I’m an 18-year Belmont Town Meeting veteran and a member of Belmont’s IT Advisory Committee. On April 1, I’ll be voting for Michael Crowley as our next Town Moderator. I encourage you to do the same.
Of the two candidates running for the open Moderator position, Mike is the one who understands and embraces the Moderator’s historic role of facilitating Town Meeting and upholding its independence as Belmont’s legislative branch.
Among Mike’s priorities as our next Moderator:
Transparency in Appointments: Historically, there has been little transparency surrounding the Moderator’s appointments to critical bodies like the Warrant Committee. Mike will change that: establishing a Moderator’s Advisory Committee to publicly vet candidates, ensuring accountability and adherence to Open Meeting Laws.
Restoring hybrid Town Meeting: Last year, the Select Board eliminated the option for remote participation without consulting Town Meeting members. That decision severely impacted those with young children, health and mobility concerns, or work conflicts. Mike will fight to bring back hybrid meeting options, making Town Meeting accessible for all.
Expanding Representation: Town Meeting has struggled to fully reflect Belmont’s diversity. Renters, parents of young children, newer residents, and underrepresented communities remain largely absent. Mike is committed to using his office to broaden participation and create a more inclusive, representative and effective legislative body.
Belmont benefits from the amazing and varied expertise and perspectives of its Town Meeting members. That will be a critical asset as our town navigates the treacherous political and economic waters of the next few years. But giving voice to those members and not just the “usual suspects” requires a Moderator who embraces Town Meeting’s independence and authority and who is committed to building a Town Meeting characterized by fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. That’s Mike Crowley. I hope you’ll join me in voting for him on April 1.
Paul Roberts, Cross Street