Voter Guide

April 14, 2026 Needham Election

Voter Guide for Town-Wide Candidates

Click on the tab below for the office.

The League of Women Voters of Needham asked candidates for townwide office to list their qualifications for office (300 character limit) and their most important goal if elected or re-elected (500 character limit). For the contested offices, Select Board, School Committee, and Planning Board, candidates were asked additional questions. The information from candidates is printed directly as written by each candidate. Candidates’ names are printed in the order in which they appear on the ballot.

To see a summary of the roles of the boards and committees on the ballot, see the Appendix to the LWVN Guide for Running for Office and Town Meeting.

SELECT BOARD (for 3 years)
3 Candidates for 2 Seats

CATHERINE REID DOWD (Candidate for Re-election)
778 Great Plain Avenue
cathyforneedham@gmail.com
cathyforneedham.org

What are your qualifications for office: I have served on the Select Board for the past 3 years, with a focus on pragmatic, fact-based decision making. A long time Needham resident, I have taught at Needham High, served in Town Meeting, and have worked in the private and public sector. I am committed to the best interests of Needham.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if re-elected:  I want to rebuild the Pollard School, silence train horns, and expand housing options. Pollard is long overdue for rebuilding, and the time to act is now. After a thorough and public vetting process of all feasible options, the state is engaged with us in the funding process. With train horns sounding from before 5am and until nearly 1am, many residents cannot get a good night’s sleep. We need a quiet zone to cover the entire town. Housing is addressed below.

What are the biggest challenges facing the town: Needham faces challenges of affordability and housing options, keeping our schools and infrastructure up-to-date, preserving open space, and maintaining the vibrancy of our town center. The town will need to fund upcoming school capital projects in a fiscally sound manner, and we will need to be thoughtful in attracting new business to help defray those costs. Needham also needs to strive to be a welcoming place to live and work for all those who come here.

As a Select Board member, what would you do to maintain and improve the vitality of businesses in Needham: The best experts on the needs of business are the business owners themselves. I will continue to listen to their thoughts about how to help, and not hurt, our local businesses. While we need regulation to protect safety, plan community development, and allow public concerns to be heard and addressed, we also need to reach workable and timely outcomes, so that we can attract successful businesses to Needham.

What could the Select Board do to further the implementation of the current Needham Housing Plan: We have made important progress by funding affordable housing projects at the Needham Housing Authority and Charles River Center, by enabling accessory dwelling units, and by complying with MBTA Communities. Looking ahead, the Board should find ways to make our Affordable Housing Trust more robust. We should also be open to proposals for multi-family housing development that include some affordable units.

When considering the town’s annual operating budget, what factors would guide you in making tradeoffs among competing funding priorities: It is less about tradeoffs than it is about balance. We must continue to invest in education, infrastructure, services, and amenities while considering the tax burden on homeowners – especially seniors and those on fixed incomes. As stewards of residents’ tax payments, we must be prudent. We must also preserve Needham’s AAA bond rating and credit worthiness. To create this balance, we need to support business development that will increase total revenue to the town and lessen the tax burden.

RICHARD I. ADDUCI
27 Coolidge Avenue
508-314-1778
voterichadduci@gmail.com
www.VoteRichAdduci.com

What are your qualifications for office: I serve on our town’s NCRTF and Technology Advisory Committees. I bring 37 years of leading complex organizations and building high performing teams.  As a small businessman, I understand the importance of transparency, accountability and results…and will increase this focus on Select Board.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if elected:  My goal is to restore trust between Needham’s residents / businesses and town government through greater transparency, broader committee membership, and fiscal discipline. Residents deserve to see town decisions and actions reflect their priorities and values.  If elected I will work with our Select Board to ensure we enact fiscal, tax, and regulatory policies that improve the affordability of Needham, so that existing residents can afford to stay and new families can afford to move to Needham.

What are the biggest challenges facing the town: Balancing our town’s investments in schools, infrastructure, housing and services while keeping Needham affordable and accessible is the central challenge.  Climate Change and the shifting demographics add further complexities to this balance.  Equally important is restoring the trust our residents and businesses have in our town government, by ensuring the Select Board listens carefully, communicates clearly and places the priorities and values of our town ahead of their own interests.

