Town Meeting Candidate Statements
Submitted to Envision Arlington
Arlington Town Election: Saturday, April 6, 2019
Polls open 8am - 8pm
Absentee ballots due at Clerk’s Office by 12pm on Friday, April 5.
Please see the League of Women Voters Guide for a list of all candidates running and biographies of the Select Board and School Committee Candidates.
Do you need a Ride?
The LWV will provide rides to the polls. Please call them at (781) 354-0907 the week of the election.
The League of Women Voters and Envision Arlington do not endorse candidates. However, in an effort to help voters make informed decisions, we provided candidates with the opportunity to submit statements. If a candidate is not listed here, it simply means they did not submit a statement. The statements are posted as they were submitted and have not been fact checked. Candidates are listed in ballot order. All seats are three-year seats unless otherwise indicated.
Candidates responded to the following prompt: Tell us about yourself and why you are running. You are welcome to include information about warrant articles Town Meeting is considering this year.
Jump to your precinct with these links: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
20 years ago I bought my house in E Arlington despite the fact I came to this country with $100.00 in my pocket. Today young folks stand no chance buying into our amazing town.
I’m running because proposed zoning changes will make our town even less affordable and will have drastic impact on our community. I want to be strong voice representing East Arlington in discussions about our Town's future that takes into consideration our environment, educational system, small businesses, transportation and quality of life we appreciate and should try to preserve. As a member of Arlington Cultural Council i work hard on promoting Art and Culture in our city. I believe we are a unique town because our diversity and i want to do my part preserving it.
Wendy VanderHart
“Wendy Vander Hart – a ♥ for Arlington” is my campaign slogan. My home in Arlington has more than doubled in value in the eighteen years I have lived here. The tree canopy is shrinking in our town. Developers are squeezing in more units including less affordable ones. Traffic adds to our collective carbon footprint. The brand new Thompson school was quickly over-subscribed because of poor planning and a significant addition was required three years into its existence. Should I be called to serve I am sure I can add to this list of concerns. There are big impact issues at hand in our local communities.
I want to encourage us to think globally while acting locally. Responding to the impulse to move from the sidelines into the fray, to come to know my neighbors in a deeper way, to work for justice at every turn, to participate in our participatory government has led me to take this step of running for Town Meeting Member. Thank you for your consideration.
Juliet Moir
I am a life-long Arlington resident and school-based pediatric physical therapist, working in public schools in neighboring towns for the past 14 years. I am a parent of three school-aged children and have volunteered as Fundraising Chair for Thompson School and as a parent representative on the Gibbs Advisory Committee. In 2015, when our community was faced with the challenges created by our growing student enrollment, I joined with like-minded parents to form the School Enrollment Parent Group to advocate for sensible solutions. I have served as a Precinct One Town Meeting Member for the past 3 years and I am currently the fundraising co-chair for the Build Arlington's Future 2019 campaign, reprising my role from the successful 2016 BAF effort. I am passionate about adequately funding and staffing our schools and improving disability access across town. I support balanced zoning reform and property tax exemptions for our seniors and economically disadvantaged residents. I would appreciate your vote on April 6! Thank you!
Virginia Reeder
I am excited to be running for second term as a Town Meeting Member in Precinct 2. My professional background is in urban planning, and I work in the field of transportation planning and policy. I feel a responsibility to engage in local government activities, and to offer my time and energy to make Arlington the best community it can be for all residents. I was raised in Arlington, and returned 8 years ago with my husband to raise our own two kids here (who currently attend Hardy Elementary). My parents still live in my childhood home. Therefore, in addition to seeing things as a parent of school-aged children, I understand the perspective of those who are facing rising costs on a fixed income and how they are at times in conflict with the needs of a school district facing staggering enrollment growth. I look forward to bringing this balanced perspective to all issues - on education, zoning, and beyond - that I will have the privilege to vote on if re-elected.
Brendan Sullivan
My reason for running for Town Meeting is to continue as an active participant in our Town’s governance. While my initial interest and motivation was to assist with solving our school enrollment challenges, I’ve learned from my experience as a TMM that there are many more areas that deserve as much community involvement as possible. What better way to be involved than to attend subcommittee meetings, discuss the current topics with neighbors, fellow TMM’s and Town leaders, and formulating a vote based on the knowledge gained from these interactions.
One of the things I’ve learned most from Town Meeting is how intertwined each of the articles presented are. It is impossible to simply focus on school enrollment issues and not also thoroughly evaluate zoning articles that may result in increased housing units, which in turn may impact enrollment. Or to focus on the safety of our roads, “the” bike path, schools, etc. and not be aware of budget issues concerning our police, fire and public works departments.
