League of Women Voters of Needham Online Voter Guide

ASSESSOR (for 3 years) Vote for 1

No candidate for position

SCHOOL COMMITTEE (for 3 years) Vote for 2

ELIZABETH ANNE (LIZ) LEE
42 Blacksmith Drive
votelizlee@gmail.com
www.votelizlee.com

Relevant Qualifications:
I have lifelong experience in education including classroom and higher ed teaching, student teacher supervision, and working with families, schools and equity. I am a past Parent Talk President, former NEF and CNS board member, co-founder of Let’s Build and involved in equity volunteering.

Most Important Goal:
The most immediate goal facing NPS is the pandemic. My goal is to return Needham students to school as quickly as possible while addressing logistics, safety, and quality of experience for everyone in the NPS. Beyond this, my goals are community and communication – bridging gaps in communication and listening to ideas and experiences, equity in education – furthering and deepening current efforts, and 21st Century Learning – innovative education is an area in which I have extensive experience.

MICHAEL E. O’BRIEN
1600 Great Plain Avenue
Email: votemichaelobrien@gmail.com
www.MikeforNeedham.com
617-407-4825

Relevant Qualifications:
I’m a parent with children in the Needham school system and am a Town Meeting Member and Newman PTC Board Member. I served on the Elementary Hybrid Task Force helping frame the return for kindergarten – 2nd grade. I worked at several Boston-area universities and hold business degrees.

Most Important Goal:
Preparing for the full return to school for all grades is essential to our students’ success. We need to ensure that this happens safely and appropriately. Through this transition, we need to have readily available all the resources and support as students’ social and emotional well-being may have been impacted. Additionally, we must work to make sure there are no equity and achievement gaps and that all students have access to all areas of learning as we build towards the future.

REBECCA WABER
15 Powder House Circle
rebecca@rebeccawaber.com
rebeccawaber.com
781-474-0388

Relevant Qualifications:
Management oversight- Budgets, contracts, metrics-driven decisions; Innovation & creativity- Creative problem solving; Passion of a parent- 2 young kids with different education challenges; Needham town leadership- Town Meeting, co-founder Equal Justice Needham; Education policy advocate

Most Important Goal:
Multi-pronged Covid recovery: The mental health of students as well as educators is paramount, as are creative solutions to academic recovery. Yet we must do all this in a way that is fiscally responsible and balances the economic challenges of the town. This is also an opportunity to rethink how our practices meet our community goals around racial, socioeconomic, and neurodivergent equity, understanding that all children deserve to thrive in our schools.

School Committee Interviews with The Needham Channel

Watch The Needham Channel’s interviews with the three candidates for School Committee.

TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL PARK / VETERAN (for 3 years) Vote for 1

WILLIAM J. TOPHAM (Candidate for re-election)
7 Highland Court
topdoggusmc@hotmail.com
617-513-8953

Relevant Qualifications:
Retired USMC veteran; served in every concievable position from squad leader to war plans analysis from platoons to War College. Bentley Grad 1976 BS Accounting

Most Important Goal:
To continue to monitor the field/building usage and maintain its condition for the community.

TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL PARK / NON-VETERAN (for 3 years) Vote for 1

MARK R. FORBES (Candidate for re-election)
70 Edwardel Road

No Reply Received

TRUSTEE OF NEEDHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY (for 3 years) Vote for 2

JAY M. FIALKOV (Candidate for re-election)
216 Warren Street
jay_fialkov@wgbh.org
https://college.berklee.edu/people/jay-fialkov
617-300-4406 (day)
617-462-1960 (evening)

Relevant Qualifications:
Long-time Needham resident – I value greatly all the Library offers to our town. Member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Needham Public Library. Deputy General Counsel, WGBH – I serve as lawyer/advisor to senior executives and producers. Professor, Berklee College of Music.

Most Important Goal:
Recent years have seen transformative changes in the worlds of publishing, information technology, and learning. I believe the Library is more important than ever as a center of our community, but it is challenged to respond to changing needs in a digital world while also fulfilling its traditional role as an essential public space and invaluable source of books and other materials. I look forward to continuing my work as a Trustee to help our Library meet this challenge.

ANNA GIRALDO-KERR (Candidate for re-election)
42 Moseley Avenue
https://www.facebook.com/annagkerrtrustee

Relevant Qualifications:
I have served as Trustee for 2 1/2 years. During that time, I have spearheaded several high-visibility programs to enhance the Library community footprint in Needham. I also co-chair the Diversity and Discussion book club which has helped foster dialogue about race and equity in town.

