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

STUART B. AGLER, 30 Parish Road (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

ORR Y. BERNSTEIN, 4 Jarvis Circle (Candidate for Re-election)
Preserve the town’s character and downtown streets (Envision) to protect parking and support local businesses. Balance capital projects e.g. Pollard with prudent funding to limit tax rate increases for residents with affordability concerns. Champion green space, trail expansion, and climate action.

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

ALBERT EDWARD GELSTHORPE, 20 Briarwood Circle, (Candidate for Re-election)
1. Home: Housing choices and Real Estate Values
2. Education: Public Schools and Public Library; Conduct Voting
3. Essential Town Services: Police and Fire departments, Public Health + not limited to: Public Works, Senior Aging, Emergency Mgt., Parks & Recreation, and Recycling & Transfer Station

SARA R. LEVY, 61 Briarwood Circle (Candidate for Re-election)
I think the proposal for the envision project is one of the biggest issues facing town. As much as I would love for Needham to be more walkable, it is not. People from other towns support the small businesses here, and therefore come by car. That is why I am against the envision plan.

JOSEPH D. COCUZZO, 24 Castano Court
Housing issues: Affordability, Large House/Teardowns, ADU’s, Repurpose of Steven Palmer
Pollard Project, other school renovations
Redesign of Needham Center streets/sidewalks co-incident with drainage project reconstruction

DENNIS CORCORAN, 865 Central Avenue, M204
Housing for vulnerable senior citizens; Plans for Ridge Hill’s expansion; Needham Center renovation plans

JODI LYNN ROONEY, 617 Central Avenue
Pollard/Mitchell have major structural/functional issues; requires upgrades to better serve populations.
Facing housing stock/variety shortage feeding high costs; expand on multi-family units.
Aging infrastructure requires significant improvements to support growth, including stormwater/drainage.

Candidate for Two Years/ VOTE FOR ONE

JANE M. VOLDEN, 133 Brookside Road (Candidate for Re-election)
(1) Pollard Project – with cost of $336 million, tax payers will be facing a possible $2,000 – $3,000 increase in their RE taxes.(2) Very difficult for citizen opinions to be heard.
(3) Select board is too powerful. Select board members sit on most committees and determine committee membership.

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

IRENE BERLINSKY, 96 Gay St (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

MARK J. GLUESING, 48 Mackintosh Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

PAUL DAVID ISENBERG, 44 Stewart Road (Candidate for Re-election)
Our 3 top priorities are 1) our response to the MBTA housing initiative, 2) our response to national level challenges, and 3) the funding for the multiple school projects

ELIZABETH ANN LANGFORD, 395 Charles River Street (Candidate for Re-election)
1. Affordable Housing: Needham needs to be accessible to all. 2. Financial Responsibility: Needham needs to maintain a high level of services while keeping residential taxes low. 3. Climate – Needham needs to implement strategies to protect our environment.

CAITLIN ELIZABETH SIEGRIST, 54 Mackintosh Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
As a Town Meeting Member and mother of two children in Needham Public Schools, I’m focused on three priorities: responsible budgeting amid rising costs, thoughtful planning for growth and infrastructure, and strong schools to keep Needham vibrant, welcoming, and fiscally sound.

PAUL B. TILLOTSON, 21 Howe Road (Candidate for Re-election)
1. Support for our excellent School System. The schools are a key reason so many families wish to live here. 2. Support town services: DPW, Police, Fire & Library need to be well managed and supported. 3.Support thoughtful residential building, balanced with protecting the environment & open spaces

DAVID G. LAZARUS, 115 Oxbow Road
No response received

MARK B. MARGET, 31 North Hill Avenue
1, sustainable development in regard to housing, infrastructure, finance (the budget), and economics (investing in the future). 2, governmental transparency and accessibility at the local and state level (restoring trust in government). 3, youth education and elder care (the two pillars of Needham).

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

ALEXANDRA ROSE BLAUER, 59 Robinwood Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
• Fiscal responsibility while planning for major upcoming investments in schools and infrastructure
• Strategic growth that strengthens Needham while maintaining community character and vibrancy
• Ensuring resident voices are heard and represented in all large town decisions

KRISTINA BURGOS, 31 Fairview Road (Candidate for Re-election)
The top three challenges facing Needham are How to meet future capital needs in light of the cost of replacing the Pollard School; Improving our downtown with full participation of all stakeholders; Bridging of differences to continue to make our community welcoming & inclusive for all.

