VOTERS GUIDE
Brookline Town Election - May 5, 2015
A Publication of the Sara K. Wallace Fund for Voter Education
of the League of Women Voters of Brookline
VOTERS GUIDE ON-LINE:
www.lwvbrookline.org
www.votinginformation.org
Where to Vote
To verify your current precinct, go to the Secretary
of State’s web site: http://www.wheredoivotema.
com or before election day call the Town
Clerk’s office, 617-730-2010. All polling places
are accessible. The Town of Brookline does not
discriminate on the basis of disability in admission
to, access to, or operations of its programs, services
or activities. Individuals who need auxiliary aids
for effective communication in programs and
services of the Town of Brookline are invited to
make their needs known to the ADA Coordinator,
Town of Brookline, 11 Pierce St., Brookline,
MA 02445.
Telephone 617-730-2330; TDD 617-730-2327.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Precinct 1: Wheelock College, 43 Hawes St.
Monmouth Street Entrance
Precinct 2: Coolidge Corner Branch Library,
31 Pleasant St.
Precinct 3: Theresa Morse Apartments,
90 Longwood Ave.
Precinct 4: Town Hall, 333 Washington St.,
Room 103
Precinct 5: New Lincoln School, 19 Kennard Rd.
Precinct 6: BHS Schluntz Gymnasium,
115 Greenough St.
Precinct 7: Arthur A. O’Shea House, 61 Park St.
Precinct 8: Devotion School Gymnasium,
Stedman Street Entrance
Precinct 9: Senior Center, 93 Winchester St.
Precinct 10: John W. Kickham Apartments,
190 Harvard St.
Precinct 11: Driscoll School New Gymnasium,
Washington St. Entrance
Precinct 12: Runkle School Gymnasium,
50 Druce Street (Front entrance)
Precinct 13: Runkle School Gymnasium,
50 Druce Street (Front entrance)
Precinct 14: Heath School, 100 Eliot St.
Precinct 15: Fire Station #6, 962 Hammond St.
Precinct 16: Putterham Branch Library
959 West Roxbury Pkwy
See the back page for
information on the
ballot questions
Democracy is not a Spectator Sport
Massachusetts Bill of Voters’ Rights
and the Massachusetts Bill of Voters’
Responsibilities are on pages 18 and 19
of this guide.
The Sara K. Wallace Fund for
Voter Education
The Sara K. Wallace Fund for Voter Education of
the League of Women Voters of Brookline was
established in 1977 to promote informed and active
participation of citizens in government.
The Sara K. Wallace Fund supports voter
registration drives, candidate debates and forums,
Candidates Night and Afternoon, publishes the
Voters Guide to Town Elections annually and the
periodic publication Brookline Close Up. These
activities are made possible through tax-deductible
contributions from Brookline residents and
businesses. Send your contributions to: SKW Fund
for Voter Education, LWV of Brookline, PO Box
67056, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-9998.
LWV Nonpartisan Policy
The League does not support or oppose any
political party or candidate. The League does take
positions on issues after study and consideration
but does so separately from voter service activities.
Publishers
The League of Women Voters of Brookline
Editor in Chief: Joel Shoner
Production Staff: Carol Caro, Zipora Ostroy,
Sanford Ostroy, Ellen Shoner, Joyce Walsh and
Barbara Weiffenbach.
Every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of
the information in this VOTERS GUIDE. If voters
have questions, they are encouraged to contact their
candidates.
The League policy is that we do not edit the
responses from the candidates.
An (*) next to a candidates name indicates
incumbency.
The League would like to thank the Town
Clerk’s Office for its cooperation in
providing information for the 2014
Voters Guide.
(Caucus) indicates candidate became a Town
Meeting Member by caucus to fill a vacancy.
2. LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015
t TOWN MODERATOR
Candidates For Three Year Term
Candidates For Three Year Term
Salary: Unpaid
Vote For Not More Than One
Vote For Not More Than Two
Duties: The Moderator sets the order of the
Agenda and presides over Town Meeting.
The Moderator also appoints members of
the Advisory Committee, the Committee on
Organization and Structure and any other ad hoc
committees authorized by Town Meeting.
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to
250 words.
Question 1: What criteria do you use when you
make appointments to committees and how
would you broaden participation?
Question 2: Biographical data.
Patrick J. Ward(*) / 12 Edwin St.
1. The most effective non-partisan way the
Town Clerk’s Office can do to increase voter
participation is to increase access to voting. The
Town Clerk’s Office has expanded available
hours for absentee voting and has provided
comprehensive election information on the
Town’s website. The Office will be working
closely with the Office of the Secretary of
State to develop regulations governing the
implementation of new legislation concerning
Early Registration and Early Voting in 2016. The
Office will also continue to endorse Election Day
Registration.
2. Town Clerk – Town Of Brookline -
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than One
Edward N. Gadsby, Jr, (*)/ 60 Glen Rd.
1. The most important criterion is relevant
expertise and professional experience that will
be useful to the committee in carrying out its
responsibilities. Also important are collegiality,
a desire to serve, and knowledge of and
involvement in Town governance.
2. Brookline resident for 45+ years; TMM
for 35+ years; Town Moderator for 21 years;
Past president of the Massachusetts Moderators
Ass’n; Corporate lawyer, Foley Hoag LLP,
Boston; Amherst College, Harvard Law School
1994 – Present
Assistant Town Clerk – Town Of Brookline 1985 – 1994
Registrar Of Voters – Town Of Brookline-1985 –
Present (Chair: 1990 – 1994)
Legislative Director – Office Of The Secretary Of
State - 1984 - 1985
J.D., New England School Of Law
B.A., Boston College
Massachusetts State Hava Committee: 2003 –
Present
Massachusetts Town Clerks Association: 1994 –
Present
Tri-County Clerks Association: 1994 – Present
International Institute Of Municipal Clerks:
1994 – Present
Admitted To Federal Bar 2002
Admitted To Massachusetts Bar 2002
t TOWN CLERK
Salary: Range $86,377 - $101,748
Duties: The Town Clerk is responsible for
keeping a wide range of records such as deeds,
voting lists, election records, vital statistics,
mortgages, business ownerships, licenses, etc.
The clerk is responsible for the legal conduct of
elections, care for voting machines, preparation
of sample machine ballots, training of election
workers, and reporting results to the Secretary of
State. The clerk records attendance proceedings
and votes at Town Meeting.
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to
250 words.
Question 1: What can the Town Clerk’s office do
to increase voter participation?
Question 2: Biographical data.
t BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Salary: Chairman: $4,500 per annum.
Other members: $3,500 per annum.
Duties: The Selectmen carry out the votes of Town
Meeting; review the annual budget for bonds
and notes for the borrowing of money; appoint
certain department heads, assistants, advisors,
boards and committees; serve as a licensing
board and as the police and fire commissioners;
represent the Town before the General Court in all
regional and metropolitan affairs; and enforce the
Town Bylaws and regulations.
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to
250 words.
Question 1:What are the one or two top priorities
for the town and how would you address them?
Question 2: Biographical data.
Bernard W. Greene (New) / 77 Park St.
1. My priorities are maintaining Brookline’s
exceptional public schools and diversity and
inclusion, which includes good police-community
relations.
Schools. We must continue to maintain exceptional
schools and town services. I am voting YES on
the override and debt exclusion, because without
adequate funding, we will have neither. Both
sides on the Override Study Committee agreed
there is no fat or waste in either the Town or
School budgets. Further, it is indisputable that
enrollment is growing much faster than current
resources. We must pass the two ballot questions
and move forward.
Diversity and Inclusion. I want to make Brookline
a better community for everyone who lives, works,
or visits here or is just driving through. I will
personally focus on the many issues that go into
making Brookline more welcoming and inclusive,
with a commitment to diversity. I will personally
work with community groups and individuals and
the Brookline Police Department to build and
maintain constructive relationships between the
police and all segments of our community.
For more detail go to my campaign’s website:
BernardGreene4Selectman.com
2. TMM Precinct 7; former Advisory Committee
member; financial transactions attorney – legal
counsel to Massachusetts Clean Water Trust;
Swarthmore College and Boston College Law
School; married to Ellen Pinderhughes, Child
Development Professor at Tufts University; two
grown children, Olivia and Marshall (2013
graduate of BHS).
Nancy S. Heller (New) / 40 Abbotsford Rd.
1. Currently, we must address the unprecedented
challenge of growing enrollment in our schools
beyond current capacity. This is a major budgetary
issue for Brookline. Both tax override questions
on the May 5 ballot to renovate Devotion School
and to provide additional funds for enrollment
growth are critical to support our efforts. Those
measures, if successful, will help us preserve the
high quality of education that our children have
enjoyed and will help us prevent the enrollment
growth issue from undermining priorities in other
areas of our town, such as police, fire, public
works, senior services, open space, parks and
recreation services, health and human services.
I am committed to supporting the newly
constituted Diversity, Inclusion and Community
Relations Commission and Department, whose
LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015 3.
mission is to strive for a community characterized
by the values of inclusion. We must advocate
for human and civil rights through community
and workforce education and outreach and we
must promote tolerance and respect for all.
2. Town Meeting Member 27 years; Advisory
Committee (Finance Committee) 7 years;
Petitioner 2012 bylaw banning polystyrene
in food service; Co-Petitioner 2010 bylaw on
nuisance behaviors, 2011 bylaw on disorderly
conduct, 2015 warrant article on amendments
to 40B; School Committee 12 years, Chair 19951997; Many leadership roles in PTO, Extended
Day, Children’s Center Day Care, Understanding
Disabilities Program, Graffam-McKay Historic
District, BHS China Exchange Program, Brookline
Friends of METCO; Widow of Dr. Daniel
Heller, 3 children graduated Brookline Schools;
3 grandchildren attending Brookline Schools,
Retired Attorney /Pediatric Administrator.
See www.heller4selectman.com
Pamela C. Lodish (New) / 195 Fisher Ave.
1. Top priority - work with fellow selectmen to
articulate and commit to a reasonably sustainable
10-year financial plan that all of the citizens
of Brookline can understand and support.
Continually asking taxpayers for more money
is not a sustainable strategy. We know we need
a new 9th elementary school or a middle school.
We know we need to update and expand the
high school. If we don’t exercise fiscal prudence
in every single budget year, we put these critical
projects at risk. If we don’t assess our total needs
and figure out how best to pay for them, we are
doing all of our citizens a disservice. This can’t be
a year-by-year “surprise.”
Top priority - balance school and town needs. I
am a unique candidate. I am both “Pro” schools
and “Pro” town. I get it that the schools need
more financial resources. We must demand fiscal
discipline on both the school and town side in order
to ensure that funding for all critical needs (i.e.
open space, libraries, protecting neighborhoods,
recreation, libraries and education) do not suffer.
I value the racial, social, age and economic
diversity that makes Brookline Brookline.
2. School Committee 1988-1997, Chair 91-03.
Advisory Committee since 1997. Town Meeting
since 1989. MBA high honors Boston University.
Business manager of public and special education
schools. Associate director Harvard College
Observatory.
Self employed construction
manager for projects large and small. Brookline
resident 45 years. Raised three children here – all
attended Brookline schools. Husband, Harvey,
MIT professor. Website: www.pamlodish.com
M. K. Merelice (New)/ 22 White Place
1. Such top priorities as the school override are
about more than number-crunching. They are
about the values we hold as a community.
When I was a candidate for State Auditor, it was
clear to me our children’s well-being depends not
only on equal quality educational opportunities
but also on a healthy environment (Brookline
kids suffer a high rate of asthma); parks and
green space; honestly embracing the challenges
of diversity; and providing safe streets, affordable
shelter, and welcoming neighborhoods. Making
children a priority serves the interests of the whole
population: families, single adults, senior citizens.
I would evaluate town services for job opportunities
along with quality and fiscal responsibility. I would
strongly advocate for open space, healthy race
relations, environmentally responsible building
practices, a determined approach to creating
affordable housing, and would set up fact-finding
meetings with neighborhood associations and
older youth groups. Brookline is very blessed
and can aim to provide livable neighborhoods for
everyone.
the resolution of problems to external agencies
and outside counsel. In our town, because the
Board of Selectmen has executive authority, it
therefore determines whether the social climate
and culture will be one of respect for all of
those working and living here. If elected, I will
work to ensure that all citizens are treated with
respect and dignity. This is the essence of good
government.
2. As a Brookline condo owner since 1978,
I’ve served on Brookline Human Relations
Commission, Brookline Martin Luther King
Committee, and Brookline Bridges Together
Intergenerational Program. In addition to my
organizational behavior faculty appointments
(Simmons College, Northeastern and Boston
Universities), I’ve been a consultant to
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Federal
Government. I hold an MSW in Community
Practice from the University of Michigan, and
a MPA from the Maxwell School, Syracuse
University, and been certified by American
Arbitration Association, Community Dispute
Mediator.
2. www.merelice.org
Extensive managerial experience overseeing
non-profit and corporate departmental budgets.
Former vice president at Putnam Investments,
involved with retirement plans, institutional
investing, and mutual funds.
Reporter-Editor at The Christian Science Monitor,
covering education, ecology, race relations, politics.
