Many of your friends and neighbors support Jeff's re-election. Here are a few:

Here’s what some people are saying about Jeff Thielman:

"Thielman has an intriguing background. After graduating from Boston College in 1985, he spent three years in Peru teaching high school and helping street children, and later worked to establish Catholic high schools in poor urban neighborhoods. His experience gives him insight . . . and an ability to see educational issues from multiple vantage points." The Boston Globe, February 2008

"Jeff and I worked together on the last round of negotiations with the Arlington Education Association (AEA), in which we followed an interest-based bargaining approach. Jeff listened closely to the concerns of teachers and used what he heard to help construct a contract the AEA could accept." Suzanne Baratta Owayda, former member, Arlington School Committee

"Jeff is an individual who is warm, sharing, a listener, a doer, a risk-taker and above all, dedicated to public service. Every encounter I've had with Jeff re-confirms my impression. I've worked with Jeff on his School Committee campaigns. I work with him as a fellow Town Meeting member. I've called upon Jeff to help a family with a student with special education needs that our system was unwilling to address. Jeff is there for people. And Jeff is willing to do things that are not in his own apparent self-interest." Charlie Gallagher, Arlington Town Meeting Member.

"I have known Jeff since he first ran for Arlington School Committee, and have always been impressed with his openness and willingness to listen. Jeff helped lead the override effort in 2005 to keep Arlington's financial stability, and not lose teachers, firefighters, police, human services, library hours and other vital town services. Jeff brought together and led people from different groups to save our town. He didn't just work as a leader, he was doing all the hard work of phone calls, leafleting and sign-holding. Jeff was a very effective chair of the School Committee, and a fighter for helping students with special needs and for reading and math support for struggling students, as well as overseeing the budget." Mona Zeftel, Arlington Town Meeting Member

"I have known Jeff and his wife, Christine, for several years, and have the utmost respect for them. I know Jeff to be a deeply caring, kind, intelligent and honest man who will listen to his constituents and act in our best interest. He is a passionate child advocate and progressive thinker. His experience in education and leadership is essential for Arlington. I urge you to vote for Jeff Thielman on Election Day." Margaret Ryding

"I was born in Arlington and went to Arlington public schools. I have seen generations of School Committee members and other town leaders come and go. Few have been as effective at building consensus and getting results as Jeff. He secured $1 million to improve Spy Pond, fought to improve services for students with special needs and made more support services available for students struggling with math and reading." Alex Cole

"I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Thielman at my first Thompson PTO meeting. I quickly "cornered him" with questions regarding what he could do to help me with a long-standing problem. I had been trying, unsuccessfully, to get someone to do something about the awful graffiti situation on several buildings in East Arlington that abut the Thompson Elementary School. I had contacted several selectmen over a one-year period numerous times with no success. Mr. Thielman responded and got the job done! He listened, followed-up with me immediately, and kept me posted every step of the way. Jeff Thielman has proven leadership qualities, tremendous energy, and a demonstrated ability to get things done for our community." Noelle Rubel

"Jeff has brought about change in our system, and his initiatives have kept a center between students/parents and the administration. Sometimes these changes are unpopular, and the decibel level of the discourse surrounding these issues can distort - but Jeff's judgment is centered." Josephine Babiarz

"Our family has had an overwhelmingly positive experience in relying on School Committee member Jeff Thielman for help. He has been available by phone and by e-mail to our family. In one crisis situation, he was available late at night, and was most compassionate and helpful in resolving something in an area where there was confusion about responsibility. We have found him to be approachable and available. Even when he had pressing business of his own to attend to, he was accessible, easily engaged and responsive." Jerri Newman

"Thielman [is] not afraid to take unpopular stances on issues. He does not put his fingers to the wind to find the popular position. Thielman is a true leader." Arlington Advocate, March 30, 2006

"Jeff Thielman's courage, honesty and integrity are exemplary. He is a true public servant." Trish Orlovsky

"Jeff Thielman has impressed me as a caring, thoughtful and hardworking member of our School Committee. He responds quickly to requests from constituents, listens closely to people, and tries to learn as much as he can about an issue before casting a vote. Like others who have met and worked with Jeff, I am won over by his passion for young people and his ability to work with others to solve difficult problems." Cindy Sheridan Curran, Thompson School parent

"Jeff has been very responsive to concerns raised by families in the Arlington school system. Jeff spent over an hour in our living room listening to our concerns. He committed to helping solve the problem, followed through on his commitment, kept us updated and succeeded in resolving the issue." Cliff Cohn

"Listening, reaching out to constituents, and making thoughtful, informed choices are all hallmarks that have characterized Jeff's time on the School Committee." Peter Necheles and Marlissa Briggett, Stratton School parents

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