Happiness is a successful campaign celebration
Monday, April 1, 2002 — a day of celebration for me and scores of other newly elected and re-elected Town Meeting members. Hundreds of dedicated supporters swarmed Phyl and Paul Solomon’s house, patiently waiting for the phone to ring with yet another precinct victory, and finally, the call we had all been waiting for: Our next selectman was on his way home. Paul and Phyl were greeted with thunderous applause and a hard-earned tribute for a job well done.
I have never participated so intimately in the electoral victory, or defeat, of any other political candidate. April 1, 2002 has undoubtedly become one of the most notable evenings in my recent memory. Much more gratifying than that horrid junior prom so many years ago.
Before the election party, I thought I would feel at least a little bit out of place, me being the political newcomer and all. I anticipated some awkward moments of quiet solitude in a room filled with strangers and other people I barely knew. How could I, a complete (almost) unknown, feel welcomed by those in the know? How would I, enveloped by my own lifelong shyness, make my way through the vitality of this monumental political event?
Surprises await those who knock on the door, because if you knock, the door truly does open. And it opened that pleasant night to the welcoming mantra by and for so many of the people who supported the candidacy of Paul Solomon. Hands were shaken, bear hugs given and warm greetings spoken with wide grins for everyone, from ear to ear in every room. So much human energy permeated the Solomon’s lovely home, with little kids running through the crowd of jubilant adults, and victorious Town Meeting members jumping for joy. Tables were filled with refreshments, and the atmosphere generated enough joyful noise to enliven anyone’s otherwise timid conversation.
Paul Solomon’s campaign letterhead was represented with the words “Leadership and Integrity.” I helped to stuff the envelopes and then affixed each stamp with eagerness for the man whose leadership we now applaud. Although I assisted Paul in his campaign as much as I could, I personally had nothing to gain from his election. Even still, I have indeed achieved much more than I could have imagined. I made several new friends and discovered in myself a greater sense of place and community. Best of all, I feel a strong belief in the vision that all of us can lead Belmont into a future brimming with pride, respect and unity. As an aside, I also learned that it doesn’t take as long as one might think for a group of willing and able people to stuff and label 1,200 envelopes.
I am grateful to have been elected to serve in Town Meeting. My pledge is to represent Precinct 5, and all of Belmont, with a strong sense of ethics, thoughtfulness and determination. Like all Town Meeting members and town-wide officials, we must strive to live up to the tremendous expectations that go along with serving in any public office. For me, this is an important endeavor to be undertaken with the utmost care and a sense of responsibility toward those who chose me in the voting booth.
While I shared in the celebration of many Town Meeting victories, I found myself feeling sad for the people who lost the election. Blacklisting ruined the lives of many people back in the era of Joe McCarthy, but in Belmont, in 2002, Walter’s list certainly failed to accomplish its ultimate goal of taking over Town Meeting. I hope all Belmontians will agree that we should put an end to divisive politics. Let us continue the celebration and stand together; under the leadership of Will Brownsberger, Anne Marie Mahoney and Paul Solomon, so that we, united in these troubled times, can make a difference in the years to come.
Andrea Serra Masciari is a Town Meeting member representing Precinct 5.