I want to thank everyone who came out to vote in this past weekend's election. I am very humbled by the strong show of support you offered me. I also wish to thank my campaign chair, Kurt Fusaris, and the many folks who contributed to my team with their time and generosity. My wife Laura and my family deserve special praise, love and appreciation because of the sacrifice that this campaign and the term of service means to our family. I love my family from the bottom of my heart. Because of the confidence you placed in me, it is incumbent upon me now to continue working just as hard on your …

I want to take this opportunity to thank my friends and neighbors for their support in Saturday’s annual town election. I am honored that 5,283 voters chose to fill in the bubble next to my name on the ballot, even though my name was the only one on the ballot for the one-year School Committee seat. I also want to thank the people who played key roles in my campaign. I am grateful for the support and hard work of campaign chair Rosina-Maria Lucibello, campaign treasure Kim Haase, and for the photography and graphic design of Charlotte Pierce. I also want to thank Kirsi Allison-Ampe and Judson…

I would like to thank the voters of Arlington for returning me to the Board of Selectmen for another term. It was a great turnout and I was pleased with the results. The almost 50/50 vote on Question 1 was also a victory for our town. This was a very confusing question – many who voted for me also voted yes on the question. In conversation they told me that they would prefer four lanes but are still supporters of this project and its funding by federal and state funds. They also appreciate that we have compromised to a three-lane plan. It's time to put the arguments and personal attacks …

The following is a Letter to the Editor from the East Arlington Livable Streets Coalition. It is signed by the group's co-chairmen, Phil Goff, of Grafton Street, and Chad Gibson, of Varnum Street. So what do the election results mean? Hello EALS members and supporters of A Better Mass Ave, Yesterday was quite a day. Turnout was up significantly (29 percent overall) due, in all likelihood, to the non-binding referendum about traffic lanes on Mass Ave. We are delighted that Kevin Greeley—running on a platform that strongly supported the current three-lane plan—easily won re-election. He …

A person’s record is not always judged by all the years of service, but by simple actions and comments. They speak volumes to a person’s character, honesty and integrity. This election is about experience. I have 25 years of solid, strong and successful projects. I listen to people and help them realize their dreams. On the one hand if you don’t do what the customer asks, they will find someone else who will. On the other hand you are being paid to bring your knowledge to the process to make sure the project can be done on time and within budget. Ask yourself, is a town that has multiple …

I am writing in hopes of better explaining my thoughts for seeking the other members of the Board of Selectmen support in placing the overnight parking ban question on this week’s ballot. The question simply asks, “Do you favor the Town’s current overnight parking ban?” The vote is non-binding and, for me, it would be a barometer to gauge our community’s feelings towards an important issue. Following this election, it is my hope to look at the results of this question to determine if there is an appetite to consider amending the current overnight restrictions. Voting “No” on this question …

In his closing remarks at Candidates' Night last week, Selectman Kevin Greeley stated that supporting the Mass. Ave. reconstruction project was more important than voting for his re-election. Arlington voters should take Mr. Greeley’s advice to heart by voting “No” on Question 1 and by voting for Maria Romano for selectman. While it may seem inconsistent to vote in support of the current plan to reconstruct the avenue and for a candidate who opposes that plan, it is important to remember that each selectman has only one vote. Having an opposing voice on the project, as there had been …

Please vote “NO” on the misleading referendum known as Question 1 that seeks to derail the Mass. Ave. Corridor Project. Let the Town and State know that you favor a transportation vision for Arlington that meets our future needs in a balanced way.  Here’s why we recommend voting “NO.” Despite what opponents say, Mass. Ave. today does not have four lanes.  Officially, it has a single, variable-width lane in each direction, but cars regularly drive side by side—or swerve and pass. Under current guidelines which determine roadway design and funding, Mass. Ave. does not qualify for four traffic …

My name is Kurt Fusaris. I write and edit the Arlington Avocado, which brings a lighter side to Arlington’s most pressing issues. I have decided to bring that same flavor to Town Hall as a member of Town Meeting from Precinct 8. I have lived in Arlington for almost six years, and I currently live on Pleasant Street. I have demonstrated a commitment to the community in which I am so proud to call home. I was also an employee here in Arlington for a year and a half, with temporary stints as both a speech-language pathologist and science teacher, respectively. Over the past six years, I have …

Arlington is experiencing a renaissance. Empty storefronts are rapidly being filled. Our schools are high-performing and competitive with the rest of the nation. And our real estate market remains one of the strongest in the country. There is a vibrant, young management team in Town Hall, and key education leadership positions have been filled. Our local finances are stable, and long-delayed undertakings, such as the Thompson School rebuild and the Symmes redevelopment project are on track. New public art initiatives are thriving, and our school music programs have earned widespread acclaim. …

