Letter(s) to the Editor: Three in Support of Artie Crocker

From Selectman Dan Matthews

As we approach this year’s town election, I am writing to ask the voters’ consideration for Planning Board candidate Artie Crocker.

Artie grew up in Needham, has raised a family here, and runs his own small graphic arts business in town. As a volunteer in civic activities and town government, he has demonstrated extraordinary energy and commitment to our community.

Over the years, he has shown himself to be a person of strong principle who is willing to speak and listen respectfully to people of all opinions, even when he doesn’t agree with them.

Artie will make a positive contribution to the Planning Board. Artie will bring creativity and hard work to the task, and a passion to make the town a better place, now and in the future.

On Tuesday, April 9, please join me in voting for Artie Crocker

Sincerely,
Dan Matthews
Needham Selectman

I write in support of Artie Crocker for Planning Board. Artie's municipal experience is as a current Town Meeting Member and member of the Design Review Board, but this is not the main reason I am supporting him. His background is one of an engineer and lifelong Needham resident, and really nice person, that is why I am supporting Artie. The current Planning Board has three attorneys that are expert in land use and planning issues, Artie will bring a non-legal vision to that Board, a vision that understands the past, current and future needs of Needham. Please join me in voting for Artie Crocker next Tuesday, April 9th.

Sincerely,
John Bulian
Needham Selectman

Previously, Needham Selectmen Maurice Handel and Matt Borrelli wrote in support of candidate Liz Grimes. Alison Borrelli also wrote in support of Grimes. 

Former Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals endorses Artie Crocker for Needham Planning Board.

I’m writing to express my enthusiastic support for candidate Artie Crocker as the next Planning Board member.

Having served on the Board of Zoning Appeals in Needham for 25 years (12 as Chairman), and currently serving as vice-chairman of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee of the Old Colony Planning Council ( 16 Towns and Cities), I’ve had many years of experience fostering collaboration among groups of people who have different ideas for the use of a particular piece of land. In these roles, I did my best not to impose my values. Instead, I listened to all parties that had an interest in the issues – their needs, their reasoning, and their proposals – then worked to find a resolution, with strict compliance to the applicable by-law, and with fair and reasonable satisfaction to all parties. I see that ability to listen to all sides, to collaborate, and to develop creative solutions in Artie Crocker. 

As an attorney, I know the value of mediation for resolving contested issues. Artie Crocker is a professionally trained mediator, and as such, would be an excellent addition to the Planning Board. In addition, I believe that the public benefits by having representatives from different educational backgrounds. Of the four people who will remain on the Board, three are lawyers, Artie as a mechanical engineer, along with his overall background, will provide a balance of viewpoints as a member of the Planning Board.

I’d like to note that Artie and I have been discussing issues that have faced Needham for years - on sidewalks, in grocery stores, and at events held in our town. He has always struck me as a highly informed and very active and concerned citizen. I’ve seen his responsiveness to the needs of the community as well as his support for Needham’s economic growth. He thinks about Needham as a whole. His principles, his deep knowledge of the town, and his extensive volunteer work make Artie an excellent choice for this position. 

Zoning governs how we relate to one another personally and how we use our limited natural resources. Artie Crocker is a man who values the character of our neighborhoods and the economic well-being of our town. He is an independent voice. Most importantly, I think he is a man who can find answers. I endorse Artie Crocker without reservation.

Sincerely,
William J. (Bill) Tedoldi, Esq.
Former Chair, Zoning Board of Appeals

Have a Letter to the Editor you want to publish? Email it to editor Grahame Turner.