Most Important Goal:
I would like to assist in the development and implementation of the Library new strategic plan. As we have learned from 2020, the world is changing rapidly. The library staff did a terrific job pivoting to meet the demand of the community through virtual programming and new partnerships. Going forward, the Library must think proactively about the type of library it needs to become to continue to exceed the demands of a community that transcends the physical space.

BOARD OF HEALTH (for 3 years) Vote for 2

KATHLEEN WARD BROWN (Candidate for re-election)
102 Ellicott Street
kwardbrown@gmail.com
617-448-9568 (day)

Relevant Qualifications:
My technical background which includes a doctoral degree in environmental health enable me to provide input on complex public health policies in Needham, including youth vaping, tobacco access, healthy eating, aging services, substance use disorder, and environmental health topics including COVID19.

Most Important Goal:
I have proudly contributed my expertise in assessing environmental exposures, evaluating health risks, and communicating those risks in service to Needham. My primary goal over the coming years would be to continue my support of town public health staff and to oversee ongoing recovery and planning after the current pandemic, while also including additional efforts to address health disparities, healthy eating, and environmental protection in Needham.

ROBERT A. PARTRIDGE (Candidate for re-election)
38 Sutton Road

Relevant Qualifications:
I am the current Vice-Chair of the Board of Health. My family has lived in Needham for 14 years; our three children graduated from NHS. With 30 years as an ER physician and a master’s degree in public health, I understand health issues affecting people of all ages. I hope to continue serving Needham

Most Important Goal:
Paramount is protecting the health of Needham residents during Covid-19 through scientifically sound measures, as we have been doing for the past year. This includes supporting aggressive vaccination efforts so Needham can fully reopen schools, businesses, government, sports, and other activities as quickly and safely as possible. We also need to continue programs to improve community health in areas like substance abuse, health care access, senior health, environmental health and teen safety.

PLANNING BOARD (for 5 years) Vote for 1

NATASHA ESPADA
1681 Central Avenue

No Reply Received

NEEDHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY (for 5 years) Vote for 1

JANICE M. BENNETT
58 Capt. Robert Cook Drive

Relevant Qualifications:
I’m here 22 yrs. Two children both went to college. Son graduated Magna, my daughter is a Neuroscience major at UNH in her senior yr. I have been a board member of two Tenants Associations, Treasurer, Vice President and President. I am the founder of the Cooks Bridge After School Program.

Most Important Goal:
Although this is a new position, I have attended many NHA board meeting as a member of the Tenants Association. I believe I can bring something to the table with my experience, however I’m looking to learn all I can from the other members. I’m sure there will be some training programs involved. I am looking forward to this challenge.

COMMISSIONER OF TRUST FUNDS (for 3 years) Vote for 1

HEYDON D. TRAUB (Candidate for re-election)
232 Bridle Trail Road
h.traub@comcast.net
781-405-4410 (day)
781-449-0206 (evening)

Relevant Qualifications:
I have been a Commissioner since 2009 and returns have been over 8% per year on average. I have been in the investment business for 34 years with almost half that time first working in various investment roles at State Street and then running my own firm at Traub Capital Management in Needham.

Most Important Goal:
The most important goal is to invest the funds appropriately to provide growth in the funds’ assets, but also preserving the assets through any future downturns in the investment markets. In addition, it’s important that we ensure that the funds’ assets are used as intended by the donors. Lastly, we will look for ways to raise funds for the various trust funds.

PARK AND RECREATION (for 3 years) Vote for 2

CHRISTOPHER J. GERSTEL (Candidate for re-election)
184 Maple Street

No Reply Received

DINA HANNIGAN
24 Brookside Road
www.needhamyouthfieldhockey.com

Relevant Qualifications:
I was on the NJF &C board for 7 years, 4 of which I ran the raffle, the leagues largest fundraiser. As fundraiser chair, I worked with the community of Needham. As the Founder and Director of Needham Youth Field Hockey, I have an understanding of the unique needs both youth and adult groups have.

Most Important Goal:
To help support the needs of the current Parks and Recreation commission and to continue to help make Needham a great place for our youth and adult community.

