Candidates for 3-year terms (vote for not more than 13)
John J Bethoney
Jodi Bissonnette
Mark A Blazejewski
Why are you running for Town Meeting? For the past year, I served as an "appointed" Town Meeting member, filling a vacated spot. During this time, I attended all meetings, researched the issues at hand and listened to the perspectives of fellow TMMs, neighbors and others bringing an informed vote representing Precinct 4. There are lots of important issues facing this town, and I would like to continue to engage in this dynamic process and represent my neighbors in Precinct 4 in order to make informed decisions that will benefit the entire town, both now, and in the future.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? I believe that thoughtful management of our budget is important for Dedham to continue to thrive, improve and innovate. I believe we have to invest in the schools, through supporting a school budget that considers the complex needs of ALL students, while keeping in mind that all students have been significantly impacted by this pandemic. Investing in their education is an investment in the future of this town, and it’s important to consider those complexities as we allocate funds. Finally, careful consideration of the economic, health and social justice issues facing us should force us to make sure that our decisions will have a direct, positive impact on the community of Dedham.
Why are you running for Town Meeting? For the past year, I served as an "appointed" Town Meeting member, filling a vacated spot. During this time, I attended all meetings, researched the issues at hand and listened to the perspectives of fellow TMMs, neighbors and others bringing an informed vote representing Precinct 4. There are lots of important issues facing this town, and I would like to continue to engage in this dynamic process and represent my neighbors in Precinct 4 in order to make informed decisions that will benefit the entire town, both now, and in the future.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? I believe that thoughtful management of our budget is important for Dedham to continue to thrive, improve and innovate. I believe we have to invest in the schools, through supporting a school budget that considers the complex needs of ALL students, while keeping in mind that all students have been significantly impacted by this pandemic. Investing in their education is an investment in the future of this town, and it’s important to consider those complexities as we allocate funds. Finally, careful consideration of the economic, health and social justice issues facing us should force us to make sure that our decisions will have a direct, positive impact on the community of Dedham.
Cecilia Terese Emery Butler
Lacey Cohen
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I have lived in Dedham for 6+ years and have two kids in the DPS. My husband and I moved from Boston and were very conscious when picking a town to live in. We were drawn to the community feel, the school system, the civic engagement, the small business and town squares as well as the access to Boston. I want to play a role in helping Dedham continue to be a vibrant, desirable community to live and work in. I was voted in for Town Meeting during the Spring 2019 meeting (filling a vacancy) by members of the precinct. I want to continue to serve the town and my neighbors in Precinct 4.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? My priorities are:
1) a strong public school system
2) seeing local business thrive
3) access to improved green spaces and recreational opportunities
4) transparency in what happens throughout the town
5) being fiscally responsible to achieve these goals while not stifling growth.
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I have lived in Dedham for 6+ years and have two kids in the DPS. My husband and I moved from Boston and were very conscious when picking a town to live in. We were drawn to the community feel, the school system, the civic engagement, the small business and town squares as well as the access to Boston. I want to play a role in helping Dedham continue to be a vibrant, desirable community to live and work in. I was voted in for Town Meeting during the Spring 2019 meeting (filling a vacancy) by members of the precinct. I want to continue to serve the town and my neighbors in Precinct 4.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? My priorities are:
1) a strong public school system
2) seeing local business thrive
3) access to improved green spaces and recreational opportunities
4) transparency in what happens throughout the town
5) being fiscally responsible to achieve these goals while not stifling growth.
Joan C Cummins
Carmen E Dello Iacono Jr
Carol H Dixon
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I've had the good fortune to live in Dedham for 37 years and to raise my family here. I am a retired speech/language pathologist and 30 of my working years were in the Dedham Public Schools. Now I am a grandmother, trustee of the Dedham Food Pantry, co-president of the Fairbanks Garden Club, and a member of First Church in Dedham. I have seen the town grow and change in many positive ways over my 37 years in Dedham. The town is more diverse and inclusive though there is much work to do in Dedham and in our country. I am running for town meeting to add my experience and perspective to the process. I respectfully ask for your vote on June 27th.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
Education; Smart growth; Investment in infrastructure; Fiscal responsibility; Green space and recreation for all ages
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I've had the good fortune to live in Dedham for 37 years and to raise my family here. I am a retired speech/language pathologist and 30 of my working years were in the Dedham Public Schools. Now I am a grandmother, trustee of the Dedham Food Pantry, co-president of the Fairbanks Garden Club, and a member of First Church in Dedham. I have seen the town grow and change in many positive ways over my 37 years in Dedham. The town is more diverse and inclusive though there is much work to do in Dedham and in our country. I am running for town meeting to add my experience and perspective to the process. I respectfully ask for your vote on June 27th.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
Education; Smart growth; Investment in infrastructure; Fiscal responsibility; Green space and recreation for all ages
Robert J Frasca Jr
Cynthia A Glennon
Brian MB Keaney
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I have lived in Dedham for most of my life. I moved back several times, picking Dedham over Washington D.C., and Honolulu. My family has been here since the Potato Famine and nowhere else feels like home. I would very much like to continue giving back to a community that has given me so much.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Dedham has made great strides in some areas in recent years, but is lagging behind in others. I would like to see us continue to make targeted investments in high impact areas--particularly education--to keep us moving forward and continue to strengthen our financial position.
