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. ​Candidates who did not opt to respond to the questions are listed by name only.

Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.

JOAN DONOVAN
SHARI BETH KRAUSS
LINDSAY P BARICH
JULIETTE R BYRNES

CHERYLANN W SHEEHAN
Why are you running for Town Meeting?   As you know, Dedham continues to plan for its future by renovating some town buildings, building new buildings, supporting our school system and repairing our roads, sewers and sidewalks. We have also supported many initiatives, like the Human Rights Commission, which I hope, help all Dedham residents feel welcomed and valued. I believe these trends should continue so Dedham continues to be a town of which we are all proud and I would appreciate being a part of these ongoing improvements and initiatives. This is why I am running for re-election for Town Meeting in Precinct 6.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?  My top priorities for the Town of Dedham have been and continue to be the improvement of our infrastructure, strong support for quality education in our public schools and the inclusion of all interested residents in town government and committees.

JUSTIN A HUMPHREYS
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I want to continue the hard work toward an inclusive and engaging Dedham. As a member of the master planning committee we have plans for the future, short and long term, and I’d like to participate in making sure all Dedham residents benefit from them by being a part of a government that offers an equal voice to all parts of our community.
​What are your priorities for Dedham's future? The town meeting model of self-governance is unique to our corner of the country. It is about as close to direct democracy as it gets. Our priority should be to ensure that everyone gets to participate and reap the benefits of our local effect on our everyday lives. We must do this by communicating respectfully; showing empathy; and collaborating. The number one priority for all of us should be making Dedham the best home it can be for all of who want to live here. To do this we must work together, tackle challenges together, and share in opportunities together.

MARJORIE L KILROY

ANDREW LAWLOR
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I suggest I have a balanced perspective that provides sound representation for my neighbors. My background includes being married for 30 years to Roberta Lawlor; and being the father of Maeve and Jackson Lawlor. I have a B.A. from Middlebury College, and a J.D. from Suffolk University. I practice law with Belcher Fitzgerald. I am a veteran with service in Kosovo and Afghanistan. I have served on Town Meeting for over 25 years; and served as Chair of the School Building Rehabilitation Committee during voter approval, design and construction of the new Middle and Avery Schools. I am a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church, and active with the Knights of Columbus and their charitable efforts.
​What are your priorities for Dedham's future?  
1) Less traffic, noise, building density, and more open space.
2) Continued excellent financial support to the schools, but with better objective performance.
3) Civil, respectful and fact-based political discourse.
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MARK HOEFFLER
MICHELE M HEFFERNAN
TIMOTHY M WELSH
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VIRGINIA M HICKEY
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I grew up in Dedham, DHS grad and my son graduated DHS in 2020. I believe in giving back to my home town community and serving in local government is a way to contribute an immediate and meaningful way. I have been on TM since 2012, I do my best to be well informed on the issues that come before TM have always voted with the Town's best interest, for while mindful of fiscal impact. I am Clerk for P6, volunteer with WINDD and appointed Cultural Council member.
​What are your priorities for Dedham's future?  
Environmentally friendly growth, housing, excellent safe and inclusive schools, diversity, safety and green spaces. Accessible, transparent government - all residents should feel heard and represented. To make sure we take advantage of opportunities that assist the town financially. Improve affordable housing for Seniors and Residents. Promote efforts mitigate harmful effects of climate changes. Safe walking and bike routes to reduce car use. Encourage engagement and participation in local government.

WILLIAM HANNIGAN
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I love Dedham. As a father of child entering DPS, a business owner in Dedham, a husband, and a concerned citizen, I want to ensure we move forward on a sane path, keeping the small town feel and charm we all have grown to love. We can improve our town without destroying it.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Keeping our spending/taxes in line so Elders can age in place, while fostering development for our children and citizens.

MICAH H FLYNN
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I think it’s important to actively invest in your community through public service, commit to being well informed on our municipal issues and transparent with thought processes on decisions. Most importantly, I believe in listening to the concerns of neighbors respectfully - especially when we may disagree.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? I think Town Meeting should be prioritizing support for our public schools, improving our town’s walkability and making sustainability a priority throughout all aspects of our town government and services. We should ensure our town government is seeking input from members of our community and using data informed consensus to make transparent decisions. I believe town government builds trust in the community when choices are grounded in expertise, well understood and communicated broadly.