There are many people who have worked hard over the year to make Arlington a better place to live. But only one of them is running for the Board of Selectmen. Kevin Greeley has dedicated a significant part (24 years) of his adult life to the Town of Arlington. I am particularly grateful for the commitment he has made to our schools. Kevin has been a relentless champion of our efforts to rebuild all of our elementary schools and he has worked tirelessly to ensure that all Arlington Public Schools are adequately funded. We have worked side-by-side on this issue for years. In addition, Kevin has…

I support Judson Pierce as a candidate for School Committee. Serving with him on the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park and watching him during his first term as a member of the School Committee, I have been impressed with his ability  to communicate clearly, build consensus and to listen. But Judson Pierce does more than listen. He works. His efforts have helped make the School Committee more effective, given teachers a new contract, created an anti-bullying policy and brought the new Thompson School to life. For the sake of our children and our town, we need to continue this progress and with …

Those who have expressed their ardent support for the Mass. Ave. Corridor Project do so for many of the same reasons as do those in opposition: a desire to make our wonderful, vibrant town an even better community. The members of Arlington’s Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) share that commitment. We are ever-mindful of the many competing interests, concerns, and financial constraints accompanying changes both great and small on the projects for which we are asked to assist and advise town officials. It is an obligation we try to honor to the best of our individual and collective …

The condition of the Mystic River has been subject to much press attention lately. While it is wonderful to see increased interest in water quality, we would like to clarify that the water quality in the Mystic is fairly similar to that of the Charles River. The Wastewater Advisory Committee, a citizen’s group that provides an independent forum for discussion of issues facing the MWRA, has reviewed the data on both rivers. Unfortunately, despite the many millions of dollars the MWRA has spent since 1990, pollution still flows into the Neponset, the Charles and the Mystic rivers during wet …

Judson Pierce is a man of strong morals, ethics, intellect and let’s not forget an incredibly important requirement of a School Committee member … compassion. Jud has the innate ability to listen and move swiftly on issues that affect the people whom he represents. Jud consistently seeks feedback and insight from people in the community, making sure he brings a solution-oriented mindset to the School Committee. Jud helps Arlington teachers and administrators to focus on the growth and development of students by working for them, us and the Town all at the same time.  Jud has worked tirelessly…

Over the last three years, the Arlington School Committee has successfully faced many challenges, and provided solid leadership. Part of their success has been due to the current chair, Kirsi Allison-Ampe. I met Kirsi five years ago while walking my daughter to school. Over the years, not only did our daughters become friends on the way to Stratton, but also I developed a great respect for Kirsi and her practical approach to problem solving. Over the past three years, Kirsi has very willingly dedicated her time to addressing the issues facing our school system, and become a highly respected …

I've walked in Arlington for most of my life. Living my first 20 or so years near the bottom of Gray Street, meant I walked daily along Pleasant Street to school, to church, to the Boys' Club, to catch a bus and to the Regent Theatre starting around the age of 5 or so. At that time, Pleasant Street was four lanes wide, two in either direction. Even with more than 52,000 residents in Arlington, far more than today, Pleasant Street was safe enough for a child to cross alone. Today, Pleasant Street is two lanes and is difficult to navigate during much of the morning and afternoon commute. …

My husband and I are writing IN FAVOR of the Mass. Ave. Corridor Project. Having lived in Arlington since I was a child back in the 1940s, I am very excited about getting this done. We live on Everett Street where I sit for the longest time at Mass. Ave. while attempting to exit onto a roadway that encourages speeding traffic. After leaving the light at the fire station in Arlington Center, the speed for most vehicles increases to the point of disbelief. I have witnessed so many people attempting to cross Mass. Ave. on a crosswalk while almost being hit by speeding cars. Also, the bicycle …

The following is a Letter to the Editor from Sheri Baron on behalf of the "Books for Bill" Committee. This past summer we lost a very beloved member of our community. Bill Shea had long served Arlington as a member of Town Meeting, the Arlington Human Rights Commission, and the Permanent Town Building Committee, among many other civic and cultural pursuits. Bill was a champion for our town’s school system, as evidenced by his tireless advocacy and work on re-building Arlington’s schools. Bill was an avid reader, and a firm believer that education, particularly reading, could make a critical …

The following is a Letter to the Editor from Arlington resident Stephen Harrington, a Town Meeting member from Precinct 13. Three times in the past six months Arlington residents have tried to engage the Board of Selectmen with their concerns.   In May, the Landscapers Association asked the Board to place a non-binding question on the April ballot concerning the leaf blower ban. The Board refused citing the sanctity of a Town Meeting vote. The Association and more than 1,200 voters forced the Board to call a summer election where an overwhelming majority of voters, in an unprecedented vote, …