VanScoyoc ​To Run For Brookline Select Board

BROOKLINE, MA — Town Meeting Member and former chair of the Advisory Committee John VanScoyoc announced he will be running for Brookline Select Board on May 5.

VanScoyoc is hoping to take the seat that Ben Franco is preparing to leave. Heather Hamilton is planning to run for reelection and it appears there is at least one other person gearing up to run.

Two years ago VanScoyoc retired after more than 40 years as a journalist, including 23 years as a producer of nightly news/talk programs for New England Cable News and NBC10 Boston. He's married, has two grown children and three grandchildren.

VanScoyoc has lived in town since 1975 and he's spent much of his free time as volunteer for a number of civic groups and initiatives around Brookline.

His public campaign kickoff is planned for 2 p.m. March 15 at the Washington Square Tavern.

VanScoyoc said that after just one fundraising email, he's received more than 50 donations in amounts ranging from $25 to $250.

"John has boldly placed a $250 cap on individual donations to his campaign," said Bernard Greene in a statement suporrting his candidacy. "This will help keep campaigns and candidates accessible to all by ensuring that wealthy donors and interest groups have no greater expectation of access to our elected officials than anyone else."

The Select Board faces will have to tackle the question of what to do with the Newbury College parcel, budget deficits.

Other challenges he sees on the horizon, from his website: www.johnvanscoyoc.com

• Traditional services competing with new initiatives. Can Brookline maintain support of public education, public safety, open space, and neighborhood quality of life, even while responding to climate change and a housing market that is out of reach for many families?
• “Town Hall” or “City Hall”? Would transition to City government help to meet the needs of a changing population? Is Town Meeting-style democracy essential to what makes Brookline a special place to live?
• The BFAC report, with its red flag warnings of threats to the town’s fiscal health. What should we do to tighten Town and School financial controls? How can the Select Board take the lead?
• A town where “diversity and inclusion” is honored with more than words. How can Brookline make real the promise of opportunity and respect for all.