The following letter to the editor was submitted by Richard and Jerri Newman of Arlington.

Dear Arlington voters,

On Tuesday, April 10, we will be voting for Matthew Pallett for School Committee. We are not concerned about stability; staggered terms ensure the stability of the committee. We are concerned about transparency and accountability, collaboration, and the committee’s responsiveness to the input of parents.

Special education is costly and complex. The details are often shrouded from public view because of concerns for confidentiality of students, and many people, including some School Committee members, leave the running of this enormously expensive and important department to the people they have hired to run it. But even the best professionals need oversight, and the School Committee has been charged with providing that oversight.

Want to write a letter to the editor about a candidate for the town election? You still can.

Now that the The Advocate no longer accepts April 10 election letters after March 29, your campaign and the public have a daily -- an hourly -- alternative: Post letters in support of a candidate -- or not in support -- to YourArlington's blog, Your View. See how here >> 

YourArlington accepts letters supporting a candidate for the April 10 town election -- or not supporting a candidate -- sent directly to the publisher. All will be accepted until 7 a.m. on Election Day.

To be accepted for publication, letters may be of any length -- and must be signed with the author's real, full name and address.

Paul Cahill and Colleen Sleeper of Arlington have submitted the following letter to the editor, which they title "Make a Choice for Change": Vote Flanagan and Pallett for School Committee:

There are two seats open for the School Committee race this year. Jim Flanagan and Matt Pallett are candidates who have the desire and determination to help make sure our schools are something we can all be proud of. They are both parents of young children attending Arlington public schools and they have the experience needed to manage and oversee the complex issues facing our school department.

For over a year, as members of the Athletic Advisory Committee, we worked with a group of parents , concerned residents and school administrators to address the outrageous increase in athletic fees voted on by the School Committee two years ago. After hundreds of hours and numerous meetings, the AAC presented very specific recommendations to the School Committee.

The following letter to the editor was submitted by Trish A. Orlovsky of Iroquois Road. She writing as an individual voter and not representing any group.

That I am writing this letter to support two new faces on the school committee surprises even me. After strong support to both Cindy Stark and Jeff Thielman in the past election I am supporting the two non-incumbents:  Matthew Pallett and Jim Flanagan.  

I am very concerned that the present members have not asked the hard questions of school administration regarding the handling and accounting of funds, and the lack of transparency about how budget decisions are made.

In "Pieces of Dreams," Arlington musicians, inspired by a dramatic connection from beyond, made the 24th Martin Luther King observance memorable -- and healing.

The event in Town Hall auditorium, long the traditional opening of the annual town election season, brought out a spectrum of people, including those holding and seeking office.

On Monday, Jan. 16, transcendence met immediacy.

 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?