I am running for re-election as Belmont town moderator because Town Meeting works best when it reflects the full community—when participation is broad, decisions are transparent, and our local government stays focused on solving problems. Over the past year, my priority has been to strengthen Town Meeting by making it more accessible, more open, and better prepared for the important decisions ahead.
A key step I’ve taken has been making hybrid Town Meeting the standard, allowing participation either in person or remotely. This has expanded the potential for parents, seniors, residents who travel for work, people with disabilities, and others to participate. Town Meeting is stronger when more voices can take part. To ensure continued progress, I filed a citizen’s petition to seek a permanent state authorization so Belmont can continue hybrid Town Meetings beyond March 2027.
I also have focused on much needed transparency. I established the Moderator’s Advisory Committee, with representatives selected by their precinct members to provide input on committee appointments and Town Meeting practices. Meeting under Open Meeting Law, the committee helps ensure decisions are made openly and with broad community input.
Belmont faces serious fiscal and policy challenges. That’s why I appoint problem-solvers to our committees, residents with strong analytical skills, independence, and a willingness to address difficult issues thoughtfully and responsibly. In tackling this work, I bring more than two decades in public finance and policy, including service at the White House Office of Management and Budget. I also draw on many years as a Town Meeting member, and service on the School Committee, Warrant Committee, and other town committees.
At the same time, I have worked to broaden participation in town governance, actively recruiting new voices so our volunteer institutions reflect the diversity, experience, and energy of today’s Belmont.
I approach the moderator’s role with a simple commitment: be fair, be neutral, and run meetings that are orderly, respectful, and focused on the work that matters. And Town Meeting is working—with increased accessibility, greater transparency, and more voices being heard.
Important decisions lie ahead for Belmont. This is a time for steady leadership, relevant experience, and a proven record of progress. When important work is underway and real progress is being made, the strongest course is to keep moving forward.
I would be honored to continue serving as your town moderator and respectfully ask for your vote on April 7.
