League of Women Voters
Arlington, Massachusetts
www.lwva.com
November/December 2004
Calendar
Tuesday
Election Day. For a ride to the polls, or to volunteer as a driver, call Claire
7 am to 8 pm Maytum, 781-643-9241. For information on the League-endorsed Fair Districts for Fair Elections ballot question, see page 3.
Wednesday
Meeting with Town Manager Brian Sullivan at Margaret Potter’s home, 84
11/3
7:30 pm Irving St. Members, spouses, and guests welcome. See article on last page.
Wednesday
Cable Television Advisory Committee hearing, Selectmen’s Hearing Room,
11/10
7:30 pm second floor, Town Hall, 730 Mass. Ave. See article on page 7.
Monday
Arlington Recycles Day. See article on page 8.
11/15
Monday
Board Meeting at Carolyn Parsons’ home, 23 Brewster Rd. All members
11/15
7 pm welcome.
Thursday
Holiday Party at Joan Robbio’s home, 4 Bradley Rd., with our guest School
12/9
6 to 9 pm Superintendent Kay Donovan. See article on page 9.
Friday
Deadline for articles for the January Bulletin. Send to Carolyn Parsons,
12/17
5 pm [email protected] .
11/2
LWVA Action Vice-President
Patti Muldoon tells Arlington
cable viewers about the
League on Town Day. The interviewer is Arlington Studio
volunteer Marie Ricciotti. See
page 7 for details on the upcoming November 10 hearing
on public cable access.
Carolyn Parsons: President [email protected]
Helen Budd: Membership [email protected]
Kim Haase: Bulletin Editor [email protected]
Margaret Reiners: Bulletin Mailing [email protected]
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
Page 2
President’s Message
The Board has been spending money. The Town of Arlington has graciously accepted a donation of $300 that provides the funds for the making of four sandwich boards, which will announce the
date of an upcoming election. Kudos to Joan Martin, Voters Service Chair, who spoke before the Board
of Selectmen and has been working with the DPW to get these boards made and in place before the
November 2 election.
The Board has voted to subsidize a few members and non-members of the League who wish to
attend Fall Conference. There is no provision at the State level for a ‘sponsorship’ for people who might
like to attend but cannot afford to do so. The Board felt that a subsidy of $15 per member was reasonable. I hope that you agree.
The election is providing many opportunities for League members to be involved. Janet and
Freeland Abbott have volunteered to be the timers at the Candidates’ Forum, co-sponsored by the
League and the Housing Corporation of Arlington, on October 28.
Please come and bring a friend for an exchange of views with our Town Manager on November
3. It will be wonderful when Margaret Potter’s and Wilbur Kim’s home is filled with the sounds of active,
engaged political discussion.
See you there!
—Carolyn Parsons
LWVA LEADERSHIP 2004—2005
We extend a warm welcome
to our newest member:
Ilana Rhodes
84 Hillside Ave., 02476
(781) 641-0337
Carolyn Parsons, President
Jean Potter, Organization VP
Meredith Zona, Organization VP
Patricia Muldoon, Action VP
Patricia Lieberson, Local Action VP
Kathleen Colwell, Treasurer
Elizabeth Thompson, Secretary
Joan Martin, Voter Service Director
Marian King, Candidates Night
Angela Olszewski, Finance Director
Clarice Gordon, Publicity Director
Katharine Fennelly, Voters’ Guide
Helen Budd, Membership Director
Kim Haase, Bulletin Editor
Margaret Reiners, Bulletin Mailing
Patricia McTiernan, Bulletin Mailing
Janice Bakey, Email Coordinator
Phyllis Maddox, Webmistress
The BULLETIN is published monthly except during the summer and December by the League of Women Voters of
Arlington, PO Box 461, Arlington, MA 02476.
781-646-9309
781-643-5571
781-648-2753
781-648-1019
781-646-1987
781-646-4522
781-646-5942
781-646-0752
781-646-0527
781-648-8649
781-648-0004
781-648-1794
781-646-2779
781-643-3429
781-646-9611
781-648-1796
781-643-4345
781-646-4362
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
Page 3
Let’s Put a Stop to Gerrymandering
By Patti Muldoon
Gerrymandering: Drawing the boundaries of political districts in b
i-
zarre or unusual shapes to make it easy for candidates of a political
party or faction in power to win elections in those distri
cts. The term
was first used in 1812, when Elbridge Gerry was Governor of Ma
s-
sachusetts, to chara cterize the State’s redistricting plan.
