With the election fast approaching, the League of Women Voters offered another opportunity for voters to get to know the candidates.
Candidates’ Night—moderated by Debbie Winnick of the Cape Cod League of Women Voters —included a video presentation from 76 of 110 candidates for Town Meeting, a question-and-answer session with all townwide candidates, and a debate over both ballot questions.
School Committee candidates addressed the budget constraints and the reconfiguration of the schools, among other issues. Select Board candidates addressed zoning priorities and the override, as well as taking questions from the audience on other topics.
For the first time, the two candidates for Moderator – incumbent Mike Widmer and resident Mike Crowley – had their chance at debate.
“I’m running for a final term because challenging issues in the upcoming Town Meeting require an experienced moderator,” Widmer said in his opening statement. “I’ve always worked for changes to improve people’s lives from my undergraduate studies at Princeton … to 15 years on the Warrant Committee and as moderator since 2008.”
Crowley, meanwhile, focused on a desire for change.
“People in town are frustrated; frustrated by the town’s finances, frustrated by the town’s leadership, frustrated that we’re not solving enough problems,” said Crowley. “Your vote for Town Moderator can be part of the solution and a call for change. The moderator should be concerned with helping Town Meeting reflect the amazing diversity of Belmont.”
Responding to a question about their respective experiences chairing meetings, Widmer emphasized his 16 years serving as moderator; Crowley said he has overseen work-related training involving hundreds of participants.
Many questions addressed to candidates from the audience asked how the candidates would ensure fairness and the opportunity to speak one’s mind during Town Meeting.
“I’m a big believer in having debate as unfettered as possible,” said Crowley. “This goes back to my youth when I interned in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and got to see how our national legislature operates.”
While respectful dialogue is necessary, he added, “The thing I’m most concerned about is when people feel free to express their opinions before Town Meeting starts but don’t feel free to express those opinions in Town Meeting. I think that’s a problem.”
Widmer said safety and fairness have been “cornerstones” of his 16 years as moderator.
“I’ve set clear limits prohibiting personal attacks on individuals or committees, which has enabled us to resolve countless controversial issues with respectful and civil debate,” Widmer said. “I’ve always encouraged open and robust debate from all sides.”
The final question asked candidates what they considered the major challenges of the Town Moderator position.
Crowley said the major challenge is ensuring members are prepared at Town Meeting. He proposed precinct meetings, at which the Town Moderator could guide the discussion on the issues and how they will be managed at Town Meeting. He also proposed updating the Town Meeting member handbook.
Widmer added that the primary challenge is educating Town Meeting members.
“I’ve greatly expanded communication to members when we see upcoming, very complex issues, like the MBTA Communities Act,” Widmer said. “It’s going to be very important for Town Meeting members to understand the complexity of that.”
Additionally, he spoke on the subject of offering hybrid meetings.
“We need to strike the right balance between in-person meetings, which are desirable, and having [more] access to individuals with special services,” Widmer said.
The election will take place on April 2, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sample ballots can be found on the town website through the Town Clerk’s page.