Hopefuls respond to request for comment

Incumbent School Committee member Sue Sheffler took out papers to seek reelection but did not return them by Monday's deadline, narrowing the race to three candidates who are seeking two seats. The town clerk's office confirmed Feb. 18 that Sheffler did not return papers and said she was the only potential candidate for a key town board to do so.

Vying for those seats are incumbent Jeffrey Thielman, a committee member since 2003; Joseph Tully, who has lost two previous runs for the committee, and Cindy Starks, seeking a School Committee seat for the first time.

Asked to comment, Sheffler wrote in an e-mail Feb. 18 that she is away and will respond after her return next week. She was elected to the committee in the spring of 2003.

The other School Committee hopefuls have responded to a request for comment.

"I've always been a proponent of fair play," Tully wrote in an e-mail Feb. 18. "A coordinated effort designed to deter competition with the intent of leaving the race uncontested is not how our elections should be decided. The likelihood of that scenario unfolding was a factor in my deciding to run."

Thielman wrote:

"The voters ought to have several people to chose from in the School Committee election.  From knocking on voters' doors to the League of Women Voters forum, I enjoy the dialogue with the community that is the essence of a campaign.
 
"Over the next seven weeks, we have an opportunity to have a thoughtful conversation about how best to support our teachers and students during challenging fiscal times. The School Committee's job, especially during very lean budget years, is to find ways to ensure that all students at every learning level get the best education possible.

"I've worked very hard on the School Committee during the past six years, like the job immensely, bring experience to the work ahead, and want to continue to serve.  I want the best for my own children and for all children in Arlington, and that's going to be  my focus in the campaign and on the School Committee if I'm fortunate enough to be re-elected.

"Sue Sheffler contributed a great deal to our schools over the past six years. Her hard work benefited many students in our district. I've enjoyed working with her and wish her well."    

Starks declined to comment, writing that she thought all comments about Sheffler's decison should come from Sheffler.

Thielman and Starks provided statements to YourArlington in December to explain why they are running Sheffler was asked in December to provide one but did not.

Tully, who ran unsuccessfully for School Committee in 2003 and 2008, was asked to provide a statement Feb. 5, after he took out papers, but he did not respond until Feb. 18.

As is the case with all town candidates, statements will be published after they are received.

Sheffler was a defender of Nate Levenson, who was the school superintendent from July 2005 until last August, when he resigned. Thielman also staunchly backed Levenson. 

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.

Paul Schlichtman, who served on the School Committee during the Sheffler years, from 2001-2007, commented:

"Serving on the School Committee has become very stressful, and the rewards are few.

"If Jeff Thielman is reelected, he will be the only member of the School Committee who has served more than one term. The School Committee is the toughest elected job in town, and the only elected board that doesn't receive a stipend. The turnover is testimony to the to the workload and the stress of the job.

"Sue Sheffler has been an extraordinary school committee member.  She brought a critical view to the table, the sharp eye of a Harvard MBA and the willingness to slay sacred cows instead of making easy budget cuts that hurt kids.  The schools are a better place due to Sue Sheffler's service, and I celebrate the six years she served our town."

Schlichtman was president of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees in 2004 and served on the Minuteman School Committee from 1997 to 2001.

YourArlington first published this story Feb. 18.