It’s election season in Arlington, and I offer two endorsements.<\/p>\n
Short version<\/strong>: Vote Curro and Byrne for Selectmen. \u00c2\u00a0On your ballot, those are positions #4 and #5. \u00c2\u00a0Be aware that the names on the ballot are very similar and potentially confusing – you want Curro-with-the-O in the 4th slot, and Steve Byrne in the 5th slot.<\/p>\n Long version:<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0We have the good fortune to have several quality candidates for Selectmen this year. \u00c2\u00a0I’ve met them all and listened to their campaigns. \u00c2\u00a0Two of them rise above the rest. \u00c2\u00a0I think they are good for Arlington, and I want to work with them in the coming years.<\/p>\n <\/strong>I’ve had the pleasure of working with Joe Curro<\/strong> for many years on Arlington issues. \u00c2\u00a0I first met him outside a polling location – we spent a two-hour shift chatting and getting to know each other. \u00c2\u00a0I found him to be thoughtful, a good listener, a good questioner, and had a great sense of humor. \u00c2\u00a0He’s proven that to be true and much more. \u00c2\u00a0His work for the town has been as excellent as it has been extensive: on the School Committee, on the Human Rights Commission, on Symmes, on Town Meeting, and more. \u00c2\u00a0When I heard Annie LaCourt and Clarissa Rowe were leaving, I knew that Joe was one of the people I wanted to join me on the board.<\/p>\n I have known Steve Byrne<\/strong> for a shorter time, but he has been very impressive. \u00c2\u00a0When I met him, I was planning on endorsing Joe Curro and no one else. \u00c2\u00a0Steve’s energy and ideas were very convincing, and I’ve been working hard to help him get elected. \u00c2\u00a0Sometimes you meet people with energy, but it’s not effective energy. \u00c2\u00a0Steve, on the other hand, asks really smart questions so that he can apply his energy where it will make a difference. \u00c2\u00a0I like his ideas, and I like the perspective he will bring to the board. \u00c2\u00a0Some have suggested that he’s too young for the board. \u00c2\u00a0I disagree – his perspective and his energy will be a great asset. \u00c2\u00a0The board works best when it has a broad representation of ideas, and Steve brings them. \u00c2\u00a0He has a long history in Arlington, having lived here all of his life. \u00c2\u00a0He has a deep background in how the town and the state govern and function. \u00c2\u00a0 I hope that the town chooses to elect him on Tuesday.<\/p>\n I hope that both of them join me on the board!<\/p>\n