Burlington Local Election Ballot Fills Out

Burlington's local election ballot is beginning to take shape ahead of the April 5, 2025, election.

Town-Wide Seats Largely Uncontested So Far

Incumbents are looking to fill many of the roles, such as Library Trustees (2), Recreation Commission (1), Constable (2), and Assessor (1).

Likewise, the School Committee role currently has two candidates for two seats: current chair, Christine Monaco, who has served on the Committee for more than 20 years, and Melissa Massardo, who is finishing up her first term. The two, along with Jeremy Brooks, ran a tough campaign three years ago, coming out on top while Brooks took a seat the following year.

The Board of Health race is in a nearly identical spot, with Chair and long-time incumbent, Dr. Edward Weiner, and Gayle DaMore running in a repeat of the 2022 race, except so far there's no one on the ballot to oppose them. Janice Cohen, the third Board of Health candidate in 2022, is now a Library Trustee running for her second elected term.

Bill Beyer, contested by Adam Senesi last year for the Town Moderator seat, is as yet unchallenged, as are the two Select Board incumbents, Nick Priest, who would be going into his third term, and Mike Espejo, who seeks a second.

The only contested race so far is the one for Planning Board, with three candidates running for two positions - And none of them are current Planning Board members. Jack Kelly, who served on the Board for many years previously, along with Gregory Ryan and Jeremy Harrington, are all eyeing a five-year seat on this Board that has a say in the town's future development. Current Chair, Bill Gaffney, however, isn't looking to continue in his seat; his name is further down the ballot for Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member.

Town Clerk Role Has a Candidate

For now at least, the role of Town Clerk is an elected one in Burlington, and the current Town Clerk has announced her retirement after fourteen years in the role, effective at the end of April. One year still remains on her term, and Jennifer Priest—who many folks around town will recognize from her involvement in, and presence at, many town events—would like to fill the role. The election would fill the role for a year, and depending on the outcome of the Ballot Question about changing the role to appointed, either the town will hire someone or the five-year role will be on the ballot again next year.

Town Meeting Slots are Filling Up

Many incumbents remain on the Town Meeting ballot, and there are a few new faces, too. Shannon Robinson (1) and Mark Smukler (7), who were appointed at January's Town Meeting, are both running for election, and a sprinkling of non-incumbents dot the list. Some precincts, like 1, 5, and 7, already have more names on the ballot than open seats, while Precincts 6 and 4 have exactly 6 candidates for 6 seats so far. And, Precincts 2 and 3 each still have one open seat if the ballot were to close today.

Town Meeting is the legislative body of the town, meeting three times per year to approve bylaw changes and the town's budget. It's often seen as the entry point to town government.

Two ballot questions will also appear on the ballot; look out for more explanation and analysis right here in the Buzz as the election approaches.

There is still time to take out nomination papers for any of the roles on the ballot. If you've been considering joining town government, here's a good place to start. Stay tuned as well to the Buzz's Ballot Summary for interviews, explainers, and more.