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for three years / VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN EIGHT

ELIZABETH M. BLOOM, 30 Nehoiden Street (Candidate for re-election)
We have a historic opportunity to re-envision our town as we exit the global pandemic. Let’s seize the moment and 1) right long-standing wrongs around racial equity and inclusion, 2) re-think education for the 21st century and 3) fight for eco-friendly policies to ensure we care for the environment.

MARIANNA BORRELLI, 651 Central Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

KIM MARIE NICOLS, 12 Crescent Road (Candidate for re-election)
Priorities: 1) Zoning and traffic issues, especially for proposed development at the Muzi site, 2) Supporting and investing in our schools, staff, and students during the Covid pandemic and afterwards, 3) Addressing social justice and diversity issues in police interactions, housing, and education.

MARGOT COPELAND PYLE, 865 Central Avenue, #G-402 (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

SARAH ANN TORAN, 945 Central Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
1) Encouraging Needham residents to run for elected offices, educating them how to seek appointed positions
2) Encouraging residents to support Needham businesses
3) Encouraging appropriate use of land areas – for example: Ridge Hill & Muzi property

KATHLEEN KREY ALWART, 51 Grasmere Road
No response received

LAURA W. DORFMAN, 66 Jarvis Circle
1. Barrier to homeownership due to cost of housing. 2. The need to assist our local business in resuming normal business activities post-pandemic and assisting those who wish to start a new business in Needham. 3. More attention paid towards diversity and sensitivity.

MARK N. DORFMAN, 66 Jarvis Circle
1. A youth center where children of all ages would be able to go to that would be safe and supervised. A place where teens and young people will have mentors that they can talk to and hang out with.
2. Growth and Infrastructure
3. Supporting the senior sector

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for three years / VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN EIGHT

PAUL S. ALPERT, 116 Pine Street (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

JOSEPH P. BARNES, 589 High Rock Street (Candidate for re-election)
Muzi site should be developed to benefit all townspeople. Emery Grover should be refurbished. Make every effort to attract businesses and revitalize the downtown area.

GILBERT W. COX, JR., 49 Colonial Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

JOSHUA W. LEVY, 1606 Great Plain Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
Sustainable financing of Pollard and Mitchell school renovations
Reviewing residential zoning to make the town more welcoming and accessible to younger families of all backgrounds
Investing in an upgrade of the town website, which is currently an impediment to the dissemination of public information

SUSAN B. NECKES, 36 Gay Street (Candidate for re-election)
Create policies, practices to become “just, equitable, antiracist community,” per NUARI vision.
Fund/plan for aging, outdated school buildings – Admin, Mitchell, Pollard.
Enact effective zoning regs for Muzi & across town: promote diversity, equity; enhance desirability; manage impact on neighbors

MICHAEL E. O’BRIEN, 1600 Great Plain Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
Preparing for the full return of schools so that students and teachers are supported with the resources to be safe and healthy; having small businesses thrive with future growth post-pandemic; ensuring social equity across the town so that all residents feel included and part of the community.

TED OWENS, 54 Whitman Road (Candidate for re-election)
1. Financial sustainability. Now that the golden years of extra property tax revenue from new growth and tear-downs are over, Needham needs to learn to live within its means. 2. Housing policies that allow diversity in our town. 3. Thoughtful commercial development.

PAUL B. TILLOTSON, 21 Howe Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

NATASHA ESPADA, 1681 Central Avenue
No response received

ARIANNA LECHAN, 1606 Great Plain Avenue
-Availability of affordable, subsidized, and middle-income housing for rent or ownership
-Promote Health and Human Services as first responders in non-criminal emergency calls (e.g. mental health, substance abuse)
-Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the Needham Public Schools

JONATHAN DAVID ROBBINS, 65 Belle Lane
1) maintaining Needham as an exceptional community for all, including longtime citizens, new residents and the elderly; 2) ensuring that our schools get the support they need to remain exceptional; and 3) encouraging smart growth that allows Needham to flourish without losing what makes it special.