As a Select Board member, what would you do to maintain and improve the vitality of businesses in Needham: First, I would work to improve / repair the relationship between our town’s government and business community.  Second, I would streamline permitting and review processes, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and improve access and awareness of programs and resources for small businesses.  Finally, I would work with the town’s Business Development team, landlords, banks and small businesses to ensure Needham remains an attractive place to start, grow and invest in local business.

What could the Select Board do to further the implementation of the current Needham Housing Plan: The Select Board should work with residents, planners, and regional partners to implement the housing plan in ways that reflect community priorities while meeting state requirements.  We must learn from our neighbors challenges and encourage thoughtful housing development, protecting neighborhood character, and ensuring that infrastructure, transportation, and affordability impacts are considered.  I support a gradual approach to regulatory change to avoid unintended consequences.

When considering the town’s annual operating budget, what factors would guide you in making tradeoffs among competing funding priorities: Budget decisions should balance essential services, sustainability, and the impact on taxpayers. I support the Finance Committee’s benchmarks, including debt near the town’s 3% operating guideline and below 10% total debt level, and I would work to ensure we don’t compromise these benchmarks. I believe we could do more to challenge our town’s policies & spending so that our resident’s tax dollars are used in the most efficient and transparent way, and we improve the affordability of Needham.

WILLIAM R. DERMODY
12 Concord Street
781-910-0876
votebilldermody@gmail.com
votebilldermody.com

What are your qualifications for office: 40+ Year Town Meeting Member
30+ Years in Needham Business Community
Memorial Park Trustee
Former Chair, Park & Recreation
Past President, Needham Exchange Club
Past Chair, Greater Boston Real Estate Board
Past President, GBAR
Leadership Roles on 12 Local Committees
Coach
Third-Generation Needhamite

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if elected:  My most important goal is to bring key town initiatives to thoughtful and responsible conclusions. Over the next few years, we will be making decisions on long-term investments, including Envision, Quiet Zone, Pollard/High Rock, Smart Growth zoning policies, and Stephen Palmer. My goal is to move these initiatives toward positive outcomes while protecting local businesses, minimizing the burden on taxpayers, and ensuring that changes are fair, practical, and informed by input from our residents.

What are the biggest challenges facing the town: Our biggest challenges will be managing upcoming projects without overburdening taxpayers. Our AAA bond rating reflects careful planning, and we must continue maintaining services while keeping spending predictable. The Pollard/High Rock project is a key example; we must work together to keep residents involved in our decision-making and ensure it is completed on time and on budget. Success will require strong coordination and clear communication among our boards, committees, and residents.

As a Select Board member, what would you do to maintain and improve the vitality of businesses in Needham: I will continue working closely with our business community, as I have during the Envision process. I support the four-lane option to maintain business access, preserve parking, and address stormwater needs. During construction, I will work to minimize disruption and ensure businesses can continue operating successfully. We also need to prioritize workforce housing to help ease the burden on our businesses. Being downtown every day allows me to stay connected and help maintain a vibrant Needham.

What could the Select Board do to further the implementation of the current Needham Housing Plan: The Select Board can support the Housing Plan by working with the Planning Board on thoughtful zoning updates, partnering with responsible developers, and encouraging a wider range of housing opportunities. The Select Board also oversees multiple Town departments that can help streamline the process and support our housing goals. We must advocate for expanding housing that is appropriately sized and priced while maintaining Needham’s character and planning responsibly for future growth.

When considering the town’s annual operating budget, what factors would guide you in making tradeoffs among competing funding priorities: My decisions would be guided by community priorities, long-term sustainability, and sound fiscal oversight. I would focus on maintaining and improving our services for public safety, education, and infrastructure while continuing Needham’s strong financial position. Working closely with town management, the Finance Committee, businesses, and residents, I would set goals that balance our current and future needs with responsible and sustainable fiscal planning.

