Arsenault and Rotondi prepare for town election
Published on March 10th, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - Next month's election is gearing up to be an interesting one as a number of entries have changed the face of some of the races that previously looked drab. While some incumbents face no opposition in their reelection bids, those races that have become contested are, just as expected, sparking the most interest.
In his bid for a fourth term to the position of town moderator, incumbent Michael Rotondi pointed to his last three terms as the qualification that gives him the greatest edge over his opponent, former Town Clerk Annamae Arsenault.
"The position of moderator is unique," said Rotondi, describing it as one that requires considerable on-the-job-training.
That training, however, can usually only be acquired a couple of times a year. The office of Moderator is a two-year term and the variety of situations and scenarios that arise in any given town meeting is what Rotondi stated has given him an inherent and intuitive sense for effective guidance of the floor.
"I feel I've just started to reach the point of experience that allows me to run a very effective Town Meeting ... A newcomer would have to spend four or five years" to build up such know-how, he said.
While Arsenault shares Rotondi's view of the importance of experience, she points to her 18 years as Town Clerk as giving her considerable insight and knowledge about parliamentary procedure as well as the history of Stoneham government.
"Anyone can learn the procedures, but my knowledge of the history and background of Town Meeting and some of the unique features of Stoneham government will help me," she said of her ability to serve in the capacity of moderator.
One of the most important duties of the Town Moderator, according to Arsenault, is to make sure voters understand that they are all equal on the Town Meeting floor. The whole purpose of the meeting is to bring the townspeople together as a body, she said.
"Everyone is on the same level, no matter what your position is. Every person there has one vote," stated Arsenault.
For Rotondi, it is striking a balance between the desire for complete and sufficient discussion on an issue and the need to move a particular issue to a vote that is his highest priority in running a town meeting.
"A moderator has to develop a set of skills to allow people to express themselves fairly, and at the same time, move the meeting along," he said.
With regard to Town Meeting attendance, Rotondi considers high turnout important to the process.
"The more individuals you have participate, the better chance you have of fair representation of the desires of the town," said Rotondi. He added that greater participation affords less chances for special interest groups to secure their interests outside the greater good of the community.
He sees his own participation as an impetus to his peers and a younger generation in general, to participate in town government.
Arsenault sees the issue in a somewhat different light, stating that she considers low attendance a concern, but not a crucial one.
"The history of Stoneham shows that when there are important issues that affect the town, people show up," she said. "If they really want to have a voice, they come."
She went on to say that sometimes people do not attend because they are satisfied with what is going on in the town.
Concerning improvements in running Town Meeting, Arsenault stated that she would try to avoid the delays that plague the meeting, often times regarding procedure and bylaws.
"I'm not saying that I have all the answers, but I would seek advice from those with knowledge of procedures" to avoid such delays, Arsenault said. Some procedural issues should be reviewed before Town Meeting and not during, she said, and added that such interruptions are not necessarily the fault of the moderator.
"Sometimes it's a lack of knowledge on the part of the citizen" that leads to the delays, she said. "I would like to educate the citizens."
Rotondi stated that there is only so much that can be done within the open town meeting structure.
While he prepares himself with review of the warrant and anticipation of what might arise, Rotondi stated that interruptions are to be expected due to the nature of town meeting.
"There's a certain unknown element (that) is just the nature of town meeting." He said.
Rotondi also relies on his participation in the Mass Moderators Association for sharing experiences with others in his position.
One change Arsenault might make is the bylaws allow, is requiring a speaker to identify him or herself only the first time he speaks on the floor.
"It's a minor issue but it seems redundant," for people to continually identify themselves. Instead, the moderator could call the person by name after he or she has spoken once, said Arsenault. This, she said, would facilitate continuity in the meeting.
"I try to shy away from referring personally to anyone," said Rotondi, stating that doing so may give the appearance of bias.
Both candidates expressed their desire to continue to serve the community.
Since leaving the Town Clerk position last year, Arsenault has stayed involved with the town through the Chamber of Commerce, the Stoneham Educational Foundation, the Historical Society and St. Patricks Parish.
"I'm in Stoneham almost every day."
She divides her time between a home in Gloucester and her daughter's home in Stoneham, where she continues to have legal residency, as allowed by law.
"If the law changes, I would abide by it."
"Stoneham people have been very good to me and very supportive," she said, hopeful that that support will continue through Election Day.
Rotondi praised Stoneham's open town meeting format, stating that although it can be lengthy at times, the input and time spent makes for a better decision making process. He considers himself fortunate for having the opportunity to participate in the community in the capacity of moderator.
"I'm still very interested and enthusiastic in serving my community in this position ... I feel I've grown so much in the last five years."
Both candidates expressed their appreciation to the townspeople for their support and
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