Jack Hurd

I am writing to endorse Joe Tully for a seat on Arlington 's School Committee. Joe is the father of two students in the district, a 15-year Town Meeting member, 26-year resident of our town and has served on various committees and issue campaigns devoted to the improvement of our schools.

Joe has been a leader, consensus builder and volunteer in many other aspects beyond town government. Each Friday afternoon he spends his lunch hour volunteering as a reading mentor in an elementary school near his office.

I also know Joe to be a hard worker, as evidenced by the fact that he put himself through law school at night while working a day job.

He has continued to demonstrate his thoughtful approach to problem solving as an attorney for a $500 million privately held company, where he has spearheaded such initiatives as proposing and launching a self insuring model that has saved his company millions of dollars.

As always, we are fortunate to have other fine candidates in the race, but I believe Joe Tully is best positioned to make an immediate impact with his intellect, conflict resolution skills and ability to not just find short term fixes, but implement long term solutions.

Thank you,
Jack Hurd

John Bilafer

I write in wholehearted support of the candidacy of Joe Tully for Arlington School Committee. Many of us know Joe as a longtime Town Meeting member, an active member of our community, and a passionate supporter of our public schools. I also have known him as a friend. So I can personally attest to his character, his intelligence and his dedication to do what is right by the town and its people.

Joe’s commitment to Arlington is unquestioned. He is the father of two girls in the Brackett School and a coach in Arlington Youth Soccer. He also served as a member of the committee to determine whether to elect or appoint the Town Treasurer. From our work together on that committee, I found Joe to be at all times prepared, thoughtful, forthright and effective. He works well with others and takes the time to understand all sides before taking a position.

Professionally, Joe is an attorney for a nationally prominent brokerage firm with responsibility for dispute resolution. His approach to his job, working for greater efficiencies and always seeking to resolve conflicts amicably and fairly, will serve him well as a member of the School Committee. The bottom line, however, is that I know Joe will always do what is right for the children of our schools and the people of the Town of Arlington. I generally do not make endorsements in town elections, but I feel very strongly that the town would benefit from Joe’s dedication and commitment.

I hope you will join me and my family in voting for Joe Tully for School Committee on Saturday, April 4th.

Thank you,

John Bilafer
15 Victoria Road

Kevin Greeley

My fellow residents,

As the town election season winds down, we are again faced with important decisons as to whom we believe best represents our values and is most likely to execise sound, unbiased judgment, unfettered by ideology.

One of my three votes for School Commitee will be going to Joe Tully.

I have known Joe and his beautiful wife Sue since they first served in Town Meeting 15 years ago, and I have had the pleasure of watching his two girls grow up and attend our public schools. I have attended more town meetings than I can remember, and I have always known Joe to speak thoughtfully, with great reflection on the ramifications of the respective votes, with passion and persuasion, but always with respect for those on the other side of the issue.

It seems that each year we talk about budget constraints and fiscal woes. It is hard to imagine that anyone may have the solution to these pressing nemeses. Yet, I know that Joe Tully will make the right decision each step of the way, borne of deliberation, not political pressure.

Joe has a moral compass, a sharp intellect and a big picture approach to policy making. Please join me in casting one of your three votes for Joe Tully for School Committee.

Kevin Greeley
Mystic Street

Mary Jane Kennedy

I am writing in support of Joe Tully's effort to seek a seat on Arlington's School Committee. As the School Coordinator for the Everybody Wins! Power Lunch Program at Stanley Elementary School in Waltham, I have come to know Joe over the course of this school year as a Power Lunch reading mentor.

Through the Power Lunch program, Everybody Wins! aims to increase children’s opportunities for success in school and in life through one-to-one reading experiences with caring adults. In the program, Joe is matched one-to-one with a second grade student and each Friday they share great books and conversation during lunchtime. These consistent weekly reading sessions are a proven method for increasing students enthusiasm for books and reading as well as building fundamental literacy skills. Although the program benefits a wide variety of students, we know it is a particularly valuable learning tool for students who are behind their grade level in reading, students whose primary language is not English, and students who don't otherwise receive a lot of one-to-one attention. The one-on-one time that mentors and students spend together is an incredible resource for the school, and administrators and teachers regularly see the benefits of augmenting programs aimed at early reading intervention with Power Lunch.

