The Waltham News Tribune will not publish letters regarding candidates in the Nov. 2 edition of the paper, which is the edition immediately preceding the election. That issue will contain candidate’s final statements to voters.

Winter coat drive for veterans

The PFC John M. Sullivan Post and Auxiliary 10334 mission is to help our veterans, active duty military, families, survivor families and our community. This month, from Oct. 12 to Nov. 12, we will be hosting a winter coat drive for hospitalized or homeless veterans and families.

We are accepting gently worn or new mens, women’s, or children’s warm fall/winter coats, jackets, clothing and shoes. There will be boxes for drop off located at the Clark Government Center by the VSO office, or Waltham City Hall lobby, or the VFW 10334 Post. The city offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the VFW 10334 Post is open from 4-8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at 623 Trapelo Road, Waltham.

Please call Mary Anne at 781-891-6288 with further questions.

Mary Anne Durkee, special projects coordinator

Endorsing Cathyann Harris for Ward 8 Councillor

I have lived in the city of Waltham for many years. During this time, I owned and operated a family business. Also, I was a city clerk and Ward 8 councillor. And now I reside as a member on the Licensing Board. But, that’s enough about me.

The purpose of this letter is to establish why I am endorsing Cathyann Harris for the next Ward 8 councillor. A lot of important issues are taking place in Waltham. Cathyann Harris is the right candidate to resolve these problems and concerns. With her career in the healthcare field, Cathyann fixes difficult matters for her clients on a daily basis. This type of expertise is needed in our City Council. We need to look ahead toward a brighter future. I believe, Cathyann is the best candidate to achieve this goal.

I have met many people during my life, and I can tell you this. I truly respect Cathyann Harris. Not only on a professional level, but on a personal one. Her “can-do” attitude and dedication would really benefit Waltham’s City Council.

If you still are questioning your decision on Nov. 7, feel free to do more research by going to her Facebook page: facebook.com/voteharrisward8.

Also, The League of Women Voters have put together interviews for the candidates this past week. Here you will receive a clearer picture of what Cathyann stands for.

But, the most important and true sense of getting to know Cathyann, is by reaching out to her with your concerns, or just to say “hi”.

She can be contacted by email at electharrisward8@gmail.com.

After you meet or talk to her, I hope you agree that she is just what Ward 8 needs at this point in time. So, please remember to vote on Nov. 7, for Cathyann Harris Ward 8 councillor. Thank You.

Kevin Ritcey, Ward 8

Cathyann Harris asks for your vote

My name is Cathyann Harris and I have lived on Hovey Road for 18 years. I love Waltham and have deep ties to this community. I am running for Ward 8 City Council for the position being vacated by Councilman Steven (Steve) Rourke. I want to thank Councilman Rourke for his years of service and I have truly enjoyed working side by side with him on issues impacting my neighborhood for the past 10 years.

We have worked hard together with other city officials and our neighbors to tackle issues of traffic safety, safe school drop for Whittemore and managing special permitting where in an overdevelopment situation would have been detrimental to the community and its safety. I want to thank Steve for his partnership, for his teamwork on these matters. With the Ward 8 seat transitioning, I am asking you for your vote and to be your next Ward 8 Councilor on Nov. 7.

A vote for me is a vote for experience in advocating for the South Side. Together we can build on prior successes with a leader who is not new the issues of the South Side. I am the only candidate for Ward 8, who has done the work to define the issues, advocate for resolutions, communicate and achieve results for my neighbors. We have done this working together, and I am asking for your vote so that we can take what has been accomplished for our neighborhood on the South Side to the entire Ward 8 community.

It takes a team and it is hard work but when the result is a collaborative community that works together on problem solving — It’s worth it! What does it mean to be a Ward 8 councilor? To me, it means I’m your partner, I work for you and you alone, and therefore my slogan is: “Your Neighbor, Your Voice!”

It is these very skills and “Can Do” attitude that I would bring if elected to the Ward 8 City Council position. We need to get to work on plans for a new high school, sidewalk repair, plan for affordable housing, renovate the Moody Street Fire Station, plan for a new Police Station, develop plan for the Fitch School and greenspace for Woerd Avenue Dump on South Side. I look forward to expressing my thoughts and ideas to you as I door knock. Please do not hesitate to contact me at electharrisward8@gmail.com. I hope you will consider and vote for me on Nov. 7.