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I have lived in Dedham for most of my life. I moved back several times, picking Dedham over Washington D.C., and Honolulu. My family has been here since the Potato Famine and nowhere else feels like home. I would very much like to continue giving back to a community that has given me so much.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Dedham has made great strides in some areas in recent years, but is lagging behind in others. I would like to see us continue to make targeted investments in high impact areas--particularly education--to keep us moving forward and continue to strengthen our financial position.
John S Kundy
Julie G McKenna
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I am running because I feel like I have been in the dark as to what occurs in this town. I want to learn more and educate my neighbors as to the ins and outs.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? No new taxes! Kidding, sort of. It seems as though our taxes keep going up with not a lot to show. We have industry popping up, but where are the tax breaks? I just want to make sure that everyone gets a fair shake. We're all working people trying to do the best by our families and our town.
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I am running because I feel like I have been in the dark as to what occurs in this town. I want to learn more and educate my neighbors as to the ins and outs.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? No new taxes! Kidding, sort of. It seems as though our taxes keep going up with not a lot to show. We have industry popping up, but where are the tax breaks? I just want to make sure that everyone gets a fair shake. We're all working people trying to do the best by our families and our town.
D Tony McLeish
Ann Louise Mercer
Jacob A Santamaria Jr
Why are you running for Town Meeting? As a 37 year resident of the town and retired Principal of Dedham High School I can represent my district involving all matters of legislative policy and budgets for local government.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Fiscal responsibility
Why are you running for Town Meeting? As a 37 year resident of the town and retired Principal of Dedham High School I can represent my district involving all matters of legislative policy and budgets for local government.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Fiscal responsibility
Sarah A Smegal
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I am energized by the civic engagement in Dedham and the desire of so many to come together as a growing community. I want to add my voice to those supporting a Dedham that welcomes a variety of people and be a voice for residents in Precinct 4 who ground themselves in facts, kindness, equality, moderation, and collaboration. I am an attorney with 13+ years of litigation experience now practicing regulatory law for the last 3+ years. I was educated at UMass-Amherst and Boston Univ. Law School. I have a preschooler attending the ECEC for K in the fall. I believe in transparency, accountability, and civil dialogue. Please reach out to me at SarahDedhamP4@gmail.com.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? I want to support accessibility for people of varying backgrounds and abilities, improve and increase recreational spaces, improve walkability, avoid over-development, uplift our neighborhoods, and support our public schools. I love the small-town feel of Dedham, the charm of the squares, the multitude of civic events, our reputation for quality public schools, and the variety of stores and restaurants here. We can maintain all of this while growing if we remain grounded in our sense of community and togetherness. I respectfully ask for your vote on June 27th!
Why are you running for Town Meeting? I am energized by the civic engagement in Dedham and the desire of so many to come together as a growing community. I want to add my voice to those supporting a Dedham that welcomes a variety of people and be a voice for residents in Precinct 4 who ground themselves in facts, kindness, equality, moderation, and collaboration. I am an attorney with 13+ years of litigation experience now practicing regulatory law for the last 3+ years. I was educated at UMass-Amherst and Boston Univ. Law School. I have a preschooler attending the ECEC for K in the fall. I believe in transparency, accountability, and civil dialogue. Please reach out to me at SarahDedhamP4@gmail.com.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? I want to support accessibility for people of varying backgrounds and abilities, improve and increase recreational spaces, improve walkability, avoid over-development, uplift our neighborhoods, and support our public schools. I love the small-town feel of Dedham, the charm of the squares, the multitude of civic events, our reputation for quality public schools, and the variety of stores and restaurants here. We can maintain all of this while growing if we remain grounded in our sense of community and togetherness. I respectfully ask for your vote on June 27th!
Nicholas J Tedeschi
All candidates are welcome to participate in this service to Dedham voters. If you're running for Town Meeting, please fill out this form to have your responses listed on our website.