CONSTABLE (for 3 years) 1 Candidate for 2 Positions

JOHN J. LONGLEY
58 Grant Street

What are your qualifications for office: Lifelong Needham resident
32 year veteran of Needham fire dept (retired)working closely with Needham Police Dept

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if elected: I’m interested in serving as constable as it’s a role that combines public service with attention to legal detail.  Constables are sworn peace officers who help maintain order and serve important legal documents like summonses, subpoenas, and town meeting notices, and that work directly supports the courts, the select board, and residents. I know the community, and I’d like to make sure process is served correctly, on time, and respectfully, and that people feel they’re treated fairly.

Note: Because there is only one candidate for two positions, the second Constable will be decided by write-in votes. See description of the Constable’s role:

Constables “shall serve all warrants and other processes directed to them by the selectmen of their town for notifying town meetings or for other purposes.” (M.G.L. c. 41, Section 94).
ROLES:
Give notice of town meetings in the manner prescribed by the by-laws. (M.G.L. c. 48, Section 66)
• Post election notices as directed by the Town Clerk
• Post warrants as directed by the Town Clerk
• Post legal notices, such as bylaws as directed by the Town Clerk
• May serve civil documents like summonses, complaints, subpoenas, and eviction notices
NUMBER OF CONSTABLES: 2
LENGTH OF TERM: 3 years
REQUIRED SPECIAL TRAINING: None required. A law enforcement background is common.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, ETC: Works closely with the Town
Clerk; does not interact with other town officials or boards.
NOTES: Needham constables are paid based on work completed.

ASSESSOR (for 3 years) 1 Candidate for 1 Seat

MARC J. WEXLER
63 Cynthia Road
www.linkedin.com/in/marcwexler

What are your qualifications for office: Strong understanding of property taxation, the assessment and appeals processess gathered by working through the tax appeals process on behalf of commercial and residential property owners over the course of a long career in investment real estate.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if elected: Working to ensure that every property in the Town of Needham is fairly assessed.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE (for 3 years)
3 Candidates for 2 Seats

MICHAEL J. GREIS (Candidate for Re-election)
384 Webster Street
781-559-4623
mgreis@comcast.net
michaelgreis.com

What are your qualifications for office: School Committee since 2005, Chair 2008-09, 2014-15, 2019-20.  Contract negotiations, budget/finance leader. Resident since 1991, TMM since 1995. MS Finance and CFA Charterholder.   Finance/technology/sustainability expertise.  30+ years involvement in town boards and community organizations.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if re-elected: Securing community support for rebuilding Pollard. Our 2020 Facilities Master Plan update and the education plans developed by our principals led to our decision that a rebuilt Pollard serving grades 6-8 would best meet our students’ educational needs, preserve a unique 6th grade experience and be the most cost-effective solution for our community.  At a critical time in their youth, the re-imagined Pollard experience will ensure our students’ successful transition to high school and adulthood.

What do you see as the biggest challenge of the Needham Public Schools and, as a School Committee member, how would you address it: Helping our youth grow into healthy, resilient, well-educated adults during a challenging and stressful time nationally and globally. I will continue to prioritize recruiting, hiring and support of the incredibly talented, caring and committed staff who successfully nurture, teach, support and challenge our students.  I will continue to support implementation of innovative curriculum, collaborative skills, and social and emotional learning into a sustainable, flexible learning environment.

When considering the School Department annual operating budget, what factors would guide you in making tradeoffs among competing funding priorities: Our budget reflects our values – student learning, well-being & long-term sustainability.  Portrait of a Needham Graduate is our shared vision for our students’ future.  A framework I helped develop guides yearly budget choices to achieve that vision.  I prioritize funding that develops and retains a highly qualified staff; supports ongoing refinement of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, provides a safe, supportive learning environment, and maintains an infrastructure supporting learning.

What additional programs, if any, should the Needham Public Schools implement to ensure the health and safety of students: The health, safety and wellbeing of all students – and our staff – is a foundational priority.  Programs and practices supporting student health and safety are embedded in all of our decisions and in everything we do in the Needham schools.  Expanding social & emotional learning and increasing community engagement will build a more robust system by involving more stakeholders.  I also anticipate a need for new programs to address the rapidly evolving challenges in cybersecurity and privacy.