I look forward to another term as a TMM and watching Arlington continue to be a place I have always been proud of. My wife and I are very fortunate to raise our children here and appreciative of the community around us.
Samit Chhabra
I have recently completed my first 3-year term as a Town Meeting Member. Overall, I think it’s been a successful campaign—highlighted by positive momentum towards rebuilding and enhancing Arlington’s schools, which was the main draw for me to apply to represent my precinct in 2016. Over the past 3 years, I’ve attended almost every Town Meeting, various committee meetings—mostly related to the school committee and high school rebuild, campaigned door-to-door for a support for the last tax override related to the funding of Minuteman rebuild / High School feasibility study / Gibbs, as well as being part of active discussion with the citizens of my precinct so that I can hear their views and represent them to that best of my abilities. Although the time commitment is significant, I’m 100% ready for another 3-year term to continue to build on the work we have done to meet the challenges our town is facing. Again, front and center of those challenges is to further bolster our school system – namely the AHS rebuild and additional resources for Ottoson and our other schools. I would be honored to serve precinct 2 and Arlington for the next 3 years.
Nawwaf Kaba
Madeleine Delpha McClure
I have lived in Arlington for eight years, and I’ve represented Precinct Four at Town Meeting since 2016. As a proud parent of one Hardy first grader and one future Hardy student, I support responsible investment in our schools, and l’ve volunteered for the Build Arlington’s Future campaign. I’m also a pedestrian commuter committed to vibrant, walkable streets, and an artist and administrator who supports the Arlington Cultural District. I’m dedicated to being a well-informed Town Meeting member and I would be honored to act as one of Precinct Four’s representatives again.
Kate Leary
Please consider me for a second term representing our neighborhood at Town Meeting! I’ve lived here for seven years and am a parent of two Hardy students. I believe children should have equal opportunities to learn, and I’ve worked to improve funding for our public schools as a Town Meeting Member, PTO Treasurer, and as a member of the Build Arlington’s Future campaign steering committee in 2016 and 2019. As a fiction writer who has benefited from public arts funding, I value Arlington’s commitment to the arts and have voted in favor of some terrific arts initiatives.
But Town Meeting is about much more than that! Each year we vote on a fascinating mix of warrant articles that have the potential to shape our town. I always study the issues, learn from others, and talk to my neighbors so I know how they’re feeling. This year, as always, Town Meeting will vote on the town and school budgets. We’ll also vote on some significant changes to zoning bylaw amendments, the Arlington High School building project, and adding a new tax relief program for seniors. I consider it a great privilege to act as your representative and hope to meet more neighbors at our precinct meeting, which will be held at the Hardy School on April 7 at 3 pm.
Alham Saadat
62 Magnolia St
My name is Alham Saadat and I am running for Town Meeting in precinct 4. I support thoughtful and equitable public schools. I am an active member of the Hardy PTO and I volunteer for the Build Arlington’s Future campaign. As a mother of 3 young children, I understand the need for accessible childcare. I led a group that worked successfully with the School Committee to address shortages/inequities in after school care in Arlington. I am a scientist who loves music and art. I support the Arlington Cultural District and will use data to guide planning decisions. I am a pedestrian and Red Line commuter who supports walkable communities with dependable public transit options for all who need them. I think it’s particularly important to think about access to good public transit for seniors in our community, as they can be most impacted by factors such as cost/maintenance of vehicles and vision test requirements.
Our family is lucky to call Arlington our home and I would like to be involved in the decisions that will make our town a vibrant community for all. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about my positions and candidacy.
Catherine L. Farrell
I have been a Town Meeting member since 2016. I support public schools, a diverse and welcoming community and environmental protection. Pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly streets are also important to me. My work experience has been as an attorney focusing on environmental law and as a public school teacher. I have volunteered on local, state and national political campaigns. I am a big fan of Arlington where I have lived for 15 years.
Christa Kelleher
781.643.1969 (home)
A resident for 18 years and Town Meeting member since 2016, I seek to ensure that Arlington remains a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive community. I am a member of First Parish UU, active in Mothers Out Front, and a member of the Arlington Democratic Town Committee. The parent of a Thompson second-grader and a Gibbs student, I strongly support public education and efforts to ensure diversity and equity throughout our entire system. I will actively work for the anticipated override and debt exclusion measures to build the much-needed new high school and replenish our stabilization fund. Guided by the values of environmental justice, economic security for all, and participatory democracy, I look forward to helping advance economic development, particularly in the Center. I am eager to identify ways to strengthen the town’s capacity to provide high-quality, accessible services to all residents, including more affordable housing options. With the support of more than a dozen residents, I submitted a motion to establish an Election Modernization Study Group (Article 36). I want Arlington to lead when it comes to modernizing its electoral system and engaging residents in the democratic process as fully as possible.
