It is about time for all of Arlington to come together and improve our schools. To do that we need smart and committed individuals to serve on the School Committee, and I know from experience, that Jeff Thielman has qualities to unite our community.

During the thirty-plus years I served on the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen, I sought input from individuals who added different and diverse opinions to reach a collective consensus to better Arlington. Few leaders had the gifts and abilities Jeff Thielman brought to the table. He is courteous; compassionate and level headed; and humanistic to seek advice and counsel from others who may have a different point of view. An engaging conversationalist, Jeff Thielman is both an excellent speaker and thoughtful listener.

I have always appreciated Jeff Thielman’s candor, straightforwardness, and thoughtfulness as a public servant in Arlington. He deeply committed to educational excellence. I believe in him and support his re-election to the Arlington School Committee.

I have never met an individual who supported every position I took when in elective office in Arlington. And I have not supported every position that Mr. Thielman has taken, nor has he supported every position I had taken. I respect the fact that he is willing to take leadership positions that sometimes may be unpopular, explain them in a meaningful way, and respect others who may be in disagreement. We need more of that type of leader and not less.

Please join with me and support the re-election of Jeff Thielman to the Arlington School Committee.