Cathyann Harris

Vote for Clarence Richardson on Nov. 7

As a professional who works in management and leadership training and coaching, I know a few things about competencies. When I hire someone, I write a job description that defines skills and knowledge the job requires. Once I get a pool of skilled, knowledgeable people together, I interview them carefully to discover their attitudes. I ask questions that determine if a candidate can handle the messy, intangible stuff that is central to leadership. Can this person handle complex problems? Can the candidate thrive under pressure? If things need to change is he or she able to adapt and — even more importantly — can he or she help others embrace the benefits of change? If a problem is not well defined, is the candidate ready to dig and do the research versus making “knee jerk” reactions based on gut instincts or uninformed opinions? Can she or he be open to differing points of view and listen with intention? Is the candidate a team player who consistently demonstrates kindness and respect?

In my opinion, Clarence Richardson is one of the most capable, competent, and skilled candidates running for city councilor at-large and I am pleased to endorse him. Clarence is not just knowledgeable. He has an amazing attitude. He is a lawyer who advocates for seniors, people with disabilities, and their families, in and out of the courtroom. His legal experience helping families navigate difficult situations gives him a huge range of skills. In addition, his knowledge about Waltham is extensive. He does his homework and he learns by doing. He has held leadership roles with the Waltham Historical Commission, Partnership for Youth and Community Day Center. He has worked hard his entire life to make a positive difference for himself, his family, and for his community. He has overcome several daunting barriers with humor and grace.

I deeply respect Clarence Richardson, He is smart. He shows up. He is kind. He listens. He goes the extra mile. He appreciates that his point of view is not always THE point of view, and he’s open to learning as much as he can as fast as he can. This great combination of competencies is why I will vote for him on Nov. 7 and I hope you will too.

Deborah Wild, Trapelo Road, Waltham, Ward 3

Vote for Randy LeBlanc

I have known Randy Leblanc in the capacity of Varsity Hockey coach at Waltham High School. Randy played high school hockey for three years and graduated in 1988.

Randy has always been a person with a terrific personality and comes from a great family that has instilled community involvement at an early age. It is no surprise to see Randy involved in many areas in the Waltham community and his recent Hero Award from the Waltham community was most deserving.

I have seen firsthand Randy’s involvement in Waltham Youth Hockey — he is very active in this organization ranging from coaching to fundraising. I fully endorse Randy’s candidacy as a councilor at large for the city of Waltham.

John Maguire, Helen Street, Waltham

Randy LeBlanc for City Council

My family has known Randy LeBlanc’s family for many years. I serve as treasure on the RSES board which trains high school graduates heating and air conditioning as a great career. We have had the fortune of Randy as our president. What he gives to the kids serves them for a lifetime. Waltham is fortunate to have him someone with his talent and experience on the City Council. I fully support his campaign and I encourage others to do the same

Jerry Nocera, Lisa Lane

Let’s make Carlos Vidal’s 3-1-1 plan a reality

Of all the paramount issues of this 2017 City Council race, the need for communication between Waltham residents and their elected officials is the integral step to make our dreams a reality.

My name is Chrissie Himes, and I live in the South Side of Waltham. From my vantage point, I see a great city that needs a nudge to accomplish all of its goals. One of those would be increasing the communication amongst everyone, but that needs innovation instead of just relying on the old methods. I voted for Carlos Vidal for councilor at-large in 2015, and plan on voting for him for re-election in 2017, because I do believe in his goal of instituting a 3-1-1 plan in this city.

Already implemented by our neighbors in Cambridge, Somerville and Springfield, the 3-1-1 is a simple way to call-in a non-emergency situation about your city. It is part of a larger system by Commonwealth Connect, an app-based mobile program (http://commonwealthconnect.io/). It provides quick answers and catalogues the data, so you can track the issues. There’s a number of reasons to use the system: whether you see a pothole, a poor snow removal job, or an increase in rats in the neighborhood. Not only will your problem be on the queue to being resolved; it will also be noted for future reference in crafting the budget priorities.

When Carlos was elected in 2015, he promised us the 3-1-1 plan. Now, in the end of his two-year term, he has succeeded in getting it past the economic development committee and approved by the council, and now it has been sent to Mayor McCarthy for action. It is squarely into becoming a reality. So let’s fulfill that reality and re-elect Carlos Vidal to city councilor at-large to see his dream come into fruition.