Precinct 6
Daniel Jalkut
I have lived in East Arlington for 7 years, and have represented Precinct 6 as a Town Meeting Member for the past 3. I believe in town government as an exemplary model of representative democracy and I would be honored to continue serving in this position.
As a parent, and as somebody who has always believed in the virtues of public education, I am excited for Arlington as it moves towards rebuilding the high school. Questions around investment in our schools will be debated, and I'll be happy to represent residents who agree we that have an obligation to educate the children of Arlington. We must not let them down.
I am proud to have supported many positive changes enacted in recent years. I voted for, and remain passionate about articles that declared our town's respect for the rights of immigrants, racial minorities, and the LBGTQ community. I am in favor of mixed use zoning incentives that encourage a mix of residential and retail in our densest areas. I support rules that limit property developers from building oversized houses or recklessly removing trees.
In summary, I'm a thoughtful person with a genuine concern for Arlington's future. I would be honored you choose to cast your vote for me on April 6. Thank you!
Rebecca Younkin
I have lived in East Arlington for over twenty years, first as a renter and for the last 14 years as a condo owner. My retired parents also live here in Arlington, and my husband and I send our two teenage kids to the Arlington public schools. I greatly value high-quality and diverse public schools, services for seniors, strong public safety protections, excellent libraries, and a bikeable and walkable neighborhood with good public transit options. I have served two terms in Town Meeting and take seriously my responsibility to our neighborhood to understand the complex issues facing Town Meeting and to vote in the best interest of our community. I encourage anyone who is interested to reach out to me with any questions or comments, and I appreciate your vote in April.
Timur Kaya Yontar
I’m running for re-election to Town Meeting for Precinct 7 and respectfully ask for one of your votes this Saturday. My wife Lois and I have lived on Bates Road for nearly 18 years, and our daughters Joy and Ivy attend the Gibbs and Thompson schools.
As you know, because our excellent schools have attracted new families to our town, they have become overcrowded. I first became involved in Arlington politics to help solve this problem, and am glad to say our students are now benefiting from the additions to Thompson and Hardy and the reopening of Gibbs as a town-wide sixth grade. Since then I have become more broadly active, serving as chair of our precinct’s town meeting members and as secretary of the Capital Planning Committee.
I remain committed to Arlington’s schools, including the rebuild of the high school. I also support our libraries, senior services, and public safety departments, a thriving arts scene, a diverse and inclusive community, and a more walkable, bikeable, and transit-rich neighborhood. Finally, I invite Precinct 7 residents to join our other town meeting members and me at a community forum on April 16, 7-9pm, at Fox Library to ask us your questions. Thank you.
Sophie Migliazzo
I am running for re-election after filling a 1-year term last year. I initially ran as a means to being more involved and knowledgeable about the issues effecting my family, friends, neighbors and local businesses. I am now running to give my constituents a voice at Town Meeting - a voice that is not afraid to speak up even for unpopular positions, a voice that pushes Town Meeting to think beyond the recommended votes by the various Town committees, a voice that respects Town Meeting as an important and separate part of Town government, a voice that is respectful of all opinions, a voice that is willing to be convinced to change its tune, and ultimately, a voice that seeks to have Arlington both remain true to its character and prepared for the demands of the future.
I am currently a stay-at-home mom of 4 young children. I graduated from Northeastern University School of Law and was a 10-year member of its Alumni/ae Association Board of Directors. A four-year resident of Arlington, I am still happy, and thankful, every day to have chosen Arlington for my family’s future.
Benjamin Rudick
I am running, first and foremost, to serve as a faithful and engaged representative of Precinct 9, regardless of my personal interests and priorities.
There are four critical issues on which Town Meeting will be voting:
The first is to allow all legal, permanent residents who are not citizens (“green card holders”) to vote in local elections. I submitted this warrant article, since I think it is only fair that they have a say – they pay taxes, send their kids to the schools, and are a vital part of our community.
The second is the debt exclusion for the rebuilding of Arlington High School. As a new parent and huge believer in public schools, I support this.
The third is the “operating override” to fund Town expenses and prevent it from having to cut services. I support this as well.