Harvard AB as a first-generation scholarship
student. 44-year Brookline resident, 4-year Town
Meeting Member, member of its Green Caucus
and the Selectmen’s Zoning Bylaw Committee.
Board-member Brookline GreenSpace Alliance,
Brookline Affordable Housing CDC; founding
member White Place Neighborhood Association,
Brookline Neighborhood Alliance; State Chair,
Green-Rainbow Party.
Laurence M. Onie (New) / 32 Marshal St.
1. The first and highest priority for Brookline
must be to improve the social climate in town,
so that all of its citizens, not only those living in
town but also those working here, feel valued
and treated in a respectful manner by the Board
of Selectmen. There have, unfortunately, been
a number of situations in recent years in which
people working and living here have experienced
bullying and intimidation by the Selectmen and
town employees.
Often, when problems regarding the social
climate in Brookline have emerged, the Board of
Selectmen has shown a lack of sensitivity to those
harmed and poor leadership by outsourcing
t TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Salary: Unpaid.
Duties: The Library Trustees appoint the Town
Librarian; establish policies; request the annual
budget; and supervise all expenditures.
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to
250 words.
Question 1: What are your concerns about the
overhaul of the Coolidge Corner library?
Question 2: Biographical data.
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Four
Carol Axelrod (*) / 323 Clark Rd.
1. As the true “downtown” arm of our library
system, the branch must continue to serve a
diverse urban population that includes many
non-English speakers. Finding and maintaining
sufficient public and private funding to create
and support an exemplary twenty-first century
learning and information center is our biggest
challenge. With a dedicated new library director,
a skilled and experienced staff throughout the
system, a strong Board of Trustees, Library
Foundation and Friends organization in place, I
believe we are up to the challenge.
4. LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015
2. Resident and home owner in Brookline
for 30+ years. Psychotherapist and career
consultant at Rasi Associates in Copley Square
for almost as long. Active at Runkle School
and BHS when our children were in school.
Continued involvement on the Board of Steps
to Success. Town Meeting member from 1994
to 2005. Library trustee since 2000. Married to
attorney Edward DeFranceschi, two sons 33 and
29.
Vivien E. Goldman (*) / 19 Conant Rd.
1. The Board has been talking about and
considering upgrades to the Coolidge Library
for some time. The branch needs more meeting
rooms, electrical outlets for laptop computers,
upgrades for disability accessibility. We have
several ideas about how to enhance the services
and the physical needs of the Branch, and also
how to make it all affordable. The conversation
among the Trustees is vibrant and enthusiastic
as we all want to have this busy branch be as
serviceable and modern as it possibly can be.
2. I have lived in Brookline since 1980 and been on
the Board of Library Trustees for the past 12 years.
I am a librarian/archivist by training graduating
from Simmons in 2000 after leaving the Harvrd
Institute for International Development in 1999 as
a Project Manager of overseas technical assistance
projects, and the Deputy Director of the Program
on Investment Appraisal and Management for
senior management consultants worldwide. On
the Library Board I initiated Picturing Brookline,
a townwide photo project documenting our town
that included everyone, younger and older, to
participate. I then involved our library in The
Digital Commonwealth, the Massachusetts online
Digital Library where you can find Brookline’s
historic photographs and other materials about
our history and present day. Our librarians
continue to add new content about our town on
this site.
I am a photographer engaged in numerous
projects and show my work in different venues.
My website: viviengoldmanphotography.com.
Regina Healy (*)/ 20 Chapel St.
1. We need to be certain that the building is fully
handicap accessible; that the children’s area is
separate from the adult reading area; that there
is adequate community meeting space. This is the
most utilized branch library in the entire state.
2. Born: Boston, MA. Resident of Brookline, MA
since 1967; two sons graduated Brookline High
School; two grandchildren attend Runkle School;
Board Member of PAX; Active Library Trustee for
7 years; lifetime reader.
Carol Troyen Lohe (*)/ 25 Salisbury Road
1. My concerns for the Coolidge Corner Library
are the same as my desires: that we garner
sufficient state and local support to transform
that bustling, overstuffed, and beloved branch
into the library Brookline deserves. Public
libraries are currently undergoing a renaissance,
and Coolidge—among the busiest branches in
the state, serving a demographically diverse
population—should be a library for the 21st
century. It needs to be multi-functional,
providing quiet study spaces and meeting
rooms. It should offer up-to-date technological
resources for staff and patrons (3-D printers?
makerspaces?) and circulate new, non-traditional
collections (games? garden tools?). It needs to
be a cultural hub for all, which means improving
accessibility, expanding program offerings,
and fostering creativity among its patrons.
The Director and staff have the energy and
imagination to guide this transformation; it is
up to the Library Trustees, Foundation, Friends,
and especially the community at large to support
those efforts with enthusiasm and generosity.
2. I was appointed, then elected, a Library
Trustee in 2012. Since then I have served on
the Long Range Planning Committee, the
Library Services Committee, the Programming
Committee, and “Brookline Reads”; I was
elected Treasurer in May 2014. My husband,
Werner Lohe, and I have lived in Brookline since
1988; our daughters, Erica and Ellen, graduated
from Driscoll and Brookline High. I attended
Yale University (B.A., Ph.D.) and have spent
my professional life in museums, as Curator
of American Art at the Museum of Fine Arts
and Acting Chief Curator at the Wadsworth
Atheneum.
t SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Salary: Unpaid.
Duties: The School Committee has the power
to select and terminate the Superintendent of
Schools; approve and review budgets for public
education; establish educational goals and policies
for the schools in the district, consistent with the
requirements of the law and state-wide goals and
standards established by the Massachusetts Board
of Education.
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to
250 words.
Question 1: What are the most critical issues
facing the School Committee now and how would
you address them?
Question 2: Biographical data.
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Three
Pen-Hau Ben Chang (*) / 342 Tappan St.
1. As the steward of the Brookline Schools, our
responsibility is to continue to invest and deliver
an outstanding educational experience for our
school kids. The 40% increase in enrollment in the
last five years has certainly put an unprecedented
pressures on our budgets and our ability in
maintaining a high level of service. I am proud
to say our school administration has continued to
deliver an outstanding educational product in a
fiscally responsible manner. However, we have
come to a tipping point. We can no longer provide
the same high level of educational services without
additional classrooms, teachers and technology
resources. As a school committee, we undertook
a rigorous analysis, known as the BSPACE study,
before coming to the town for additional dollars
for our schools. We did not take is ask lightly.
2. Our family has been a member of the Brookline
community since 1992 and currently have a son
at the Runkle School. Prior to serving on the
school committee, I was a member of the Runkle
School Council from 2008-2011. Professionally,
I am the Founder and Managing Principal of
Wellfleet Capital Partners, a healthcare focused
merchant bank. In addition, I am also a Partner
and Managing Director of Consilium Partners
where I lead the healthcare investment banking
practice. I received my BA from Tufts University
and an MBA from Fuqua School of Business at
Duke University.
Barbara C. Scotto (*) /26 Crowninshield Rd.
1. The most critical issue for the Brookline
schools is the mounting enrollment. This increase
in students has resulted in overcrowded schools
with classrooms bursting at the seams and spilling
over into the hallways. We continue to search for
a ninth K-8 school site while increasing capacity at
some of our schools through additional building,
renovation and modulars. Unfortunately our
operating budget hasn’t kept pace with our
growing enrollment. When enrollment goes up,
a larger staff is needed, not just an increase in
classroom teachers but growth in all supporting
areas – nurses, guidance counselors, librarians,
math and literacy specialists among others. As
this wave of elementary students reaches high
school, the need for increased space and staff at
BHS will be critical. The first step in dealing
with these issues is to pass the Yes for Brookline
override to bring more funding to the schools.
With more funding, we will be better able to meet
the needs of all of our students and adhere to our
core values: high achievement for all, excellence
LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015 5.
in teaching, collaboration, respect for human
difference and educational equity.
2. Teacher at Driscoll (1981-2006) and Baker
(Spring 1981); Library Assistant at Driscoll
(1978-1981); Librarian at BEEP (1973–1978);
Brookline Foundation’s Ernest Caverly Award
for Excellence in Teaching (2002); Instructor in
Education at Simmons College (20 yrs.); TMM
(Pct. 8 and 2) since 1973; School Committee
member since 2009; 2 children who graduated
from Devotion and BHS; M.A. and M.S.,Simmons
College; M.Ed., Johns Hopkins, B.A. Wilson
College
Sandra L. Stotsky (New) / 246 Clark Rd.
1. 1. Designing programs with evaluations built
in (e.g., world languages program, project-based
middle-school curriculum programs, Project
Calculus).
2. Developing plans with clear options for school
expansion/building programs so that informed
discussions can take place about the structure
of the curriculum (e.g., a K-8, 9-12 school
structure; or a K-5, 6-9, 10-12 school structure).
3. Supporting an academic orientation for
Brookline’s schools. I can ensure a credible
research base and evaluation plan for K-12
academic programs.
2. BA, University of Michigan; Ed.D., Harvard
Graduate School of Education, studied under
Jeanne Chall. Brookline resident for over 45
years. All five children graduated from Brookline
schools. Library Trustee (1984-1999); TMM
Precinct 12 (1984-1994); president, League
of Women Voters (1971-1973); on search
committees for high school headmaster and
K-12 ELA specialist in late 1980s, and on various
selectmen-appointed committees.
Life-long career in education: elementary and high
school classroom teacher; As Senior Associate
Commissioner in the Massachusetts Department
of Elementary and Secondary Education (19992003), developed academic K-12 standards in all
major subjects, educator licensing regulations,
teacher licensure tests, and professional
development criteria. On Massachusetts Board
of Elementary and Secondary Education
(2006-2010); National Mathematics Advisory
Panel (2006-2008); NAEP Reading Standards
Committee, 2003-2004; and Common Core
Validation Committee (2009-2010). Also editor of
Research in the Teaching of English, published by
the National Council of Teachers of English (1991
to 1997); published extensively in professional
journals; authored several books, latest one in
March 2015 by Rowman & Littlefield (An Empty
Curriculum).
Elizabeth Jackson Stram (New) /
54 Powell St.
1. Brookline’s excellent schools face challenges
today that require a keen focus on what’s best
for children, great fiscal sense, and a clear-eyed
view of the long term. We must ensure that our
schools continue to thrive while being properly
prepared to serve more and more students. I have
the skills and experience to help our community
understand the educational and financial impacts
of the challenges we face and to make informed
choices to address them.
2. My family moved to Brookline four years ago,
in large part because of the quality and diversity
of the public schools. I have three children and
am an active parent volunteer at the Devotion
School. I also recently served as the Chair of the
Schools Subcommittee for the 2014 Override
Study Committee (OSC), and developed the
financial model used by all members of the OSC
and Selectmen to form recommendations for the
override.
Professionally, I have dedicated my career to
enabling all children to succeed, both by striving
for educational excellence and by supporting the
needs of the whole child. I am currently a strategy
consultant at the Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit
advisor for mission-driven organizations. My
clients are national and Boston-based organizations
in education and youth development. I also advised
the Massachusetts Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education on their Race to the
Top federal grant proposal. I graduated from
Brown University, and earned an MBA from the
Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. I worked
previously in finance at Morgan Stanley.
www.stramforschoolcommittee.org
t HOUSING AUTHORITY
Salary: Each member may receive a salary of not more
than one-fifth of 2% of the gross rental receipts from
veterans housing.
Duties: The Housing Authrity is the agent for the
Town in all public housing activities ranging from
determining community needs for such housing to
development and management.
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to
250 words.
1: What are your priorities for
maintaining and improving the quality of
Brookline’s public housing and increasing the
availability of affordable housing?
Question
Question 2: Biographical data.
Candidates For Five Year Term
Vote For Not More Than One
Barbara Dugan (*) / 8 Walnut St.
DID NOT REPLY
t TOWN MEETING MEMBERS
Salary: Unpaid.
Duties: As the
legislative body of Town
government, Town Meeting Members vote on
budget and capital items and must consider and
vote on any changes in Town Bylaws, including
those pertaining to zoning and administrative
structure and procedure.
Candidates for Town Meeting were asked to limit
their responses to 150 words.
Question 1: What do you see as your role and
responsibilities to your precinct and the town?
Question 2: Biographical data.
PRECINCT 1
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Cathleen C. Cavell (*)/ 27 Monmouth Ct.
Attendance 11 of 14
1. I am proud to have served Precinct One in
Town Meeting for more than 25 years. I love
Brookline and our neighborhood. I work to
bring the voices of our neighbors to the town’s
decision-making. I introduced legislation to
preserve Monmouth Park and the Carlton Street
Footbridge, and created the trust that protects the
legendary beeches on Longwood Mall. I blocked
the MBTA from razing the old-growth trees that
border Monmouth Court.
2. My education prepared me as a lawyer and
a teacher: I graduated from Radcliffe College,
Wesleyan University’s MAT program, and Boston
University Law School. With my husband Stanley,
I have raised two sons here, Brookline-lovers too.
