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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Town Meeting Precinct H {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

POLLING PLACE: Tolles Parsons Center, 500 Washington St.Town Meeting is Wellesley’s Legislative arm of government. It consists of 240 Town Meeting Members elected by precinct. The members are elected for staggered, 3-year terms so that 10 members are elected from each precinct each year in the March annual town election. Depending on vacancies some precincts will have more members to be elected to fill the unexpired seats.Town Meeting is responsible for passing a balanced annual town budget, and enacts all town by-laws. Annual Town Meeting is held in March/April to enact the following year's budget, plus whatever other matters are placed on the Town Meeting Warrant. The Annual Town Meeting begins the last Monday of March and continues on Monday and Tuesday nights until the business is completed. Special Town Meeting may be held as needed for issues that cannot be delayed until the Annual Town Meeting.

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    Marlene V. Allen
    (U)

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    Marc W. Charney
    (U)

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    Susan Balch Clapham
    (U)

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    Martha White Collins
    (U)

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    Paul Lindsay Criswell
    (U)

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    Christina Whiting Dougherty
    (U)

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    Jennifer D. Fallon
    (U)

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    Michael F. Fallon
    (U)

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    Erin Hester
    (U)

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    Robert W. Lally Jr.
    (U)

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    Jeanne Mayell
    (U)

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    Hank W. Newman III
    (U)

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    Christopher A. Spagnuolo
    (U)

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    Phyllis Lessner Theermann
    (U)

Biographical Information

Why are you running for this office? What are your top priorities?

Relevant Experience Curr: TMM, COA (past chair). Past: Advisory (past chair), School Comm, Townwide Fin Plan co-author
I am running to maintain a wide-range and long-term perspective in a democratic process. My priorities are 1) to meet true present needs while also preparing for the future, 2) to not be a single issue member, 3) to respect and protect the rights of all of our citizens, and 4) to help foster the integrity of our Town Meeting process.
Relevant Experience Elected Member of Wellesley Planning Board
As a 20+ yr. resident and elected Planning Board member, I'm passionate about contributing to our town's governance. My top priority is to address the intricacies of Article 40 (MBTA communities Zoning). Emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in town affairs, I aim to bring fresh perspectives to the table for improved outcomes. I look forward to serving the residents of Precinct H.
Relevant Experience TMM 20+yrs;AdvisoryComm.2021-present(Secretary, 2022-present);former Pres.,LWVWellesley...
I believe that it is important for Town Meeting Members to try to balance fiscal responsibility with our desire to maintain the excellence of Town services, schools, and quality of life that brought us to Wellesley. We need to ensure that our respect for the historical and environmental assets in our town is reflected in our decision making, while still meeting the needs of our community.
Relevant Experience Candidate for re-election; Climate Action Committee member, Mobility Committee Member
Please consider reelecting Martha White Collins for Precinct H. My priorities include implementing measures to reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions; improving sustainable mobility options; protecting natural resources; addressing housing affordability and accessibility; maintaining and improving public facilities; and ensuring high-quality public education for students.
Relevant Experience TMM 18 years, Board of Public Works, 7 years, WMLP Board, 12 years
I believe I have significant experience and knowledge regarding Town government that I can use to help make Wellesley a better place to live and work. My priorities are to help provide efficient, excellent Town services, protect and preserve our precious open spaces and promote a collegial, collaborative, respectful state of affairs for Wellesley Town Government.
Relevant Experience Current Town Meeting Member Precinct H / Advisory Committee Member.
I would like to hear voices and opinions of all community members and welcome the opportunity to promote open communication and collaboration to strengthen our common ties and reach consensus. Priorities include continued prudent fiscal stewardship of our Town's budget, supporting our schools, services for our seniors, and continued work to make our town sustainable to achieve climate goals.
Relevant Experience Advisory, Pres PAWS & Sprague PTO, Secretary WMS PTO & Central Council, Board Mbr WOW & LWVW
I pay attention as much as possible to all issues in town as local issues impact people to such a high degree. I like to take that information and my open mindedness to Town Meeting and listen to make informed decisions for our town. I care deeply about all people being treated fairly and being allowed full participation. In addition, the need for affordable housing is so important.
Relevant Experience Wellesley youth soccer and hockey coach. Board of directors for WYH. WPS advisory committee.
I am running because I am committed to our community’s prosperity. Through volunteering in Wellesley youth sports and serving on WPS super's STEAM advisory committee, I've witnessed the positive impact of giving back to the community. I prioritize education, fiscal responsibility, and balancing urban development with environmental preservation. I commit to working inclusively and collaboratively.
Relevant Experience Town Meeting. Sprague and WMS PTOs. Wellesley Historical Commission. Wellesley Green Schools.
In serving as a Town Meeting Member, my priorities would be to: deliver quality educational and other government services; maintain fiscal responsibility in town government; preserve the town character, with balanced approaches to development; and promote sustainability.
Our family has lived in this community for over 10 years and my strong background in public policy, environmental regulations and local zoning/permitting gives me a unique perspective in solving some of our communities most debated and challenging issues.
Relevant Experience 10 yrs TMM, Harvard Masters in Education/Public Health. Soccer coach/Board, Activist for parks.
To (1) preserve Wellesley’s natural spaces, woodlands, & waterways; (2) promote sustainable energy; (3) schools that are responsive to our children’s mental, physical, and academic well-being, preparing them to live meaningful lives doing work that fits their deep selves; (4) fiscal responsibility to enable more than just the wealthy to live here. (5) Preventing urban creep. (6) A noise ordinance.
As the father of two young children (a Kindergartner at Sprague, and a baby - WHS Class of 2041), I'm running first and foremost to ensure WPS parents have a strong representation in Town Meeting.

I will be an active member of Town Meeting, not taking my role for granted, and give each year's warrant its full diligence- gathering input from neighbors to make informed decisions.
Relevant Experience Wellesley Youth Com., Historical District Com., Dir. of Purchasing The ITALO Club of Wellesley
I'm running for TMM because I believe in the power of community engagement and positive change. My passion for our town's well-being drives me to contribute my skills and ideas to address local issues. I aim to foster transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable development, balanced with fiscal responsibility.Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community that benefits everyone.
Relevant Experience Town Meeting Member
As a Town Meeting Member since 2019, an active leader in this community, and having an MBA, I respectfully ask for your vote to be a Precinct H Town Meeting Member. I will continue to listen, discuss, question and vote with a balanced approach, but will always be mindful of ways Town Meeting can vote to reduce emissions. I am happy to hear from precinct H residents about what is important to you.