicycle and pedestrian safety are key elements to success. Keeping the Town an affordable place to live and supporting increased revenue opportunities are high priorities for me. |
| Your Precinct | Revitalizing Waverley Square while maintaining as much open space as possible and keeping with the Town’s sustainable goals can be achieved and as a strong advocate for representing neighborhood concerns, I look forward to participating in this effort. |
John B. Occhino | 18 Hull St
No survey received.
Sandra M. Occhino 18 Hull St
No survey received.
Eric James Perkins | 48 Stella Rd
| Name | Eric Perkins |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | First-time candidate |
| I live in: | Precinct 4 |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Butler PTA board, Coordinator of Butler Math & Science night, frequent guest scientist speaker for Chenery 8th graders, volunteer career ambassador for MassBioEd, volunteer mentor for The Valedictorian Project (mentoring first generation college students) |
| Candidate’s Statement | I have been a Belmont resident for 14 years, and I have three children in three different district schools. During my years of active volunteerism with both the Butler and Chenery PTOs, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges these schools face with the current budget limitations. My 20 year career in the nonprofit sector has taught me how to stretch a dollar, but there needs to be a dollar to stretch! Belmont needs to be able to attract and retain excellent teachers, and ultimately it will take money to do that. I’m also a frequent pedestrian and cyclist and will thoughtfully advocate for traffic control and safety on our streets and sidewalks. |
| Your Precinct | Precinct 4 has an exceptionally high number of resident aliens who cannot vote in town (or any) elections, including my own wife. One of my goals as a town meeting member for this precinct is to recognize that these tax-paying residents need to have a voice in our town. I would also like to be involved in the thoughtful growth of the Waverley Square neighborhood. |
Johanna Martha Swift 92 Hull St
No survey received.
Laura Vanderhart 96 Agassiz Ave
| Name | Laura VanderHart |
|---|---|
| I’m a candidate for: | Town Meeting |
| I am running as a: | Candidate for re-election |
| I live in: | Precinct 4 |
| I am seeking my ___ term in office: | 3rd |
| Volunteer & community activities? (optional) | Butler PTA, Chenery PTO |
| Candidate’s Statement | I have been on the boards of Butler PTA and Chenery PTO for many years, and feel a special dedication to the students, teachers, and families of Belmont. I am also excited for the Community Path and other town improvements. |
| Your Precinct | There will be a lot of development soon on Pleasant Street, and there is planning for Waverley Square and for the Community Path. I hope that all of these efforts are coordinated and make our precinct more functional and safe, and even more beautiful and fun, for all users and residents. |
Joseph P. White 14 Maple Ter
No survey received.