Ruderman
Campaign theme: ‘Arlington for Everyone’
A. Michael Ruderman, a Precinct 9 Town Meeting member since 2001, has taken out papers for the Board of Selectmen, and his campaign theme is “Arlington for Everyone.”
He is the second potential board candidate, as attorney John V. Hurd, whose father was a selectman, took out papers for selectman Dec. 20. Incumbent Joseph A. Curro Jr., the chairman, announced his bid for reelection Dec. 4.
Former Selectman Clarissa Rowe is serving until April in the seat vacated by Steve Byrne, a selectman since 2012 who resigned Dec. 11.
In a statement to YourArlington, he wrote: “We need to ensure that Arlington remains a place where everyone can have their concerns heard and where decision-making is transparent and inclusive. We need to prioritize the needs of residents whose daily lives are impacted by what we do in Town Hall and in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room.
“We want Arlington to be the town we cherish and feel welcomed in: babies, kids, families, adults, empty-nesters, seniors — everyone.
‘Move beyond personalities’
“We need to move beyond personalities and relationships and toward a more old-fashioned sense of good government: access to decision makers, efficient management, responsible budgeting, social equality and public service.
“These are simple themes, but their execution will not be. We need to balance each of these ideals with fiscal realities. We need leaders and decision makers with integrity, dedication, and experience in town government.
“That’s what I promise. That’s why I’m running.”
Public, personal background
As to civic involvement, Ruderman led the Minuteman High School component of the 2016 Build Arlington’s Future debt-exclusion campaign. Three months later, that drive led to the 16-town referendum that secured Minuteman’s new building, which is under construction in Lincoln.
As a Town Meeting member, he has particular experience in warrant articles concerning land use, zoning and town finances.
He has been treasurer and director at Arlington Community Media inc. (ACMi) since 2015, as well as chair of robotics advisory committee at Minuteman High School, since 2013.
He was a member of the Arlington Historical Commission from 1997 to 2007, the Arlington 200th Anniversary Committee (2005-2007) and the Thompson School Rebuild Committee (2007-2009).
He was a deacon at the Pleasant Street Congregational Church (2006-2010) and is a life member, National Eagle Scout Association.
Ruderman graduated from Harvard College (A.B., history) in 1982 and pursued graduate work in community development at UMass. Lowell.
Earlier, he taught in elementary and middle schools, then founded a business in real estate analysis and conveyancing services, aspects of which he continues performing.
Since 2005, he has worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Transportation in the land-acquisition division of Mass. Highway. He is the face of the government when ordinary home owners find that the state needs to use their property for public purposes.
“It gives me the opportunity to make a potentially disruptive experience a positive one for them, and ensure that their compensation is just,” he wrote.
He is also a consultant to the Wellesley Historical Commission.
His wife, Susan, works in fund-raising for nonprofit organizations, and their daughter, Julia, a graduate of the Thompson School and Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School, is a sophomore studying finance and public policy at the University of Alabama.
Dec. 20, 2017: Attorney pulls papers for selectman seat
April 6, 2012: Feeley faces up to first opposition in 18 years
This news summary was published Friday, Jan. 5, 2018.
