Thank you to Belmont residents who have supported me as Moderator for 16 years. And thanks to the Town Meeting members who have expressed appreciation for the manner in which I have prepared for and conducted Town Meetings.
As a strong believer in the importance of Belmont’s legislative body, I have taken leadership in streamlining its operations and enhancing communications, access, and accountability — roll call voting, electronic voting, a three-minute limit on speakers, extensive planning sessions with town leaders, advance distribution of more comprehensive explanatory materials, training sessions for new members, early detailed explanations describing how I will handle controversial issues, and working with citizen petitioners to encourage their clearest presentations.
When COVID struck, I successfully led Town Meeting through 19 virtual meetings over three years. And last fall, to allow greater member access, I instituted hybrid Town Meetings.
I go through an open and lengthy process to recruit individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds representing the town on finance and building committees. I appointed all three current Select Board members to the Warrant Committee where they served before running successfully for the Board, and I appointed to the Warrant Committee two of the three candidates running for the open seat on the Select Board. I have appointed individuals to five building committees (Underwood Pool, DPW/Police, Middle High School, Library, Municipal Rink) whose work will benefit Belmont for decades.
The many challenging issues facing upcoming Town Meetings will require an experienced Moderator. I ask for your vote April 2.
