It is very important for Belmont governance to elect Adam Dash as moderator on Tuesday, April 7. Residents who have never experienced Town Meeting might think it doesn’t make a difference who the moderator is. But it makes a big difference.
I participated in Town meeting for many years, both as an elected member and as a member of the Select Board. I’ve known both Moderator candidates for nearly that entire time. I’ve observed all of our executive branch (Select Board) and legislative branch (Town Meeting) functions very closely.
Town Meeting has been needlessly chaotic, inefficient, and frustrating for way too many members since last spring. This is the opportunity to fix it with Adam, who has the experience and background (municipal law attorney) to do this important job properly.
If you’re like me, you have received two postcards from the statewide teachers’ union on behalf of the Crowley campaign, which I know cost of thousands of dollars. The moderator has to be impartial in policy matters and the budget and I have to believe these mailings are intended to influence Town Meeting. I, for one, do not think it is appropriate for outside PAC money to play a role in our non-partisan elections for town offices.
Please don’t sit out this election. Your vote really counts, regardless of which candidate you support.
Roy Epstein, Cushing Avenue
Editor’s Note: The Voice reached out to Michael Crowley’s campaign. According to Crowley, the mailing was not from his team, was not coordinated with his team and was “very much a surprise.”