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for three years / VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN EIGHT

HOLLY ANNE CLARKE, 1652 Central Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

KATHRYN L. D’ADDESIO, 110 Linden Street (Candidate for re-election)
1. Zoning- A balance between Needham’s need for economic development and the town’s desire to maintain its neighborhoods and open space.
2. Opening Needham After the Pandemic
3. Addressing Racial Equality- Support initiatives and goals of the Needham Unites Against Racism Initiatives.(NUARI)

ANN DERMARDEROSIAN, 800 South Street (Candidate for re-election)
1. Economic/Financial Recovery from COVID 19
2. Climate change and it’s impact on Needham
3. Affordable Housing

BRUCE T. EISENHUT, 106 Marked Tree Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

REGINALD C. FOSTER, 898 South Street (Candidate for re-election)
Important priorities ahead: Addressing the shortage of affordable housing; Transitioning Town ops, homeowners and businesses to sustainability & carbon neutrality; Supporting initiatives to recognize/overcome systemic discrimination; Sensible development that broadens the tax base; Thriftiness!

KATHLEEN M. LEWIS, 17 Maple Street (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

EMMA NAVALES, 82 Deerfield Road (Candidate for re-election)
Active community volunteer who will balance the needs of the community with smart, responsible growth.

CAROL L. B. PATEY, 32 Linden Street
I believe efficient and transparent government and an involved and informed citizenship are critical goals. Priority Issues: (1) investing in high-quality education for all children, (2) implementing environmentally-conscious policies, and (3) ensuring development is thoughtful and controlled.

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for three years / VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN EIGHT

CONSTANCE S. BARR, 205 Edgewater Drive (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

CYNTHIA J. CHASTON, 119 Fox Hill Road (Candidate for re-election)
1. Economic development/supporting our local businesses through this difficult economic time. 2. Financial health- balance running the town efficiently while trying not to place undue burden on taxpayers. 3. Preserve and protect our open spaces including parks, trails & playing fields.

ANN M. COSGROVE, 17 Laurel Drive (Candidate for re-election)
1. Keeping businesses and restaurants alive in town center.
2. Development of Muzi Ford property.
3. Keeping the health and education of Needham residents as a priority during this pandemic.

CAROL A. FACHETTI, 187 South Street (Candidate for re-election)
Keeping all residents safe and healthy is of paramount importance. Strong schools and children in school learning full-time. We will be faced with future school capital projects, and financing those projects will be extremely important. Social justice for all residents and a welcoming community.

PHILLIP R. MURRAY, 453 Warren Street (Candidate for re-election)
School infrastructure, viability of Needham Center business district, parks and recreational facilities maintenance and improvement

WILLIAM J. PAULSON, 111 Sutton Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

FORD H. PECKHAM, 26 Lawton Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

PHILIP V. ROBEY, 12 Fletcher Road (Candidate for re-election)
1. Continued support for local businesses in their Covid Recovery 2. Getting all schools back to full education and activities. 3. Confirmation of voting mail lists as a result of passage of HR 1 “Vote by Mail”

GRETCHEN COOK-ANDERSON, 276 Dedham Avenue
The need for: 1) greater inclusion, equity and diversity across neighborhoods, schools and businesses, 2) eco-friendly town policies and practices in the midst of residential growth, 3) Optimized parks, trails and open spaces to enhance livability through access to a variety of recreational spaces.

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for one year / VOTE FOR ONE

ADAM J. BLOCK, 103 High Rock Street
Covid recovery and maintaining a healthy town
Maintaining our strong education system
Reduce residential tax burden by support local business recovery and growth

ALISON L. LEVY, 16 Green Street
No response received

BONNIE L. McLELLAN, 521 Chestnut Street
Education – Ensuring safe in-person learning to set our children up for success.
Community –Nurturing our town’s look & feel, pedestrian safety, celebrating diversity, supporting local businesses.
Planning – Enhancing open spaces/environments for people to play and engage, community input process.

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for three years / VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN EIGHT

ALISON S. BORRELLI, 1175 Great Plain Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
There are many issues and priorities facing the Town at the moment, but my top 3 are
Addressing the proposed zoning changes in the Highway Commercial 1 district
Re-opening/supporting the community (individuals and businesses) after Covid
Prioritizing School Building Needs

JOHN P. CONNELLY, 67 May Street (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

GAIL E. DAVIS, 233 Nehoiden Street (Candidate for re-election)
*Ensuring quality education for all of our students
*Continuing wise safety practices to prevent the spread of Covid
*Examining social justice systems in Needham to make sure that all those who live, work, and visit Needham can feel safe and respected , and can thrive

RICHARD W. DAVIS, 233 Nehoiden Street (Candidate for re-election)
1. Maintain a reasonable Tax Rate and a strong Bond Rating. 2. Continue to support our fine public school system. 3. Strive to maintain a range of price points for Home, Condominium, and Apartment purchase or rent in Needham.

