Housing Authority candidate issues statement

Just before the 5 p.m. deadline Feb. 5, Joseph A. Tully took out papers in a third run for School Committee. Others who took out nomination papers earlier are the two incumbents, Jeffrey Thielman and Sue Sheffler, as well as newcomer Cindy Starks.

Thielman and Starks provided statements to YourArlington in December. Sheffler has been asked to provide one.

Tully, who ran unsuccessfully for School Committee in 2003 and 2008, was asked to provide a statement Feb. 5. As is the case with all town candidates, statements will be published after they are received.

Tully has been a persistent defender of two former school employees who were fired in August 2007 for exchanging what officials called inappropriate e-mails, key ones allegedly forged. An attorney, he has also been a critic of the handling of the case by the Miller law firm, which represents the School Committee and the administration.

Meanwhile, the journey toward the April 4 Town Election is underway, with at least two campaign kickoffs:

-- One for Thielman, held Sunday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m. at the home of Suzanne and Solomon Owayda, 12 Bradley Road: and for

-- Clarissa Rowe on Friday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., American Legion, 370 Mass. Ave.

Selectmen Chair Rowe is seeking reelection to the board. Selectman Jack Hurd is also seeking reelection. No others took out papers for that board. Rowe says she will issue a statement after her kickoff.

Two other races have potential candidates who are unopposed:

Brian Greeley is seeking another five-year term on the Arlington Housing Authority, and Kevin P. Feeley is seeking another three-year term on the Board of Assessors.

Those who have taken out nomination papers must have those papers certified before they can appear on the election ballot. The drawing of names for ballot position has been set for Thursday, March 5, at 5:30 p.m.

On Feb. 8, Greeley issued the following statement:

For the past three years, I have had the honor of being a Commissioner on the Arlington Housing Authority.  On Saturday, April 4, 2009, I will be a candidate for re-election.

During the past  three years, I am proud to say that we have: hired John Griffin as our new Executive Director; nearly completed over $12 million in improvements and upgrades at Menotomy Manor; created and co-sponsored a Supervised Play Program with the Arlington Boys and Girls Club and the Arlington Recreation Department; improved the security and surveillance in all our Senior buildings; rotated our Board meetings to allow our tenants direct access to the Board; secured a $66,000 HUD grant for our family self sufficiency program; expanded Operation Success’ facilities; strengthened background checks; created the first combined independent living/housing program in the state for mentally retarded clients; and instituted environmental priorities for transportation and water conservation and much, much more.

I believe we have accomplished much, but there is still much more to do.  I believe the words of Robert Kennedy are as true today as they were nearly half a century ago – Kennedy said:  “Together, we can make this a nation where young people do not seek the false peace of drugs.  Together, we can make this a nation where old people are not shunted off; where, regardless of the color of his skin or the place of birth of his father, every citizen will have an equal chance at dignity and decency.” 
        
    I believe that public service is one of the most honorable ways to serve the community and I respectfully request your consideration on Election Day, April 4.

YourArlington first published this story Feb. 7 and has updated it.