Flanagan

Now two potential candidates have taken out nomination papers to seek a seat on the School Committee. James J. Flanagan of 49 Trowbridge St. received papers on Monday, Dec. 5. Gregory D. Brogan took out papers in October. 

Flanagan, 35, is a lifelong Arlington resident. He attended Crosby, Hardy, Ottoson and Arlington High.

Flanagan works in IT management, primarily dealing with staffing and project management.

Beyond technology, Flanagan says, reading and writing are strong interests. He wrote that he has been involved with the Everybody Wins! Power Lunch program, which allows adults the opportunity to visit an elementary school near their office one day a week and read to a child, generally one who may not have exposure to much reading outside the classroom.

"This town has been good to me, and it is an important part of who I am, so I feel passionate about giving back to it," he wrote, in response to a question about why he intends to run.

"With two kids currently in the school system [at Hardy] and another soon to enter, my interest in recent years has been the schools, and that is why I've chosen to seek candidacy for our School Committee.

"I have a great appreciation for what the committee does, and I'm hopeful for the opportunity to be a part of it so that I can help contribute to the betterment of our schools."

He and his wife, Joanne, own a home in East Arlington.

Two School Committee seats are to be contested, those of Cindy Starks, the current committee chair, and Jeffrey Thielman. Both say they plan to seek reelection. Thielman was elected to the committee in 2003, and Starks was elected in 2009.

Brosnan for Housing Authority

In addition to two potential school candidates, Daniel F. Brosnan Jr. of 18 Wachusett Ave., took out papers on Oct. 14 for a seat on the Housing Authority.

Those who take out nominating papers must get the signatures of 50 registered voters. Once the signatures are certified, in February, the person officially becomes a candidate. Once potential candidates take out papers, the unofficial campaign has begins, but most don't become active until after Jan. 1.

Those on the Board of Selectmen whose seats are contested are Clarissa Rowe, the current chair, and Annie LaCourt, who is serving a one-year term and has previously said she would not run.

This story was first published Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011.