In Power Lunch, I have seen Joe work patiently and effectively with his young reading partner and have been impressed with Joe's dedication to the program and his student. His selfless volunteerism has clearly had a positive impact on his student.

I'm sure there are many fine candidates in this race, but I have no reservation in suggesting Joe is among the finest.

Sincerely,
Mary Jane Kennedy
Power Lunch Coordinator
www.everybodywinsmetroboston.org

Marty Thrope

These are difficult times for public education in general and Arlington’s schools in particular.

It would be bad enough only to be faced with a horrific financial situation, but we are also embroiled in a paralyzing morass of our own making that colors everything about how our schools function and that has undercut public confidence in our school committee – the damage done by out of control legal costs. To deal with this elephant in the room, we can’t go over it, we can’t go under it, and we can’t go around it. It cannot be denied or ignored. The only way to put it behind us is to go through it, and the only way to do so effectively and definitively is with candor, openness and honesty. These are the qualities that define Joe Tully.

Joe is uniquely qualified to move us in a direction where the committee can once again devote 100% of its energy and resources to the business of education. Together with his keen intellect, Joe will apply his candor and honesty to the essential task of bringing the committee to using all the powers at its disposal to confront the elephant and get back to business. Once that has been accomplished, Joe will continue to be a thoughtful leader devoted to the education of Arlington’s children. Some may not want to hear what Joe has to say, but for the good of our school children and their future, it behooves us all to listen.

Please join me in voting for Joe Tully for Arlington School Committee on Saturday April 4th.

Marty Thrope
Gray Street

Larry Greco

It is with a great sense of enthusiasm and optimism that I express my appreciation to Joe Tully for seeking election to the Arlington School Committee. There is no denying that the current economic crisis will impact our schools. Arlington can ill afford the unfortunate, unproductive and costly decisions made by members of the school committee in recent years. Consequently, a prudent and insightful voice coming from someone committed to our community and focused on the well being of our children would be welcomed on the committee.

Joe has demonstrated his commitment to our town by serving at Town Meeting for 15 years. He is a man who possesses an objective, fresh and keen perspective. Furthermore, he is man who can integrate the ideas of many along with the goals of our community and his personal vision to forge a path that values and includes all of the people of Arlington. His professional work as a top legal officer has provided him with many opportunities to build consensus and to find fair and just solutions to numerous problems. Arlington would greatly benefit from his skills, especially at this time.

As we face the challenges that lie ahead, I look toward people of good judgment and integrity to lead us. I look toward people who are worthy of our trust and support. That is why I will be voting for Joe Tully to serve on the Arlington School Committee.

Sincerely,
Larry Greco

Debby and Carlos Mendez

In these times of ever tightening school budgets, Joe Tully is exactly the kind of person we need on the Arlington School Committee.

Anyone who knows Joe will tell you that he is intelligent, caring, and committed to Arlington. But just as important, he has the experience and vision needed to effect positive change. He is a seasoned attorney specializing in dispute resolution and has served as a Town Meeting member for a decade and a half.

Even for those without school age children, this election is for you. We should all be concerned that Arlington children receive the best possible from our schools, and that every tax dollar is wisely spent in our schools.

Please come out to vote and support Joe Tully on Saturday April 4th.

Debby Mendez

Judie Phelps

In recent years the Arlington School Department has, unfortunately, seen turmoil within its ranks. Budgets have forced many changes which have not been desirable for our students. Additionally, however, the very competent staffs in our schools have not been receiving the administrative support they deserve for the work they do with our children. As a result, teachers in Arlington are becoming disillusioned and many are talking of leaving or are leaving for school systems where the teachers are more respected and revered than they are in Arlington.