Finally, there are a number of zoning articles up for approval related to residential and mixed use parcels along Mass. Ave., and their goal is to allow for slightly larger, taller buildings in exchange for more affordable housing. In general, I think this is a good idea assuming we give proper consideration to the potential impact on school loading.
Thank you for reading, and I kindly ask for your vote on Saturday.
Beth Melofchik
My primary interests: preserving the environment & livability of Arlington. If proposed new zoning bylaws pass Town Meeting the environmental impact would be disastrous. Environmental impact has not been measured: loss of tree canopy, loss of carbon & heat sequestration, maximization of storm water run-off, increase in size/number of heat islands. Proposed changes sacrifice multi-use, multi-family lower middle class and middle class neighborhoods in the name of development of luxury condos at the expense of Arlington's affordability. Green space required by our current Bylaw unites Arlington's diverse housing stock providing habitat for bald eagles, hawks, and herons. 2018 the second spring that alewife spawned up Mill Brook. The public was told not to worry the zoning map is not changing, however a framework of new bylaws renders the zoning map obsolete homogenizing Zones R4-R7 + Bs, creating one zone for luxury condos. As proposed: near full build-out of lots increases storm water run off, reduces green space and trees. If elected I will work to preserve what is important to all Arlingtonians the environment and authentic character of the town.
Rieko Tanaka
I became a US citizen in 2017 because I wanted to participate in our democracy. Please give me the honor of your vote, so I can participate as your representative in Arlington Town Meeting.
Mona Mandal
My name is Mona Mandal and I have a daughter in the Arlington Public School system.
The three issues I deeply care about are:
1) Focus on Arlington Public Schools – I have been a Bishop room parent and the web admin for several years and now my daughter is in Gibbs middle school. I care about diversity and inclusion initiatives to ensure all kids are welcome in our schools. Our schools are the heart of the community to build a strong future generation and I strongly support a YES vote on rebuilding AHS with state funding as well as YES vote on replenishing our Stabilization Fund to provide Quality Services to Residents.
2) Focus on Arts and Compassionate Dialogue in Arlington: Having been a chair for Arlington Public Art for the Chairful Where You Sit initiative for one year, I would love to see creative ways of dialoguing within the community from various viewpoints using creative arts. I have liked the restorative justice initiatives to bring the community together to work on complex issues.
3) Focus on Climate Change and Resilience: I am interested to see how as a town, we deal with climate change as a community and build resilience and sustainability practices in policy implementations.
Please vote for me on April 6th.
Brian Hasbrouck
781.643.8047
I'm Brian Hasbrouck and I'm running for a vacancy for Town Meeting representative from the 9th precinct. I am retired, so I have more time for politics and public service. Since moving to Arlington 36 years ago, I have supported all debt exclusions to rebuild or build new elementary schools, Ottoson and Gibbs. I support the AHS Building Committee's plan and the anticipated debt exclusion. I have always supported Prop 2 ½ overrides that go to police, fire, public works and core responsibilities. If elected, I expect to support financial preferences of the Select Board and major budget committees. However, I will also keep an open mind on some of the elective initiatives (zoning for example) where there may be important diverging views to be heard.
Donna Wren
Our family has lived in Arlington for 16 years but I fell in love with Arlington long before that. I have had the privilege of serving on Town Meeting for 12 years and hope to continue for another term. With each item before the Meeting, I try to vote not only for what I feel is right for my precinct but also for the Town as a whole. As a pediatrician I will always support legislation and funding which improves the health and education of our youngest residents including the schools and youth programs which are under our purview. I ask for your vote on April 6.
Charlotte Milan
While I have not been a town meeting member in the past, I am familiar with our town government. We moved to Arlington in 1995 and our children addended our public schools. I have been an active volunteer (Vision 2020 and school PTOs) since we moved here, and I became a town employee (Recycling Coordinator at DPW) in 2012. I attend informational community meetings and stay updated on a wide range of topics, but especially on the topics of highest interest to me: our natural and built environment, housing, and education. I am curious about all aspects of civic life and am deeply committed to helping make Arlington a great place to live now and into the future.
At our local election on Saturday, April 6, voters in precinct 10 will not see my name printed on the ballot. I am running as what’s known as a write-in candidate. If you agree to support me, I ask that you write my name and address in the lines provided below the printed candidates: Charlotte Milan, 19 Bellevue Road. I won’t be competing with the others on the ballot, but rather I hope to join them and make sure that we have complete representation for our part of town.
Christopher Heigham
My wife and I have been residents and homeowners in Arlington for over 22 years. I have been a Town Meeting Member for 4 years and have attended 100% of the meetings. Having put two children through the Arlington Public Schools (AHS ’15 and ’18), I know well the poor condition of our high school, and I support its rebuild and a quality educational system.