REGINALD C. FOSTER, 898 South Street (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

CHRISTOPHER J. GERSTEL, 184 Maple Street (Candidate for Re-election)
the three highest priorities currently facing the town of Needham: schools, traffic, and housing.

ANNA GIRALDO-KERR, 42 Moseley Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
1. Transparency in town gvt re: decision making and allocation of resources. 2. Housing – balancing the diverse resident demands re: size, green space, & affordability. 3. We must learn to work together despite our differences. Opposing views are eroding the sense of community in town.

KATE LINZMEYER, 7 Stonecrest Drive (Candidate for Re-election)
•Investing in strong schools and shared community spaces, specifically Pollard & Mitchell. This is especially meaningful to me with young children.
•Supporting local businesses; creating a vibrant, walkable town center where we can live, work, & gather.
•Preserving green space and recreation areas.

ROBERT A. PETITT, 80 Robinwood Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
School construction, traffic safety, and investing in community open spaces

ERIC D. SOCKOL, 324 Country Way
I will approach decisions with an open mind, common sense and a commitment to being well informed. My priorities are; (1) excellence in our public schools, (2) Needham’s character and the qualities that make it a desired town to live in, (3) support for local businesses through responsible growth.

DENISA WEINSTEIN, 24 Scott Road
Top priorities are Pollard renovations, so facilities match the quality of our education, zoning and development that preserves town character rather than overwhelm it and balancing major projects with financial sustainability.

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

KATHLEEN CAHILL ALLISON, 200 South Street (Candidate for Re-election)
BALANCING TAXES AND SERVICES. Balancing the tax burden with the need for services.
PRESERVING NEEDHAM’S SMALL-TOWN CHARACTER. Maintain a community where we know our neighbors and our concerns are heard at Town Hall.
SUPPORTING THE LIBRARY as a vital cultural and educational resource.

ADAM J. BLOCK, 103 High Rock Street (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

ROBERT R. BRAMAN, 76 Lawton Road (Candidate for Re-election)
Responsibly & cost-effectively providing public safety, educ, & public works should be the highest priorities of town gov. In the current cycle rebuilding Pollard, effective but reasonable large house & tree bylaws, & recognizing the grass roots resistance to the envision plan are the priorities.

JULIA DALE MAHR, 124 Edgewater Drive (Candidate for Re-election)
1) School project: on time, on budget, protecting taxpayers from overruns and getting kids settled. 2) Transparency: plain-language recaps and visuals so neighbors stay informed after Town Meeting. 3) Needham Center: vibrant businesses that grow our tax base and keep Needham affordable for families.

PHILIP R. MURRAY, 453 Warren Street (Candidate for Re-election)
*Fiscal operating & capital expenditures versus affordable property tax assessments; set priorities.
*Needham Center infrastructure (sewer etal) renovations are needed but traffic flow and parking should not be sacrificed.
*Pollard project focus on academic; not performance space

RONALD W. RUTH, 248 Warren Street (Candidate for Re-election)
Needham needs: to address the Pollard School (with a performance center) to continue Needham’s excellent education system; to adjust our Zoning to be more protective and to provide a diverse range of housing opportunities in busier areas; continue to provide sound fiscal management of the Town.

VICTOR PAUL SEIDEL, 56 Green Street (Candidate for Re-election)
Three priority issues: 1. Need rules on tree removal, advocating for measures to preserve mature trees. 2. Address concerns on over-development, to ensure new homes and new development is right-sized to neighborhood context. 3. Preserve historic homes, by exploring historic preservation measures.

STEFANIE M. FORMAN, 1022 Webster Street
1. Passing the town vote and override for the Pollard Middle School project 2. Work on providing alternative housing options for elderly in Needham. 3. Continue to bring people’s ideas and voices to community projects.

MOLLY ELIZABETH POLLARD, 248 Dedham Avenue
As we undertake major investments in schools and infrastructure, we must balance forward-thinking with fiscal responsibility. The town must prioritize its most important projects while also supporting and listening to local businesses.

KATHRYN RAIZ, 84 Wildwood Drive
Education, Support for Businesses, Environmental Sustainability. Improve school facilities to foster well-rounded students & support the arts; Ease burdens on businesses, encourage new business to move in, attract visitors to shop/dine locally; Reduce waste to minimize costs and pollutants.