To continue to have our school system excel for the sake of our children, we should always strive to have fair and independent voices on our School Committee, which is the elected group that sets the tone for the administrative direction that our system takes. Elections for School Committee will be held very soon. After reviewing the credits that the candidates running for office offer to the electorate, I have come to the conclusion that Joe Tully is the man that the citizens of Arlington need on our School Committee.

Joe Tully has proven that he will consider all the facts on any given issue, and after being sure that the interests of our children are protected, will exercise his good judgment to make the decisions that will be best for our schools.

Joe Tully also has been involved with the issues Arlington has been having in budgetary and developmental direction as he represented well his precinct in Town Meeting for the past 14 years. He has shown that he listens to all points of view, and then votes for those which will be best for the constituents he represents. On School Committee, Joe Tully will be working for the children’s education in the Town of Arlington, and from his past experiences, I believe their best interests will dictate his decision making.

As a retired Arlington Teacher who always felt our children came first, I ask you to join with me in electing Joe Tully to School Committee on April 4th.

Judie Phelps

Teresa Walsh

I am writing in support of Joseph Tully for School Committee. The School Committee has an opportunity to elect a new member that brings sorely needed negotiation skills to this body. An attorney for over 15 years, Joe has worked professionally to manage and resolve conflict through alternative dispute models.

Joe is presently an attorney for a brokerage firm where he is responsible for mitigating risk and advising fiduciaries. In this capacity he strives to bring together parties to solve their problems before they careen out of balance.

A father of two daughters at the Brackett school Joe has made his home in Arlington for over 25 years where he has coached sports and served in Town Meeting.

Please join us in supporting Joe Tully for School Committee.

Teresa Walsh
Hutchinson Road

Nancy Ortwein

I am writing in support of my friend Joe Tully who is a candidate for the Arlington School Committee.

Most people know that I am a teacher at Arlington High School. I understand the various constituencies of our educational system. I have seen many school committees over my decades as a teacher. When I lend my voice and my support, to a candidate, it is with full knowledge that I will not always agree with the candidate’s votes and positions on agenda items.

That’s just fine with me. Joe Tully meets my criteria as a school committee candidate. Joe is a good listener and will listen to all constituencies. Joe has sound judgment. I have often referred to Joe as "the voice of reason", because when he speaks, he is clear, straightforward and compassionate.

The School Committee has had a difficult year. I feel that Joe Tully will bring an intelligent voice to the committee. I am convinced that he will make an informed decision; one that is the best for the town, the staff and, most important of all, the kids. Please join me in voting for Joe Tully for School Committee on April 4th!

Nanci Ortwein
Medford Street

Ellen Digby

I would like to take the time to endorse Joe Tully for School Committee. Joe is a neighbor and friend, he is hard working, fair and not afraid to speak up for what is right.

Joe Tully will take his position on the School Committee very seriously. He has two young daughters that are in our system. He will do his best to serve the families of Arlington and will listen to their concerns.

I have worked for the School Department for the past 19 years and love my job and the families I work with. I see that same sense of commitment in Joe. Joe will remember the reason that we are in this business, which is to serve our most valuable clients “the children”. The School Committee needs members that will support our teachers and families and take the time to listen to them.

Your vote is important – our children are important – our schools are vital to a solid community.

Thank you,

Ellen M. Digby
Fountain Road

Nicole Libresco

I will be voting for,Joe Tully for Arlington School Committee in the
upcoming election. Joe is forthright and intelligent and is unafraid to ask questions no matter how difficult or complicated they might be. He has demonstrated an interest and understanding of school department issues and has the ability to analyze and make sense of complex matters. He is accessible and has shown that he will listen and work towards finding solutions.

Joe is a lawyer with experience in dispute resolution and has worked with federal, state and self-regulatory authorities. He is well versed in contract law and civil litigation and has expertise in the analysis of sophisticated insurance coverage issues. Additionally, his experience includes negotiating the terms of agreements among disparate parties in multi-tiered negotiations.

