I was disappointed to see the recent blog post by a member of my opponent’s campaign team framing my candidacy in a way that misrepresents my motivations.

My decision to run for Town Moderator comes from a genuine desire to serve our community, strengthen Town Meeting, and bring my experience and perspective to the role, not to pursue any personal political spotlight. This is a challenging role, and I take the work and responsibility very seriously.

Belmont’s Town Meeting is our local legislative branch and a key pillar of our democratic process, but it is facing real management concerns that prevent it from running smoothly, effectively, and fairly. I am running to help repair and strengthen Town Meeting, so that every member can participate fully, deliberations are less chaotic and more clearly organized, and all voices are heard and included.

I hope voters will focus on ideas, qualifications, and civic commitment as they vote, rather than on personal attacks or assumptions about motivation. Belmont deserves a campaign grounded in respect, transparency, and the skills that candidates bring to this important leadership role.

As a candidate and campaigner, it disturbs me when advocacy steps over the line. I respect that people will have different views on issues in this race, but the suggestion that I was “recruited” by some political faction or motivated by personal ambition simply isn’t true. I’m running because I care about Belmont and believe my experience can help ensure Town Meeting is fair, accessible, and effective for all members.

For the record: I would never allow PAC-funded mailings on my behalf or seek the endorsement of advocacy groups. I’m running an independent campaign focused on the Belmont Town Moderator race—nothing else.

Labeling people as part of an “old guard” may make for easy rhetoric, but it does not reflect how I approach public service. My focus has always been on collaboration, openness, and serving the entire Belmont community. We need efforts that bring us together, not divide us.

I have always supported hybrid Town Meetings and have done so for years because every member of our community should have an equal opportunity to participate fully, regardless of work, family, health, or physical constraints.

I believe Belmont voters expect campaigns to focus on substance and the responsibilities of the role. The Moderator’s role is to ensure that Town Meeting operates with fairness, respect, and independence. That is the standard Belmont deserves, and the spirit in which I am running. I’m proud to be part of this community and would be honored to earn your support on April 7.