I think Jeff Thielman would make a great state rep. I've worked in the state house, and it's a pit of petty power struggles, where only exceptional personalities can accomplish anything as a rank-and-file rep. Jeff may be one of those exceptional people who'd get things done for Arlington and the Commonwealth.

I worked with Jeff in the Friends of Spy Pond Park (FSPP), where he succeeded me as president. The storm drain markers ("Don't Dump - Drains to Spy Pond") had been a good idea blocked for years by town rules. Jeff took it on and got the town's ok, then organized youth groups to join him in sticking the markers on hundreds of storm drains. There were conflicts over how to renovate the park; Jeff acted as a mediator and we found common ground. Everyone who worked with him seemed to be energized by his upbeat personality. As FSPP president, he helped secure the million dollars that created the beautiful park we enjoy today. These are exactly the qualities that would make a state rep effective.

I hope everyone in our community will vote for Jeff Thielman on February 5.