In addition to those in contested races, other candidates are also stepping up to keep the Town running. Their races are easier, but the work they do is invaluable. Thank you!
Town Moderator: Jo-Ann Berry
Town Meeting is every voter’s opportunity to participate in the town’s legislature. My goal is to make this direct form of government work for the members with a fair and efficient process. The hallmark of Town Meeting is the in-person, real-time discussion that allows everyone present to listen and consider the options without an intermediary. The articles we discuss and vote on these days are less dramatic than those of the American Revolution, but the process is just as important, and the outcomes affect our daily lives.
Over the years, there have been changes to make Town Meeting more accessible, including online videos about key articles, the warrant available in print and online, preferred parking and entry for those with mobility issues, as well as preferred seating and hand-held microphones, child care, a “wiggle room,” transportation to and from the meeting, talk-to-text translation, and clickers for voting that reduce the time for counted votes and help ensure voter privacy.
Please vote by April 28. I appreciate your past support and ask for your vote this year. I look forward to seeing many of you soon.
Acton Memorial Library Trustee, 3-year term, Tom Lemire, incumbent
The Acton Exchange did not receive a response.
Acton Memorial Library Trustee, 2-year term, Ann Marie Testarmata
My name is Ann Marie Testarmata and I am running for Library Trustee.
I have lived in Acton since 1999 at 26 Nagog Hill Road, a home purchase inspired by its easy walkability to Acton Center and to the then newly renovated Acton Memorial Library.
Libraries have been a thread throughout my life, from weekly trips as a child, to my first job as a library page, to my studies in engineering and medical school, my first home, raising children, a career in emergency medicine and now in the next chapter of my life.
Libraries are important threads in all our lives. Libraries are the place where I feel at home and where we all should feel at home to explore our unique interests and questions in life:
They are our freedom of speech, our right to vote, our freedom of religion.
Our Acton libraries are facing challenges — policy pressures, budget restraints and funding cuts and, as with other institutions and our democracy, libraries need to be supported, nourished and defended.
A recent PBS documentary, “The Librarians”, heightened my appreciation of libraries and librarians, the impact of book bans and restrictions, and inspired me to pursue an active role as a “guardian of freedom”, to protect, defend and support the mission of the Acton libraries.
Acton Housing Authority Board of Directors, Mary Will
My husband and I have lived in Acton for over forty years. We raised three children, all attending the Acton-Boxborough schools. I am a retired School Business Administrator.
For 27 years, I worked in the public sector — for one regional and four public school districts. I am very familiar with the laws and regulations that govern schools and towns. In addition to budgetary responsibilities, I managed school facilities. I learned first-hand the importance of maintenance and repair. I was also involved with the construction of new school buildings. My work experience serves as a good foundation for my Acton Housing Authority responsibilities.
Since retiring, I have been a volunteer for the Acton Food Pantry and the Acton Swap Shop at the Transfer Station. Many of the people I meet while volunteering are in need of the basic necessities of life. Affordable housing is such a necessity and it should be available to all. If elected I would work hard to aid in providing affordable housing, while keeping the interests of the Town in mind.
Acton Water District Clerk, Joseph Robb, incumbent
My name is Joseph Robb, and I’m running for Clerk of the Acton Water District because I care deeply about protecting Acton’s water resources and strengthening the community my family and I have called home for more than 20 years.
I am a licensed professional geologist with nearly 30 years of experience as an environmental consultant, where I’ve developed strong scientific, financial, and management skills. Much of my work has focused on leading teams to address groundwater contamination issues — experience that directly informs my commitment to safeguarding Acton’s drinking water.
In addition to my professional background, I’ve been an active volunteer in Acton for over a decade, including 13 years supporting local scout troops and helping young people build leadership skills. I currently serve as chair of the Acton Water Resources Advisory Committee, which recently completed a Stormwater System Management and Funding Feasibility Study for the Town. I also serve as acting clerk of the Acton Water District and as clerk of the Acton Group of Citizens [a nonprofit group that supports Scouting].
To learn more about my background and community involvement, please visit my LinkedIn profile at Joe Robb | LinkedIn.
Miriam Lezak is an Acton Exchange associate editor and occasional writer. This is the fourth year in which she has compiled candidate information for the local election.
