Submitted by Elizabeth Nemirovsky and Marilou Barsam (Members of Mothers Out Front)
One of the benefits of truly democratic elections is the ability to distinguish candidates based on positions demonstrated in public debates. As our March 9 town elections draw near, the absence of debate limits the understanding of our candidates. With no contested seats, each candidate is more “presumed” than “elected”. Despite all candidates lacking contention, we ask that they make public their positions on some current local and state issues so we can more thoroughly understand them as members of our town government.
Since climate justice, equity, and a livable future for all children are all very related, we would like the candidates to answer the following questions:
Q. What do you believe is Bedford’s role in addressing the regional housing shortage and do you see the MBTA Communities state law as part of the solution?
Q. How do you see Bedford developing over the next 5-10 and/or 25 years – is change inevitable? Or do you intend to preserve the status quo?
Q. What is your position on DEI? Do you think Bedford is doing a sufficient job as an all-inclusive town or is it headed in the wrong direction? Where could it improve?
Q. The pending decision on whether to allow expansion of jet flights and hangars out of Hanscom airport has potential impact on both the climate and marginalized neighborhoods adjacent to the airport. Do you see this expansion as a threat or a benefit?
We are aware that The League of Women Voters is leading a program on Bedford TV (February 21 at 5:30) and encourage all to attend. The candidates participating are limited in number. but we hope they might use some of their time to address the questions above. For those candidates not present on the 21st, we ask that they share their positions with The Bedford Citizen so that the March 9 elections are backed with sufficient understanding of which candidates reflect our values despite a lack of contest.
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