What does Belmont mean to you? As two generations of Belmontians, my mother and I take
pride in our town. Our family moved here when I was 3 years-old to join an amazing community who cared about education and each other. I never took for granted the sense of safety and
community nor the foundational education that propelled me and my siblings to careers in
medicine, public policy, and social care technology. Once I started my own family, I knew there
was only one place I wanted to return to be a homeowner.
My mother, Sharon Berman, has been a Belmont homeowner and proud resident for more than 40 years. She is now a regular in the exercise classes at the Beech Street Senior Center and a community volunteer.
I recently became a Belmont homeowner. My son is thriving in kindergarten, and I take pride
that Belmont has prioritized both the stellar education of its youngest generation and
communal space and support of our esteemed elder residents.
But this is all at risk without an override.
The cuts that would result from failure to pass an override would be devastating and would
inevitably touch us all. Our town may never be the same, so we implore each of you who cares
about our community in any capacity to vote for the override. Our town needs us now.
Finally, to our fellow taxpayers who are upset that we must shoulder the burden of this budget
crisis, we agree that we absolutely must find creative sources of revenue going forward. I am
confident we will. The override investments in special education, for example, should save
Belmont millions of dollars down the road. First, we must vote yes for the override and save our
town.
Aisha Traish, Harvard Road
Sharon Berman, Winslow Road