Resident's choices: Healy, Mahon, Martyn, Hayner, Jamieson, Sawtelle, Preston

Tom Mason of Arlington submitted these views:

I have recently lived in Arlington since early 2018. However, I am quite familiar with the town, because I lived here as a child with my parents and family until I graduated from college in 1973. My parents lived in Arlington until 1984, when they moved to warmer climates.

I have been paying close attention to our election and to the candidates who are running for election and reelection. It’s always difficult to figure out who is who and what is the story behind each candidate. However,  I listened, watched, researched and  have come to a decision, and I would like to share my reasoning.

I had the privilege to serve on the Finance Committee and then both lost and won elections for selectman in a small central Massachusetts town west of Arlington (Lunenberg).  I understand both the effort to get elected, and the commitment of time and energy to serve. I appreciate all the candidates who have made the effort to run in our election.

I find that for boards and committees to be effective and productive there needs to be comity between the members. There also must be turnover to bring new ideas to the table. I have found that too much time in a position often leads to “this is the way we have always done it and it works fine.” However, it is also important to have institutional history and understanding of why the committee has made certain decisions.

In the Select Board contest, I will be voting for Michaiah Healy, because I believe she will bring a new perspective to the board. From my research, I believe that her ability to communicate with all residents of the town with a fresh set of ears and eyes will greatly assist the board in its decision making.

I am also voting for Diane Mahon because upon reviewing her accomplishments she has the institutional knowledge and the drive and energy to effectively continue to serve.

In the School Committee race, I will be voting for two new members -- Lynette Martyn and Elizabeth Exton.

I am voting for Martyn because she will be a strong voice for diversity and inclusion in Arlington schools. I have full faith that she will work cooperatively with the other school members while driving Arlington schools to be a more welcoming place for everyone of our students. 

I also believe that Exton has the experience and education to be a strong advocate for the children of Arlington.

I am also voting to reelect Bill Hayner.

For the assessors, my vote will go to Gordon Jamieson. As I stated earlier, I think that it is important for departments to keep up with the times and I believe that Jamieson has the energy and the will to move the assessors' office forward.

The town clerk’s office is the center of so much of town activity. I believe we need a forward looking technologically savvy person with excellent people skills to serve in that position. My vote for that person will be for Patti Sawtelle.

Housing Authority is a position that not many people give a lot of thought to. However, in this election, we have a candidate who has the background, desire, energy and ideas to improve the lives of the tenants. I strongly support Jo Anne Preston for election to the Arlington Housing Authority.

Election Day is always an exciting day for me. I hope everyone will learn about the candidates and vote by mail or go to the polls June 6. Thank you.

This news summary and listing were published Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, and updated May 31. The number of sources providing this information is too many to list.