As a proud Belmont resident, I urge Town Meeting members to vote YES on Article 3 to the name James P. “Skip” Viglirolo Rink and NO on Amendment 3 at the special Town Meeting on Wednesday, July 23.
Skip Viglirolo, a Korean War veteran, varsity athlete, coach, mentor, and founder of Camp Willow (SPORT) and Belmont’s first women’s recreational hockey program, served our town for over 50 years. Since 1998, the rink has proudly borne his name in recognition of his tireless dedication.
Amendment 3 would require all new or reconstructed facilities to adopt generic names, effectively eliminating the ability to honor local heroes.
It would also place disproportionate control over naming decisions in the hands of the Select Board. *Additionally, despite some claims to the contrary, this citizen-petition vote is binding under Massachusetts law.
Please protect Belmont’s tradition of celebrating civic service. Vote YES on Article 3 to keep the ‘Skip Viglirolo Rink and NO on Amendment 3.
Antonio Molle, Warwick Road
Editor’s Note: Town Counsel has advised the Select Board that only the Select Board has final say on naming town assets. A naming policy adopted in 2018 states, “The Board of Selectmen shall be responsible for the naming of public assets.”