Over the past few decades, Mark Paolillo has served as a Town Meeting member, chair of the Traffic Advisory Committee, member of the Warrant Committee, and, most recently, Select Board member.
That passion for public service, he said, is fueling his run for Town Moderator. Michael Widmer, who has held the role for more than two decades, is retiring. Paolillo’s opponent is Michael Crowley.
“I have extensive knowledge, experience, and background in municipal affairs, and I think we did really good work,” Paolillo said of his career.
Some of his proudest accomplishments include forming and chairing the financial task force that led to the successful 2015 override, helping move forward with the middle school, high school, library, and rink-building projects, and contributing to a collaborative working relationship between the town and schools.
“I’ve worked on dozens and dozens of operating budgets,” Paolillo said. “I spent a lot of time with the former superintendent and with the School Committee to understand more completely what their needs were.”
He decided to run for moderator over the winter holidays, encouraged by members of the community.
“There were various folks in town who felt that with my background, experience, and knowledge … that it would be a role that I’m uniquely qualified to serve in,” he said.
Visions for Town Meeting
If elected, Paolillo said he would form a moderator advisory group to guide the moderator on managing Town Meeting issues.
Additionally, he said he would develop a formal process for appointing Town Meeting members to the Comprehensive Capital Budget, Bylaw Review, Permanent Building, and temporary building committees — potential appointees would be interviewed at Town Hall after completing an application process.
Paolillo also said he is committed to giving Town Meeting members ample time to provide their comments.
“I am deeply committed to running a fair, balanced and equitable Town Meeting,” he said. “I support rigorous and robust debate without question.”
Increasing Access
Paolillo also supports a hybrid format for meetings (a combination of Zoom and in-person options), to make meetings more accessible to participants, including those with younger families.
To adequately inform Town Meeting members about legislative matters, Paolillo said the moderator must strike a balance.
“You don’t want to over-inform, [and] you don’t want to under-inform,” he said.
He said, if elected, he would consult with his advisory group about what amount of information they think is necessary in order to understand each article coming before the town.
According to Paolillo, it is within the moderator’s job description to inform and educate the public and to encourage people to run for Town Meeting member.
“I think as the moderator, you do have to go on a recruitment campaign,” he said.
Paolillo added that a consequence of not doing this outreach would be that Town Meeting may continue to lack the full diversity of the Belmont community.
As a candidate, Paolillo said one of his strengths is the relationships he has with all of the stakeholders.
“I believe I will be able to run that meeting in a very impartial, balanced way,” he said.