PATRICK JAMES MAGEE
HARRY J MIKITARIAN
CYNTHIA A GILLAN
KALEE POLITO

SHARNA SMALL BORSELLINO
Why are you running for Town Meeting?   I am running for re-election to Town Meeting because as a Dedham resident for 25 years, I believe that our Town government should reflect the diversity that our Town now enjoys. I often find myself the only woman of color at many town meetings and events. It is my hope that my presence and involvement will inspire other people of color to become involved as well.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? My top priorities for Dedham are the implementation of the Master Plan and improved safety on our roadways. As an appointed member of the Master Plan Committee, I have worked with my fellow committee members to draft a future vision for Dedham that is inclusive in every topic area. Now that the work of the committee has concluded, I look forward to working with our town boards and committees on the Master Plan's implementation. As a member of the Active Transportation work group, I have worked to advance opportunities for biking and walking safely in Dedham and have worked to secure grant funding for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.

ROBERT J FISH
JUSTIN RYAN HYNES
NANCY LALLY CARROLL
LINDSAY HAYNES LOWDER
ELIZABETH J WISEMAN

AMY M HAELSEN
Why are you running for Town Meeting? Town Meeting makes important decisions that impact our quality of life and it’s a responsibility that I take to heart. As a P6TM Rep since 2009, I do my my homework and speak to fellow precinct members to better understand differing viewpoints which I consider when voting on important issues. After serving as Executive Director of Dedham Square Circle for 13 years, I now work for the Town of Needham as their Economic Development Manager. I've had the opportunity to see firsthand how another municipality operates and governs, a perspective that has proven helpful in my role as a Town Meeting rep. I hope to have the opportunity to continue to serve our community in this capacity.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? While Dedham has several distinct neighborhoods, we are one town. I am a firm believer in “a rising tide lifts all boats” and feel strongly that investment in one area of town is good for all residents of Dedham. I am concerned about how our taxes are being spent, how to address the town’s ongoing infrastructure needs (schools, roads, facilities), and how to best serve the diverse needs of our residents and businesses. I support smart growth, green initiatives and efforts to make our community as inclusive and welcoming as possible.
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SARI ROBYN CHAIT
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  My wife and I have lived in Dedham for 8 years, and our two children attend DPS. I have been involved in previous campaigns and had other political involvement but recognize that the best way for me to have an impact in town decisions is by becoming a Town Meeting member. As a psychologist and small business owner, I will bring my interpersonal skills, financial knowledge, and problem-solving abilities to the role if elected. I am an active member of various school-based and community-based organizations in town and want to continue to help Dedham grow and thrive. I love raising my children in such a warm, welcoming town and hope to continue to contribute to that for years to come.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?   If elected, my priorities are:

• Continue to build and maintain safe, accessible neighborhoods through sidewalks, green spaces, and parks
• Speak with residents and represent the needs of the community, particularly for those from marginalized communities
• Contribute to the further development of inclusive, welcoming schools
• Maintain fiscal responsibility

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WILLIAM T GALLAGHER
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I was honored to be elected to represent Precinct 6 at Town Meeting three years ago. With your vote, I’m hoping to continue my perfect attendance at Town Meeting to effort working together for all of Dedham. There will always be disagreements, but there can always be civility.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Responsible governing that strives to make our town an inclusive one, where all of Dedham’s residents can be heard

KRISTEN MICHELE MAGEE
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I believe in being an active member of your community and have enjoyed serving as a Town Meeting member for the last two years. Town Meeting is involved in making critical policy and financial decisions for Dedham and I want to ensure that residents of my precinct are appropriately represented. If elected, I promise to actively listen, respectfully communicate, and collaborate with others while making data-driven decisions that are reflective of the values of our community. There will be many decisions in the upcoming years that will affect Dedham for decades to come and I want to ensure that we make smart decisions regarding our schools, infrastructure, and land.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? My goal for Dedham is that it is a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for all its residents and an example for other communities. I want to ensure that Dedham makes decisions and sets policies in ways that supports that goal and are reflective of its citizens’ values. I will advocate and support creating green spaces, ensuring climate change preparedness, prioritizing the schools and libraries, requiring responsible and ethical conduct by all elected officials, DEI policies, and other initiatives that support the overall wellbeing of our residents in a fiscally responsible way.

