Supports Letterie
Dear Editor,
When evaluating a candidate for elected office, for any level of government, I search for someone with character, common sense, and creativity. In the case of Winthrop’s 2021 Town Council President race, Jim Letterie is the only candidate who exemplifies these traits, which is why he has earned my wholehearted support.
When it comes to common sense, Jim has a clear unclouded view of his top objectives. Jim will not delay the process of securing a full time Town Manager, thus enabling us to fill all the interim positions that we currently have. One of the most important, and sometimes forgotten, responsibilities of the Council President is their position on the School committee. Jim’s passion and knowledge of our school system, including budget, class size, testing, just to name a few, is clearly recognized by the schools. Jim’s knowledge of our towns annual budget is unparalleled on the Council, hence his 16 years on the Finance Committee and Commission, as well as serving as Chair for the past four.
In addition to having a clear and unclouded picture of his responsibilities and objectives, Jim has the knowledge and creativity needed to get projects done, and not have them languish unfinished for years on end.
In terms of his character, Jim is extremely accessible. He is always willing to discuss the issues facing our community, whether in person, on the phone or through email. Not only does he translate budgetary concepts into simple English, but what most impresses me is his ability to listen to my thoughts and concerns.
I have had firsthand knowledge of seeing how prepared he is for every meeting, whether it was during the new middle/high school project, the Miller Field project or at countless budget meetings over the years. It was right before the new school project started when Jim initiated new financial policies which ultimately enabled Winthrop to say over 8 million dollars in interest payments which was a direct benefit to the taxpayers. Jim would never put ego ahead of responsibility as he understands his oath and what it means to sacrifice and serve unselfishly. Jim is a principled man who will compromise when he can and hold his ground when he must.
Jim has represented Winthrop on the Council for 16 years, and is an experienced leader who possesses these three critical traits, common sense, creativity, and character in abundance. I will be voting for Jim on Election Day, November 2, and I would urge you to do the same
Karin Chavis
Supports Boncore, Powell and Leonard
Dear Editor,
In the upcoming Town Election on Tuesday, November 2, I am supporting Phil Boncore for re-election as Town Council President, Jennifer Powell for re-election to the School Committee, and Suzanne Leonard for election to the School Committee.
I firmly believe that when an incumbent has done a good job in a position, he or she deserves re-election.
Phil Boncore has provided outstanding leadership over the past two years as Town Council President during a most difficult time.
When the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, Phil Boncore led the immediate response with all Town Departments for the health and safety of the community. As Chair of the Board of Health, I had many conversations with President Boncore on issues such as the Emergency Operations Center, the vital testing site and food bank, vaccinations for frontline personnel and vulnerable citizens, and outdoor dining for our town’s restaurants. As a member of the School Committee, Phil Boncore worked hard with school leaders to keep students safe.
I saw Phil take the lead on other issues in Town such as the Center Infrastructure Project, new tennis courts near the high school, a needed dog park, and the rezoning of the vacant Middle School site.
President Boncore also was the moving force behind the establishment of the Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations. When a violent hate crime occurred in our community, Phil led Winthrop’s response with a community vigil and appropriate services for affected residents.
I believe Phil Boncore has earned two more years to complete the work that he has started.
Jennifer Powell has been a strong advocate for our children’s education as Vice Chair of the Winthrop School Committee. She knows how important it is to our society that our students can fulfill their potential.
Jen Powell has raised five children in the Winthrop school system and understands it as a parent and as a volunteer. She is also an excellent communicator and listener, and she strives to make decisions that are in the best interest of our students.
Jen Powell believes that Winthrop needs to sustain an environment where everyone is treated with respect, and where everyone is heard. She realizes that finding common ground is necessary to allow our students to strive.
With two open positions on the School Committee, Jennifer Powell’s experience and leadership is needed in the years ahead.
Suzanne Leonard will be a great addition to the School Committee given her experience as an educator and as a mother of a student in the Winthrop public schools. She understands the need to create a space where learning is accessible for every student.
Suzanne has worked in higher education for many years and currently teaches at Simmons University in Boston. She has also handled administrative duties and is very familiar with budgets, planning and assessments.
Suzanne has a daughter in the first grade at the Gorman Fort Banks Elementary School. When her daughter began kindergarten last year on a computer, Suzanne and her husband got to see first-hand on a daily basis, the dedication of her teacher and her school.
I am fully confident that Suzanne Leonard will bring her experience and values to the School Committee, and she will do the work to help our students succeed.
Bill Schmidt
On Plastic Bags
Dear Editor,
On April 2, 2020, the Winthrop Board of Health approved a Regulation for Reduction in Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bags in order to reduce litter, protect our ocean environment from pollution, reduce greenhouse gases, and reduce costly solid waste in the Town’s waste stream. regulation_regarding_the_reduction_of_plastic_bags_9.pdf (winthrop.ma.us)
The regulation went into effect as of November 1, 2020, but since several retail establishments applied for a hardship waiver of six months, the Board encouraged a delay in enforcement actions, coupled with education efforts, until May 2021.
Now that the Town’s Inspectional Services Department is doing its semi-annual restaurant and store inspections, necessary enforcement warnings and fines for violations will be issued.
The top three things to keep in mind regarding the Plastic Bags Regulation: (1) stores can only give reusable bags, recyclable bags, or compostable checkout bags to customers; (2) stores can no longer carry single-use plastic bags with handles; and (3) stores have to sell any bag with handles for at least 5 cents per bag, and the store keeps the charge. This includes restaurants.
The regulation only applies to “checkout bags†– carryout bags with handles. This does not include newspaper bags, laundry/dry-cleaner bags, bags used to wrap produce, frozen food, meat or fish, or trash can liners.
The cost of bags should be posted/advertised at the checkout location and on the store receipt. Of course, customers are encouraged to bring their own bags to avoid the cost.
Retailers and restaurants in Winthrop can make a real difference in the quality of life in our community. We will have a cleaner, more beautiful town, and we will save money and our environment at the same time.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Bill Schmidt
Chair
Winthrop Board of Health