I was Brookline’s lawyer from 1977-1990, helped
start Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts
http://www.progressivedemsofmass.org/
and
served eight years on Governor Patrick’s Judicial
Nominating Commission.
I now represent
the Massachusetts Education Commissioner,
investigating and seeking license sanctions against
unfit educators. Precinct One Coalition.
6. LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015
Elijah Ercolino (*)/ 2 Euston St.
Attendance 6 of 7
1. As a TMM, I serve as an advocate and voice for
my community. It’s my responsibility to represent
my precinct to the best of my ability and to work
together with other TMMs to move Brookline
forward.
2. Elijah Ercolino moved with his family to
Brookline in 2013, attracted by the strength of
community and public schools. Elijah earned
his MS in Mechanical Engineering from Boston
University, where he is currently leading BU’s
energy conservation efforts in his role at Facilities
Management. He is a member of the Precinct
1 Coalition, Brookline Green Caucus,
and
is endorsed by PAX. Elijah is committed to
preserving the excellence of Brookline’s schools
and other public services.
Neil R. Gordon (*)/ 87 Ivy St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. As my neighbors’ representative, I do my best
to remain aware of Town and neighborhood
issues, and try to be both an effective conduit and
staunch advocate. I see my role as simply doing
the right thing.
On behalf of Precinct One residents, I shepherded
traffic improvements at the intersection of Amory
and Worthington Streets, and with other P1C
Town Meeting Members, organized neighbors to
clear snow from hydrants. In 2014 I introduced a
resolution honoring Brookline veterans that was
unanimously passed by Town Meeting
through contributions and serving on the boards
of: the Worcester Chamber of Commerce,
Quinsigamond Community College, the board
of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts,
and on Hillary Clinton’s Massachusetts Finance
Committee. I have an MA from Cornell, BA from
the University of Wisconsin and was a Fulbright
Scholar.
Sean M. Lynn-Jones (*) / 53 Monmouth St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. As a Town Meeting member, I serve as an
advocate for my precinct. I contact Town officials
about Precinct 1 issues. I attend meetings of the
Planning Board, Transportation Board, and other
committees that make decisions concerning the
precinct. I notify neighbors of developments that
will affect them. I attend every Town Meeting
session and vote. As chair of the Town’s Advisory
(Finance) Committee, I will work to set budgetary
priorities that maintain Brookline’s excellent
schools, public safety, and infrastructure.
2. Precinct 1 resident since 1995. Educated as
a political scientist at Haverford and Harvard.
Editor of quarterly journal. Led efforts to facilitate
rapid opening of Beacon Street Whole Foods.
Worked to redesign and renovate Monmouth
Park, improve Monmouth Court plantings,
and upgrade sidewalks. Advisory Committee
member since 2003; elected chair in 2015. Cochair, Brookline Neighborhood Alliance. Life
member, Brookline Historical Society. Brookline
Soccer Club coach. PAX endorsement. Precinct 1
Coalition.
2. I live on Ivy Street with my partner, Laura
Weisel. I have worked with both technology and
consumer products companies and am currently
president of N.R. Gordon & Company, Inc., a
corporate finance consulting firm. I have a strong
history of public and community service, served
on active duty with the United States Navy, am a
Vietnam veteran, and an avid sailor and cyclist.
Peter J. Ames / 90 Ivy St.
Carol B. Hillman (*)/ 287 Kent St.
2. Graduate of Harvard College and Law School.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. I am a representative and advocate for residents
of Precinct 1 and the entire town. A TMM
must keep abreast of issues in the Precinct and
townwide and try to act in the best interests of
Brookline. I believe a TMM must be available
to her constituents to help address their concerns.
PAX Endorsed.
2. My husband and I live on Kent Street.
I’ve
been a Pct.1 Coalition TMM for 6 years. I was
Vice President at Norton Company, Worcester and
BU’s Vice President for University Relations before
forming my own communications company. I have
a strong history of involvement in my community
Attendance (New)
1. To protect the best features of my precinct and
prepare plans for its future. To protect the best
features of my town(eg wonderful education,
healthy parks. safe place to live in etc.). I would
also like to identify future risks/challenges and
develop plans/tools to address them.
Started my career as Counsel for Metropolitan
Museum of Art and NYU.
Served as Director of Finance and Administration
for Engender Health (an international family
planning nonprofit with a budget of $16 million
and a staff of 95), Director of F and A for the
NE Aquarium, VP for programs for the Museum
of Science, and Executive VP for Population
Media Center. I have been a consultant for many
nonprofits in the US and in seven countries,
including one year for five museums in Paris.
PRECINCT 2
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Barbara A. O’Brien(*)/ 81 Egmont St.
Attendance 12 of 14
1. My precinct is close to Boston University – has
lots of transient students – we try to keep their
behavior civilized. I’m keeping a close watch over
marijuana distribution. Our town has good people
in town departments – will try to keep them.
2. Lived my whole life in Brookline, m. Richard
- Brookline firefighter (retired), 7 children grads
of Brookline schools – Former Devotion school
P.T.O. President, member League of Women
Voters, V-President Egmont Tenants Assoc., 10 yr.
Town Meeting Member – 2x absent – 1 night each
time. Employed 30 yrs All Saints Parish - seecurity
Linda Olson Pehlke (*)/ 48 Browne St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. As a Town Meeting Member our role is to
represent our precinct and act in the best interest
of the Town as a whole. I represent my constituents
in front of Town Boards and Commissions and
with Town staff. My responsibility is to help
manage change and plan for the future to improve
our quality of life, preserve our unique community
and support our most vulnerable residents.
2. A 27 year resident of Brookline, Linda is a
writer, researcher and urban planner. A member
of the Brookline Community Foundation’s
Board of Trustees, she was a researcher for the
Understanding Brookline reports. She is author
of, Exploring the Paths of Brookline. Linda
serves on the Town’s Climate Action Committee,
Zoning By-law Committee and Complete Streets
Study Committee. Linda leads the Friends of the
Minot Rose Garden, is a Trustee of the Carleton
Arms Condominium and member of the North
Brookline Neighborhood Alliance.
Susan M. Roberts (*)/ 69 Green St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1.My job is to help ensure the Town’s proper
governance on all matters coming before Town
Meeting. The Town’s continuing commitment to
education excellence and its planned economic
and real estate development are of particular
importance. Both are evident especially in my
Coolidge Corner neighborhood. The Devotion
School renovation, proposed development of
Neena’s Lighting, future development of the
Waldo-Durgin Garage, and other pending and
future real estate development in Coolidge Corner
are key issues requiring careful evaluation.
LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015 7.
2. My family’s Brookline roots span 4
generations. Born here, I grew up in Needham,
moving back during law school. I’m general
counsel to a regional hair salon and day spa
company, having worked in real estate at
Anderson & Kreiger LLP and Goulston & Storrs
P.C., and in public protection for two Attorneys
General. My daughter, son, and 2 stepsons
attended Devotion and BHS and are in graduate
school and enjoying early careers.
Eunice S. White (*) / 135 Pleasant St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. I feel my responsibility as TMM is to take
actions within my community that will result in
bettering the lives of those who live here. I am
an active supporter of the Minot Rose Garden
which visitors thoroughly enjoy. I initiated legal
measures that have led to a reduction of night
noise in our neighborhoods. I continue to work
toward saving historic sites such as the Durgin
Garage. I have also worked to make playgrounds
accessible to young children.
2. A long time resident of Brookline, I have a
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Boston
University. Retired; previously worked as a
management consultant, leading multi-million
dollar projects that had significant impact on
information processing within the Federal
Government. Am a long-time member of the
Board of Trustees at the 128-unit condominium
complex where I live. Recently joined the Friends
of the Brookline Library.
Livia Schachter-Kahl / 200 St. Paul St.
Attendance 2 of 2 (Caucus)
1. Participate in a variety of issues effecting our
public schools including our ever increasing
school enrollment.
Monitor the pace of residential and business
development in North Brookline.
Support our community based organizations
including the Brookline Teen Center, The Senior
Center and The Brookline Community Mental
Health Center.
2. Lifelong resident of Brookline; attended
Devotion (Devo) and Brookline High School as
did both my children (College Junior and High
School Senior) ; married to Chris Kahl; active
volunteer/participant in Brookline Schools;
Co-president of the Devotion PTO for 4 years;
Lawyer for Department of Children and Families
since 1991.
PRECINCT 3
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Dennis L. Doughty (*)/ 57 Perry St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. To bring an data-driven approach to analyzing
and addressing the critical needs of Brookline:
most notably long-term planning for the schools
but also neighborhood conservation, pedestrian
and bicycle safety, and the environment. To be an
advocate for public access to information.
2. 28 year resident of Brookline. MIT graduate.
Member of Advisory Committee. Active in
creation of Toxteth Neighborhood Conservation
District. Married, two children, both attended
Lawrence Elementary and one is currently at
BHS. Active participant in Town Administrator’s
sidewalk safety task force. Very active in Lawrence
School PTO including as director of annual
fundraiser. Technology professional, advisor to
many startups.
Jane C. Gilman (*) / 140 Sewall Ave.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. My precinct includes apartment dwellers,
multi-family and single family homes. Lawrence
School and park lie at our center and two temples
are immediately adjacent. Since 2008, I have
represented my neighbors in parking, zoning and
development issues that arise out of the complex
character of our precinct. It is my role to take
concerns to town decision-makers such as the
Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals
and the Transportation Board. I take it as my
responsibility to advise the precinct regarding
issues and information that affect Precinct 3. I will
continue to work with Precinct 1 Town Meeting
members to advocate for fewer commercial
parking permits in our neighborhoods.
2. I completed my undergraduate studies at Boston
University and my Masters at Boston College. I
settled in Brookline in 1992 after living in several
countries and traveling widely. I co-founded
Brookline Town Meeting Green Caucus in 2011.
Laurence Kragen Koff (*)/ 20 Harrison St.
Attendance 11 of 14
1. Being informed, actively involved in civic
affairs, and soliciting the opinions of others are the
primary roles of being a Town Meeting member.
Participating in town meeting, attendance at
various hearings, and working with neighbors and
fellow Pct 3 Town Meeting members on issues
impacting the quality of life, schools, services,
and the financial stability of the town is also vitally
important. I undertook a leadership role in the
Lawrence School renovation and teacher parking
studies, adoption of neighborhood historic/
conservation districts, and addressing the impacts
of Northeastern University’s use of Parson’s Field.
I also worked with the School Committee on a
study of why student enrollment was increasing.
2. Town Meeting Member Pct 3 (three terms), 43
year resident/homeowner, Married 5 children,
Principal, Larry Koff & Associates community
planning firm, Master Degree in Urban Planning,
NYU, MBA Suffolk University, member Friends of
Lawrence Park and Muddy River Restoration.
Donald Gene Leka (*) / 140 Sewall Ave.
Attendance 13 of 14
1. My role is to represent Precinct 3 at Town
Meeting, and to use my judgment in voting on
Warrant Articles. I need to be a conduit, learning
about the issues that confront Coolidge Corner,
communicating our concerns to the Town,
and informing my neighbors about proposals
that affect our neighborhoods. Other areas of
Brookline face different questions, and those
legitimate concerns should not drowned out by
those in more densely populated neighborhoods.
Finally, as a member of the Green Caucus of
Town Meeting Members, I have a responsibility
to educate myself and others about steps we can
take to make Brookline a more sustainable and
livable community.
2. Born and raised in Oklahoma.
B.A. Yale
1964, LLB Harvard 1967. Hutchins & Wheeler,
Associate, 1967-1973. The Gillette Company,
Senior Corporate Counsel, 1973-1980. Teradyne
Inc., created in-house legal department 19802000. 2000-present, keyboard musician with a
small private legal practice.
David M. Aronson / 30 Stearns Rd.
Attendance (New)
1. I owe to my precinct members the responsibility
to listen and then voice their opinions on the
variety of issues affecting our community. I also
owe them my best considered judgment on those
issues even where we might disagree. I am a
strong supporter of the overrrides as they embody
our most important values, the education of our
children and the governance of Brookline. There
are of course other important concerns that need
to be addressed - in the areas of health and human
services, public safety, transportation, budgets,
and the environment. I look forward to talking to
my neighbors and working with other TMMs on
those and other issues affecting our town.
2. Brookline resident since 2003. Retired from the
City of Boston where I was a budget analyst for the
Budget Office and later the Grants Manager for the
Boston Transportation Department. Ph. D. from the
U/Massachusetts, Amherst.
8. LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015
PRECINCT 4
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Sarah T. Axelrod (*)/ 41 Bowker St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. My responsibilities as a TMM is to bring my
constituents and my views to the town and to
work collaboratively balancing all the competing
needs and options to achieve the best possible
solutions for Precinct 4 and the entire Town of
Brookline. I see the primary concerns ranging
from maintaining our excellent schools, preserving
town services as well as affordable housing, role
and placement of commercial development, elder
services, and maintaining open spaces.
2. TMM since 1995, 2 family homeowner, 2
daughters, the 2nd will graduate from BHS in
June. Prior member of various school related
committees including 10 years on the board of the
Lawrence Extended Day Program (treasurer for
3). Employed by Harvard University within the
office of Sponsored Research as the Director of
Cost Analysis and Compliance; a role responsible
for the regulatory and overhead support aspects
of federal research funding received by the
University.