Chrissie Himes, Ward 9, Gordon Street

Is the new high school pitting the old against the young? Why I support Kristine Mackin for Ward 7 city councilor

I heard this refrain from a long-standing city councilor, and I don’t relate. I stop short of calling myself “old” but I graduated from Waltham High School two years after it was built and plenty are calling the high school old and in need of replacement.

I want Waltham to have new, state of the art, inclusive schools. Certainly the Waltham students today will be my doctors, nurses, lawyers, financial planners and neighbors as I age.

I think a lot about “what ifs.” And that is how I feel about the Stigmatine property. What if Waltham builds at the existing site and five years later the Stigmatines sell to a private developer, and, the brand-new high school is overcrowded? How many single family homes could be built on the Stigmatine property? How many town houses? This makes me hesitant to vote for a candidate who has ties to development capability. There are too many conflicts of interest.

We voted the mayor into office and I would like her to be able to speak again. She hasn’t been allowed to be vocal on the city council floor lately in this process.

I am humbled and awed by the emergence of new candidates like Kristine Mackin for Ward 7 who are seeking our input and are thinking of the consequences on our city’s future.

Carol Baclawski, Ward 7, Fairmont Avenue

Michele Kosboth will strengthen the Waltham School Committee

It is my pleasure to support Michele Kosboth for Waltham School Committee. I am a 20-year Waltham resident, semi-retired from a 26-year career as a junior high teacher in the Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools, where my wife continues to teach. As one who worked closely with hundreds of young learners for many years, I am inspired by Michele’s belief in the quality and potential in every student and her understanding of the important role WPS play in helping our young people explore and develop the best in themselves.

Michele Kosboth is a well-attuned and knowledgeable candidate who knows firsthand the experiences of students and parents in the WPS. Through her son, currently a fifth grader at Stanley Elementary School, she served as PTO president and secretary. With Superintendent Dr. Echelson, she helped strategize the educational direction of the city.

What most distinguishes Michele from those already serving on School Committee is her longtime work in higher education as Director of Student Financial Planning at Lasell College, where she is part of the management team that understands what students need from their K-12 education to prepare them for admission and success in college and careers. Michele also has experience as a hiring manager and manager of a large budget.

Michele believes it is our duty to ensure that English language learners and students with learning and physical challenges have fair and equitable access and are provided the resources they deserve in our schools. She truly values the input and ongoing efforts of educators who are responsible each day for directly providing vital services to our students and their families. In step with Waltham’s diversity, Michele will work with the schools to attract and support qualified teachers and administrators who will expand the diversity of our staff and enable all of our students to thrive in an educational community that values, reflects and incorporates the cultural richness of our city.

Michele Kosboth knows well the needs of Waltham’s students and families and appreciates the exciting changes happening in our city. My wife and I have gotten to know Michele at formal and informal occasions. She is a considerate listener who responds thoughtfully and insightfully. She will bring a new voice of wisdom and commitment as a member of the Waltham School Committee. Please give her your vote on Nov. 7.

Timothy A. Nolan, Alder Street

A solution to the stalemate

In 2001 our families donated in part and sold in part the 25.505-acre Coleman-Stanton property to the city. A friendly eminent domain taking also occurred “for all public purposes and municipal purposes allowed by Massachusetts law” including educational use. Over an extended period, the city has been trying to find a suitable location for the new high school and these 25.505 acres may provide a solution.

The mayor, and SMMA architects have stated the need for at least 25 acres to construct the new high school. This land could then be combined with the existing School Department owned land of 30.69 acres at the high school and the 43.8 acres at the Kennedy, giving the School Department Care, custody and control of 99.995 acres of land. Hopefully, this area would be adequate to accommodate current school needs.

The benefits of the 25.505-acre site include its location adjacent to Jack’s Way, south of the existing school site, minimizing school disruption, in a known and tested central part of the city. Traffic and busing patterns would not need to change. The existing building could be used for additional class space, and the administrative functions could remain.

The biggest benefit is that the city already owns the land. As quickly as the City Council and mayor could act to transfer the property to the School Department and change the zoning to permit school use, the site could be advanced for submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority as the new school for 1,380 anxious students. Doubtless there will be issues that will require careful engineering and architectural study, but SMMA and its consultants have been up to the task so far.

Waltham has recently been suffering from serious internal divisions: between those who support the work the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers have been doing on Lexington Street for almost 100 years, and those who want the Stigmatine Fathers’ property — for a new high school.