Most voters in Arlington will have the opportunity to tell our state Legislature that we don’t want elected
representatives deciding behind closed doors which people they will represent. It is time to eliminate the
unfair practice of a small legislative group redrawing political districts to support or punish incumbents.
On November 2nd voters in fifteen districts across the state can vote “Yes” for a ballot initiative called
“Fair Districts for Fair Elections,” which asks our state Representatives to support a major reform of the
redistricting process.
The “Fair Districts for Fair Elections” advisory question is on the ballot in 19 of Arlington's 21 precincts. It is Question #1 in the 23rd Middlesex House district (precincts 1, 3, 5-13, 15, 16, 18, 19), and
Question #3 in the 15th Middlesex House district (precincts 14, 17, 20-21). It is not on the ballot in the
24th Middlesex House district (precincts 2, 4). (If you are not sure which district you are in, go to
www.lwva.com for a precinct map.)
The U.S. and state Constitutions require that the state Legislature redraw electoral districts for state Representative, state Senator and U.S. Representative every 10 years following the U.S. Census. This is to
make sure that each district includes roughly the same number of people and that a person’s vote in one
district carries the same weight as that of a person in another district.
Why does this seemingly arcane issue deserve your attention? Because the current system seriously
compromises the democratic process in a number of ways. First, the current system reduces electoral
competition. Key legislators use the powerful computer programs and detailed databases available today
to cut across neighborhood lines to pick the voters most favorable to them and their allies and to keep
the challengers out.
During the last seven years, Massachusetts ranked 49th of the 50
states in terms of electoral competition.
Second, redistricting often splits up communities. State Senate seats bear no relation to state House
seats, and neither bears relation to Congressional House seats. This is confusing for citizens and makes it
more difficult to educate voters. (Arlington needs three sets of candidate debates just to cover the office
of state Representative.)
The 1971 Federal Voting Rights Act prohibits gerrymandering based on race. However, nothing currently prevents political gerrymandering. Powerful legislators can design districts to protect incumbents,
shift partisan affiliation of district voters, and ensure that certain districts include richer neighborhoods
to enhance fundraising. Pennsylvania and Texas were much in the news for redrawing district lines after
(Continued on page 5)
November/December 2003
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
ADS
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November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
Page 5
Let’s Put a Stop to Gerrymandering (Continued)
the 2000 Census to give Republicans more seats. A split Supreme Court allowed the Pennsylvania redistricting, but this week ordered a lower court to review the notorious Texas redistricting plan. The courts
haven’t yet ruled against partisan gerrymandering.
Massachusetts, which lost one Congressional seat, also had to redraw its district lines. The state House
of Representatives, state Senate, and Congressional House seats show strong evidence of
gerrymandering. District maps reveal contorted and bizarre outlines, reminiscent of the salamandershaped district of Governor Gerry in 1812. Arlington was split among three new House districts.
Cambridge was chopped into six House districts. Boston remained sliced into seventeen districts,
grafting parts of the suburbs and pieces of the city together.
The League of Women Voters believes that congressional and legislative redistricting should be accomplished fairly with the goals of creating compact and contiguous districts, maintaining communities’
integrity within districts, and encouraging competitive races. To meet these goals, the League believes
that an appointed, independent commission, rather than the Legislature, should be responsible for
redistricting.
Several states have successfully implemented such systems. Arizona changed its state Constitution via
popular referendum in 2000 and has created an Independent Redistricting Commission composed of two
Republicans, two Democrats and one independent, with full powers to draw district lines. For several
decades, Iowa has had a similar system, and as a result, has more competitive Congressional districts
than California, New York and Illinois combined.
The good news is that we have a chance here in Arlington to make our voices heard in favor of positive
change. The initiative calls on our state representatives to support an independent redistricting commission, “subject to strict guidelines for public participation, non-partisanship, retaining the integrity of
existing communities, and respecting the voting rights of minorities.” Although it is a non-binding, advisory public policy question, its passage will demonstrate the public’s strong desire for reform and put
pressure on the state Legislature to act.