Frank W. Farlow (*)/ 8 Bowker St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. Actively monitor and critique the design
and reconstruction process of the ten-story
Bertucci’s building (2-4 Brookline Place) and the
reconfiguration of Route 9 in Brookline Village
as a member of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee
for this project. Encourage others to support the
Override—to maintain the quality of the schools,
to reduce the time before another override is
requred, and to maintain property values. It’s
the schools that have brought most new people
to Brookline in recent decades, and that will
continue to be true. They are the crown jewel of
this community.
2.
Precinct 4 TMM since 1990; Advisory
Committee 5 years, Human Services Subcommittee
chair 4 years; Brookline PAX co-chair 12 years;
Sister City Project board 15 years; Brookline
Village Coalition steering group; co-founder,
Brookline for Mass Fair Elections; Brookline
Committee on Campaigns chair 3 years. Bowker
Street homeowner 40 years, wife TMM-4 Marty
Farlow, son BHS graduate Jed.
Martha A. Farlow (*)/ 8 Bowker St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. I will continue to keep informed about
development at the B2 parcel, including parking
and construction. I will also follow the linked
Route 9 reconstruction project and its impacts on
Pct. 4 residents. A priority for the Town should
be carefully planning strong traffic controls for
both projects.
I feel a successful Operating Override and a
successful Debt Exclusion Override are necessary
for the Town to maintain quality services for
all of its residents, and to maintain property
values in our precinct and throughout the Town.
2. Retired Brookline teacher, 35 years primary
grades K – 3, mostly at Edward Devotion, some
at Baker, Lawrence, Driscoll and Pierce. Village
resident and homeowner since 1970. Parent of
Pierce and BHS graduate. 100% attendance at
Town Meeting since 2004.
John T. Mulhane (*)/ 45 Brook St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. The B-2 Parcel at Brookline Place is a very
important issue in Precinct #4. As a TMM
member I feel it will be my responsibility as time
unravels to be sure that the agreement between
the Town and BCH are carried out.
4 in all matters coming before Town Meeting, and
to vote on each matter based on the best interests
of Precinct 4 and the Town. As a new candidate,
I have no political baggage. Therefore, I have the
ability to vote in an independent way, without
influence from the powerful political groups in
Brookline. I am a liberal candidate, but one with
a strong independent spirit. Precinct 4 needs an
independent representative, untethered from the
existing old-guard political machine, and I am
that candidate.
2. Unlike many of my fellow candidates, I grew
up in Brookline, attending the Baker School
and then the High School (’06). I subsequently
attended Brandeis University, graduating in 2010
with a B.A. in Philosophy and Politics. In 2013, I
moved back to Brookline to attend Northeastern
University School of Law, where I am currently in
my second year.
PRECINCT 4
Candidates For One Year Term
Vote For Not More Than One
2. I have been a resident of Brookline (Precinct
#4) all of my life. I graduated from the High
School in 1960 and attended Bentley School of
Accounting and Finance. I am retired from the
Town after 42 years of service.
Sarah T. Boehs /179 Aspinwall Ave.
Attendance (New)
1. As a Town Meeting Member, it will be my
responsibility to be educated about the issues
facing the Town and to exchange information and
perspectives with my constituents. My actions
in Town Meeting will reflect my informed and
considered opinions about which courses of action
will best reflect the goals of equity (for example,
across socioeconomic lines and among various
school districts), environmental sensitivity, and
fiscal sensibility.
2. I am a 10 year resident of Brookline. I am
the Lawrence School community co-captain of
the “Yes for Brookline” campaign to support
the override and debt exclusion. I work in the
affordable housing industry and campaigned to
preserve Chapter 40B, which supports seniors and
working families. I volunteer as a Sunday School
teacher and Children’s Ministries Committee
member at Trinity Church. My children attend
Lawrence School and Clinton Path Preschool.
It would be a privilege to represent Precinct 4.
www.facebook.com/SarahBoehsPrecinct4
Jeremy Michael Shaw / 235 Washington St.
Attendance (New)
1. My role would be to dutifully represent Precinct
Alan Christ /117 Kent St.
Attendance (5 of 5) Caucus)
1. As a Town Meeting Member, I am responsible
for representing my precinct and advocating for
thoughtful and rational solutions to problems
currently facing the town. For example, I have
been very involved in finding ways for the town to
reduce its carbon footprint; therefore, I introduced
a business recycling warrant article, which was
unanimously approved in the November 2014
Town Meeting.
Another component of my job is the
communication of critical issues to members of my
precinct, and serving as the voice of my precinct
in larger townwide discussions. To achieve this,
I have frequently spoken out at public meetings
regarding a range of issues, such as the new cycle
tracks on Route 9, the 2 Brookline Place Project,
and the upcoming override vote.
I am an architect who graduated from
Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, and I’ve
lived in Brookline with my wife and two children
since November 2008.
2.
PRECINCT 5
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Robert S. Daves (*)/ 9 Upland Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. To continue as a strong advocate for my
neighborhood and to contribute to a vibrant TM
LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015 9.
to ensure Brookline democratic traditions are
carried on. As TMM I will use my experience to
engage on local issues (development, preservation,
open space protection, environmental restoration
of the Muddy River, school support, etc ) and will
work to communicate information to P5 residents
and encourage them to express their opinions and
get involved.
2. Former scientist, current restoration carpenter.
Board member, High St Hill Assoc for 14 years;
Brookline Greenspace Alliance board member;
Brookline MLK Committee; Hidden Brookline
Committee; Former VP of Gov’t Relations for the
Connecticut Boards of Ed.
Betsy Shure Gross (*)/ 25 Edgehill Rd.
Attendance 13 of 14
1. Support Lincoln and BHS needs. Attend
hearings and meetings on schools, neighborhood
and community issues including development on
Rt. 9 (Brookline Place, Red Cab and Brookline
Bank; support capital investment and appropriate
funding for maintenance of parks, playgrounds,
open space; DPW snow removal and street repair;
issues involving senior citizens; appropriate
implementation of Pill Hill Local Historic District
statutes.
2. 44 year town resident; Current High Street Hill
Association Board,former President. Greater Point
Neighborhood Association, Associate member.
Town Meeting Green Caucus. Vice Chair, Muddy
River Restoration Project Maintenance and
Management Oversight Committee (MMOC).
Co-President, Friends of Hall’s Pond Sanctuary.
Brookline Green Space Alliance, Advisor. Former
Chair, Brookline Conservation Commission.
Former Co-Chair, Brookline Neighborhood
Association. Co-Founder Friends of Leverett
Pond. Former Vice President, Emerald Necklace
Conservancy. Former Executive Director,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive
Office of Environmental Affairs Office of Public
Private Partnerships. Husband: Gary; Giant
Schnauzer: “Sontu”.
Phylliis R. O’Leary (*)/ 16 Jamaica Rd.
Attendance 12 of 14
1. As a lifelong resident of Precinct five, I have
been a strong supporter of quality education,
town services and the affordability of living in
Brookline. These services are what make Brookline
a desirable place to live. In order to maintain
these services we need to encourage businesses
to invest in developing commercial property, that
development will help increase the towns tax base
which will then help maintain/make better the
services that Brookline is noted for.
2. Town Meeting member precinct 5 (30 yrs.)
Co-Chair Events Committee Point Assoc.
Home owner
Owner of Antique Business
Former Parent Coordinator Title I Lincoln-Pierce
Schools
Attended Sewall, Lincoln and BHS
Husband, George O’Leary DPW retiree
Three sons Paul, Robert & John ( 2 Brookline
firefighters) All graduates of BHS
William E. Reyelt (*)/ 121 Chestnut St.
Attendance 5 of 5
1. The role of a TMM is to listen, learn and
provide thoughtful decision making and
leadership with respect to the range of municipal
governance, planning and operations issues facing
Brookline. As a TMM, my responsibility is to not
only understand and react responsibly to these
issues by making informed decisions on proposed
solutions, but also to help identify and prioritize
what the issues are and develop new ideas for
how to address those that are most in need of
the town’s attention. A crucial responsibility is
making myself accessible to my fellow Precinct
5 neighbors and maintaining an open mind with
regard to their concerns and solutions.
Betsy DeWitt / 94 Upland Rd.
Attendance (New)
1. I believe in our representative Town Meeting
government and would like to continue to
serve and share my 30 years of knowledge and
experience for my precinct, with upcoming
development projects such as Brookline Place;
and townwide, as our Town faces challenges such
as providing for our expanding school enrollment,
maintaining the quality of all our public services
and open space, and improving diversity and
inclusion in the community and workplace.
2. I have lived with my husband Dennis in Brookline
since 1977. Two sons attended Old Lincoln
School and Brookline High School, both are now
PhD’s in neuroscience. I have served as a Precinct
5 TMM (1984-2006), Advisory Committee
member & Chair (1988-98), Selectwoman (200615) & Chair of the BOS (2010-12). Served as
founding Executive Director of the Brookline
Community Foundation, on Steps to Success
Advisory Board; as president of BIC, affordable
housing development organization.
PRECINCT 6
Candidates For Three Year Term
2. My wife and I have two young daughters
and are active members of the Lincoln School
community. My professional background is in
urban planning and housing policy. Currently I
administer a municipal zoning incentive program
for the Commonwealth. https://www.linkedin.
com/pub/william-reyelt/4/45a/697
Claire B. Stampfer (*) / 50 Sargent Crossway
Attendance 14 of 14
1. I am running for my second 3 year term as
Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member. As a member
of Town Meeting’s Green Caucus I support
policies to improve the environment, including
the Town’s conversion to all LED lighting which
uses less energy and costs less. I submitted a
warrant article, passed by Town Meeting last
November, to ensure that LED lighting selected
by Brookline emits wavelengths of light that do
not interfere with our normal sleep/wake cycles.
Current challenges include: funding quality
education which is vital to maintain diversity in
our town; building environmentally sustainable
schools; maintaining green space; and improving
infrastructure, including safer roadways for motor
vehicles, bikes and pedestrians.
2. I am a rheumatologist at the Cambridge Hospital.
My husband, Meir Stampfer, does research in
disease prevention at the Harvard School of Public
Health. We have three children, two of whom are
Brookline High School graduates.
Vote For Not More Than Five
John Bassett (*)/ 26 Searle Ave.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. Involvement within the Precinct, contact
with my neighbors, communication of Town
issues to residents of Precinct 6, encouraging
residents to be involved in Town government,
and representing Precinct 6 faithfully at Town
Meeting and committees on which I serve. I think
it’s important that we pass both the override and
the debt exclusion for Devotion School.
2.
Retired carpenter, attended Harvard
Graduate School of Design, married to Christina
Wolfe, lived here since 1975, 4 kids attended
Brookline schools, volunteer on Town Meeting
and many committees, including the Advisory
Committee and the Comprehensive Plan
Commission since 1981, and on the Boards of
Brookline Pax and Brookline Sister City. I’m
a Delegate to the Brookline Neighborhood
Alliance. I’ve focused on zoning and ensuring
that developments have positive impacts on
neighborhoods. I’m a glass sculptor and amateur
musician. I’ve been endorsed by Brookline Pax.
My glass website is www.basglas.com.
10. LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015
Christopher Dempsey (*)/ 43 Brington Rd.
2. In Brookline: Two kids at Runkle (one entering
Attendance 13 of 14
BHS). Camera Oversight Committee. CERT
1. I want to help make sure that Brookline
volunteer. At work: Suffolk Assistant DA for 17
continues to be a great place to live in each
years, now supervise domestic violence/ sexual
decade of one’s life. To maintain the quality of
assault unit and carry homicide caseload. In life:
our community and improve it in the years ahead,
Former newspaper reporter. UMass-Amherst
we must make thoughtful decisions about the
grad. Bicyclist and MBTA commuter.
annual budget, investments in schools and other
social infrastructure, residential and commercial
Robert I. Sperber (*)/ 21 Lowell Rd.
tax rates, access to affordable housing, and
Attendance 14 of 14
expenditures on parks, recreation, and public
1. Respond to needs of constituents; Provide
services. We need a balanced approach to these
information to residents of precinct 6; Take
issues, and we must accept that there are often
unequivocal positions on issues and projects that
tradeoffs -- resources assigned to one issue means
bear on the future vitality of Brookline such as
less resources available to another.
the need to pass the override and debt exclusion
questions.
2. It is important to me to stay involved in a town
that has given me so much. I am a proud graduate
2. Superintendent of Brookline Schools, 1964of Pierce Elementary and Brookline High. I also
1982; Founder, Economic Development Advisory
attended Pomona College (BA) and Harvard
Board; Member, Senior Center Board; TMM,
Business School (MBA), and have spent my career
Precinct 6; Clerk, Brookline Teen Center Board;
working in business, government, and politics.
Committee on Town Organization & Structure;
Professor Emeritus, Boston University. Founder,
Brookline Education Foundation; Former Trustee,
Virginia W. LaPlante (*)/ 58 Welland Rd.