MATTHEW J. SPENGLER (Candidate for Re-election)
75 Hoover Road
Matthew.spengler@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069121543505&sk=about

What are your qualifications for office: I bring more than 30 years of leadership in K–12 public education—as a teacher, founding principal, nonprofit leader, and superintendent of the Felix Virtual Commonwealth School. I have served on the Needham School Committee for nine years and am a parent of two NHS graduates and an NHS 10th grader.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if re-elected: I care deeply about the strength of Needham’s schools and the role they play in our community. My goal is to sustain the excellence of Needham Public Schools by ensuring our policies and investments truly support student learning and well-being. That means supporting outstanding educators, maintaining strong academic programs, and ensuring students with different learning needs and backgrounds have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

What do you see as the biggest challenge of the Needham Public Schools and, as a School Committee member, how would you address it: Needham is fortunate to have a community that places a high value on education. Our biggest challenge is sustaining our high-quality schools amid rising costs, evolving student needs, and limits on local and state funding. As a School Committee member, I work to clearly define educational priorities, collaborate with town leadership, and ensure that our plans are both educationally sound and financially responsible.

When considering the School Department annual operating budget, what factors would guide you in making tradeoffs among competing funding priorities: The School Committee must balance several priorities—supporting strong academic programs and outstanding educators, maintaining student health and well-being, and being responsible with taxpayer dollars. Over the past nine years, my approach has been to review the data, ask thoughtful questions, and make careful decisions that support student experience, outcomes, and equity while respecting our community’s investment in our schools.

What additional programs, if any, should the Needham Public Schools implement to ensure the health and safety of students: While the School Committee does not run programs directly, we set the policies and funding priorities that support student health and safety. We use quantitative and qualitative data—such as enrollment trends, surveys, and student needs—to assess current practices. During my time on the Committee, we increased funding for counseling and mental health supports to help ensure safe, supportive, and inclusive schools where every student feels safe and ready to learn.

LAUREN MICHELLE SOPER
32 Mark Lee Road
781-710-7786
Soperfamily32@gmail.com
www.laurensoper.com

 What are your qualifications for office: Born and raised in Needham, I have 2 children in elementary school, with 3 following. I am in the community organizing civically, coaching sports and art, and engaging inside classrooms. I have 19 years of work experience in financial services, advising Fortune 500 C-suite and business leaders.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if elected: Exceptional schools, like businesses, have deep engagement in their community. My goal is to triple current engagement, measured by those attending meetings, participating in civic work, and boosting the schools. I’d accomplish this with more surveys, actionable communication, and scalable content. Increased engagement will help us close growing achievement gaps, deepen social emotional learning (SEL) implementation, and pass the Pollard override.

What do you see as the biggest challenge of the Needham Public Schools and, as a School Committee member, how would you address it: Consistency in the learning environment is our school’s biggest need. With 5,500 students across 8 schools, Needham is a large organization in need of a strong system to support predictable achievement. I have experience in designing complex systems around a common goal, and we need more predictable services, transparent standards, and continuous benchmarking for success. A key focus is on technology use, social-emotional practices, and in-district supports for special education.

When considering the School Department annual operating budget, what factors would guide you in making tradeoffs among competing funding priorities: We have a history of responsible spending that I want to maintain. We will achieve more value from our existing $104mm school budget with spending tied to measurable outcomes of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. Today, we spend ~ 10% of our budget on out of district placements, which we can reduce with higher standards, consistent practices, and deeper SEL curriculum implementation. I prioritize proactive spending on teachers, training, athletics, and in-district special education support.

What additional programs, if any, should the Needham Public Schools implement to ensure the health and safety of students: Safety and health are considered both mental/emotional and physical. For physical, we must pay close attention to the aging schools. We need a yes on the override vote for Pollard. For mental/emotional, data on attendance, behavioral incidents, and achievement gaps show an opportunity for better health supports. Needham already has strength with existing counseling, SEL, and special education. We should expand these existing programs, create new standards, and deeply implement the curriculum.

