Selectmen candidates

The selectmen candidates are Maria A. Romano, a 31-year town resident who manages a construction company; Nathan Bosdet, a newcomer to town with a background in economics; and Greeley, the selectmen chairman who has been on the board for 21 years.

Will you seek an override in fiscal 2012 and support it?

Bosdet: "The reality is we might have to consider it," and then he said he'd support it.

Greeley: Having supported three in the past, he said, "Not yet." He said any new override effort would have to be tied to a new five-year financial plan.

Romano: She said she is "hesitant," saying the town is "no further along" after the 2005 override." She called for a "clear sense of reality and mission."

Facing the loss of perhaps 40 teachers, could the town gain revenue via the Pay as You Throw (PAYT) trash plan or via using more reserves?

Greeley noted financial officials have recommended spending $2 million in reserves and that PAYT comes before Town Meeting this spring.

Romano: "Long-term stabilization funds should be used for emergencies, not for operating expenses."

Bosdet called PAYT a potential benefit and suggested using more reserves could threaten the town's AAA bond rating. "We cannot allow the loss of 40 teachers," he said.

Your view of the plan to rebuild Mass. Ave. in East Arlington

Romano: "The project needs more work ... parts of it are flawed ... [the town] needs more data ... I want to get it right." She said the plans need to be made safer for pedestrian and business and that they need to include dealing with snow removal.

Bosdet: As a gateway to Arlington, he said the project should be "turned into a gem." He said the plan should face more study.

Greeley called it "one of better projects" for Arlington during his time as a public official. He said the planning has had the "highest public participation" he has seen in his 21 years. Urging that the project should proceed, he said 70 percent of the plans have yet to be completed.

Should the "stretch" (green) building code be adopted?

Greeley said he did not know what it is.

Romano said the town should follow it because it has an energy-rating system that aims to improve the environment.

Bosdet said the town should look at communities that have put it into effect to see how it is working.

How should the former Crosby and Parmenter schools be used?

Romano said they should be sold for a profit to enhance town income after asking appropriate questions.

Bosdet said he did not know.

Greeley called both "jewels we don't want to let go," yet he said income from potential sales would be available for other capital projects.

Should dog owners have off-leash areas for their pets?

Bosdet, who said he owns a cat, said a section of one park should be set aside for dogs.

Greeley, who said he owns two dogs -- "Anybody want one?" he said to laughs -- noted the two years of work involved in seeking a solution. He said he favors an off-leash area.

Romano also got laughs by calling it a "messy issue." "You have to have a balance," she said.

How would you improve communication in town?

Greeley noted the improved town Web site, letting residents know about public meetings. "Be available," he said.

Romano said, "Bring residents in at the beginning of a project.".

Bosdet: "Come over to my house," he said, also citing e-mail and Web-based forums.

Closing remarks:

Greeley: "Our current elected officials have added much."

Bosdet: "My promise to you: I am not here to represent for myself."

Romano: "I will construct a platform of public participation ... and tear down walls of fear and intimidation .... I am your first chance for change in 21 years." 

School Committee candidates

How do you stand on increasing fees?

Pierce called them "an unfortunate reality" and suggested a range from $100 to $300. He said a professional fundraiser has helped Reading public schools.

Bottoni echoed Pierce's comment about a fundraiser. 

Allison-Ampe: Acknowledging the sad choice, she agreed with the suggestion about a fundraiser.

What tradeoffs do you see in as a rich curriculum vies with small classes?

Bottoni said she didn't a loss of arts and favored larger class sizes.

Fusaris said he supports arts and music and emphasized making decisions that keep teachers. "Don't eliminate programs entirely," he said. To try to retain current class sizes, look at other options, including co-teaching.

Pierce: "Do all to keep class sizes smaller in the younger grades."

What is the most critical issue other than money?

Fusaris focused on special education, its costs and its challenges.

Allison-Ampe: "Recruiting and retaining excellent teachers."

Bottoni at first said special education, but then said, "We need to crack down on behavior," and it was unclear which population she meant.

What about Arlington teachers and joining the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) under which members would get health coverage?

Allison-Ampe said the issues is not just local but nationwide. "Teachers are not happy" with the GIC plan, as it is now. She said she plans to learn more about it and noted that the School Committee does not bargain with the teachers' union on this issue.

Pierce cited a provision that Sen. Ken Donnelly is pursuing in an effort to find a middle ground on the issue.

Bottoni said she was not familiar with the GIC and said she'd wait and see.

Fusaris said he supports efforts to rein in health costs and said he has "many concerns" about the GIC.

Should there be an override this year or next?

Bottoni said the effort should be explored next year or the year after.

Fusaris said the town should "wait and see. Economically, we're still in dire straits." He noted the limits put on funding by Proposition 2 1/2.

Allison-Ampe said that for this year, "that ship has sailed" and would support one next year. She also noted the important of another five-year plan and said other tax changes might be considered, such as a residential exemption.

Pierce said he sees the arguments on both sides, but said he would back an override next year, adding, "Our deficit will only get larger."

How would you end division on the committee?

Fusaris would seek a constructive, open dialogue.

Allison-Ampe: "I'm not a divisive person .... I try to find out why [sides] do not agree ... and work together."

Pierce said he would aim to direct discussion toward the best interest of the child, or student.

Bottoni asked, "What was the question?" After it was repeated, the reporter was uable to hear her answer.

Town Moderator, Housing Authority, Assessor

Running unopposed for assessor is James Doherty, who was invited but chose not to attend.