The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts supports this ballot question because it is consistent
with several of our long-held positions. The League develops its positions through a careful grassroots
study and consensus process before reaching a position on an issue. The League’s position on the Legislature says that the Legislature should be “districted on the basis of population into contiguous, compact,
single-member districts by an appointed, bipartisan commission…”
The League joins with Common Cause and other advocates in urging you to take a step to reinvigorate
our democracy. Vote YES on the Fair Districts for Fair Elections question on November 2.
The ballot initiative reads as follows: “Shall the representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of a constitutional amendment that would remove the authority
to create congressional and legislative districts from the state legislature and instead
place that responsibility in the hands of an independent commission, subject to strict
guidelines for public participation, non-partisanship, retaining the integrity of existing
communities, and respecting the voting rights of minorities?”
This article appeared in the 10/21 Arlington Advocate and on the LWVA web site.
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
ADS
Page 6
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
Page 7
Local Action Alert:
Public, Education, and Government Access Is at Risk
By Kathy Colwell, Arlington Cable Access President
The Selectmen’s Cable Television Advisory Committee will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday,
November 10, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room, second floor, Town Hall, 730 Mass.
Ave.
Be there and show Public, Education & Government Access (PEG) support. Bring 10 people you know
who support PEG Access! If people have limited time that night, they can come, be counted, and then
leave. People will be able to speak at this meeting, and Arlington Cable Access will present, on your
behalf, the needs list that was compiled on the web at http://arlingtonstudio.com/needs.htm .
Losing PEG Access is a possibility. Having to go to court to retain PEG Access is a real possibility for a
Town the size of Arlington. Comcast has sought the courts’ help to reduce their PEG “burden” all over
the US, including in Massachusetts. This is a strategic call to action. 100 to 200 people need to attend
the Public Hearing to establish evidence of need.
A sample of what we can lose:
* Capital grants for Government & Educational technology without a supported needs assessment!
* Community Bulletin Board on channels 8 and 9 for free without PEG Access!
* TV coverage of Town Meeting, School Committee meetings, Selectmen's meetings, and issues (for
example, Symmes or overrides) without Government Access!
* TV coverage of High School Sports, Concerts, or Graduations without Education Access!
* TV productions, including non-profit organization events coverage (for example, LWVA Candidates’
Night) without Public Access!
Is that what the Arlington community wants? Is that what you want?
Be there November 10
TOWN OF ARLINGTON
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
COMCAST CABLE LICENSE RENEWAL
As part of a Needs Assessment Process preparatory to the renewal or preliminary denial of
the Comcast cable television license which expires on Oct. 19, 2005, all interested parties
and members of the public are invited to attend and offer written or oral comments regarding
Comcast’s past performance and future cable related needs and interests for the Comcast
cable television system in Town. Written comments may also be sent to the Committee
through the Selectmen’s office. Comments regarding service, utilization of present and future
technology and public, educational, and governmental access would be most appreciated.
Please note that federal and state laws and regulations prohibit the town from regulating in
the areas of rates and programming.
Phil McCarthy, Chair
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
Page 8
Recycle –
And Win… Win…Win…
America Recycles Day is November 15
The theme this year is “Make Every Day Recycles Day.” Arlington residents are strong
supporters of recycling. But everyone can pledge to do more… And be eligible to win a prize.
Come to the DPW office on the second floor of the Town Hall Annex to get a pledge card to
sign up and enter the national contest. Prizes include a 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid or an aluminum TREK Model 4300 24-speed bike.
Or you can log on the website to enter at: www.AmericaRecyclesDay.org/home.html
Pledge to recycle more and enter the 2004 National Recycle Day Contest. It only takes a few
minutes and we’d like to include as many Arlington residents as possible.
Good Luck
To Celebrate America Recycles Day,
Arlington is Celebrating
ARLINGTON RECYCLES WE EK
Come to the Town Yard at 51 Grove Street
Saturday, November 13 from 9 am - 12 noon
or during
Arlington Recycles Week
November 15, 16, 17 or 18 from 4 - 7 pm
to get a new blue recycle bin.
