Community Corner
Candidates Credentials for Contested Seat for Board of Selectmen
Voters of Stoneham we have an important election this April for the Board of Selectmen. The seat is once again contested with two candidates. Remember this is not a popularity contest but an important position on the Board for the future of Stoneham. There are serious issues facing our community with the problems of economic development and smart growth in Stoneham as well as the need for fiscal deliberation. We need a Selectmen in this case a Selectwoman who has the ability to review and deliberate the best solutions for our town. She must have a talent for negotiation and seek innovative results to better serve the whole community.
She must have experience in meeting and dealing with homeowners, parents, seniors, town departments and the business community. She must have managerial skills. So far a review of what has been publicized by each candidate we know the following:
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Ann Marie O’Neill
Raymie Parker
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17 year resident of Stoneham
12 year resident of Stoneham
Incumbent 7 months to date
Contesting Seat
Worked on Greenway/Bikeway & will bring to Stoneham $5.5 Million
Involved in youth boards
Started initiative to beautify Stoneham Islands that had been neglected for over 2 years
PTO –Robin Hood Ways and Means
Fought successfully the issuance of beer and wine licenses to local gas stations
Girl Scouts (Cookie Mom)
Requested BOS to take a second look at Stoneham’s Tobacco By-laws
Stoneham Youth Football & Cheer (Cheer Director)
Actively involved in Stoneham’s Drug and Alcohol Coalition to combat drug//alcohol addiction and prevention
Stoneham Softball (Secretary & Coach)
Improved communication between town departments
Have spoken out of the development of the Commons at Weiss Farm and provided significant input at public meetings and letter to Mass Housing.
Lobbied for an Economic Developer for Stoneham
Proponent of revitalizing downtown area, filling empty store fronts and buildings to gain revenue
Employment: these are listed for Town of Stoneham only
High School Cafeteria
Traffic Director
Records Manager of Police Dept.
Strong support to Seniors of Community, Schools and Library
Employment experience: 11 years Vice President of Technology for investment firm of Scudder, Stevens and Clark
Real Estate agent as a multi million dollar producer
Also experience in health care industry
So far this is all we know about both ladies. In the coming weeks I hope more is stated with a positive approach on each candidate that shows by past experience, current work and volunteerism who is the best choice for the whole community. Remember both are willing to do the job. The issue is who can do it better for Stoneham.