Resident backs Diggins, Exton, Sawtelle, Mahon

Christine C. Carney of Richfield Road submitted this letter.

Diggins

Sawtelle

Exton

Mahon

This current town election cycle has given voters many worthy candidates to consider casting their vote. All have been involved in several aspects of the community and bring fresh perspectives and insights to the seats they are campaigning. I am grateful for their willingness to do the hard work of campaigning and their commitment to making Arlington a better town. Choosing whom to support has not been easy.

I am supporting and voting for Len Diggins for a seat on the Select Board. I am so impressed by Len's ability to listen to concerns and ideas. He is curious, a researcher, and someone who easily understands the complexities of municipal government. Arlington is facing economic, housing, and transportation challenges, and I believe Len is the right person to be involved in creating policies regarding these issues.

Elizabeth Exton has my vote and support for School Committee. Elizabeth is an educator and advocate. As an educator, she understands the needs of teachers and students on a classroom level. Elizabeth recognizes the importance of teachers and students forming solid relationships on this level to carry out the district's goal of providing quality and equal education for all students. Her experience will also be beneficial in the hiring process for a new superintendent, contract negotiations and plans for future remote-learning needs.

For the position of town clerk, I am supporting Patti Brennan Sawtelle. Patti's experience with complex software systems and the implementation that has streamlined much of the outdated systems are invaluable, as is her experience with project management, such as townwide vaccination programs and construction projects. Patti will bring that experience to the town clerk's office to modernize it and make it more accessible to all.

Last, I am supporting the three incumbents -- Diane Mahon, for Select Board; and Bill Hayner and Paul Schlichtman for School Committee. Municipal government is involved and complicated. Arlington needs people with experience and institutional knowledge to implement plans for economic stability, housing opportunities, transportation, caring for our vulnerable and elderly, and an education system that gives all children the education they need to thrive and be successful.

This letter was published Wednewsday, May 20.