JOSEPH McCABE, 93 Garden Street (Candidate for re-election)
1. To assure more equitable policing, changes in the police contract and having a citizen oversight process in place;
2. Reconsideration of zoning practices to assure that Needham is accessible to a more diverse population;
3. Supporting the schools

JENNIFER S. SEXTON, 62 Newell Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

WILLIAM A. ZOPPO, 330 Nehoiden Street (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

ELIZABETH ANNE LEE, 42 Blacksmith Drive
No response received

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for three years / VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN EIGHT

DAVID DIRKS, 674 Webster Street (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

FRAN GALLAGHER, 692 Great Plain Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

THOMAS M. HARKINS, 24 May Street (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

MATTHEW A. KANE, 28 Bradford Street (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

MAUREEN T. McCAFFREY, 285 Manning Street (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

SUSAN B. McGARVEY, 66 Upland Road (Candidate for re-election)
1. Develop a climate action plan with clear goals to reach zero carbon emissions.. 2. Develop actionable plans to address racial inequities. 3. Expand opportunities to build affordable housing.

SUSAN WELBY, 857 Webster Street (Candidate for re-election)
Zoning, infrastructure and town owned buildings, and budget considerations

JENNIFER LEWIS BUELL, 53 Pinewood Road
1) Bridging families and decision makers to inform inclusive education policies; 2) Creating opportunities for community-wide green programming; and 3) Promoting greater transparency within town government

ABIGAIL JONES HAYS, 54 Coolidge Avenue
-Bridging family and school district concerns to inform best education policies
-Creating greater transparency within town government by expanding access to town information
-Improving the town’s community and green spaces

JESSICA ZAPLIN KARLIN, 30 Wilshire Park
1. Increase town responsibility on climate change
2. Better and safer playgrounds, play-spaces, and greenspaces for community use
3. More diverse representation in town government

CHRISTOPHER G. THOMAS, 130 Warren Street
No response received

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for three years / VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN EIGHT

HEINZ R. BRINKHAUS, 10 Lancaster Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

M. PATRICIA CRUICKSHANK, 64 Elmwood Road (Candidate for re-election)
Expand the educational excellence & response to different learning styles in our public schools. Maintain the town’s stable financial footing as we reduce our carbon footprint in necessary capital projects and operational costs. Assure timely information & transparency in town decision making.

LYNN SARA FEIGENBAUM, 80 Richard Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

ELIZABETH P. HANDLER, 317 Great Plain Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
Manage development to retain suburban character via well-thought-out zoning bylaws especially regarding the Muzi / Channel 5 parcel
Help our local economy recover after the COVID-19 pandemic
Develop inclusion of many voices in town government without being critical of those with opposing viewpoints

KIMBERLY KNICKLE-TIERNEY, 206 Broad Meadow Road (Candidate for re-election)
Our biggest objective is to create a new normal, building on what has worked well and correcting what has not. My priorities are support the health of our local businesses, protect and develop our green spaces, and continue dialogue necessary to promote equality and equity in our entire community.

PAUL T. MILLIGAN, 224 Elmwood Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

MARSHA B. MOLLER, 160 Dawson Drive (Candidate for re-election)
1) Trade offs between development (tax revenue) and quality of life 2) Fiscal transparency and accountability 3) Diversity to enrich lives and community

KEVIN TIERNEY, 206 Broad Meadow Road (Candidate for re-election)
COVID–We must respond to longer-term changes in how citizens will work, learn, and interact with local businesses. Environment–We must make real progress on stormwater clean-up, carbon emissions limitation, and preserving open spaces. Justice–We must be more socioeconomically and racially diverse.

JOHN A. BULIAN, 86 Peacedale Road
Recovering from the pandemic: Getting schools fully reopened in Sept & businesses back to normal operations.
Continuing the NUARI work: Move forward with recommendations from the committee.
Constituent Services: I am available anytime to answer questions. 18 Years experience on the Select Board.

CHRISTOPHER R. MORAHAN, 47 Sterling Road
My family and I moved here in 2011, and have loved it. We can improve Needham, and ensure others have this experience by focusing on: 1) Celebrating and protecting our environment 2) Embracing, and fighting for justice for, all members of the community 3) Affordable and fair housing

MATTHEW D. NAGLER, 15 Richard Road
1. Creating a multi-use space at the ‘Muzi Ford site’ within appropriate size and scope for Needham.
2. Supporting and developing programs to make Needham a more inclusive and welcoming town.
3. Bringing in businesses and services, both small and large, to grow our town’s resources.

