Caroline Colarusso Asks For Your Support

A Letter to the Editor from Caroline Colarusso:

For the past 3 years as your Selectwoman I've strived to improve our town in many ways. By holding office hours I’ve helped address resident problems that had been unresolved for years. As a result, town government is more responsive to the people it serves. I voted to establish the recreation department which offers a wide range of programming that serves our young families and senior population without using a dime of taxpayer money and with the goal to have it self-sufficient in 3 years. I’ve continuously supported technology appropriations over and above the school budget to help our students be better prepared for college and in business. I’ve taken a stand with neighborhoods whether it be the Weiss Farm Project or an issue impacting your neighborhood and your quality of life. I’ve considered young families and seniors when votes arise on the Board of Selectmen that will raise your cost of living. I’ve voted to hold the line on taxes and lower fees, so you could keep more of your hard-earned money. I wish to keep Stoneham affordable. I’ve worked to expose misallocations in the water and sewer accounts to right size the enterprise funds. I’ve supported the Commonwealths very first TAX Increment Financing (TIF) for a new downtown Stoneham Main Street renovation where the “Stones Restaurant” will be opening shortly. We’ve grown small business and enhanced our downtown area right before your eyes. I’ve advocated for more Chapter 70 funding and for that ship to finally be right sized. I’ve also been vocal on the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s denial of our application year after year. We need to improve our high school and Stoneham deserves the state reimbursement just like other communities. Our police and fire departments were fully funded in the first year of my first term because we must live in a safe community and enjoy our quality of life. Most importantly, I worked hard to ensure recreational marijuana or pot shops would not set up shop in Stoneham. We must help our children and young people before they experiment with drugs and help those who are battling addiction. Our full time community addiction coordinator position does just that.

This election is about you the people. Many have tried to distort it and discredit me. Don’t buy it. People are upset because I stood up for you.

I’ve lived in Stoneham for over 25 years. My commitment to our community and its people has never been stronger. I have coached your children in sports, attended many community events and been a member of the Board of Selectmen for the last 3 years. Before that I served 5 years on the Finance and Advisory board. As I did in my first term I promise to do in a second term. I’ll put people ahead of politics and wholeheartedly serve each of you regardless of your religion, race, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity. I am committed to serving, respecting, and assisting all citizens of Stoneham. I am asking for your vote on April 3^rd.

Office hours will be cancelled March 30th due to Passover and Good Friday. Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all. If you need assistance don’t hesitate to call me at (781)438-5720.

Caroline Colarusso, Patrick Circle