Maria A. Romano, 59, who has taken out nomination papers for selectman, said in a telephone interview Feb. 17, "I want to be a bridge between aloof officials and residents." She joins Nathan Bosdet as those seeking a potential run against veteran Kevin Greeley.

A general contractor who has lived in Arlington for the last 31 years, Romano heads the East Arlington concerned Citizens Committee, which has been involved in questioning the proposed changes to Mass. Ave. in East Arlington.

"We need to get back to basic between people, involving civility and respect," she said.

She noted she has advanced degrees that reflect her passions -- a master's in education as well as in interior and structural design.

Among those she said are part of her campaign is Sheri Baron, an East Arlington resident who has been active with the Arlington Human Rights Commission and was among those who urged a 1993 ballot question that led to the end of Arlington's reputation as a "dry" town and the expansion of its restaurants.

She is a licensed contractor and runs her own construction company, M.A. Romano, Construction, which does residential remodeling.