Ananian: Why I am running for Town Moderator

I’m Scott Ananian. I love this Town, and have thrown myself into our collective projects to help lead and improve it, day by day. And on May 4, I hope that you will fill in the bubble next to my name and give me the honor of stepping up once more, this time as Town Moderator.

Brookline residents volunteer countless hours to serve the Town on boards, committees, and Town Meeting. I’m endlessly inspired by the expertise and dedication I find among my neighbors. But I’ve also seen how even the most passionate volunteer, when greeted with harsh words or opaque rules, may choose instead to direct their energy where it is more appreciated. Having worked for decades on large collaborative volunteer projects, I have the skills needed to make Brookline’s collaborative process work better, and will work to ensure that all voices are heard and can contribute.

I will make Town Meeting welcoming, kind, and accessible for all. This is our government, built by us and for us. It should multiply our talents, not erect barriers to entry. But simply opening the door is not enough: the burden must not be on the underrepresented, disadvantaged, or disabled to climb the mountain of Town process. If you make it expensive to contribute, you will only get contributions from those who can afford to do so.

I will go out into the community, to senior centers and affordable housing, to demystify Town Meeting and empower residents to use it for change. I have already begun to explore ways to integrate Town Meeting with the civics curriculum in Brookline schools. I have assembled a team who will help me overhaul the Town Meeting website, making our Town process and documents indexable, searchable, responsive, and accessible.

Every step in the journey of a resident’s idea through the Town Meeting Warrant, public hearings, debate, and eventual implementation should be clear and transparent. When there is change you want to see in Brookline, you should think, “I can do that!”

I will help you turn the wheel of our Town government. I can do it, and I have been doing it: just ask my endorsers.

I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to run for Town Moderator and serve Brookline. Visit ScottForBrookline.org to learn more and to set up a personal chat. I’d love to hear your thoughts and dreams for Brookline.

C. Scott Ananian
103 Griggs Rd, Brookline
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 10
Candidate for Town Moderator