I'll hit the ground running
My One-Year Plan
I am a leader who takes action—thoughtfully, collaboratively, and efficiently.
I will approach the role of Town Moderator as I have my professional and Belmont roles: I do my homework, collaborate, communicate, and plan for every contingency. And then I get the job done.
MY COMMITMENT:
By December 31, I will make significant progress on the following initiatives:
Strong Leadership
Skilled management of large, complex, controversial meetings
Lead smooth and efficient Town Meeting sessions using 30+ years of experience guiding communities to provide input and make decisions on emotional and controversial topics.
Strong support for Hybrid Town Meeting
Continue Belmont's four year commitment to hybrid meetings used by Town Meeting, the Select Board, and other committees. Hybrid meetings allow residents to be part of Town governance who are otherwise unable to serve the community, and I support keeping Town Meeting hybrid.
Legal rulings
Make legal rulings that are accurate, appropriate, and grounded in a complete understanding of parliamentary procedures—and avoid the cost and time of legal challenges.
On-boarding of new members
Pair new Town Meeting Members with experienced members to serve as role models during sessions. Lead the on-boarding of new members.
Fairness, Consistency, Clarity
Fairness for Town Meeting Members
Give every member the same opportunity to express opinions and ask questions.
Consistent treatment of issues
Use a comprehensive understanding of each topic and clear communication to allow consistent decisions of scope throughout debate.
Clarity in debate and voting
Provide clear rulings and roadmaps of complicated discussions and votes to help members and prevent confusion.
Detailed, collaborative planning
Work with sponsors of articles to make sure that everything is ironed out in advance of Town Meeting in order to anticipate issues and plan for productive debate.
New member pairings and training
Pair new Town Meeting Members with experienced members to sit together or communicate via text during their first Town Meetings.
Expanded Voice and Greater Transparency for All Residents
Transparency of candidate interviews
Conduct the Moderator's complete interview of committee candidates on Belmont Media to provide full and transparent access for the community.
Regular office hours and involvement
Make the moderator more accessible in the community by holding office hours and attending events like the MLK Day Breakfast and Purple Heart Ceremony (as I did as a member of the Select Board).
People's Budget Summit
Hold a People’s Budget Summit to get feedback from the general public on Town Meeting's budget articles.
Belmont government for students
Give students an opportunity to participate in a mock-session of Town Meeting (Model TM) to learn the process and issues. Give talks to scouts, classes, and other groups.
Diverse Perspectives
Expanded pool of candidates for committee appointments
Expand the moderator's presence in the community to communicate opportunities and encourage residents to apply for committees.
Representation on committees
Broaden committee membership to reflect the diversity of our community—gender, race, ethnicity, opinions, background, profession, economic status, and geography in town.