Six members of the School Committee voted for a seventh in a fair process. The most experienced candidate for the one-year seat, Paul Schlichtman, drew four votes and won. That was the right choice, in my view.

But that's far from the only story from those two hours on Thursday, May 3. Here are some others (you may have your own, and you're welcome to comment at the link on the main page):

-- Politically, the push to participate in Arlington counters national cynicism that leads to public malaise. Here, people *want* to take part.

The following opinion column was written by Sen. Ken Donnelly, who represents Arlington.

Residents of Massachusetts, and especially of the City of Woburn, remember the now-infamous case Anderson v. Cryovac, where Woburn residents brought suit against a local tannery whose use of toxic chemicals had contaminated the municipal water supply and subsequently poisoned people simply by drinking their tap water. 

The media attention that was brought to this case ranged from newspaper and magazine articles, to a best-selling book, and finally a movie, "A Civil Action."

However, despite the attention and awareness this case brought to the dangers of toxic chemicals, we are still far from eliminating these dangers.

In news reporting, names are important. They establish a connection with the factual world.

False names veer away from facts. The lack of a name leaves questions.

An Arlington resident raised a question this week on the Arlington email list about the reporting of the name of a 16-year-old girl following her tragic death. 

The poster, Joe Tully, wrote: 

Each chair of the School Committee imparts a style to the position that reflects who they are.

Joe Curran's was straightforward, like a sprinter headed for a goal. Joe Curro's was nuanced, with his signature "Reflection, Remembrance and Recognition" leading off each meeting.

Kirsi Allison-Ampe, newly elected as chair on Thursday, April 12, offered a list of aims, which set a serious tone. She also had a surprise, a game with a message.

The following letter to the editor was submitted by Debra Rose Brillati of Arlington:

On Tuesday, April 10, I will be voting for Matthew Pallett for School Committee. Matthew recognizes the School Committee’s central role in providing oversight of the administration and insuring that there is transparency and accountability in all aspects of the administration of our schools. This oversight, transparency and accountability have been sorely lacking over the past several years, despite the best efforts of a few School Committee members, particularly Bill Hayner and Joe Curro.

I have been a close observer of the School Committee and the superintendent over the past year and a half. While some members of the School Committee seem to understand their role as representatives of the voters and taxpayers with responsibility for oversight of the administration, too many of them, particularly chair Cindy Starks, seem to see their role as unquestioningly supporting the administration. On far too many occasions, the committee has deferred to the superintendent when questioning and oversight were in order. 

My particular experience with the committee has been as member of SEPAC, Arlington’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council. This state mandated parent group has been trying to work with the School Committee and its subcommittees to effect needed changes in the Special Education (SPED) department.

The following letter to the editor was submitted by Richard and Jerri Newman of Arlington.

Dear Arlington voters,

On Tuesday, April 10, we will be voting for Matthew Pallett for School Committee. We are not concerned about stability; staggered terms ensure the stability of the committee. We are concerned about transparency and accountability, collaboration, and the committee’s responsiveness to the input of parents.

Special education is costly and complex. The details are often shrouded from public view because of concerns for confidentiality of students, and many people, including some School Committee members, leave the running of this enormously expensive and important department to the people they have hired to run it. But even the best professionals need oversight, and the School Committee has been charged with providing that oversight.

The following opinion piecs was submitted by Alexis Moisand, a senior at Arlington High School:

"The administration really should give us open campus. It would make the school feel like more of a community." - Eryk Dobrushkin, freshman

"I’m so happy someone put focus on the library again. It’s been way too long!" - Hayden Pretzman, senior

"I can’t believe my science teacher failed me for missing too many classes – I had an A and the last absence was to help run the blood drive!" - Emma Horn, junior

Want to write a letter to the editor about a candidate for the town election? You still can.

Now that the The Advocate no longer accepts April 10 election letters after March 29, your campaign and the public have a daily -- an hourly -- alternative: Post letters in support of a candidate -- or not in support -- to YourArlington's blog, Your View. See how here >> 

YourArlington accepts letters supporting a candidate for the April 10 town election -- or not supporting a candidate -- sent directly to the publisher. All will be accepted until 7 a.m. on Election Day.

To be accepted for publication, letters may be of any length -- and must be signed with the author's real, full name and address.