Brookline Community Foundation
Attendance 14 of 14
1. The override is urgent this year, to keep
our schools to the same high standards from
which we have always benefited. They are the
backbone of our property values. We must be
equally diligent about maintaining superior elder
services, including well-stocked libraries, clean
sidewalks, comfortable parks, and reliable public
transportation. We need to achieve these results
efficiently, expeditiously, and with minimum pain
to the citizen’s pocketbook
2. I have lived in Brookline 54 years--first as
tenant, then as homeowner. All 6 children
attended Brookline schools, and 5 grandchildren
have graduated here, with two more in high
school. Having served 4 terms on the Advisory
Committee--on its subcommittees on public
safety (chair), finance, and development--I am
now a member of the Brookline Sister City
(Board), Community Aging Network, Greenspace
Alliance, Historical Society, and Climate Action
Brookline.
Ian Polumbaum (*)/ 17 Blake Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. Promote progressive yet pragmatic positions.
Support climate action, public education, labor
rights, mass transit and liveable streets, smart
policing. Not pretend that Brookline is more
racially and socially enlightened than elsewhere.
Take our work and town seriously, ourselves not
so much. Listen more than speak! Member of
TMM Green Caucus. Endorsed by Brookline
PAX.
Daniel G. Saltzman / 62 White Place
Attendance (New)
1. My responsibility if elected to Town Meeting is
representation and advocacy for my precinct, not
just in Town Meeting, but in all issues affecting
the precinct. I’ve been a neighborhood advocate
since moving to Brookline. I’ve been deeply
involved in four warrant articles and two major
development projects directly impacting the
precinct. I received the Brookline Neighborhood
Alliance’s “Leadership Award” in 2010, and
am currently a co-chair of the organization. I
consider such town leadership and advocacy the
responsibility of all TMMs.
2. I’ve lived on White Place since 2004 and am
married to Jennifer Amigone, a current co-chair
of Pierce School’s PTO. We have two boys in
Pierce now, and a daughter enrolling in 2016. I
am a practicing attorney and technologist who
has also spent the past 10 years working in public
education as a school administrtor and consultant
in the areas of technology and operations.
PRECINCT 7
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Susan F. Cohen (*)/ 23 Littell Rd.
Attendance 12 of 14
1. My role is to mediate the interaction between
the town and the wants and needs of the people
in my precinct. Moreover, I am concerned with
not only the precinct itself, but what is happening
elsewhere in the town of Brookline. I feel when
I vote that I should be as well informed as I can
possibly be to make the decision that is in best
interest of my precinct and the town.
2. Homeowner for over 25 years
Retired 2 years ago from Partners Healthcare.
Work part time for an independent pharmacy
doing DME billing and reimbursement issues.
I am on the executive board of the TMMA where
I serve as treasurer, and on the executive board of
the CCSS neighborhood association where I serve
as treasurer.
Susan P. Ellis(*)/ 431 Washington St.
Attendance 13 of 14
1. It is imperative that we support our excellent
schools, libraries, parks, public works, and vital
services such as the police and fire departments.
Support for the override is essential. The
protection of our neighborhoods is of paramount
importance. I am concerned about development
and its effect on neighborhoods and I support
projects that do not alter the urban-surburban
character of Brookline, and that will not increase
population density and traffic. I also support
increasing the supply of affordable housing
throughout all Brookline neighborhoods,
increasing diversity in town government,
providing for the needs of our senior population,
and continuing Brookline’s exemplary green
policies on protecting the environment.
2. Attorney. Lifelong progressive. Member
PAX Board. Town Meeting member since
2007. Elected delegate to Massachusetts State
Democratic Convention from 2006 to 2013.
Associate member Brookline Town Democratic
Committee. Former librarian.
Jonathan J. Margolis (*)/ 49 Harvard Ave.
Attendance 13 of 14
1. It’s no secret that we are representatives of the
precinct and the town. While some issues affect
our precinct more than others, it is far more
common for matters presented to Town Meeting
to be relevant to the entire Town. Although I
strive to represent my constituents’ views and
interests, over 9 years representing Precinct
7 (and 4 more from Precinct 1 before that),
I think it is fair to say that I have developed
more familiarity and expertise in issues such
as budgeting and zoning than most citizens.
Although I am happy to hear from constituents
about the issues—indeed, I wish that I had
more communications from them—I apply my
knowledge and experience, and my analysis, to
matters that come before Town Meeting.
2. Civil rights lawyer. Library trustee. Former
Brookline schools parent. Brookline resident
for more than 30 years. Town meeting member
1992-95, 2006- .
Keith A. Duclos/ 18 Vernon St.
Attendance (New)
1. As a TMM my role will be to listen to the
residents of precinct 7 and to represent and
advocate for the causes that we care about.
I am passionate about maintaining and
strengthening our schools and enriching our
community with greater diversity.
2. I moved to Brookline in 1994 to attend
graduate school at Brandeis and to care for a
gentleman with disabilities. My plan was to
live in “the city” for a year and then return to
Swansea, MA but I fell in love with Brookline.
Brad and I still live together along with my wife
(Kimberly Percival) and our two sons Abram (9)
and Nolan (5).
For the past decade I owned and operated a
small business in Brookline that supported adults
with mental illness and other disabilities to live
satisfying and productive lives. Since selling the
business I have continued work with individuals
to realize their potential.
Susan N. Granoff / 52 Vernon St.
Attendance (New)
1. I want to use my skills, intelligence,
professional expertise, and experience living
in Brookline for nearly 3 decades to help
preserve the qualities that make Brookline
such a wonderful place to live. I am strongly
committed to preserving the excellence of
Brookline’s public schools, libraries, and parks;
its pedestrian friendliness; and its broad diversity
with residents of different ages, classes, races,
religions, sexual orientations, and national and
international backgrounds.
2. I’m a lifelong liberal Democrat (PAX-
endorsed), a resident of Brookline for over
29 years (1968-1972 and since 1989), and a
graduate of Harvard Law (1996), Harvard
LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015 11.
Graduate School (GSAS) (1968), and NYU
must be addressed at home, and in towns, states,
(1966). After a 25-year career developing
nationally, and internationally. I will work to
college textbooks at Houghton Mifflin in Boston,
help Brookline do more to lower its CO2 output,
I changed careers in the 1990s when my children
and also help Brookline households know how
were in college. After Harvard Law, I practiced
to lower CO2. I am an organizer in Climate
employment law and civil litigation in Boston for
Action Brookline. I spearheaded the first townover a decade and am now retired.
wide climate event (2007) and have canvassed
door-to-door since 2009 bringing information
to households about how to lower CO2. I am a
lifelong activist, who brings a progressive political
PRECINCT 8
outlook to Town Meeting.
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
David-Marc Goldstein (*)/ 22 Osborne Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. I think it’s important for everyone to be an
active part of our community. Brookline has a
voter turnout of only 8-15% for local elections.
Brookline’s Town Meeting form of government
is designed to encourage citizen participation,
and we need to encourage more neighbors to
get involved. We face serious issues in North
Brookline, and I will continue to see that our
neighborhood’s concerns are heard at Town Hall.
2. Born and raised in Brookline. Incumbent Town
Meeting Member. Steering committee, North
Brookline Neighborhood Association. Executive
Board, Brookline Neighborhood Alliance.
Served on the Coolidge Corner District Planning
Council. Helped to create the Graffam/McKay
Local Historic District
Anita L. Johnson (*)
Attendance 14 of 14
1. To be fully informed of upcoming issues for
town meeting and to be responsive to Precinct
8 residents’ concerns, as well as to actively
participate in discussion and debate of important
warrants and other issues important to the Town,
particularly to the environment.
2. Federal government litigation attorney since
1980.
Previously attorney with the Environmental
Defense Fund and Public Citizen’s Health
Research Group.
Previously graduate student in Philosophy and
Peace Corps Volunteer, Tanzania.
Resident of Brookline since 1992.
Vice President, Brookline Greenspace Alliance
Edward L. Loechler (*)/ 106 Beals St.
Attendance 5 of 5
1. I will advocate that Brookline have the financial
resources necessary for crucial town services
(schools, public safety, libraries, parks, streets,
etc.). Climate Change is a global crisis, which
2. Brookline resident since 1981. Children
(Lee and Rebecca) attended Devotion/BHS,
K-12. Professor, Biology Department, Boston
University since 1984. Scientist, researching how
environmental chemicals cause cancer. Education:
B.Sc. Ohio State (Chemistry), Ph.D. Brandeis
(Biochemistry), Post-Doctoral M.I.T. (Biology/
Toxicology).
Lisamarie J. Sears (*)/ 145 Babcock St.
Attendance 12 of 14
1. I believe that my role is to represent the interests
of the residents of precinct 8 and to ensure that
the town maintains the high level of services
that it currently provides. I believe the core
issues for my precinct are public transportation,
safety, appropriate development of housing and
commercial areas, and parking.
2. I went to Boston College and Northeastern
University School of Law and have lived in
Brookline as both a student and a professional, as
well as a tenant and a homeowner.
Craig Bolon/ 127 Fuller St.
Attendance (New)
1. The major responsibility is to represent the
interests of voters. Effective representation often
requires finding a creative and practical balance
among different interests.
2. Town meeting member for 17 years from
Precinct 8, former member and chair of town
meeting’s Advisory Committee, member former
Brookline Redevelopment Authority, member
former Brookline Rent Control Board, founding
co-chair Brookline Neighborhood Alliance,
former chair North Brookline Neighborhood
Association, organizer and coordinator of the
Neighborhood Rezoning Coalition of 1973.
Editor of the Brookline Beacon, a Web-based news
site focused on Brookline civic affairs published
since April, 2014, at http://brooklinebeacon.com.
MIT physics grad, research physicist at MIT for
15 years, then design engineer and engineering
manager in industry for 30 years. Founded 3
companies, one backed by major venture capital.
12. LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015
PRECINCT 9
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Joyce Jozwicki (*)/ 183 Winchester St.
Attendance 13 of 14
1. Accommodating the increase in school
population which we have begun to do.
Infrastructure expansion will be ongoing. We need
to proceed carefully as we increase the operating
budget and not overextend ourselves.
We must not overpopulate North Brookline
which is already one of the most dense areas in
Massachusetts.
2. Homeowner in Brookline since 1969. School
Committee Member 3 Terms. Tmm Pct 9 since
1988. 4 Children graduates of BPS. Proud
Grandma of 7. Presently employed by BPS as a
monitor for disabled children going to Perkins.
Pamela C. Katz (*)/ 29 Columbia St.
Judith A. Vanderkay (*)/ 16 Columbia St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. TMMs must understand and advocate for the
needs and wishes of constituents, at Town Meeting
and otherwise (e.g., snow removal on someone’s
block). We should stand up for our precincts
when issues arise, keeping in balance with the
overall needs of the Town. (If every precinct is
healthy, the Town should be healthy, if we also
pay proper attention to town-wide concerns.)
In Precinct 9, a specific challenge is dealing with
proposed development amid our already-extreme
density. It’s my responsibility to speak up for our
neighborhood in public forums, and to involve
others whose quality of life might be affected
should the historic fabric of North Brookline be
further disrupted.
2. Brookline homeowner (1983-); Library Trustee
(2007-); sent sons through Brookline schools;
eight years Devotion PTO Board; TMM (2011), TMMA Board Pct. 9 rep. Active in trying
to preserve the character of Brookline life (St.
Aidan’s, etc.).
Attendance 9 of 14
DID NOT REPLY
Martin R. Rosenthal (*)/ 62 Columbia St.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. Too much to summarize; but most immediately:
must renovate Devotion school (my alma mater
‘60 & daughter SaraAnn’s ‘11) & also pass
operating budget Override. ONGOING; ongoing
issues like diversity, traffic, preserving residential
neighborhoods, helping small businesses, support
for our many seniors, etc.
HOW? Applying
lifetime neighborhood/townwide knowledge &
values, listening to & working with neighbors,
pushing community leaders. E.g., Co-Chair of
www.BrooklinePax.org.
2. SaraAnn’s dad, Jody Newman’s husband,
Boston litigation lawyer (criminal, civil, attorney
discipline defense; Google me). Public defender
‘73-90; Managing Attorney, CJI, Harvard
Law School ‘90-2. Co-chair, Citizens Against
Death Penalty ’94-02; ACLU Bd. ’85-’99, MA
Sentencing Commission (now). BROOKLINE:
Selectman ‘85-8; TMM ’79-- (100% attendance);
COMMITTEES: Town Organization/Structure
’89-now , Advisory ‘83-5; Co-chair Brookline
PAX (3x). ACCOMPLISHMENTS, e.g. PoliceCommunity Relations Rpt. ’88; Police Discipline
Committee ’09; BY-LAWS: sidewalk-shoveling,
restaurants’ bathrooms, political-signs, residents’
2-hour parking, Transportation Bd. under T/M
control; selectmen Police Commissioners, new
Diversity Commission, etc.
George Abbott White(*)/ 143 Winchester St.
Attendance 9 of 9
1. I hold to the classic definition of “democratic
representation” - one represents, as best they can
ascertain by direct and personal contact, the most
honorable wishes and desires of their immediate
constituancy as well as the larger community
of which that particular group is a part. And
one represents, well informed and upon due
reflection, one’s conscience.