Judson Pierce
My name is Judson Pierce. I am a 16 year resident of Arlington. I am married with two children ages 14 and 11. I am a practicing attorney. I served on the human rights commission from 2008-2010. I was elected to the school committee in 2010 and 2013. I currently serve on the high school rebuild committee. I have served three years as a TMM to precinct 11 and serve on the board of friends of Menotomy Rocks Park. I am active with the Friends of the Drama and have coached youth sports. I will continue to bring my experience and knowledge to town meeting and I humbly ask for your vote.
Matthew Reck
I am the parent of 2 children in the APS district and have lived in Arlington since 2002. I believe that we have a fundamental responsibility to make sure our children receive the best public education possible, and part of that education comes from the school buildings. We must make sure that the AHS Building Project receives the full support and funding from the town. As a Town Meeting Member, approving this funding will be my highest priority.
I support initiatives that will allow Arlington to add more dense housing and business development along the Mass Ave corridor. Studies have shown the greater density allows for more affordable housing and more efficient use of energy. I believe our town should be taking action to make sure we are the most energy efficient and carbon-neutral school system and municipality that we can be.
I support both the operational and debt exclusion overrides that will be presented to the town via special election in June 2019. Both of these overrides are necessary to ensure funding for the AHS Building Project and to ensure we can pay teachers and other civil servants a competitive wage, and to keep Arlington the vibrant and welcoming community that I know and love.
Paulette Schwartz
As a 40 plus year resident of Arlington and a two term town meeting member I am a strong supporter of the proposed rebuild of our high school along with the proposed debt exclusion and override bills necessary to insure that our community has the education facility that our children need and deserve. We are also looking at needed but complicated zoning changes that require serious consideration of all issues. I expect that compromises will be reached that respond to some of the public concerns.
I am a member of the Arlington Democratic Town Committee and the League of Women Voters. I have actively participated in community activities including public interest forums, candidate events, town day and political campaigns and volunteer with the Arlington Food Pantry/Arlington Eats. I hope to continue serving as a town meeting member representing pct. 11 at this critical time in our town’s development.
Carl Wagner
I've been a TM Member for over 10 years, first in East Arlington, and now in Precinct 11. I grew up in Arlington, attended our public schools and moved back to Arlington when my young family and I couldn't find a decent place in Somerville or Cambridge that we could afford. We bought the first home in Arlington we looked at, so great was the improvement over life in the city.
In TM, I've generally tried to work to make things run smoother and quicker. This year though, I'm very concerned about the pro-density Articles that would increase urbanization, reduce open space, create much larger, taller buildings and make us less town-like, less neighborly and less friendly. The proposals would not help affordability or our taxes and they would potentially displace people of low and middle income and businesses through tear-down, rent increases and 'upzoning' and 'luxury condo' type developments.
I hope this year, you'll help re-elect me. I hope we in TM will be able to stop these terrible changes - and in coming years to involve the residents and businesses better in changes that help, not hurt the town we love - Arlington.
James DiTullio
(781) 307-5017 or ditullio@aya.yale.edu
Since 2016, I have been honored to represent Precinct 12 in Town Meeting. Education has been and remains my top priority. When I served as Undersecretary of Education to Governor Deval Patrick, I saw how the most vibrant communities in Massachusetts were built upon the solid foundation of strong public schools. In Arlington, I will always vote for policies that support our schools, educators, and students. Those policies include building a new high school that will better prepare our students for success in the 21st century. My other top priority is preparing Arlington to embrace a clean energy future. I serve as a member of the Town’s Clean Energy Future Committee, which is working to make Arlington a net-zero emission town by 2050. In Town Meeting, I will continue to support policies that increase our Town’s renewable energy portfolio and reduce pollution. In addition, I will support policies that keep Arlington a diverse, open, and respectful community for all its residents. I strive to be a dedicated and responsive representative to my neighbors. I am always available to hear from my constituents about any issue. I would be honored to have your vote for another term as your representative to Town Meeting.
Gordon Jamieson
Since moving to Arlington in 2002, I have participated in a variety of activities, including: Robbins Farm Park Playground Rebuild Leader; Co-chair of Arlington Recycling Committee for 12 years during which our efforts helped the Town reduce its solid waste by ca. 30%; Co-chair of Vision 2020/Envision Arlington Fiscal Resource Task Group for 12 years and counting; Supporter of operating overrides and debt exclusions; and as an active member of Town Meeting from Precinct 12 for 15 years (5 terms). I look forward to continuing my service on Town Meeting and ask for your vote on April 6th.
