My name is Pascha Griffiths and I hope to be one of your two choices on April 2 for the open School Committee seats. I have spent the last month meeting with Belmont residents from all walks of life, and I have learned so much from each of you. More than ever, I believe that Belmont needs a volunteer with my background to serve on the School Committee. I bring the perspective of a professional educator, which is currently missing on the School Committee. The committee will soon create a new Curriculum Subcommittee to support the school administration, which I am eager to join. I have created …

It now appears that Belmont will have a general election contest for the next state representative. Tommasina Anne Olson of Bay State Road and a Belmont Town Meeting member announced that she will be seeking the Republican nomination for state representative for the 24th Middlesex District. "I am a firm believer that government should be open and transparent.  I believe that our government, both state and local, can provide for the common good without excess taxes and waste," said Olson, who also sits on the Belmont Economic Development Committee. "On your behalf, I look forward to restoring …

The Selectman’s job is very broad and can affect many aspects of our quality of life in Belmont. The diversity of issues that a Selectman will address and about which decisions must be made include: appointing individuals that can best represent all residents as the Town's Park Commissioners, Belmont Municipal Light Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and many town committees (Warrant Committee, Economic Development Advisory Committee and others); as well as budget issues, schools, capital projects, residents' concerns, road paving, economic development, infrastructure, building …

For the first time in several years, Belmont is not facing a budget crisis. Hard work by town and school officials, some good luck, and sacrifices from town and school employees have stabilized our finances: current year operations are in balance, and next year’s budget can likely be balanced without significant further reductions in services. After years of painful cuts, our financial situation has stabilized. Let’s seize the moment.  Let’s use this period of stability to plan for our future, and to stop the annual cycle of budget “gaps”, anxiety suffered by residents, and last-minute “…

I am Andy Rojas and I am running for the Belmont Board of Selectmen. My family and I are very thankful for the many friends and colleagues that we have made in Belmont over the past 17 years. We feel very fortunate to have had our family grow up in this wonderful town. I have been involved in Town government for almost 8 years:• Presently Vice Chairman of the Planning Board (member since 2006);• Town Meeting Member (Precinct 5);• Economic Development Advisory Committee – current member;• Capital Projects Overview Committee – current member;• Shade Tree Committee;• Benton Library Re-Use …

I’m Dan Scharfman, and I’m asking you to vote for me as Selectman on April 2, 2012. Your vote will help bring my proven skills as a collaborative, listening leader to the Board of Selectmen. For the last 25 years I’ve managed an information systems consulting firm that helps organizations use technology. I’ve also served on several boards of directors. This experience has helped me understand how to innovate in a changing world, how to bring together community partners to achieve common goals, and how to balance a budget.  My experience on the Belmont School Committee has demonstrated my …