I write in strong support of Mike Crowley for moderator. His first-year achievements, calm demeanor, and willingness to listen and learn have earned my deep respect.
Town Meeting’s composition changed notably during the pandemic, as people with mobility limitations, those traveling, and those with small children at home saw they could participate on-line. New members made Town Meeting more reflective of Belmont’s population. Mike is attuned to this broad array of members; he has made sure remote access is the norm, enhancing communication and members’ ability to participate regardless of whether they can attend in person.
In his first campaign, Mike promised to set up a moderator’s advisory committee. To fulfill this promise, he didn’t pre-determine the membership: he asked each precinct to choose its own representative and then listened to the variety of views among them. Their advice and suggestions have led to improvements small and large, such as using a timer visible to all speakers and open discussion of committee appointments.
Regarding appointments, Mike’s career in public finance and experience on the Warrant Committee made him keenly aware of what that committee requires. New members he recruited have added previously lacking technical skills vital for fiscal oversight.
Town Meeting members voted to maintain the one-year moderator term during the long tenure of the previous moderator. Anyone who steps into this role will face a steep learning curve. Mike has made real strides and recently led two effective and civil Town Meetings. He’s also attentive to the limits of the office. For example, he has appropriately engaged Town Counsel on procedural and other issues, rather than claiming—as his opponent does—that his own legal expertise can substitute for the Town’s official legal representation. For all these reasons, please vote with me on April 7 to re-elect Mike Crowley as moderator.
Judith D. Feins, Bay State Road