Poverman: Why I'm Running

Dear Brookline Voters,

I’m Kate Poverman, and I’m running for Town Moderator.

The Moderator presides over Town Meeting, which meets twice a year to approve budget and by-laws: everything from zoning to tax breaks for low-income seniors. The Moderator also appoints members of the Advisory Committee, which analyzes and advises on every warrant article and budget item.

Why am I the right choice? I’ve been an attorney for 35 years and am a Town Meeting Member (TMM) and associate member of Brookline’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). I’ve served on the Brookline Education Foundation, PAX, our 5th Grade Spelling Bee, Brookline Community Mental Health Center, and BHS Innovation Fund, as well as the Massachusetts Chapter of the ACLU.

I have the legal background, record of civic engagement, knowledge of process, and even-handedness needed for this role. On the ZBA, I've moderated some contentious meetings. Many voices, from neighbors to developers to advocates for affordable housing or historic preservation, are present. Town Meeting is just the same, only with 240 distinct voices that must be heard.

The Moderator objectively reviews and advises petitioners about legal or technical issues. The Moderator is not, and cannot be, someone who crafts articles themselves – rather, the Moderator must provide support to every petitioner, and bolster the ability of all in Brookline to participate.

I am committed to welcoming and encouraging new voices to Town Meeting and the Advisory Committee. If elected, I hope to collaborate with public housing and advocacy groups to increase diversity and accessibility. I also plan to build upon remote accessibility for those with childcare or mobility needs.

As a woman and mother in a male-dominated profession, I also know that a seat at the table isn’t worth much if your voice isn’t heard. I would be the first woman Moderator in 300 years of Brookline Town Meeting, and I particularly want to make room at the microphone for newer and quieter TMMs who may feel less sure speaking up.

Brookline has been my home for 28 years. I care deeply about our town, its many people, and its many opinions.

I will ensure that Town Meeting has the benefit of sound information and diverse perspectives. That’s the important job of the Moderator. It’s why I want to do the job and why I will do it well.

I have been endorsed by more than 250 TMMs, neighbors, and community leaders (www.poverman2021.com/#endorsements). I hope to earn your vote too.

Vote on May 4th!

Thanks for listening,

Kate