Arlington's political season traditionally begins in January. This year, potential candidates began taking out papers in October. As of Dec. 13, five had done so for key town and school offices. Election information >>

In an effort to encourage conversation about Arlington issues, I offer the list below. Others who may want to add to the list should do so at the comment link below this post.

I welcome answers to these questions from candidates, who may send responses for publication to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Issues -- for town and school candidates:

-- Do you support the process to revamp Mass. Ave. in East Arlington? Is there anything you would do differently going forward?

-- Do you think Arlington should join the Hubway cycling program, which is expanding from Boston to Cambridge and Somerville?

-- Do you think police give cyclists a pass, and come down too harshly on motorists, when enforcing rules of the road in Arlington? If so, what would you do about it?

-- Do you think that best way to deal with a $1.5 million school shortfall in fiscal 2010 was through two audits? If not, what would you have done, and what further could be done going forward?

-- Do you believe that the selectmen had a role in the delay of reaching an agreement about the Symmes project? If so, be specific about what you believe that role was.

-- What specific suggestions do you have for the school redistricting process, or do you think candidates should not get involved? If the latter, tell why.

-- What qualities would like to see in a new town manager? Be specific and avoid generalities.

-- Do you think the town and schools should end the long-running court and arbitration issues involving Stavroula Bouris and Chuck Coughlin? If you think so, how would you propose to do that? If you don’t think so, tell why.

-- Do you favor the ban against on-street parking between 1 and 7 a.m.? Whether you favor or are opposed, provide specifics that support your view.

-- Should Arlington be a city and not a town? Whether you favor or are opposed, provide specifics that support your view.

-- In your view, is Arlington town and school government transparent enough? That is, does the public have the best view they can about what officials are doing and how taxpayers' money is spent? Whether you favor or are opposed, provide specifics that support your view.