MEGHAN W. SMALL, 2 Laurel Circle
We need to keep investing in our future: a new middle school ASAP that supports our students and teachers’ needs; opportunities for all Needham residents, including lower income residents; and appropriate use of our available resources to adequately plan for long term future use.

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

GARY ROBERT AJAMIAN, 47 Meetinghouse Circle (Candidate for Re-election)
Listening to residents, maintaining fiscal responsibility, supporting thoughtful and balanced planning decisions, ensuring transparent local government, and protecting affordability in Needham. Constituents see roads-sidewalks deteriorating and ask that maintaining infrastructure be a first priority

LAWRENCE J. COHEN, 77 Warren Street (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

JOHN P. CONNELLY, 67 May Street (Candidate for Re-election)
How to build the new Pollard Middle School project in a way that adheres to our debt limit policies and does not crowd out the Town’s ability to take on other important and necessary capital projects.
Have a Town government that is balanced, responsive and engaged.

F. TIMOTHY HEGARTY, JR., 55 Blacksmith Drive (Candidate for Re-election)
Increase awareness of affordability impact of escalating taxes from Select board’s special projects.
Follow Fin Com advice before increasing long term debt burden on town finances.
Minimize the impact of the Select board’s recommended “MBTA” zoning changes on our town’s quality of life.

KATHERINE P. JACQUES, 41 Hancock Road (Candidate for Re-election)
Investing in the highest quality of education for our children, including the Pollard School Project .
Managing the Town Budget within the constraints of available revenue .
Listening to the neighborhoods concerns regarding the Large House Study .

MARY ANNE MACMAHON, 89 Warren Street (Candidate for Re-election)
I have seen Needham change – often for the better, sometimes not. We must strive to find a balance between providing the best education to our children and managing the town’s resources in a responsible way. The addition of housing alternatives is critical, but done in a deliberate manner.

RICHARD P. EARTHROWL, 236 Parish Road
No response received

BRIAN MB KEANEY, 41 Birch Street
1. Ensuring the Pollard project is completed at a price the Town can afford. 2. Maintaining the top notch schools that draw my–and countless others–family to Needham. 3. Creating a variety of housing options so that a variety of households can live here without harming the character of the town.

BARBARA MCDONALD, 147 Pickering Street
I’m running for Town Meeting to help Needham address key issues: managing growth responsibly, ensuring common‑sense spending, and maintaining strong infrastructure. I want to support steady, thoughtful decisions that keep our community on a solid path.

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

JENNIFER LEWIS BUELL, 53 Pinewood Road (Candidate for Re-election)
Moving forward with the school improvement plan for high-quality schools that meet the varying needs of our community. Promoting a balanced mix of single-family homes and smaller units to accommodate families, seniors, and local workers. Updating and expanding green space and available fields.

ROBERT JOHN FERNANDEZ, 19 Bradford Street (Candidate for Re-election)
The three highest priority issues are: 1) develop additional including affordable housing options for young families and others seeking homes in town; 2) support the needs of our strong schools and teachers in a fiscally responsible manner; and 3) finalize, fund, and construct the MBTA quiet zone.

MARSHALL EDWARD FOX, 36 Melrose Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
Needham’s highest priority issues are around housing development, local climate action, and providing high quality education to all children.

JENNIFER L. GERACI, 45 Melrose Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
The new construction of Pollard & Mitchell schools to maintain our quality education system; the need for more diverse housing options to make moving to town/remaining here feasible; the ability to proactively address increasing climate challenges. I support a vibrant, diverse, welcoming Needham.

MARCUS JONATHAN HUGHES, 55 Wilshire Park (Candidate for Re-election)
1. Pollard Middle School – a high quality but responsible rebuild/renovation is critical
2. Housing – there is still an availability and affordability problem in town that deserves thoughtful planning
3. Envision Needham – we need a practical approach to the design that follows public sentiment

PATRICK WESTON TACELLI, 179 Harris Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

CHRISTOPHER G. THOMAS, 130 Warren Street (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

RICHARD I. ADDUCI, 27 Coolidge Avenue
Restoring trust with residents and businesses as we evaluate the future of Envision, Ensuring the Pollard project is delivered responsibly and affordably, and Keeping Needham affordable by aligning housing policy with community goals while limiting tax and fee growth.