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for three years / VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN EIGHT

PETER D. ATALLAH, 18 Lindbergh Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
1) Balancing economic development with quality of life and sustainability
2) Maintaining the excellence of the school system in the most economically feasible manner
3) Pursuing environmental and social justice initiatives to preserve open space and increase opportunities for all residents

DAVID J. ESCALANTE, 103 Woodledge Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

JOHN L. GALLO, 298 Brookline Street (Candidate for re-election)
-Public-private partnerships for expanded indoor swimming and other recreational/athletic facilities for seniors, families and youth athletics
-No 5G radio transmission towers in residential neighborhoods
-Embrace diversity for our town’s future

PAUL ROBEY III, 38 Brookline Street (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

LOIS F. SOCKOL, 611 Greendale Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
Protecting livability of residential neighborhoods against encroachment of business development
Support town facilities i.e. our schools, library, senior center
Provide housing for our elderly & choices for affordable living
Preserve open spaces i.e Cutler Park, Town Forest, town reservoirs.

RACHEL ANN WEINSTOCK, 30 Homestead Park (Candidate for re-election)
1. Maintain the school system’s quality while continuously improving operations.
2. Muzi Parcel Zoning – maximize the town’s return for any zoning concessions granted while upholding Needham’s quality of life.
3. Zoning – maintain diversity in housing; keep Needham affordable for many.

CATHERINE W. MERTZ, 67 Rybury Hillway
* Transparency and oversight of our local government
* The pursuit of justice and equity in our Needham community
* Responsible and judicious spending of Needham’s limited public funds

OSCAR E. MERTZ III, 67 Rybury Hillway
Transparency and accountability of our Needham Police Department
Need for more housing choice with an emphasis on more affordable housing
Awareness of and connectedness between residents’ concerns and Town’s management through its Town Meeting process, boards, committees, and organizations

CHRISTOPHER PAUL WEIRUP, 325 Brookline Street
1. Lack of affordable housing options in Needham.
2. Few incentives or support for environment-friendly transportation infrastructure, including transit, biking, and walking.
3. Lack of local solutions for supporting small businesses, particularly during the pandemic.

REBECCA A. YOUNG, 1072 Highland Avenue
I would like to bring progressive values and my high engagement to Town Meeting, being an integral part of Needham’s work for progress and change. I am passionate about education, anti-racism work, and equity, so these are my three priority issues.

TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for three years / VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN EIGHT

JOAN K. BERLIN, 67 Parker Road (Candidate for re-election)
I believe the current rezoning of the Muzi/WCVB property is by far the biggest issue facing the town right now. To be honest, I feel this issue is so important that it is number 1 and 2 on my list. Next on my list would be the need for a couple of new school buildings.

LISA CHERBULIEZ, 17 Lindbergh Avenue (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

WILLIAM R. DERMODY, 12 Concord Street (Candidate for re-election)
The three highest priority issues facing the town are as follows: 1. Zoning- We must make sure to keep the character of the town in tact when we rezone certain parcels. 2- Seniors. We must continue to support our seniors activities and programs. 3 – Young adults. Maybe indoor pool-skating rink.

MICHAEL J. GREIS, 384 Webster Street (Candidate for re-election)
Sustainable finance: annual/capital budgets for schools, town services & infrastructure
Sustainable environment: clean energy & smart design in construction; sustainable town operations
Sustainable development: proactive, not reactive planning/zoning so a diverse community (age/wealth/race) thrives

ELIZABETH NICOLE KAPONYA, 27 Highland Terrace (Candidate for re-election)
The Rezoning of MUZI We need to keep the character of Needham as a”Town”. Rezoning should be a sensible community friendly development which with the neighborhood feels comfortable
The widening of Highland Ave. We are engaged with the DOT to make sure it will be user friendly for the small streets

CHRISTINE S. McCOURT, 181 Richdale Road (Candidate for re-election)
No response received

DONNA M. MULLIN, 131 Paul Revere Road (Candidate for re-election)
Controlling unnecessary spending to keep taxes under control. Repair bumpy roads in neighborhoods where streets have been repaired but not satisfactory for residents