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

JOHN S. GALLELLO (Candidate for Re-election)
30 Howland Street

No Reply Received

TRUSTEE OF NEEDHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY (for 3 years)
3 Candidates for 3 Seats

ERHARDT GRAEFF  (Candidate for Re-election)
207 Maple Street
erhardt@erhardtgraeff.com
erhardtgraeff.com

 What are your qualifications for office: Library Trustee since July 2022 (Board Chair, 2024–2025), Town Meeting Member (Precinct D) since April 2024, Liaison to the Library Foundation of Needham (2025–2026). Olin College professor with social science, design, and computing expertise. Parent of two Needham public school kids.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if re-elected: Needham’s library has a 2023–2027 strategic plan and a four-phase space utilization plan, both of which I helped develop. I served as Chair of the Board of Trustees and User Representative to the Permanent Public Building Committee during Phase 1 design for the new teen space opening Spring 2026. I want to see these initiatives through by advocating for the Phase 2 children’s space redevelopment, ensuring library priorities and policies enhance services, and growing outreach to our community.

MICHAEL D. O’NEAL (Candidate for Re-election)
12 Perrault Road, Unit 2

What are your qualifications for office: I started my journey as a library patron and felt that I needed to contribute more to my community. I love our library. I want to be an advocate for the library staff and older adults like my self. I have strong negotiation skills and I want to use them to help the staff and patrons. I’m 3 years in.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if re-elected: I would like to see the staff receive recognition for their tireless work under some extraordinary conditions. The library is now in capable hands Rob, Diana and staff are working hard to create a safe educational environment for students, patrons and staff. My goal as a trustee is to help keep the libraries momentum moving forward and support the library directors and my fellow trustees. I hope to advocate and support our phase 2 of our 4 phase plan over these next three year’s.

MEGHAN W. SMALL (Candidate for Re-election)
2 Laurel Circle
meghanwsmall@gmail.com

What are your qualifications for office: I have been a library trustee already and am seeking to continue working with the library and my fellow trustees. I am trained as a lawyer and am a lifelong book lover.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if re-elected: I would like to secure funding form the town for a teen librarian and to continue the library’s renovation plans. I also want to work with the town to ensure the library is properly staffed with the appropriate full time positions.

BOARD OF HEALTH (for 3 years)
1 Candidate for 1 Seat

EDWARD V. COSGROVE, III (Candidate for Re-election)
17 Laurel Drive

What are your qualifications for office: I have taught part time at Boston State College/UMASS-Boston since 1971. I also worked for the Massachusetts Dept of Public Health as an Assistant Commissioner and later Children’s Hospital as a Laboratory Manager. I was President of the Museum of Public Health and have served on our BOH for 30 yrs.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if re-elected: The Needham Health Department has just been accredited by the National Public Health Accreditation Board. We are one of 5 entities in Massachusetts so recognized. In compliance with the work of the Special Legislative Commission on Local and Regional Health on which I represented Denise Garlic, Needham’s Department is the lead on the Charles River Regional Health District that includes Dover, Sherborn and Medfield. It is my goal that our Department continue on this path of excellence.

PLANNING BOARD (for 5 years)
2 Candidates for 1 Seat

GARY P. LESANTO
5 Horace Street
Gary4Needham@gmail.com
Gary4Needham.com

 What are your qualifications for office: I have lived in Needham for 25 years and served on the Planning Board’s 2016 Large House Review Committee. I bring 30 years of experience in building, development, and property management. I am a Licensed Construction Supervisor, Real Estate Broker, and Bentley University graduate in Accountancy.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if elected: My top priority is strengthening communication between the Planning Board and Needham residents. Planning decisions affect neighborhoods for generations, and residents deserve a meaningful voice in those decisions. I will listen carefully to the community and apply my experience to help guide thoughtful decisions about the projects that will shape Needham’s future.