KENNETH G. BUCKLEY, 221 Warren Street
No response received

ABIGAIL G. CARR, 864 Webster Street
In my first year as a member of the Community Preservation Committee, I have seen the opportunities we have to invest in open spaces and recreation, and to increase the diversity of housing options. We can take additional steps to energize downtown and support our local businesses.

JOHN D. CRIMMINGS, 32 Plymouth Road
There is only one top priority. Budget. Between Pollard, Mitchell & the DPW’s 5 Phase Master Plan, Needham’s expenses – & therefore your quarterly Real Estate Tax payments – will be increasing quite dramatically. That alone impacts how all future Warrant Articles need to be addressed by TM/FinComm.

CLAIRE DEE ECSEDY, 719 Webster Street
1. Envision Needham Center with potential loss of parking spaces and increase of traffic.
2. Large House Committee with proposed zoning changes. Question of limiting the supply of large home building.
3. Establishing a quiet zone in Needham.

ZACHARY M. WALLACK, 36 Wilshire Park
1. Pollard – cost effective and efficient revitalization to benefit children without overburdening residents with unnecessary tax increases.
2. Envision – Ensuring local businesses are not negatively impacted this unnecessary project.
3. Fiscal Responsibility – Spend on needs, not passion projects.

Candidate for One Year / VOTE FOR ONE

SEAN TIMOTHY COLLINS, 32 Cleveland Road
Capital Expenditures for our schools, Envision, and our Senior Community is where I feel we need to ensure we are acting with the highest level of Fiscal responsibility. What’s the true ROI for any work on Envision, need to fine tune CAP Ex for the schools, and more affordability for our seniors.

DAVID ECSEDY, 719 Webster Street
1). Use of open real estate (Muzi Ford Coty, Palmer Center.)
2) Continued support of great schools.
3). Fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars.

JAMES A. GOLDSTEIN, 40 Coolidge Avenue
1. Housing that meets a diverse range of needs – young families, seniors, Town workers.
2. Adequate funding for Needham schools, including rebuilding Pollard Middle School with an enhanced performing arts facility.
3. Preserve and expand open space and recreation facilities.

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

GREGORY DUNN, 86 Douglas Road (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

ERICA HITCHINGS, 12 Petrini Circle (Candidate for Re-election)
We have a wonderful community with a solid foundation. We must invest in that strong base (e.g., schools and infrastructure) while also working to increase the availability of affordable housing options and preserving the green space (and trees) that make our town a lovely place to spend time.

EILEEN K. ORSCHELN, 67 Whittier Road (Candidate for Re-election)
As a 30-year resident of Needham, I care deeply about our community. I believe the highest priorty issues are responsible financial management, controlled growth, and preservation/enhancement of outdoor spaces. Above all, it is imperative we maintain fiscal discipline and our AAA bond rating.

TERI WITTENBERGER, 103 Fairfield Street (Candidate for Re-election)
Thoughtful oversight on spending for upcoming town infrastructure projects, such as the Pollard School, Envision Needham Center and the expansion of the Jack Cogswell building which DPW uses. Identifying available outside resources for these projects to ease the tax burden on Needham residents.

AMY M. WIXON, 92 Grosvenor Road (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

MIA BIDDICK, 78 Broad Meadow Road
1. To move forward with the Pollard rebuild, including a new 750 person auditorium
2. Maintain NPS outdoor spaces by budgeting for new sustainable structures.
Collaborating with NPS staff to create spaces for outdoor learning
3. Bring livelihood to the town center through music and art

GAGAN MIA KHERA, 154 Elmwood Road
I would like to see better communication among the different services- Parks and Rec, Schools, CATH etc. We can do better to meet the needs of the different types of residents we have in Needham. No more silos. We need to think long-term on how to reclaim land and invest in our schools and roads.

TERENCE NOONAN, 125 Broad Meadow Rd
No response received

JILL H. OLIVE, 133 Thornton Road
Education: I want our students to recognize the value of a good education along with respecting differences of opinions and each individual as valuable.
Housing: We need more housing choices so people can continue to live and thrive in our community.
Bike lanes

KAREN B. ZARROW, 95 Bird Street
I was born and raised in Needham, for me the three highest priority issues facing Needham are:
-the need to rein in spending and spend wisely
-the need to increase communication with town residents about proposed changes
-the need to protect the quality of life and community that make Needham home

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

JAMES S. BONASIA, 174 Tower Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

ELIZABETH H. HANDEL, 3 Rosemary Street (Candidate for Re-election)
Housing: building units that offer options for downsizing seniors, single folks, and others who do not need a 5 bedroom home.
Taxes: responsible commercial development to offset residential taxes.
Traffic: work to meet the needs of both pedestrians and drivers in our downtown.