ANN F STEPHENS
​Why are you running for Town Meeting? I was elected to Town Meeting last year and would love the opportunity to continue representing P6. I am an RN and I grew up in Dedham. My husband and I now raise our four children here. We are fortunate enough to live next to my Mother, Mary Gardiner. She is a Dedham resident of 50 years and she always made giving back to the community a priority. My three oldest children attend Dedham public schools, as will my youngest down the road. I am active with the Avery PTO and the Parent Action Group of DOSA. All of these connections make me deeply invested in our town and give me the perspective to help advocate for a wide range of Dedham residents. I would appreciate one of your 39 votes!
​What are your priorities for Dedham's future? 

• Ensure our community embraces all residents by implementing welcoming and inclusive practices.
• Prioritize improvements to public health, transportation, and environmental initiatives as outlined in Dedham’s Master Plan.
• Advocate for a fiscally responsible budget.

CATRELL BOOKER HOBAN
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  Hi, my name is Catrell Booker Hoban and I am running for re-election for Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member, because I still believe that all voices in our community need to be heard. I continue to be very passionate about our great community and want to be a part of its growth. I want to make sure Dedham is a welcoming town for all residents. A town we all can be proud to call home.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?  My top priority will continue to be listening to the needs and wants of my fellow Dedhamites- new residents and long time residents. It is an exciting time in Dedham with the improvements of many of our buildings, spaces and community involvement. Because of these changes our town is going through some growing pains. I want to make sure all our residents are taking care of and they have a say in our growth. That this growth isn't seen as a bad thing, but a way to make our town the best it can be for all.

LISA D SHEEHAN
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  My family and I have lived in Dedham for 8 years and have made a home on Lincoln St. We have one child at Oakdale, soon to move to DMS. I am running for Town Meeting because I respect, appreciate and care about our community and I want to help unify our community through public service. I want to support Dedham to be a town that is thoughtful about our growth and budgeting decisions, offers quality education for all in our schools and is considerate of diverse needs for housing, services, enrichment, and recreational opportunities.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? My top priorities for Dedham’s future include the continued improvement of our infrastructure, strong support for quality education in our public schools, promoting a more livable Dedham through thoughtful development and growth, and more diversity in transportation options with safer streets for all ages. As a Town Meeting Member I plan to be transparent with my views, seek out and listen to diverse views, ensure that our town government is seeking input from all members of our community, amplify those views and experiences that may not be well represented currently, and work to ensure equity in education, services, resources and opportunities.

DANIEL F HART JR

SARAH TARQUINI
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I have lived in Dedham for 8 years with my spouse and 2 children who attend DPS. I am involved in various community organizations, including as an active member of the Dedham Coalition for Equity & Inclusion, a member of Avery’s Equity Action Team, and a coach for Dedham Youth Soccer. As a psychologist at Dana-Farber and Boston Children’s, where I have worked for over a decade, I know what it takes to navigate large, complex systems. If elected, I will utilize these skills, as well my ability to listen and synthesize information. I am dedicated to learning from and collaborating with residents and town officials to help Dedham reach its full potential as a welcoming, thriving town.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? 
If elected, my priorities are:

• Focus on creating welcoming, inclusive systems across the town, including schools, government, parks, and community organizations.
• Balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of the community
• Actively seek out input from residents, particularly those from marginalized communities

GUSTAVO BURKETT
SUSAN BUTLER WALKO
GAYLE E CAPONE

JOSEPH C BORSELLINO 
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  Because my life and family life is at the intersection of the progression and future of the Town of Dedham with an emphasis on favoring diversity, financial conservativism, strong schools, livable space, maintenance of a small town life while bordering a major American city, lover of history and enjoying relationships in the full cross section of Dedham. 
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? 

• Continued development of a healthy, safe, beautiful, prosperous, representative and thoughtful community able and equipped to connect with any modern day realities of surrounding cities and towns and of our state and nation. 
• Quality of life for families and children. 
• Relationship building between neighbors and between citizens and their local businesses, government, non-profit organizations and social and religious institutions. 
• Keeping a balanced budget so that financial health is given the same treatment to physical, emotional, economic and social health.

COLLEEN ANNE HYNES
MARGARET MATTHEWS
MARIANNE TUOHY
EDWARD FOLEY
PATRICIA B RALPH

JEAN ELLEN ZEILER 
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  To do my part in helping Dedham embrace our diversity and move forward in a financially smart, inclusive, and environmentally sound manner while preserving our rich history.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Accessible transportation and affordable housing; development of green spaces, such as multi-use parks and a visionary town green that will welcome the whole community while addressing traffic concerns; support for Dedham public schools, which my three kids (Heilmann) attended, so teachers and administrators can maintain a primary focus on academics while meeting the needs of students of many backgrounds and skill levels.