What experience do you have with zoning? How will you address the complicated zoning regulations given the competing needs or wants of the town, residents, businesses and developers: My zoning experience comes from more than 30 years working in building and development. I have managed projects requiring approvals from local boards, including subdivisions and townhouse developments. I understand zoning not only on paper but in practice. I will approach each proposal carefully, ask the right questions, and work to balance the needs of residents, businesses, and the town.

What general principles should be applied as you consider zoning for Needham’s future: Transparency, community input, and careful evaluation should guide zoning decisions. Each proposal should be considered in the context of its neighborhood and the town’s infrastructure, roads, and schools. Thoughtful planning should allow appropriate improvements while maintaining the character and livability that residents value in Needham.

OSCAR E. MERTZ, III
67 Rybury Hillway
OscarForNeedham@gmail.com
OscarforNeedham.com

 What are your qualifications for office: 40+ years as an architect/planner working locally, in the U.S., and globally, including projects similar in scale to Needham’s—Main Streets, commercial, residential, and institutional. Evaluating options, understanding community impacts, managing budgets, and building collaborative solutions.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if elected: Build trust in town leadership through clear two-way communication, timely information-sharing, and broader engagement with the busy and diverse Needham community so that residents and stakeholders feel heard and involved in major decisions. Work on outreach and collaboration among town leaders, residents, and businesses to collectively craft a framework for Needham’s future built on an understanding of diverse goals and needs reached through robust debate and discussion.

What experience do you have with zoning? How will you address the complicated zoning regulations given the competing needs or wants of the town, residents, businesses and developers: Planning work from local “Main Street” projects to large master-planned developments in the U.S. and abroad has involved navigating zoning regulations, drafting and revising zoning and form-based codes, and developing design and sustainability guidelines. I will share this knowledge and commit my collaborative efforts to improve communication and involvement of boards, committees, residents and businesses, establishing trust and building shared understanding of zoning rules and impacts.

What general principles should be applied as you consider zoning for Needham’s future: Town bylaws often evolve through individual proposals, town initiatives, or state mandates. Proactively shaping Needham’s future requires evaluating what changes are desired and where they should occur. This should come through a broad process involving town leaders, residents, and businesses working together to understand shared goals and community needs. Thoughtful zoning changes can establish a town-wide framework that guides gradual growth and coordinated infrastructure improvements.

COMMISSIONER OF TRUST FUNDS (for 3 years)
1 Candidate for 1 Seat

DANIEL BURNS (Candidate for Re-election)
6 Louart Drive

No Reply Received

NEEDHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY (for 2 years)
1 Candidate for 1 Seat

AMANDA BERMAN (appointed incumbent)
689 Great Plain Avenue
Amandaeberman@me.com

What are your qualifications for office: Amanda is the Housing Policy & Advocacy Liaison for Metro West Collaborative Development, an affordable housing nonprofit. Previously, she was the Director of Housing & Community Development for the City of Newton, where she oversaw the creation of city-funded affordable housing projects.

What is the most important goal you would like to achieve if elected: My goal is to support the Needham Housing Authority’s crucial plans to update, modernize, and grow its portfolio to ensure current and future residents have a safe, stable, and affordable home right here in Needham. My goal also includes supporting the Executive Director in her position to strengthen daily operations and resident engagement and support services.

PARK AND RECREATION (for 3 years)
1 Candidate for 1 Seat

JAMES E. ROSENBAUM (Candidate for Re-election)
35 Homsy Lane

No Reply Received

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Voting Information

Write-ins: Please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 781-455-7500 ext. 71503 to express interest in becoming a write-in candidate and to learn more about a write-in candidacy. Should you wish to vote for someone who is not listed on the ballot, you may do so by writing the name and address of the person (substantially as it appears on the voting list) on the line titled “write-in space only” provided for each office on the ballot after the list of candidates. Don’t forget to fill in the oval next to the write-in line with the special pen.

Rides to the polls: As a voter service to Needham residents, the LWVN will offer rides to the polls on Election Day. Please call the League at 781-343-1031 and leave a message to request a ride…please call at least 24 hours before; rides cannot be guaranteed if you call on Election Day.

Click on the post(s) below for more information as it becomes available.