For the past four years, I have been writing grants for enrichment programming in the Arlington Public Schools. With money tight, it is of the utmost importance that a school committee member is able to analyze the budget and be able to focus on educational priorities, as well as set and achieve goals which will insure that Arlington has an excellent school system which meets the needs of all children.

Joe has the experience, intelligence and compassion to work for the children of Arlington. Please join me in voting for Joe Tully for School Committee.

Thank you.

Very truly yours,

Nicole Libresco
Precinct 19

Jondavid Chesloff

A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of serving on a committee created by the Arlington Board of Selectman called the Town Financial Organization Study Committee. The purpose of this group was to "determine whether it was appropriate for the Town of Arlington to re-structure its organizational model with regard to departments performing financial functions." During that process, I got to know and work with some of Arlington’s terrific town leaders, including Joe Tully.

Joe and I served on a subcommittee together. I was immediately impressed with his intelligence, his frank assessment of issues, his sound judgment, and his passion for civic engagement and discourse. He’s thoughtful, he’s honest, he’s committed to public service, and he loves his town. From the experience working with him on the Study Committee, I would have no hesitation in supporting his candidacy for School Committee.

Yet, that is not the most important reason I am supporting him. During our time on the Study Committee, I had the chance to go to Joe’s home. I got to meet his family, his two beautiful daughters, and see him as a father who has the same joy, hopes and dreams for his children as parents throughout this town have for theirs. As the father of two girls myself, a three year old and a one year old, who will be in Arlington Public Schools in the blink of an eye — I trust Joe to make decisions that are in the best interest of my children, his children, and the children of Arlington. And I don’t believe there is a more important reason to support Joe Tully for School Committee than that.

Jondavid Chesloff
Renfrew Street

Michael Healy

I am writing in support of Joe Tully for the Arlington School Committee. Joe has a keen interest in school and town affairs. He asks the tough questions, and he expects our elected and appointed officials to live up to the trust we place in them.

Joe has a young family, and wants the best possible education for his two daughters and all the children in the Arlington schools. As an attorney and veteran town meeting member, Joe is uniquely qualified to represent our interests on this important board.

Please join me in supporting Joe Tully for election to the Arlington School Committee.

Michael T. Healy
Hodge Road
Former School Committee Member, 1986-2001

Joe Daly

Dear fellow voters,

I am writing to ask you for your support for Joe Tully, candidate for School Committee on April 4th.

I have known Joe since his first year in Town Meeting, 14 years ago. As a Town Meeting Member Joe is thoughtful and thorough. He speaks only when a crucial point needs to be made.

As a successful attorney, Joe understands the importance of details, but never loses sight of the big picture. Simply put, when there is a morass of information tending to cloud an issue, Joe always "gets it."

Joe Tully embodies everything good about Arlington. He is unselfish with his time, coaching our youngsters, and he cares about his community. Joe, his wife, and his two lovely daughters are invested in Arlington for the long haul, and I know Joe will perform admirably if elected.

Please cast one of your three votes for Joe Tully. Thank you.

Joe Daly
Town Meeting Member Pct 20
Former Massachusetts State Representative

James Crouch

I am writing in support of Joe Tully for School Committee and I am asking you to seriously consider Joe for one of your votes. There are many attributes which have attracted me to Joe over the years and I have found that his philosophy and goals toward education in Arlington truly reflect mine.

Joe is a firm believer in transparency and accountability in town governance - true transparency - not just lip service. The absence of these attributes has recently proven drastically costly, not just in terms of dollars and cents, but also in terms of personnel, our town's reputation and a loss of focus on serving the children of the school district.

Joe also recognizes the need for special education as our district is comprised of many different types of learners. He understands that we owe a duty to every child. He also realizes the benefit of a Minuteman education for those who wish to pursue it. Joe knows that although these programs can be expensive, the answer is not to eliminate them, but rather find a way to make them more affordable.

We need committee members like Joe to not only help heal the divide that exists in the town and on the school committee, but also to help lead the school system into the future.

Please vote on April 4th and please consider Joe when doing so. Thank you for your time and consideration.

James Crouch
Mary Street