DAVID HRUSKA, 21 Rosemary Street (Candidate for Re-election)
Needham’s three priorities to ensure its long-term health: (1) Schools: maintaining excellence in education is key to our future; (2) Economic vitality: growing the tax base to ease the burden on residents; (3) Sustainability: ensuring climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure.

PETER J. PINGITORE, 146 Hillcrest Road, (Candidate for Re-election)
Rebuilding Pollard Middle School
Developing a diverse housing stock by supporting NHA’s re-development efforts, multi-family housing in the MBTA zoning overlay, and reasonable revisions to single-family home construction rules
Supporting local businesses by prioritizing access and pedestrian safety

JAY CARTER, 158 Beaufort Avenue
No response received

NICHOLAS SALVATORE GIUDICE, 64 Hawthorn Avenue
Pollard, the tax impact of the rebuild, housing. We need a new school and must pass the override. Moving forward we need to be mindful of the costs in all other funding decisions and spend wisely. Housing and if something should be done about teardowns and trees remains high on my list.

MONIQUE T. HARRINGTON, 36 Dell Avenue
Zoning and housing, debt and tax impacts, and Town Center development are key issues. As a former member of the Needham Cultural Council, I support thoughtful planning and balanced growth that preserves Needham’s character and strengthens quality of life for all.

CATHERINE S. MEMORY, 99 Arch Street
19 year-resident, 99 Arch Street
Cost-effective construction of Pollard Middle School, including an income-generating performance center/community center. Mitchell! New schools raise property values for all, and attract new families. Affordable housing and local businesses are important too.

GREGG D. SCHMALZ, 32 Hoover Road
The highest priority issues for Needham include thoughtful support for housing options, deliberate planning for our excellent schools, and maintaining a strong infrastructure. I will work to strengthen communication between town government and residents, and encourage active community engagement.

Candidate for One Year / VOTE FOR ONE

JONATHAN HRUSKA, 21 Rosemary Street
Our biggest challenges all require thoughtful progress. We need more housing, especially affordable options for seniors. Our downtown should evolve into a better community hub that still supports local businesses. And our infrastructure must be improved, from better storm drains to quieter trains.

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

GEORGINA A. ARRIETA-RUETENIK, 236 Greendale Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

SIDONIE MIA XAVIER GRANADILLO, 96 Greendale Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
Revitalization: Stimulate downtown by attracting & supporting diverse businesses, and better utilizing our town common.
Pollard: Advance construction quickly & transparently w/strict fiscal oversight.
Youth Spaces: Promote businesses & create public spaces where kids & teens can play & congregate.

DAVID B. JORDAN, 67 Spring Road (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

JAMES R. RUETENIK, 236 Greendale Avenue (Candidate for Re-election)
No response received

MARIANNE B. COOLEY, 85 High Street
My current top three priorities include: passage of an override for the Pollard School project in the fall, support for projects that generate increased local housing options, and work to improve the Town’s stormwater resiliency (that includes decisions about the downtown.)

CHRISTINE PAPETTI DEDEK, 55 Hunting Road
There are many big issues. The biggest is the Town Budget. It must sensibly preserve Town essentials but also anticipate costs as we pivot towards Pollard. As for the others, I will judge each on fiscal responsibility, benefit to the Town, and how they fit into Needham’s sense of community.

RICHARD W. EPSTEIN, 75 Highland Terrace
Encourage our elected officials listen to the residents and advocate for projects that have been vetted. Strengthen the heights and downtown economic viability. Find a way to lower taxes. The roads in town should be left as is to keep businesses & traffic running smoothly. I am a 30-year resident.

THOMAS GILLOGLEY, 275 Second Avenue Apt 5013
Preserving the high standards of our Needham schools.
Attracting merchants and businesses that complement our community.
Taking a measured approach towards fiscal policy. We must make rational choices, but never be shortsighted, & always consider the needs of older residents on fixed incomes.

LOUIS WOLFSON, 29 Cimino Road
Fiscal Strain: Spiraling costs across all town operations,
Infrastructure: Prioritizing town-wide repairs over new projects.
Downtown: Maintaining parking and the open feel of GPA and Highland Ave over costly “visions.” Supporting our Businesses.