Also drop off your old sneakers. We will be delivering them to Nike for the
Reuse-A-Shoe program. All types of athletic shoes are recycled – no cleats
or dress shoes or shoes containing metal. Get your shoes “Back in the
Game.” Old sneakers are ground down and used as football and baseball and
soccer fields, weight room flooring, tennis and basketball courts, and the
padding under hardwood basketball floors.
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
Page 9
HOLIDAY PARTY!
Thursday, December 9
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Joan Robbio’s Home
Mark your calendars now for the Arlington League’s
Annual Holiday Potluck Party!
Appetizers and drinks will be available at 6:00, with the main course
served at 6:30. Our featured guest will be Kay Donovan, Arlington’s
Superintendent of Schools. Ms. Donovan, who is retiring next year, will
present an 11-year retrospective on her role as Superintendent.
Directions to the Robbios’ house, 4 Bradley Road:
Leaving Arlington Center via Mystic Street (Route 3), take a left onto Ridge St.
Veer right at the island rotary. Take the third right after the rotary onto
Winchester Rd, then the fourth right onto Bradley Rd. Joan's home is the third
house on the right.
Please let Jean Potter know by December 4th if you can attend and what dish
you would like to bring. Call her at 781-643-5571 or e-mail jeanishbel@a ol.com.
Stocking Stuffers Benefit LWVA
Get your Best Friends Cocoa!!! We'll be selling these adorable "muglets" at two
events in November and December, Meet the Town Manager on November 3 and our
Holiday Party on December 9. The single serving muglet sells for $2.00 each or 5 for
$10.00. Think stocking stuffer — they're also great for hostess gifts, party (or wedding) favors, to fit into a care package for college students — or just to enjoy yourself.
Best Friends Cocoa is a delicious blend of not too sweet chocolate that you mix
with 6 oz. of hot water. These adorable packets contain one serving of traditional
cocoa, which is both nonfat and kosher.
—Kathy Fennelly
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
ADS
Page 10
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
Page 11
Supporting Voter Service
By Angela Olszewski
Do you shop frequently in certain local stores? Have you been going to the same hairdresser
for years? Do you and several other League members belong to the same gym? The League
needs your help in identifying these local business owners who might be willing to help sponsor Candidates’ Night and the Voters’ Guide.
In exchange for a financial contribution or gift-in-kind, the donor will be recognized on signage
at the event and in the president’s welcoming speech. Since Candidates’ Night has an audience both at Town Hall and at home, through cable, donors will receive broad exposure.
Those who sponsor the Voters’ Guide will also be listed in the printed publication.
There are two ways to participate:
*
Candidates’ Night Raffle: This year, the League will hold a raffle of donated gifts in the
Town Hall Lobby on Candidates’ Night. A gift of merchandise or a gift certificate is
welcomed.
*
Voters’ Guide Sponsorship: Voters’ Guide sponsors will be listed in the printed publication. A sponsorship donation is $50.
Donations for the raffle and sponsorships from individuals are also very welcome.
Candidates’ Night and the Voters’ Guide are two of our League’s most important voter service
projects. Please show your support for these initiatives by assisting in or contributing to our
fundraising efforts. Please contact Angela Olszewski, LWVA finance director, for additional
information (781-648-8649).
LWV of Massachusetts
MARKETPLACE
SPOTLIGHT
Creating a League Presence
Vote! 2004 Campaign Buttons
Spread the word about LWV’s
www.votinginfo.info 1-stop info center
1-5 buttons @ $1 each; 6+ buttons @ 50¢ each
Vote! It Counts Lawn Signs
2-color 2-sided LWV
18x24” sign with sturdy supports
Useful at many events @ $50 for 5 signs/supports
See all LWVM products at
www.lwvma.org/publications.shtml
or inquire for catalogue at 617-523-2999
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
Page 12
League of Women Voters Phonothon
By Angela Olszewski
On Thursday, October 7th, Clare Gordon and Angela Olszewski participated in the State
League’s phonothon. They joined six members of the Lexington, Bedford, and Needham
Leagues at Carlson Real Estate in Lexington to solicit funds for the LWVMA. Ten percent of the funds raised by Clare and Angela will be donated to the LWVA. We will also
receive $10 for each phonothon volunteer.