2. Born in the East (Chester, PA) and raised in the
Middle West; educated Dearborn, Michigan public
schools, 1961; University of Michigan 1966;
Brandeis University1970; Harvard University,
1972; Charles University, Prague (PhD).
Teacher and advisor Newton South official school
newspaper “Denebola,”
Newton Public Schools (40+ years); author,
editor, reviewer; education technology consultant
(Apple Computer, 1990+). Union and education
activist, photographer to Democratic campaigns.
Married 1971 (Ann Withorn); two daughters
(Devotion, Brookline High School).
PRECINCT 10
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Linda M. Davis (*)/ 125 Park St.
Attendance 12 of 14
1. Precinct: to vote to keep my precinct liveable.
Town: vote so that the Town has the resources to
provide excellent services to the residents.
2. Resident of Brookline since 1977; condo
owner since 1981; Married; raised 4 children in
Brookline; Pathologist; Town Meeting Member
for Precinct 10 since 2003
Stanley Shuman (*)/ 80 Park St.
Attendance 9 of 9
1. To maintain the high standards of our
communuty..
2. Married, Susan Shuman. Retired.
Northeastern University BS in Civil Engineering
Registered Professional Engineer
Licensed Builder
General Contractor of Commercial, Industrial
and Public Buildings
Massachusetts Health and Welfare Fund
Massachusetts Laborers Pension Fund
Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and
Standards
Massachusetts Bar Association- Arbitrator
Americian Arbitration Association
U.S. Army WW II- European Theater
Town of Brookline:
Town Meeting Member Pct. 7, -1962-89. Pct.
10,- 2013-2015.
Building Commission
Board of Examiners
Building Commissioner Selection Committee
Energy Conservation Committee
Council for Planning and Renewal
Public Works Facilities Committee
By-Law Study Committee
Brookline Chamber of Commerce
Brookline Little League
John D. Runkle School P.T.O.
High School P.T.O. Both attended by all of our
seven children.
Naomi Sweitzer / 14 Griggs Terrace
Attendance 8 of 9
1. Town Meeting provides a vehicle for addressing
key issues through a process of dialogue with
other Town Meeting members and my precinct
neighbors. By working through the issues, even
when we disagree, we are a stronger community.
As a TMM, my role is to be attuned to town-wide
and precinct-level issues that need attention and
solutions. Some of the major issues facing the
Town are school overcrowding and funding for
the schools, confronting our diversity challenges,
planning for increasing younger and older
LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015 13.
populations and dealing with transportation
challenges. I support both override questions that
will help us maintain the quality of our schools.
PRECINCT 11
Candidates For Three Year Term
2. Lived in Brookline 10 years. Parent of Pierce
Vote For Not More Than Five
3rd grader and BEEP preschooler. Member of
Pierce School Council. Member of the Griggs
Park Neighborhood Association and Friends of
Griggs Park. Non-profit leader working in the
area of ending and preventing homelessness.
Clifford Scott Ananian / 103 Griggs Rd.
Attendance (New)
1. I am running for town meeting to ensure that
Brookline’s school system remains a magnet for
current and future residents. As the father of a
toddler, I wish to see robust planning for school
growth. We should continue to receive the benefit
of greater Boston’s diversity through the METCO
program in order to broaden the horizons of our
children. Continuing the Materials Fee program
similarly aids Brookline both by attracting
talented teachers from other communities to our
schools, and by increasing their investment in our
system once here.
2. C. Scott Ananian is a developer with the
Wikimedia Foundation, which is the custodian
of Wikipedia and other collaboratively-edited
educational projects. Scott received his PhD
from MIT in 2007 and has spent almost a decade
working on robust and reliable systems to allow
kids to discover, share, and learn.
With som|dog, Scott helped create Somerville’s
first off-leash dog parks.
Daniel La / 124 Park St.
Attendance (New)
1. As a 12-year Brookline resident and father of
a child in the Brookline Public Schools, I have
become increasingly invested in our community.
I care deeply about public schools, green space,
the environment, safety, and diversity. My wife is
a Town Meeting member, and through her I have
become aware of issues confronting Brookline and
Town Meeting’s role in creating solutions. My
main interest in serving the town is to preserve
and improve the quality of life in Brookline,
where I have chosen to grow roots, raise a family
and perhaps retire.
2. I received my Ph.D. in chemistry at Boston
College, followed by postdoctoral studies at
Harvard University. Since 2003, I have been
a medicinal chemist at Amgen in Cambridge,
working to discover new therapies for grievous
illnesses. I am an avid cyclist, was a member of
The Brookline Chorus and am a gardener at the
Larz Anderson community gardens.
Carrie Benedon (*)/ 32 Summit Ave.
Attendance 5 of 5
1. My responsibility is to help ensure that the
Town balances the interests of today’s residents
with the future needs of our community,
including preserving the residential character
of our community, maintaining excellent public
schools, and promoting smart development that
improves our public spaces and transportation
infrastructure. We must consider the long-term
sustainability of decisions that we make today.
Assistant attorney general for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Previously,
5+ years experience representing public school
districts and municipalities on matters including
labor and employment, school funding, public
contracting, open government, and special
education. Married; Brookline homeowner since
2013.
2.
Joseph M. Ditkoff (*)/ 145 Mason Terrace
Attendance 13 of 14
1. Both for Corey Hill and for the Town, the
most important responsibility is addressing the
38% increase in School Enrollment. A Yes vote
on the Override will allow the Town to continue
quality education, moderate class sizes, and
much-overdue technology improvements. A no
vote will require Town Meeting members to vote
on substantial and painful cuts both to School and
Town services.
2. I am General Counsel to the Massachusetts
District Courts and former Deputy Legal Counsel
to the Boston District Attorney (with open
meetings and public records law expertise). I
have missed only one meeting since becoming
your Town Meeting representative in 2005. I am
also representing you as President of the Corey
Hill Neighborhood Assoication. I am a married
homeowner raising a daughter (Driscoll) and
two sons (Driscoll and Kehillath Israel Nursery
School) in this wonderful community.
Shira H. Fischer / 50 Summit Avenue
Attendance 4 of 5
1. Brookline has much to be proud of in its strong
community, urban living, and education system,
and these should continue to be areas of focus.
I’d like to expand the work TM has done on
environmental sustainability by continuing to
support efforts towards reducing energy waste
and increasing use of alternate energy sources. I’d
also like to see Brookline lead in public health,
making it easy for people to eat well, be active,
and access preventative as well as therapeutic
health care.
2. Shira Fischer, MD, PhD, is a proud graduate of
Brookline High School. After living in Israel and
Washington, DC, she returned to Massachusetts
for graduate school. She now works in health
care policy, with a focus on health information
technology. Her husband also attended BHS, and
her two daughters have grandparents and aunts
and uncles and cousins in Brookline as well!
www.shirafischer.com
Bobbie M. Knable (*)/ 243 Mason Terrace
Attendance 14 of 14
1. Demand for housing in Brookline exceeds
availability. When landlords and developers
create additional living units without regard to
zoning regulations, safety, or the increased traffic
and noise that accompanies increased population
density, it is at the expense of the quality of life
within neighborhoods. Town Meeting members
must work with residents and appropriate Town
departments to insure enforcement of codes
intended to protect that quality of life.
Besides understanding how warrant articles and
code enforcement affect their precincts, TMMs
should weigh the needs of the Town as a whole.
Because precincts vary (e.g., in population
density and school population numbers), assuring
comparable access across precincts to Town
services must also be a concern.
2. Tufts University, 30 years, Dean Emerita. Past:
Member (New England colleges and universities
accrediting commission). Present: Trustee,
Bennington College; Brookline Town Meeting,
15 years; Advisory Committee, 6 years. Brookline
resident: 50 years; son attended Brookline
schools.
David C. Lescohier / 50 Winchester St.
Attendance 5 of 5
1. Children: Continue our commitment to
Brookline’s children and the quality of our schools
by working to resolve competing aims: Increase
classrooms and staff while minimizing disruption.
Our commitment should extend to supporting
pre-school daycare, after-school programs, arts,
music, sports, and youth activities.
Climate: Improve pedestrian, bicycle, and public
transportation. Reduce car traffic. Promote
recycling and resource conservation. Preserve
vibrant Coolidge Corner and Washington
Square businesses. Encourage renewable energy
installations on Town property, condominiums,
rental buildings, and commercial properties.
.
14. LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015
Elderly: Encourage aging in place. Address
growing needs for additional elderly housing,
public safety, and access to parks, libraries,
recreation, transportation, and tax relief.
Override: Exclusion, YES, Operating, YES
Member: Brookline Community Aging
Network;
Livable
Community
Advocacy
Committee;
Climate
Action
Brookline;
Selectmen’s
Climate
Action
Committee,
Condominium Board of Trustees. Education
and experience in community organizing, child
welfare and public health. Initiated and guided
installation of first-in-state condominium solar
project.
2.
PRECINCT 12
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Lee Cooke-Childs (*) / 136 Rawson Rd.
Attendance 13 of 14
1. To represent Precinct 12 and its interests
by listening and learning and to maintain and
whenever possible to improve the quality of life
in Brookline for all our residents.
TMM 15+ years, Executive Board
Brookline League of Women Voters, Co-chair
Aspinwall Hill Neighborhood Assoc.(southwest
Washington Square), Treasurer Brookline
Neighborhood Alliance, Real Estate Broker
w/Chobee Hoy Assoc. 20 years, property
owner, all children products of the Brookline
2.
Chad S. Ellis (*)/ 26 Chesham Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. My role in Town Meeting is to represent my
precinct on specific issues and to advocate for
legislation that best serves the Town in both the
long and short term.
2. My wife and I moved to Brookline ten years
ago. We have two daughters in Runkle (grades
5 and 3). I was elected to Town Meeting three
years ago and in addition have served on the
recent Override Study Committee as well as the
Moderator’s Committee on Taxi Medallions. I
have also spoken several times before the School
Committee on a range of issues, notably in
support of the Enrichment and Challenge Support
program.
Amy Hummel (*)/ 226 Clark Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. As a member of the Town Advisory Committee,
which reviews the Town Budget and all Warrant
Articles that come before Town Meeting, I
consider my role and responsibilities to Precinct
12 and the Town frequently and seriously.
Preparing for and participating in meetings, I
engage with constituents and collegues about
issues which impact life in Brookline. Some issues
impact Precinct 12 more directly than others, but
I realize that in all cases the changes and choices
made impact neighbors everywhere, whether they
are seniors, families or working professionals.
Working with collegues on behalf of Precinct 12,
I try to balance fiscal considerations, quality of
life expectations, and a general sense of fairness
for all.
2. Parent of two Brookline Public School students;
Serve on both the Capital and the Schools
Subcommittees of the Town Finance Committee;
past PTO Co-chair and School Council member
at Runkle; 2008 Runkle Override Co-chair.
Mark Lowenstein (*)/158 Winthrop Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. I am excited to be running for re-election. I
hope to combine my constituents’ priorities
with my own experience and priorities to try
to move Brookline forward. I am running proOverride(s), believe we need to improve our
public infrastructure, and think we can do a
better job developing some areas for commercial
activity as a way of generating revenues in these
tight fiscal times. I also believe our precinct needs
solid representation by people with children in
Brookline public schools.
2. Brookline resident for seven years. My spouse
teaches in Brookline and I have 8th and 11th
graders at the Brookline schools. I am also the
author of several running books, including Great
Runs in Brookline. Professionally, I run Mobile
Ecosystem, a telecom consulting firm. I serve on
the Board of Directors of the Brookline Music
School and Boston Jewish Film Festival.
2. Brookline resident and homeowner since
1985; attorney, community-based mediator;
Town Meeting Member since 1994; member of
Brookline School Committee from 2000-2012
(Chair, 2006-2008); Co-Chair of 2008 YES for
Brookline Override Campaign; married to Mark
Pasternack; two children, both graduates of
Runkle School and BHS.
A. Joseph Ross / 648 Washington St.
Attendance (New)
1. As a past Town Meeting Member of 25 years,
I continue to see my role as to read and digest
the Warrant reports, discuss issues with neighbors
and with fellow Town Meeting Members, and to
try to reach the best answer both for my precinct
and for the Town. I have generally supported
education, public safety, and Town services, and
I support both of the current override questions.
2. Town Meeting Member 1979-88, 1989-94,
1999- 2004. 2005-2012; President, Brookline
Tenant Union 1979-88; Elected Member,
Democratic Town Committee; Brookline Cable
Monitoring Committee, 1985-89; Housing Code
Subcommittee, Brookline Public Health Advisory
Council, 1979-88; Mass. Consumers Council
MBTA Task Force, 1978-79, Condo Owner, past
Trustee; Past treasurer, Brookline Condo Owners
Association; Past Board Member, Brookline PAX;
past Board Member, Town Meeting Members
Association, Co-chair, 2001-2003.
Attorney.
Member, Minyan Shaleym.
PRECINCT 13
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Carla Wyman Benka (*)/ 26 Circuit Rd.