Ben Ames
My name is Ben Ames and I’m running for reelection to Town Meeting to support the high school rebuilding project, expand resources for youth sports, and ensure a careful updating of zoning bylaws. As a Town Meeting member representing Precinct 12 since 2015 and a business magazine reporter by profession, I bring an experienced eye to reviewing warrant articles and town budgets.
With my daughter as a freshman at AHS, and my son just two years behind her, I back the high school update and expansion. This is a critical project for sustaining the school’s accreditation, and the high school rebuild committee has done a good job of keeping costs down to lessen the tax burden on all town residents by dialing back the scope of the project from $308 to $291 million and by keeping us on schedule to qualify for state aid to cover about one third of that total. Please join me in supporting the project in the town-wide debt exclusion vote on June 11.
My work to support other parts of our vibrant community also includes volunteering since 2014 as a coach with Arlington Soccer Club and since 2013 on the board of the Arlington Heights Tower Association. Thank you for considering me with one of your votes for town meeting on April 6.
Larry Dieringer
617-872-1858
I am running for re-election to Town Meeting to serve Precinct 12 where I’ve been a resident and homeowner since 2000. My wife Mora and I have two children. Lucy is an 8th grader at Ottoson MS and Sam is a 10th grader at Arlington HS. For 26 years, I’ve been director of Engaging Schools, an education non-profit that partners with and provides services for districts and schools across the country, and have served on multiple, education non-profit boards of directors. I helped coordinate override campaign activities in the Brackett district, volunteered as a member of the Educational Visioning Committee for the new high school, and served as a youth sports coach for soccer and basketball. I will be open-minded and bring my commitment to the values of equity, community, sustainability, and social responsibility to Town Meeting issues. Among my priorities are supporting high quality schools and securing approval for the Arlington High School Building Project.
Laura Fuller
I am a 15-year resident of Arlington and have 2 children in Arlington Public Schools at Bishop and Ottoson. My family previously hosted several exchange students who attended AHS. I believe that Arlington is in desperate need of a new high school to support both student learning in the 21st century, and the forecasted enrollment growth. As such, I support the Debt Exclusion for the HS Rebuild and the operating override. Thank you for your consideration.
Lee Poage
Lee Poage is a veteran of the United States Air Force and currently works at Hanscom Air Force Base. A resident of Arlington since 2007, he has a 2nd and 4th grader at Dallin and Stratton. He has been a town meeting member since 2016. Lee is an advocate for our schools, preserving open space, and for Arlington small businesses.
Zachary Grunko
Zachary Grunko has served in town meeting from 2010 to 2012 & 2016 to 2018. He has two children attending Arlington Public schools (Stratton & Gibbs). He will act as a Precinct Captain for the Building Arlington’s Future campaign ahead of the June 11 vote. He has a BA in Political Science and works in the financial services industry. Zac was a founding member of Somerville Progressive Democrats. Zac’s family has roots in Arlington going back over a century.
Priya Sankalia
I have lived in Arlington for 13 years and have a freshman at AHS. I am trained as an archaeologist but have worked in environmental non-profit and most recently in GIS Project Management. This is my second term on Town Meeting and am grateful for voters giving me a chance to represent them for 3 years - it was a humbling experience. I am the co-chair of the Recycling Committee and believe strongly in getting Arlington to reduce waste in all possible ways. I was actively involved in the last override vote and I care deeply about the environment, diversity, our town, and our schools. I whole-heartedly support the High School Rebuild and am going to do my best at understanding the Zoning Articles before voting on them.
Amy Goldstein
I’ve been a Town Meeting Member since 2010 and have lived in Arlington for 17 years. Public education has always been a strong value in my family: both my parents were public school teachers, and I taught high school early in my career. I do not have children in the school system, but I support the funding and facilities that ensure excellence in education – including AHS, Minuteman, and expanded capacity of the elementary schools/Gibbs. I’ve toured the high school, attended meetings on the rebuild project, and advocated for preserving as much of the front green space as possible in the proposed design. I consider the high school site part of our neighborhood and frequently walk my dog through the grounds along Mass. Ave. I value the open space in town, and I’ve attended meetings on the planned improvements to Wellington Park and the bikeway, which are assets to our neighborhood. I also support smart development along Mass. Ave. that will make Arlington more vibrant and increase the tax base. I’ve volunteered with Vision 2020 (now Envision Arlington), Arlington Public Art, and local political campaigns. I always welcome residents’ input: amyrgoldstein29@gmail.com
Christopher Moore
I have been privileged to represent precinct 14 in Arlington Town Meeting since 2013. I respectfully ask for one of your four votes on Saturday, April 6th.
