I am supporting Jeff Thielman for the state representative position for Arlington and Medford because he is the most progressive and effective leader. 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 2004 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. I admire that Jeff’s career is helping set up non-profit schools for poor urban youth. Mostly I know that Jeff will be an effective leader in the legislature, not just voting on bills, but fighting for Medford and Arlington and making new laws to preserve the environment, increase funds to schools, helping the poor, and extending the rights of minorities. That’s why I am supporting Jeff Thielman for state representative for Medford and Arlington.