Judy Meyers (*)/ 75 Clinton Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. My responsibility to Precinct 12 and to the Town
is to ensure that we maintain excellent schools
and Town services in the face of continuing fiscal
challenges. The dramatic increase in our school
population has put a tremendous strain on our
operating and capital budgets. For this reason,
I am actively supporting the Override Campaign
and urge all Brookline voters to vote YES on both
ballot questions. Otherwise, we will risk losing
critical services and positions, as well as highly
valued programs, in our Schools and our Town,
and will also jeopardize the Devotion School
renovation.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. My role as a TMM includes being accessible
to constituents, responding to their questions and
concerns, and staying current with - and keeping
constituents informed about - plans that could
impact them and their neighborhoods. To that end,
I have participated in many meetings in the past
three years, including those regarding Driscoll’s
expansion, neighborhood school redistricting,
Cleveland Circle Cinema site redevelopment, and
the residential development on Rte 9 and Crafts
Road. My responsibilities to the Town include
working to: keep Brookline affordable, maintain
economic diversity, safeguard the neighborhoods
and open spaces that we cherish, and preserve
the educational excellence and Town services we
expect.
LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015 15.
2. TMM since 2002; Vice-Chair, Town Advisory
(Finance) Committee and Chair, Capital
Subcommittee; Zoning By-Law Committee;
Secretary, Brookline Neighborhood Alliance;
Trustee, Brookline Community Foundation;
Steering Committee, Chestnut Hill Neighborhood
Association; former Preservation Planner for
Brookline; former Heath PTO Co-President;
parent of Heath and BHS graduate.
Chris Chanyasulkit (*)/ 16 Corey Rd.
Attendance 13 of 14
1. In addition to the stated responsibilities of
Town Meeting Members, I see my role as that
of a community advocate. I am committed to
working in partnership with my neighbors, the
community, and the town to create broad and
diverse coalitions to advance policy reforms to
better our town.
Resident & homeowner since 2002.
Employed at Brookline Dept. of Diversity,
Inclusion, & Community Relations. SERVICE:
Co-Chair, Brookline Commission for Women;
Commissioner, MA Commission on the Status
of Women & Asian American Commission;
BAAFN Steering Committee member; Brookline
CERT & MRC member; Chair, American
Public Health Association’s Education Board.
EDUCATION: B.A., M.P.H, Boston University,
PhD , Northeastern University. FAMILY: Married
to James Bardin with 3 kids (Hunter-4 years old,
Grayson-3 years old, Genevieve-newborn). More
info at www.chanyasulkit.com
2.
John Doggett (*)/ 8 Penniman Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. As one of the 15 TMMs in Precinct 13, my role
is to represent the interests of my constituents,
and, as an Advisory Committee member, to help
provide oversight of the Town’s officials and
departments. My TMM responsibilities include
voting in all Town Meeting sessions, ensuring my
constituents are aware of Town issues and that
their input is heard and represented, while being
aware of other precincts’ needs, so I can contribute
when TMM support is needed. By delving into
budgetary and departmental operations, my
responsibilities include helping the AC in making
informed recommendations to Town Meeting
concerning the Town Budget and By-law activity.
2. I have been a Brookline Resident for 38 years,
married to Brookline pediatrician Dr. Jennifer
Lewis, with two daughters who attended Heath
School. My degree is from University College
London. I spent 25 years at BankBoston managing
technology and later, a technology investment
fund.
Jonathan S. Fine (*)/ 57 Willow Crescent
Attendance 13 of 14
1. It is the responsibility of the Town Meeting
Member (TMM) to make decisions that are in
the best interest of the Town. The TMM needs
also to be aware of proposals affecting his or her
precinct. In that regard, it is the role of the TMM
to convey the concerns of the precinct’s residents
to Town officials and boards and to work with
all parties in order to arrive at a solution that is
acceptable to all concerned.
2. Current Town Meeting Member, Precinct
Thirteen; former member of the Advisory
Committee and former Library Trustee;
homeowner; lifelong Brookline resident.
Paul A. Saner (*)/ 462 Chestnut Hill Ave.
Attendance 13 of 14
1. I have provided leadership on precinct issues
such as the proposed Driscoll School expansion
and Cleveland Circle development, as well as
advocating for Town-wide long-range planning
and a better override so all the values that make
Brookline special can be sustained.
2. My family has lived in the neighborhood
since 1988. I am the Commissioner of the
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, a state
agency. I am Co-Chair of Brookline’s Economic
Development Advisory Board and have served on
many other Town committees since 1995. Prior
to State government, I was an active community
volunteer for many years. During that time I served
as Chairman of the Metropolitan Waterworks
Museum, President of BHS Friends of Rowing, a
member of the Runkle School Council, a trustee
of the Brookline Community Foundation, and
helped re-open the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. My
first career was in real estate finance, including as
a Managing Director of BankBoston.
PRECINCT 14
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Clifford M. Brown (*)/ 9 Hyslop Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. I represent the interests of my constituency
and help individuals if and when they need
assistance. I try and understand the potential
costs and benefits of various warrant articles and
budget choices/proposals that come before Town
Meeting. I attempt to make decisions (cast votes)
with the interests (and wishes) of my precinct in
mind, consistent with any public statements or
positions that I have made or taken. I keep an
open line of communication with constituents
and respond to every e-mail or phone call that I
receive from them.
2. 19 year Brookline homeowner. Three children
attend(ed) Brookline Public Schools. Member,
Advisory Committee, Economic Development
Advisory Board, Override Study Committee.
Former Vice Chair, Runkle School Council.
Member, Runkle Principal Search Committee.
Former coach with Brookline Recreational
Soccer, Brookline Soccer Club and Massachusetts
Futsal. Sixteen year Pan-Mass Challenge rider.
B.S. Economics, Magna Cum Laude, University
of Pennsylvania. MBA Finance, Wharton
Pamela C. Lodish / 195 Fisher Ave.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. After 25 years of actively participating in
neighborhood, school and Town issues, I am
a candidate for Selectman. Brookline needs
leadership in fiscal discipline and long-tern
financial planning. Two override question are
on the May ballot with possibly three more in
the coming years. I have a proven track record
in public service. For 10 years I worked on the
creation of Olmsted Hill, the affordable housing
project. I participated on the design of the Fisher
Hill Park. I worked to broker a plan for the
reconstruction of Fisher Avenue including helping
neighbors with an acceptable parking design.
2. Candidate for Selectman 2015. Advisory
Committee 1997-2015. Town Meeting member
since 1989. Former member and Chair Brookline
School Committee. Former Co-Chair Fisher Hill
Association. Resident of Brookline for 45 years.
Former Chair, Board of Directors, Hospitality
Homes. MBA. Project management consultant.
Married to Harvey Lodish. Three children and
their spouses, seven grandchildren.
Shaari S. Mittel / 309 Buckminster Rd.
Attendance 13 of 14
1. My many years of Town study and action with
the Advisory Committee, Town Meeting, League
of Women Voters and Fisher Hill Association
have given me a comprehensive understanding
of issues vital to my Precinct and Town. My
role is as liaison, soliciting neighbors’ input,
actively monitoring and informing them about
local development projects such as Fisher Hill
Park and Circle Cinema site as well as parking,
traffic, safety, schools and other town-wide issues
while sensitizing Town officials to neighborhood
concerns. I’ll continue my responsibility as an
advocate for excellence in Town and School
services and facilities within fiscally-responsible
guidelines.
16. LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015
B.H.S., B.U., Phi Beta Kappa, 28-year
TMM, Town Advisory Committee (Schools
Subcommittee), longtime Director Brookline
League of Women Voters (former President)
and Fisher Hill Association. Formerly: Runkle
Planning Committee Chair, Brookline Teacher,
Fisher Hill Park Re-Use Committee, LWV/MA
Legislative Aide, Brookline Deputy Probation
Officer.
2.
Kenneth M. Goldstein / 111 Holland Rd.
Attendance (New)
1. To help balance the many constituent interests
of the Town, although they often compete with
each other. These interests include: expand open
space, allow for resonable economic development,
encourage a diverse and inclusive community,
provide for a first rate public school system,
control traffic, assure the best possible level of
municipal services and maintain Brookline’s rich
traditions of quality and progressive leadership.
2. I was born and raised in Brookline. Attended
Baker School. Graduated BHS in 1977. Graduated
Connecticut College in 1981. Graduated BU
Law School in 1984. My two daughters are
Runkle graduates and now attend BHS. My law
practice, Goldstein & Herndon, LLP, is located
in Brookline. I served 15 years on the Brookline
Planning Board (five years as Chairman) and
two three year terms on the Brookline Board of
Selectmen (one year as Chairman).
Jeffrey Robert Kushner / 46 Hyslop Rd.
Attendance (New)
1. It is imperative to ensure that all reasonable
options get a substantative review in a transparent
manner. Asking difficult questions and creating
solutions that balance our desires with the reality
of limited resources. This is key in discussions
over how we address the overcrowding in our
schools. We also must seek to fully evaluate
the costs of housing development in the Town
including indirect costs. It is my responsibility,
along with all
others representing our Town,
to promote equitable discussions on difficult
issues, develop pragmatic solutions and uphold
accountability.
2. Parent of two children in Brookline schools.
MBA from Columbia Business School and MPA
from Harvard Kennedy School. Over twenty
years in finance including Regional CEO of top
50 Alternative Asset Manager. Presently serve as
Non-Profit board member and advisor. Member of
Selectman’s Sub-Committee on Taxi Medallions.
PRECINCT 14
Candidates For One Year Term
Vote For Not More Than One
No Candidates
PRECINCT 15
Candidates For Three Year Term
Vote For Not More Than Five
Eileen Connell Berger (*)/ 112 Wolcott Rd.
Attendance 11 of 14
1. It is important to be able to support the initiatives
that provide the people in Brookline with fair
and equitable representation in town meeting.
Many issues on the schools, the environment
and currently the override discussions are crucial
now and in the future. Representing the needs of
people with disabilities is an important part of this
representation because those issues of inclusion
are not always heard or seen.
2. Eileen Connell Berger is the chair of the
Brookline Commission for the Disabled and a
member of the Green Caucus and Brookline
Greenspace Alliance. She and her husband Dr.
Michael Berger are Brookline community activists.
They support the schools and have 2 children who
attended K to 12 in Brookline. Eileen, a licensed
educator, worked with deaf children and families.
She has been an administrator at the Harvard
Graduate School of Education for 13 years.
Benedicte J. Hallowell (*)/ 96 Sears Rd.
Attendance 7 of 9
1. Accommodating the students in schools and
getting contracts resolved with Police and Fire
Department.
safety - taking necessary action to resolve problems.
I value the trust voters place in me, which means
staying informed on precinct and town-wide
issues, remaining accessible ([email protected])
and accountable. Appointed P15 representative
to the Advisory Committee (finance committee), I
bring a precinct perspective to this Town body to
better serve the residents of P15.
2. A.B., Vassar; Ph.D., Boston University. 38+-
year resident of Brookline. TMM15 – 16 years;
Advisory Committee – 8 years; Former Chair,
Brookline Commission for Women; Past-President
CHVA neighborhood association; Past CoPresident, League of Women Voters/Brookline;
Co-Founder, CHVAlliance, Brookline/Newton
association. Received Brookline Neighborhood
Alliance 2010 Leadership Award; Co-Recipient
of Brookline GreenSpace Alliance 2010 Green
Umbrella Award for CHVAlliance efforts to
improve Route 9.
Ab Sedeghi-Nejad (*)/ 125 Arlington Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. Brookline’s town meeting form of government
is democracy at its best. I have been honored to
represent Precinct 15 for many years. Once again,
because of overcrowded schools and escalating
costs, Brookline faces difficulties balancing quality
of life with affordability. My commitment and
experience would enable me to work with other
TMMs to find solutions for today, tomorrow and
the years to come.
2. Brookline home owner 39 years, TMM 28
years, Advisory Committee 6 years, Redistricting
Committee 2011.
Married, 2 children both attended Baker and BHS.
University of Chicago MS and MD. Professor of
Pediatrics Tufts University School of Medicine,
Chief Pediatric Endocrinology Floating Hospital
for Children at Tufts Medical Center.
2. My husband and I are raising two boys in
town and have participated in town sports and
recreational activities. We love all that Brookline
has to offer from open space to great restaurants
and close proximity to Boston. We find the lo- cal
police, fire, highway, and trash departments do a
great job of keeping town safe, clean and efficient
to live in. We find it to be better than other towns
which is why I want to continue to follow town
meeting closely.
Janice S. Kahn (*)/ 63 Craftsland Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. Advocacy and watchdog. I take my role as an
active, elected representative of P15 seriously,
closely watching issues that directly affect our
quality of life - traffic and development pressures,
public works (street clearing/maintenance), public
Ira P. Krepchin / 63 Craftsland Rd.
Attendance 2 of 2 (Caucus)
1. To be aware of the needs and concerns of the
residents of Precinct 15 and act on those issues
with the best interests of both the precinct and
the town as a whole in mind. That goal requires
attending local meetings, hearings, communicating
with town officials, and independent research.