• Member of the Capital Planning Committee which evaluates the budget for capital projects in
Arlington: roads, parks, buildings, fire engines, etc.
• Strong supporter of public schools with two children in the Brackett School.
• Precinct co-captain for the 2016 debt exclusion campaign.
• Data Scientist & entrepreneur who brings analytical, modeling, and statistical skills to the job.
• Proponent of protecting the environment, careful economic growth, and defending human rights.
I would be honored to continue to represent you in Town Meeting and would be glad to hear from you with your thoughts and questions about the issues on the warrant for Town Meeting.
Greg Christiana
My top priority is our schools, that they have sufficient facilities and funding they need to serve our students and retain our talented educators. As a Bishop parent I've organized within the Bishop community and the School Enrollment Parent Group, a partnership of parents across town. I served in a leadership role on the successful 2016 campaign to fund renovation of the Gibbs, and again this year to fund the AHS rebuild and critical town departments and services.
Zoning is always important, especially this year. I believe in scrutinizing the impacts of zoning proposals, whether from the Arlington Redevelopment Board, developer-backed groups, or citizen groups. My priority is to ensure a diverse housing stock so households with and without kids, especially seniors, have housing options, including affordable housing and compliance with 40B's 10% threshold to retain the town's sovereignty over zoning.
I serve on Envision Arlington's Standing Committee where I've led the effort to organize several Precinct Meetings this year, part of a larger effort to establish more transparent dialogue between residents and elected Town reps. I believe in addressing our country's divisions by strengthening the bonds within our local community.
Jane Morgan
I am excited to be running for re-election to Town Meeting representing precinct 15. The last three years on Town Meeting I have been able to support articles including the renovation of the Gibbs School, additions at the Hardy and Thompson as well as a rebuild of Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School. I have also been able to support articles expanding tax relief programs for seniors, eliminating plastic bags and supporting community policing practices. I am looking forward to voting in favor of rebuilding Arlington High School as well as wrestling with the multitude of zoning articles that will determine what our town looks and feels like in the decades to come.
I am a mother of four and an Arlington School Committee member with children at Stratton and Gibbs schools. I have lived in Arlington with my husband since 2003 and I am the Associate Dean of STEM for Southern New Hampshire University. Three years ago precinct 15 elected me to represent them in Town Meeting and I would be very grateful for their continued support.
Elizabeth Exton
Find me on Facebook @ExtonforTownMeeting
I am running for a one-year term on Town Meeting. I have lived in Arlington since 2012, and love being a part of this wonderful community. I am a mother of two, a Stratton parent, a Kindergarten teacher, and a supporter of the Build Arlington's Future Campaign. I support the Arlington High School Building Project, I would like to increase equity and diversity across our town, and will work to make Arlington a safe and inclusive community for all.
Ann V. FitzGerald
781-646-9711
Hello,my name is Ann FitzGerald. I am a retired public health nurse and have represented Precinct 17 for 8 years. My reasons for being a Town Meeting member are giving senior citizens a voice on financial issues, advocating for rehabilitation of senior center, serving on Board of COA for 10 years, listening to constituents concerns re: speeding on Summer,signage for cross walk at Grove Street. I look forward to continuing as Town Meeting member Precinct 17. Thank you.
Carolyn Parsons
Being a Town Meeting Member is very different from watching Town Meeting from the comfort of your home. A hiss, a sigh or a chuckle is heard and filed away for future reference. Whether or not a Town Meeting Member speaks to the article, presents a cogent argument and treats others with respect matter. Sometimes I begin the discussion with a particular viewpoint only to change my mind as the discussion unfolds. It is important to listen to all, make an informed decision and then vote. I have been a Town Meeting Member for many years and welcome the opportunity to be an active participant in town government.
Michael Watson
Hello all. I am a first-time candidate for Town Meeting. My family has lived in Arlington since 1996 and we have been homeowners in Arlington Heights since 1999. Our children went through the Arlington Public School system from K-12 and are now launched into their college careers. We have all benefitted from living in this wonderful town.
In the past I've assistant-coached baseball and soccer, been on a few school-related town committees (Dallin rebuild & one of the Dallin principal search committees).
I don't travel for business in my current job and have always admired the Town Meeting-style of government so I want to take this on as a service commitment.
Please consider voting for me this year.