The mayor, the City Council and the School Committee need to act to defuse the increasing tension arising since negotiations with the Stigmatine Fathers fell apart. Further, the Fathers have stated in writing that if they ever decide to sell, the city would be first to know.

The city is urged to act quickly to incorporate the Coleman-Stanton property into its new high school plan and build the new high school the students deserve.

Bob Coleman, Smith Street

Robert Logan for Ward 9 City Councillor

My name is Arthur Bennett. I am a lifelong resident of Waltham and a Ward 9 voter. This year I will be voting for Robert Logan for Ward 9 City Councillor. He has always worked hard to represent the people of Ward 9 and to improve the quality of life for neighborhood residents. Here are a few examples.

As chairman of the South Junior High Building Reuse Committee, Robert pushed to designate that building for use as a community and cultural center, and supported all efforts to provide facilities and programs at that location. The Waltham Community and Cultural Center now includes bowling alleys, a roller skating rink and the “Chill Zone” — a drop-in program for Waltham youth.

Robert led the effort to acquire a portion of an abandoned railroad line and turn it into a beautiful park. This property, surrounded by residences, was slated to become a storage yard for construction equipment. Instead, Chemistry Station Park is now an oasis of green in the middle of the neighborhood.

As ward councillor, Robert organized a series of neighborhood input meetings to provide residents with the opportunity to actively participate in the planning process for the reconstruction of Gilmore Playground. The result of this inclusionary process is a park that serves the needs of all residents, and that is arguably the most wonderful park in all of Waltham.

Robert wrote the resolution calling for Waltham to provide large, covered, wheeled recycling carts for all residents. (This was in response to a recommendation in a report prepared by the Waltham Lollibots, an all-girls robotics team.) Each household in the city of Waltham is now being provided with one 64-gallon wheeled cart. This will increase our recycling rate, reduce litter from recyclables that used to blow out of the small bins on trash day, and save the city money on trash disposal costs.

Robert Logan is an honest, hardworking and highly effective councillor who is a strong voice for the people. Let’s keep Robert Logan working for us at City Hall. Join me in voting for Robert Logan on Nov. 7.

Arthur Bennett, Cushing Street

A vote for Robert Logan

I am writing to express my strong support for Robert Logan as Ward 9 City Councillor. Mr. Logan is a strong advocate for the Ward 9 community. He is responsive to constituents’ concerns and dedicated to improving our city.

Mr. Logan has worked closely with the residents of my neighborhood on several issues during my time living in Ward 9. Robert consistently meets residents’ concerns with openness and resolve. The improvements that Robert has achieved for our neighborhood speak strongly to his abilities as community builder and leader. I see Councillor Logan as part of the network of “doers” who are enhancing Waltham’s reputation as a great city in which to live and work.

I am pleased to support Councillor Logan and encourage my Ward 9 neighbors to vote for him on Nov. 7.

Luis Leon, Cedar Street

Kristine Mackin for City Council

I am a Ward 7 resident writing in support of Kristine Mackin for City Council.

Ms. Mackin possesses the vision and leadership to deal with the most critical issues facing our city. She understands the need to address our expanding school population in a strategic way that recognizes the needs of both our students and our taxpayers. She supports the School Committee’s and School Building Committee’s Educational Plan, which addresses the variety of needs facing our students, including expanded and updated vocational training and additional space for our growing K-12 population. Ms. Mackin understands that leadership requires creativity, long-term thinking, and a willingness to fully analyze an issue. She has demonstrated an interest in open and meaningful conversation with Ward 7 residents. I am convinced that Ms. Mackin is the right person to help us navigate the challenges our city currently faces and inevitably will face in the future.

I respectfully invite my Ward 7 neighbors to join me in voting Kristine Mackin for city councillor on Nov. 7.

Marisa McBrine, Hamilton Road

Trapelo Road sidewalks are major concern

There are no formal continuous sidewalks on either side of Trapelo Road running from the Belmont town line to the Lincoln town line, approximately five miles — as this is a major safety concern for our residents who live in these neighborhoods adjacent to Trapelo Road.

Additionally, there are no bicycle lanes on this road.

The existing sidewalks are a hodgepodge of construction. Some are made of asphalt, some are made of concrete, some are just dirt trails, and some are non-existent — as the sidewalks on both sides of Trapelo Road ends at various illogical locations, as Ward Three residents - both Pedestrians and Bicyclist are forced to travel this road next to traffic — this is a major safety concern that needs to be addressed by the city.