2. I have been a Brookline resident for 12 years
and was caucused in as a Town Meeting Member
last year. I served on the Brookline Green
Technologies Committee (2006-2007). I have an
MS degree in mechanical engineering from MIT;
and have spent several decades working on energy
efficiency issues. I have grown children and a
grand daughter.
LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015 17.
PRECINCT 15
Candidates For One Year Term
Vote For Not More Than One
Robert Liao/ 55 Meadowbrook Rd.
Attendance (New)
1. I believe I can best serve my constituents by
offering insight, analysis and opinions on the
important issues facing our town. I first became
involved in town issues because of the school
enrollment crisis, and was a frequent contributor
to the BSPACE discussion board. This issue and
its impact on the budget will be central to town
deliberations for years to come.
2. I am a homeowner, and currently serve as an at-
large member on the town Advisory Committee.
My 3 children attend the Heath School in grades
kindergarten, 4th and 6th, where I also serve
as a parent representative on the Heath School
Council. I graduated with a bachelors degree
in Economics from Harvard College, and a J.D.
degree from Harvard Law School. I work in
Product Development at the Verizon Innovation
Center.
PRECINCT 16
Candidates For Three Year Term
Thomas J. Gallitano (*)/ 146 Bonad Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
DID NOT REPLY
Scott C. Gladstone (*)/ 383 Russett Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. While there are still litigation avenues left to
challenge the expansion of Hancock Village, the
Town Meeting members from Precinct 16 must
turn their attention to what is necessary to deal
with the aftermath of that misguided project within
the larger context of an already overcrowded
school system. We need to be critical of budget
expenditures while still supporting the addition
of revenue necessary to responsibly absorb the
unabated annual escalation in school enrollment.
2. Business litigation and construction law
attorney who also handles Brookline zoning
matters; Vice President at Temple Emeth; Camp
Yavneh board member; President of Ma’or
community
Hebrew school; three children (college freshman,
11th grade at BHS, 8th grade at Baker school);
wife Tracy is an academic research clinical
psychologist at Wellesley Centers for Women.
Vote For Not More Than Five
Regina M. Frawley (*)/ 366 Russett Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. Represent precinct’s best interests, inform
residents of important information/decision
which might impact them, soliciting input; vote
responsibly on Town budgets and issues.
As past LWV board member, I emphasized
democratic processes at Town Hall by successfully
sponsoring two “good government” laws, one
requiring boards to learn/follow the Open
Meeting, Public Records and Conflict of Interest
Laws. Another requires committees to hold at
least one public “hearing” before recommending
Warrant Articles. Another spring WA TM
proposes the Town study/consider the “taking”
of two green buffer zones at Hancock Village for
publicly-accessible, active recreational use, which
precinct singularly lacks.
2. 50 year Brookline resident; 20 years, TMM;
Past co-chair, TMM Association; “TAB Top Ten’
community leadership/activism; M.A. Fletcher
School of Law and Diplomacy; Principal Founder,
South Brookline Neighborhood Association;
awarded BNA plaque for So.Brookline Senior
Socials; Former: Baker School parent, Temple
Emeth Sisterhood, Infant Jesus Parish Council,
writer, TAB and Brookline Chronicle Citizen.
Alisa G. Jonas (*) / 333 Russett Rd.
Attendance 14 of 14
1. Stay abreast of Town issues and proposals
that affect the precinct, make sure that precinct
residents are informed, organize neighbors when
community issues arise, take the initiative to
develop proposals for positive improvements in
the Town and precinct, research issues before
Town Meeting to cast informed votes.
2. Russett Road resident 24 years.
Attended
Devotion, BHS. BA Economics/ German
Literature, Brandeis. JD, Harvard Law School.
Attorney. Previously: directed statewide Superior
Court mediation program; senior budget analyst
for the State, performed federal and state
program evaluations. Both daughters attended
Brookline Public Schools. Local Involvement:
Town’s Advisory (Finance) Committee; on Boards
of South Brookline Neighborhood Association
and Brookline Neighborhood Alliance (BNA);
Preserve
Brookline
Steering
Committee.
Formerly, Public Transportation Advisory
Committee, Moderator’s Committee on Parking,
Townwide Task Force on Bournewood Hospital,
Moderator’s Committee on Tax Classification,
Baker School Site Council. Recipient of 2011
Brookline Neighborhood Alliance Leadership
Award.
William Pu (*) / 249 Beverly Rd.
Attendance 11 of 14
DID NOT REPLY
18. LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015
Massachusetts Voters
Bill of Rights
The Secretary of the Commonwealth and the
Massachusetts League of Women Voters, in
a joint enterprise, created the following
voters’ bill of rights. These rights are
guaranteed to qualified registered voters.
1. You have the right to vote if you are a qualified
registered voter.
2. You have the right to cast your ballot in a
manner that ensures privacy. You have the right to
vote without any person trying to influence your
vote and to vote in a booth that prevents others
from watching you mark your ballot.
3. You have the right to remain in the voting
booth for five minutes if there are other voters
waiting and for ten minutes if there are no other
voters waiting.
4. You have the right to receive up to two
replacement ballots if you make a mistake and
spoil your ballot.
5. You have the right to request assistance when
voting from a poll worker or anyone of your
choice, except your employer or an officer of
your union or their representatives.
6. You have the right to vote if you are
disabled. The polling place must be accessible,
and there must be an accessible voting booth.
7. You have the right to vote if you cannot read or
write or cannot read or write English.
8. You have the right to vote but must show
identification if: you are a first-time voter who
registered to vote by mail and did not submit
identification with the voter registration form; or
your name is on the inactive voter list; or your
vote is being challenged; or if requested by a
poll worker. Acceptable forms of identification
are: Massachusetts driver’s license, other printed
documentation containing your name and
address such as a recent utility bill, rent receipt on
landlord’s letterhead, lease, or a copy of a voter
registration acknowledgment or receipt.
9. You have the right to vote by absentee ballot
if: you will be absent from your city or town on
Election Day; or if you have a physical disability
that prevents your voting at the polling place; or
if you cannot vote at the polls due to religious
belief.
10. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot
if you believe you are a qualified registered voter
but a poll worker tells you that you are ineligible
to vote.
11. You have the right to follow up any
challenge to your right to vote through the
complaint process.
12. You have the right to vote if you are not
currently incarcerated for a felony conviction and
have registered as a voter after your release.
13. You have the right to take this Voters’ Bill of
Rights or any other papers, including a sample
ballot, voter guide or campaign material, into
the voting booth with you. Please remember to
remove all papers when you leave the booth.
14. You have the right to vote at your polling
place any time between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. for
state and federal elections—hours may vary for
local elections. If you are in line at your polling
place when the polls close at 8 p.m., you have the
right to vote.
15. You have the right to bring your children into
the voting booth with you.
If you feel that your right to vote has been
violated in any way, call the Secretary of the
Commonwealth’s Elections Division at 1-800462-VOTE (8683). This call is free within
Massachusetts.
LWV of Brookline VOTERS GUIDE to Town Elections w May 5, 2015 19.
Massachusetts Voters
Bill of Responsibilities
1. It is your responsibility to register to vote at
least 20 days before an election. You can register
in one of the following locations: at a voter
registration drive, your city or town hall, by mail,
at the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office
(Boston, Fall River or Springfield), at the Registry
of Motor Vehicles or another agency when
applying for services.
2. It is your responsibility to fill out the voter
registration form truthfully, accurately and
completely.
3. It is your responsibility to return the annual
local census form to keep your voter status active.
If you are an inactive voter, you will be required
to show ID at the polls.
4. It is your responsibility to re-register to vote if
you move to another community.
5. It is your responsibility to notify your city
or town hall if there are any changes in your
address within your community or in your name
or if you wish to change your political party
enrollment.
6. It is your responsibility to re-register to vote
if you were convicted of a felony and have
completed your jail sentence.
7. It is your responsibility to bring acceptable
identification to the polls if you are a first time
voter and failed to provide your driver’s license
number or the last four digits of your social security
number with your voter registration form, or if
you did provide these numbers, but they could
not be verified. Your voter acknowledgement
will state if you have to bring ID to the polls. If
you are unsure, bring identification when you
vote. Identification must include your name
and current address, for example: a current and
valid driver’s license, current utility bill, bank
statement, paycheck, government check, or other
government document.
8. It is your responsibility to know the hours
and location of your polling place. Contact
your city or town clerk, the Secretary of the
Commonwealth, or the League of Women Voter of
Massachusetts.
9. It is your responsibility to request an absentee
ballot if you are unable to vote in person on
Election Day and are eligible to do so. You are
eligible to vote by absentee ballot in Massachusetts
if you will be absent from your city or town
on Election Day, have a physical disability that
prevents your voting at the polling place or
cannot vote at the polls due to religious beliefs.
You must request an absentee ballot by noon
the day before Election Day and return it by the
time the polls close on Election Day (a different
deadline applies to those overseas).
10. It is your responsibility to check your ballot
for accuracy before casting it. If you make a
mistake on your ballot, ask a poll worker for a
replacement. If you spoil the second ballot, you
can ask for a third, which is your final ballot and
will be counted.
11. It is your responsibility to ask for assistance
at the polling place if you need it. You can seek
help from any person of your choice, including
poll workers.
12. It is your responsibility to respect the privacy
of other voters.
13. It is your responsibility to refrain from
campaigning or influencing other voters within
150 feet of the polling place.
14. It is your responsibility to report problems to
a poll worker or to report election law violations
to your city or town hall and/or the Secretary of
the Commonwealth.
The League of Women Voters encourages all
voters to be informed about the candidates and
issues in all elections.
If you have any questions, please call your
local city or town clerk or the Secretary of
the Commonwealth’s Elections Division
at 1-800-462-VOTE (8683). This call is free
within Massachusetts.
To fulfill your civic duties, exercise your right to
vote in all elections responsibly and know your
rights as a voter.
Prepared by the League of Women Voters of
Massachusetts, October 2006
Learn more about the League
of Women Voters
The League offers you…
…concise, factual information on public policy
issues.
…publications, informational meetings on issues,
and nonpartisan opportunities for
candidates for public office to speak.
…training in public relations,
lobbying and management.
fundraising,
…stimulating interchange with interested people
and the opportunity to be as active as you wish,
depending on your time.
What roles can you play? It’s up to you to…
…Work to ensure the voting rights of every
American. Urge citizen participation in the
electoral process,
… Act as a deputy registrar, monitor the polls, or
help present candidate debates and forums.
…Join a committee and take part in gathering the
facts for one of the League’s insightful reports.
…Or help the League be more effective at local,
state, and national levels by adding your name to
the list of members.
For information on membership and future
events, email us at [email protected]
or call 617-566-3238.
2nd Friday
Join us at Panera Bread in Coolidge Corner on
the 2nd Friday of each month for coffee and
conversation about issues that interest you.
BROOKLINE TOWN ELECTION - MAY 5, 2015
CANDIDATES FORUM
April 29 7-9:30pm
Candidates Forum (co-sponsors BNA & TMMA)
Town Hall (Selectmen’s Hearing Room)
Televised Live by the Brookline Interactive Group
Channel 3 (Comcast or RCN) or
Online at brooklineinteractive.org
Refreshments at 6:30
VIDEO of the Override Forum (from April 8) available on the BIG website [brooklineinteractive.org]
Am I Registered to Vote in this Election?
Is my Address Correct?
www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/
Offices to be Elected: Town Moderator, Town Clerk, Selectman, Trustees of the Public Library,
School Committee, Housing Authority, Town Meeting Members.
Ballot Question 1. “Shall the Town of Brookline be allowed to assess an additional $7,665,000 in real
estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the costs of additional enrollment
in the Brookline Public Schools ($6,983,000) and funding the costs of expenditures in municipal
departments ($682,000) for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015?”
Ballot Question 2. “Shall the Town of Brookline be allowed to exempt from the provisions of
proposition two and one-half, so called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to
replace and expand the Edward Devotion School?”
IN FAVOR OF QUESTIONS 1 AND 2: (authored by Rebecca Stone, member, School Committee and Neil Wishinsky, member, Board of
Selectmen)
Educational excellence is Brookline’s trademark. A yes vote on both questions confirms that value, and invests in our future. It allows
our public schools to meet the challenges of 38% enrollment growth, protects vital services including police and fire, and responsibly
finances the renovation of Devotion School. A shortsighted no vote will mean immediate, painful cuts this fall. Protect our schools and
services and move Brookline forward. www.yesforbrookline.com
AGAINST QUESTION 1; IN FAVOR OF QUESTION 2: (authored by The Campaign for a Better Override)
School quality can be maintained with a smaller override. Inflation-adjusted per pupil spending has kept up with enrollment. The $7.66M
override funds wants over needs and ignores other large overrides needed in the next 5 years. A smaller override can be offered in
June-no services will be cut. Do not be swayed by scare tactics. Vote for accountability, fiscal restraint and consideration for all Brookline
residents. No on 1; Yes on 2. www.betterbrooklineoverride.com
Brookline League of Women Voters
www.lwvbrookline.org
www.votinginformation.org
www.publiceducationbrookline.org