Flynn Monks
I am running for re-election for a three-year term on Town Meeting, for precinct 19. I have been a Town Meeting member since 2015, and I would very much like to continue to serve. I initially ran simply as a way to get more involved in the town, to learn more about how it works, and have a voice in the outcome of articles presented. My wife and I have lived in Arlington since 2006, and we have a child at the Peirce School and at AHS (an eight-year gap: two worlds!). Outside of Town Meeting, I have volunteered in Peirce's "Safe Walk to Schools" program, and served on the campaigns for the 2011 operating override and the 2016 debt exclusion vote. I will be an assistant coach for kindergarten soccer this spring. As far as the articles go for Town Meeting this year, I am studying as best I can, which will be right up until the meetings start; I won't come to any conclusions until the meetings are in swing. We don't really receive all the information (there are usually lots of substitute motions) until the very last minute, so I definitely keep an open mind on my votes of Yes, No, or Abstain until I have heard the proponents on the floor, as well as substantive debate. Thank you for your consideration! Best, Flynn
Michelle Durocher
michellemdurocher@hotmail.com
home phone: 781-641-4830
I am a candidate for re-election in Precinct 19. I moved to Arlington in 2005 and share a household with a lifelong resident. I take seriously listening to the opinions of a wide range of citizens to balance the historical and newcomer viewpoints on the direction of the Town. I am not a single-issue representative; all issues on the warrant deserve serious consideration and thoughtful deliberation. I value civility and respect for all members.
I believe Arlington is a great place to live, with amazingly dedicated citizen volunteers who play a critical role in our Town governance and planning. I am conscientious about my attendance at Town Meeting and take seriously the importance of Town Meeting member engagement; I have perfect attendance throughout my tenure in TM except for when I was significantly ill last year.
I am proud of my advocacy for issues in the town and specifically in Precinct 19. If a citizen contacts me about a concern, I listen. I report issues to appropriate Town officials for resolution. I am a former associate member of the Conservation Commission, and a member of the Dog Park Task Force, the citizens who approved the location and design of Arlington's first dog park at Thorndike.
Patricia Deal
Town Meeting is a unique form of government. Citizen participation has deep roots in New England and Arlington maintains this tradition. I was honored to serve as a Town Meeting Member for 16 years, earlier in my career, now retired I am looking to come back to Town Meeting. Two of the motivations for this are my awareness that some of the Warrant Articles, particularly the proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, could present significant changes to our town and there was an opening on the ballot in Pct. 19. I was in Arlington HS, class of 1960 and furthered my education with a B.S. from Boston University and an MBA from Bentley University. An educator early in my career, I transitioned to finance, including extended time at BankBoston and the office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer. With this financial background, the town budgets are of particular interest to me. I am looking forward to once more participating in the Arlington Town Meeting.
Ray Bloom
90 Sylvia St, Arlington, MA 02476
I have been a resident of Arlington for over twenty years, and for 21 of those years, I've been one of the 12 Town Meeting Members representing Precinct 20.
I am running again because I consider it my civic duty, and an honor, to participate in town governance.
Please feel free to contact me regarding your opinions or concerns about Town Meeting warrant articles, etc.
Michaela May
I am excited to be running for my third term as a member of Town Meeting. I am a practicing lawyer, and a mother of two children, aged 1 and 7. My oldest child attends Dallin, and my husband runs a small business in town. We love our community and our schools.
As Town Meeting members, we participate in a wonderful form of democracy. We have the opportunity to shape our town, to help it grow and to keep Arlington a wonderful place to live for constituents young and old.
Voters of Precinct 20, I hope that you will vote for me on April 6.
Precinct 21
Susan Doctrow
srdoctrow@gmail.com
On Westminster Ave since 2003, I’ve been a Town Meeting (TM) member since 2006. My husband John and I don’t have kids but my TM votes reflect my strong support for public education, for measures to protect our schools and, as is now needed, to rebuild. Public education is about so much more than property values; it’s about our community values. After a fatal car crash on our street, I joined with neighbors and the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) to address our complex traffic safety issues, later serving on the TAC myself. I worked with parks officials/TM to enable off-leash dog recreation hours and on a task force to plan the Thorndike dog park. I’m now on the Envision Arlington (formerly Vision 2020) Standing Committee, a group fostering an engaged, culturally diverse, and civically active community. In 2016, I was a lead organizer of neighborhood opposition to a TM Article to transfer some Mt. Gilboa conservation land to the Arlington Housing Authority. I support affordable housing, but not at the expense of precious open space, including our Mt. Gilboa woods. Proud that our advocacy helped block this transfer, I’ll continue supporting actions to benefit our residents.