Jeff is endorsed by The Boston Globe

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Jeff has been endorsed by the following organizations:

• SEIU Local 509
• SEIU Local 1199
• Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters
• National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter
• GREY2K USA
• American Federation of Teachers of Massachusetts

Elected officials:

• Senator Jim Marzilli
• Representative Paul Donato
• Selectman Clarissa Rowe
• Arlington School Committee Chair Susan Lovelace
• Arlington School Committee member, Ron Spangler
• Arlington School Committee member Sue Sheffler
• Medford School Committee member Paulette Van der Kloot
• Former School Committee member Joani LaMachia
• Former School Committee member Janice Bakey
• Former School Committee member Suzanne Baratta Owayda
• Former School Committee member Denis Sullivan
• Former School Committee member Kathy Fennelly
• Former School Committee member Paul Schlichtman

See the Press page for letters to the editor

Click here or scroll down for a list of neighbors who are supporting Jeff.

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

"The guy who worked the longest and the hardest on behalf of NCC was none other than Jeff Thielman. He got the funding in line to convert the school over to the Christo Rey model, helped it achieve financial independence and turned a potential loss into a triumph.

Say what you like about the guy, but North Cambridge Catholic is open and thriving today because of his own hard work.

It is that kind of tenacity I'd like to see in my next state representative — period end of story."
--John Galligan

"I am pleased to support Jeff Thielman for state representative. Jeff and I served together on the Arlington School Committee, and I came to admire his hard work, careful research, willingness to listen to all sides on each issue we faced, and ability to build coalitions with people of different perspectives.

Although we have not always agreed on every issue and we have different styles, we always worked together in a positive way and I came to appreciate and value what Jeff’s style brought to the public arena. Having to represent people in the public domain is very difficult, requires passion, fortitude and a willingness to come back to the very people who so vehemently disagree with you — Jeff has that."
-- Joani LaMachia -- former School Committee member

When I assess candidates, I compare what they say with what they do.  I also decide if the person is actually a competent and effective advocate – pleasant, affable and able to communicate, persuade and gather momentum around an issue or vote and works steadily to achieve the goal.
 
Last year, I spent 10 months on the School Committee sitting between 2 of the current field of Democratic Candidates for the State Representative seat.  I listened to what they said and watched what they did. That is why I decided that Jeff Thielman was the person who I believe would be an effective advocate for Arlington and West Medford.
 
Serving at the State Legislature level involves dealing with complex issues, constituents, lobbying groups, colleagues and host of competing pressures.   Jeff has filled his life with actions that affect people – creating institutions that continue to affect the lives of thousands of people in this country and in Peru.  Now, he didn’t do it by himself, which is why I emphasize the importance of watching what people do.  To make lasting change, others have to be able to see your vision and join with you in the hard work of making it reality.  This is the talent that I want to see in the Legislature working on our behalf.
 
Each of us brings to public service the person we are – all of the education and know-how, the good times and bad of our life.  Jeff is a person I can see being effective with all the personalities and prejudices and conflicts at the State House.   Because he has had more than 20 years of knowledge and experience, I see him as someone who will be taken seriously by the House Leadership and his other House colleagues.  I see him as someone who will be able to meet his fellows as an equal and gain their trust because they speak a common language and understand the trade-offs that effective legislation demand.  I see him as someone who can make a difficult decision and be willing to explain it to the constituent who violently disagrees, as well as someone who can process new information and change his mind, even if it angers others, when that is the right thing to do.
 
I see the job of State Legislator as one of serious business – our business  – for someone like Jeff who has the depth of knowledge, intellect and experience to represent our interests in the legislature. These are some of the reasons that I will vote for Jeff Thielman.
 
Kathy Fennelly, who served on the Arlington School Committee from 1987-95, 2005-06

"A vivid memory from my youth is of the high standard for public service set by my local congressman in holding annual public meetings in every single town in his district, without regard to the election cycle or the difficulty of reaching some isolated communities.

We have in Arlington a public servant who exhibits similar dedication day in and day out. I am proud to support Jeff Thielman's candidacy to represent parts of Arlington and West Medford on Beacon Hill as our state representative. "
-- Joe Curro

"I first met Jeff when he ran for School Committee. As a Thompson parent, I was impressed by his dedication to the Arlington Schools and the hard work he puts into his role as a School Committee member. I met Jeff again at an informal gathering simply to talk about the schools. At this informal meeting (and another that I later hosted), Jeff answered questions straightforwardly and with meaningful explanations about School Committee decisions and his own positions regarding tough issues facing the schools. I was impressed with Jeff’s open manner, honesty, intelligence and his commitment to the job. "
--Jane Biondi, Thompson parent

"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, Brackett and High School parent, head of SEPAC

"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 a consistently calm demeanor, which goes a long way toward fostering reasoned discussions.  He clearly does his homework on issues, listens carefully to those advocating specific actions, allows competing voices to be heard and encourages compromise whenever and wherever possible."
-- Margaret Ryding

"Jeff’s management experience, broad vision, hard work, follow-through, and commitment to public involvement will make him an effective advocate for this district on the wide range of issues facing the legislature, including revenues, the environment, and social services beyond education." 
-- Topher and Leba Heigham, Bishop School parents

"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 Bridgget, Stratton School parents

Here's a list of some of your friends and neighbors who are supporting Jeff. Click here to get your name added to the list.

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