While it now appears that MBTA cuts to bus and rail service to Belmont are unlikely, fare hikes will likely hit commuters and travelers come July 1, said State Sen. Will Brownsberger at a meeting with residents. And some legislators are considering increasing the state gas tax to help pay off the $161 million deficit facing the T.

Belmont Town Meeting member Tommasina Anne Olson declared that she will run for the open State Rep seat recently held by Will Brownsberger before he was elected to the state senate. A Republican, Olson is the second resident to announce their campaign; college student and Town Meeting member Bobby Reardon is also running to respresent the district comparising of all of Belmont and sections of Cambridge and Arlington.

School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Kingston revealed that the School Department's deficit grew by $200,000 since November, but remains 'manageable'.

Speaking of the superintendent, Kingston's contract extension first announced in November was finally OK'd by the full School Committee this week. He will now run the district until June 30, 2013 with more vacation days and his health care picked up by the district. 

Belmont fugitive Peter Bozier, 19, of 19 Weber Rd. was captured by Derby, Penn. police which is a suburb of Philadelphia. Bozier was wanted for rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault, intimidation of a witness and possession of ammunition. 

Question of the Week for the candidates: Selectmen spoke on regionalization  and School Committee discussed the Khan Academy.

Former Belmont Town Administrator and current resident Tom Younger got the nod to become the Swampscott town administrator.

Belmont Patch Columnist Lisa Gibalerio writes about briefly realize her own mortality.