However, in our business district on both Moody and Main streets — there are new Concrete sidewalks — Are the residents on the North side of the city, specifically Ward Three residents worthy of such a Luxury — so that they can safely travel (walk or bike) along Trapelo Road without fear of being injured.

Additionally, the city of Waltham is not maintaining the existing sidewalks along Trapelo Road. A Trapelo Road resident pointed out to me a broken water shut-off water pipe with no cover, and with jagged edges — protruding approximately two inches above the sidewalk in the middle of a heaved asphalt sidewalk in front of his home, a safety hazard for both pedestrians and bicyclists.

These sidewalks are overgrown with weeds, grass, brush, and even poison ivy. Is there any reason why the City Maintenance Department cannot properly maintain our sidewalks along Trapelo Road?

There is money available from the State — in the form of Chapter 90 and or through “The Complete Streets” program, a state-run program for which the city of Waltham can apply for funds in order to build continuous cement sidewalks along Trapelo Road.

However, the City of Waltham needs to apply for State funding for this Project — for which to date- they have not.

One of my first priorities will be to lobby and obtain funding in order to both widen Trapelo Road where feasible to accommodate a bicycle lane, and for new concrete sidewalks with granite curbing on both sides of Trapelo Road from the Belmont town line to the Lincoln town line.

So that both Pedestrians and Bicyclist can safely travel alongside this busy thorough-fare called Trapelo Road.

Mark Bagdasarian, Sparkill Street

Kelly Damm for City Council

As a longtime resident of Waltham and a volunteer at Waltham Community Access, I have been especially impressed by one of the candidates for City Council, Kelly Damm, who is running in Ward 4. Her energetic, heartfelt, and thoughtful leadership qualities are exactly what the city of Waltham needs. As a councillor, she won’t be satisfied just to cast votes. She will take the lead and coordinate actively with residents and fellow elected officials to move stalled projects forward, such as the reuse of the Fernald site and the finalization of the location for the new high school. I witness this type of engagement firsthand as she meets with leaders throughout the city to understand how and why decisions are made here. I witness this when she goes out to meet her neighbors to listen to their ideas and concerns. I am confident that she will apply this learning and motivation to the work that lies ahead for the city. She will be actively and continuously seeking input and using that to inform her decisions. She is passionate about making sure that each of her neighbors will be heard.

I am also excited to support Kelly as a female candidate in this race. Waltham is a city of innovation and diversity at its core, but that is not reflected in our City Council chambers. The first time I attended a City Council meeting, I was struck by the lack of female representation and was extremely disheartened. With only two women out of 15 Councillors, it makes it hard to feel as though women are welcome at the table and that our ideas and opinions matter, especially when female candidates that have children are asked about their abilities to manage a campaign or stay late for Council Meetings. She is poised to change that impression. Kelly is engaged, responsive and courageous.

For residents of Ward 4, I hope that you cast your vote for Kelly Damm on Nov. 7.

Colleen Bradley-MacArthur, Princeton Avenue

Randy LeBlanc for City Council

This past year the Waltham City Council at a special meeting overwhelmingly elected Randy LeBlanc to fill the unexpired term of a sitting councillor. Randy has already demonstrated his leadership skills by his spirited action and debate on the many issues facing our city. Randy LeBlanc is a family man, married to Tiffany, they live at 2l Linden Circle with their three children Ava, Nina and Oscar.

Randy LeBlanc graduated from Waltham school system and is a distinguished Alumni of Minuteman Tech High.

Randy LeBlanc is the president of LeBlanc Mechanical HVAC continuing over three generations of service to Waltham.

Getting things done is what we expect from our city officials. Having watched him grow and give back to the community, I am positive that Randy LeBlanc has the character, commitment and dedication we expect of our voice on the council.

I have been most fortunate to live, work and raise a family in this City. I am especially proud of the people that I have to know, love and respect. It is their presence that continues to enrich my life daily.

I believe that on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the voters of Waltham will have the opportunity to continue the tradition of choosing a councilor of the highest caliber, someone who exemplifies leadership, public service, and community pride. Randy LeBlanc, like many of you, shares our appreciation for this wonderful city and the people that make it so.

Joseph T. Maguire, Graymore Road