If you received a voice mail message that evening, you will receive a pledge card in the
mail. Ten percent of any donation you make will go to our League.
It was nice to meet members of neighboring Leagues and chat with League members on
the telephone. Since only League members and supporters are solicited, the calls are
easy and friendly. The LWVMA runs the phonothon each year. It is a good opportunity
for our League to raise money, so please consider volunteering next fall.
Make Good Use of the “New Member” Resources
on the LWVUS Website
We encourage our new members to visit the special section devoted to them on the LWVUS
web site (www.lwv.org ). From this home page, click on the Members Site and log in with the
ID lwv and password carriecatt. On the left hand side of the page is a tool bar that lists the
category “For New Members.” This section includes a letter welcoming new members from
LWVUS President Kay Maxwell, League Positions on Issues, and a Glossary of League Lingo.
Instructions on becoming part of the Online Grassroots Network are also provided, so you can
easily sign up to join LWVUS-sponsored listservs. Some of this information may be helpful to
longtime members also!
JUDGES WANTED!
FOR OUR 6th ANNUAL
ONLINE STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST
*no meetings
*no mailings
*on your schedule
*runs November 2004 thru March 2005
*all judging and communications happen via email
EMAIL THE STATE LEAGUE AT [email protected]
TO INDICATE YOUR INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING
November/December 2004
League of Women Voters of Arlington, MA
Page 13
From the State League
TAKE THE LEAGUE CHALLENGE . . .
ONE !
EACH ONE REACH
We are asking every member of our League to take part in the Each One
Reach One membership campaign. Think for a moment, and you’ll find that you
know at least one person who is not a member of the League but should be.
Maybe all you need to do is ASK him or her (or them) to join!
We’d like you to share some of your enthusiasm about the League and invite that perfect future League member to join. If EACH ONE of our members
takes action now to REACH ONE new member, we will double in size, strength,
energy and impact!
Please cut out the form below or make lots of copies, and meet the challenge. There’s no better time than now to join the League of Women Voters. So
let’s work together . . . EACH ONE REACH ONE!!
The League of Women Voters
invites you to join us today!
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages citizens to become informed and active participants in government, educates the
public on major public policy issues, and takes action to influence public policy.
League members make a difference in their community by:
v Learning about government and issues that matter
v Working with other concerned citizens toward common goals
v Taking action to speak out for positive change
v Supporting the work of the League on the local, state and national levels
v Gaining experience in leadership, organizing, lobbying, researching, presenting and facilitating
There’s never been a better time to join the League of Women Voters!
Please become a member today, and make a difference in your community and enhance your life.
Annual Dues: $50
$73
$20
Individual
Household (two
at one address)
Fulltime student
Name:_______________________
Address:_____________________
___________________Zip______
Phone:______________________
Email:_______________________
Please make your check payable to: League of Women Voters of Arlington
Please return this form to: Helen Budd , 8 Greenwood Rd , Arlington, MA 0247 4
For more information, call: Carolyn Parsons, 781 -646-9309
Thanks for joining the League of Wo men Voters!
COME MEET ARLINGTON TOWN MANAGER
BRIAN SULLIVAN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2004
7:30 PM
84 IRVING STREET, ARLINGTON
On November 3, 2004, LWV Arlington will have an all-member, spouse
and guest meeting introducing Brian Sullivan, Arlington’s new Town
Manager. Mr. Sullivan will update us on the town’s latest financial
situation, developments at the Symmes Property, town involvement in
church closings, and other issues that we may bring to the table. Margaret Potter will host the meeting at her lovely home on 84 Irving St.
Please plan to attend this important event, and bring a friend. If you
need a ride, please call Meredith Zona at 781-648-2753.
Directions to 84 Irving St.: From Mass Ave. in Arlington Center, turn onto Jason St.
Take your first right onto Irving St., and Margaret’s home is the yellow house on the
left. From Gray St., turn onto Bartlett Ave., and then take your first right onto Irving
St. The house is on the corner of Bartlett Ave. and Irving St.
League of Women Voters of Arlington
Post Office Box 461
Arlington, MA 02476
November/December 2004
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit No. 8891