THOMAS J HEALY

ALYSSA MAHEGAN
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I am running for Town Meeting because I want to contribute to a Dedham that is inclusive, welcoming, and respectful. A town that has plenty of green space to gather as a community and an infrastructure that keeps everything running smoothly. A town where everyone’s voice is heard and courteous discourse is encouraged. I moved to Dedham just over two years ago with my husband and two young sons, and work from home as a lawyer. My family is committed to remaining in Dedham and my children are just beginning their educations in the Dedham Public School System. I am invested in crafting a bright future for Dedham and would be honored to have a voice in doing so.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? 
• Actively listening to the needs and interests of people in the community
• Investing in quality education that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
• Supporting plans for green spaces as well as safer roadways and walkways
• Continued improvement of our infrastructure

JOSEPH M HICKEY

ROBERTA LAWLOR
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I am seeking re-election to remain engaged in the community, and to have a voice in upcoming decisions. I have lived in Dedham for over 30 years and appreciate the opportunity to have served as a TM member for most of that time. Each vote that comes before us is important and I take that responsibility seriously, giving careful and independent consideration to what is best for our town, and particularly the residents of P6. Last week, an Avery 5th grader rang our doorbell selling candy bars as part of a school fundraiser. I love that we live in a town where that boy and his family were comfortable enough with him (and his buddy) going door to door within their neighborhood.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?  Top priorities for Dedham's future are: 1) Preserving open space and maximizing recreational space; 2) Providing a strong public education to our students; 3) Approaching our future in a fiscally responsible manner.

WILLIAM J RALPH
CYNTHIA S BARICH
CLARISSA ALTAGRACIA ROBYN
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ELIZABETH MARIE OTTO-FAGAN
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  TM offers a great opportunity for me to add value - as a mom, a lesbian, a home owner, and an entrepreneur I bring multiple perspectives to TM decisions. Let's get this done!
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Diversity, sustainability, accessibility

BARBARA A GULA
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I am a life-long resident of Dedham and am currently a town.meeting representative in District 6. I also chair The Town of Dedham Scholarship Committee. That organization accepts applications from any Dedham resident attending a post-secondary school, Applications will be available at both libraries in April.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?  I am in favor of a park, referred to as green space, where the police station currently is and I am not in favor of parking meters in the square. Thank you for your consideration.
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PAUL A REYNOLDS
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  Why am I running for Town Meeting? I'm crazy. Still crazy about Dedham after all these years. It's been 34 years since I married and moved into Dedham where Janet and I raised 3 boys who attended schools in Riverdale/Oakdale. I've launched several civc groups (Dedham Library Innovation Team, Dedham Little Library Project, Oakdale Square Alliance, Mother Brook Arts & Community Center.) As a 2-term Dedham Select Board member (2008-2014,) I bring first-hand experience about all areas of town government, and am deeply committed to civic volunteerism. As a Town Meeting Member for nearly a decade, I pledge my very best to faithfully represent P6, and to help Dedham keep moving forward.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Along with advocacy for social justice/DEI initiatives, green spaces, affordable housing, and sustainability, I support the "Designing Dedham 2030" Master Plan that envisions a "vibrant community with diverse residential neighborhoods, thriving and convenient commercial and neighborhood centers, rich and well-managed natural and historic assets, and a strong record of fiscal responsibility and financial management." We also must be sure that no elected or appointed official uses foul language or bullies others they disagree with - especially on social media. We must continue to insist on governance that is committed to communication, transparency, and resident-focused services.
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ELIZABETH LEPINE
Why are you running for Town Meeting?  I have been a Dedham resident for twelve years with my husband and two children who attend Dedham Public Schools. I have volunteered in town with Dedham Parent Time and PTO and chose to run for Town Meeting to make more of an impact with town wide policies and decisions. I have also been a public school educator for more than ten years and will bring those skills and expertise to the table if elected to Town Meeting.
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? I will work towards a Dedham that focuses on inclusive schools with a rigorous curriculum, community engagement, and safe neighborhoods. I believe our town needs to work for all of our residents and will work on realizing this goal.
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KATHLEEN M SMITH

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Candidates for Town Wide Office 
​Contested races:
Select Board
School Committee
Board of Health

Uncontested Races:
Commissioner of Trust Funds

Candidates for Town Meeting
​(To find out what precinct you live in, click here)

Precinct 1
Precinct 2
Precinct 3
Precinct 4
Precinct 5
Precinct 6
​Precinct 7

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