Fall 2024 Election Endorsements
Massachusetts State Representative, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket (September 3, 2024): Thomas Moakley
The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is very pleased to endorse Thomas Moakley for MA State Representative, Barnstable, Dukes & Nantucket, in the MA State Primary Election on September 3, 2024. This endorsement is based on the candidate’s responses to questions posed by UCWC members in a personal interview and assessment of the candidate’s positions on issues of concern. We contacted and spoke with all known candidates for this position.
The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition heartily endorses Thomas Moakley for MA State Representative for the district, comprising Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, the Elizabeth Islands and three precincts in Falmouth. Thomas has a long record of interest and action in community service and social justice issues, beginning at Falmouth High School and continuing with volunteering at the Falmouth Service Center and more recently in the DA’s office. He was an early recipient of the Thelma Goldstein scholarship which is awarded each year to the Falmouth High School student demonstrating outstanding civic engagement and commitment to public service. Thomas completed his undergraduate studies at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and then put himself through Suffolk Law School while working full time with the Suffolk County DA.
After passing the bar, Thomas became Assistant DA for the Cape and Islands and served as a prosecutor in Martha’s Vineyard Juvenile Court and Edgartown District Court. In addition, he worked closely with Cape and Islands DA Rob Galibois to help establish the first Recovery Court on the Vineyard, creating a safer community and a reduction in recidivism. He has familiarity with and has worked on Cape-wide issues as well as issues on the Islands. He has supported modernizing the criminal justice system with homeless courts and addiction services. His work experience
enables him to communicate well with both Boston decision makers and the Cape and Islands legislative delegation.
Recognizing divergent views and knowing how to reconcile them is another skill he has mastered.
His work and plans align closely with the UCWC’s priority legislation and concerns for women’s healthcare and reproductive rights, including abortion. He would work to have abortion rights added as an amendment to our State Constitution and vows to both expose and investigate the often deceptive practices of Crisis Pregnancy Centers throughout the state. We are certain that, if elected, Thomas will be our legislative advocate in protecting the well-being of women and girls.
Thomas also prioritizes having MA lead the way on Green Climate Projects including creating resilience in our power grid as well as addressing the critical local needs of affordable housing, childcare and wages. He has a broad view of what he plans to accomplish if elected and we know he has the depth of experience to start on day one.
Please share this endorsement with others who may be interested in learning about Thomas Moakley for State Representative, Barnstable, Dukes & Nantucket. Thank you very much for your support of this outstanding candidate. Change begins at home and local elections are critical to the well-being of our democracy.
Please vote in the State Primary on September 3, 2024.
Thank you!
Upper Cape Women’s Coalition Executive Committee
Spring 2024 Election Endorsements
- Bourne Select Board: Jeanne Azarovitz, MJ Mastrangelo
- Falmouth School Committee: Glenda Cohen, Katrina Nevin, and Kelly Welch
- Mashpee School Committee: Kelly Robson, Brian Weeden
Bourne Select Board: Jeanne Azarovitz
The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is very pleased to endorse Jeanne Azarovitz for Select Board in Bourne’s town election on May 21, 2024.
This endorsement is based on the candidate’s responses to questions posed by UCWC members in a personal interview and assessment of the candidate’s positions on issues of concern. We
contacted and spoke with all known candidates for this position.
The Executive Committee members of the UCWC are united in endorsing Jeanne Azarovitz as a candidate for Select Board in Bourne. Jeanne’s background and experience make her an exceptional candidate who will be dedicated to the environmental and economic well-being of Bourne, along with advocating for an equitable and diverse community.
Jeanne grew up in Falmouth and moved to Bourne in 1996 to expand her family’s landscaping business. She has been invested in the community ever since; first by advocating for a new Elementary School in Bournedale, next by recruiting volunteers to bring the National Marine Life Center to Main Street, Buzzards Bay. Inspired by that success, Jeanne joined the Bourne Financial Development Corporation and worked with local business leaders towards achieving economic success. That work led Jeanne to run for the Planning Board. After being elected to the Planning Board, Jeanne joined the Design Review Committee which deals with the downtown bylaws, design
approvals and enforcement of design standards for businesses on Main Street. From the Marine Life Center to the establishment of Buzzards Bay Park, Main Street is a popular destination once again because of Jeanne’s consistent efforts and dedication to restoration and economic diversity.
Her landscaping and logistics work, along with attending the Conway School, have inspired Jeanne toward conservation, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to public service. All of her committee work and seven years on the Planning Board have given her a foundation working with teams to create viable and equitable solutions to complex issues facing the town such as population growth and the building of new bridges. Jeanne is committed to making sure all voices are heard, ensuring clear and transparent communication, reducing Town staff turnover and getting more people involved in planning for the future of Bourne. As a mother of two sons, one of whom is blind, Jeanne is acutely aware of diversity, fighting for equity and the importance of creating a safe community for all. She is committed to ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table and has their voice heard to create sustainable, smart and equitable growth for the town of Bourne.
Voting is essential to the health of our local, state, and national governments. Our votes are especially critical to protecting and advancing social, economic, and racial justice. The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is excited to join the effort to elect Jeanne Azarovitz to the Bourne Select Board in the upcoming May 21 town election.
Please share this endorsement with others who may be interested in learning about Jeanne Azarovitz’s campaign for Bourne Select Board. Thank you very much for your support of this outstanding candidate. Change begins at home and local elections are critical to the well-being of our democracy. Please make arrangements to vote at your polling location on May 21 between 7 AM and 8 PM.
Thank you!
Upper Cape Women’s Coalition Executive Committee
If you do not know your precinct or where to vote, please click on Where Do I Vote?
Check your voter registration: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
Bourne Select Board: M.J. Mastrangelo
The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is very pleased to endorse Mary Jane (M.J.) Mastrangelo for Select Board in Bourne’s town election on May 21, 2024.
This endorsement is based on the candidate’s responses to questions posed by UCWC members in a personal interview and assessment of the candidate’s positions on issues of concern. We
contacted and spoke with all known candidates for this position.
The Executive Committee members of the UCWC are united in endorsing M.J. Mastrangelo for re-election to the Bourne Select Board. M.J. is dedicated, as we are, to encouraging and extending women’s voices and their participation in public service and to building a community that is equitable and inclusive.
M.J. has lived in Bourne full-time since 2003 but began spending summers here with her family at age 12. She was a member of the School Committee in Southborough before moving here, and after coming here, wanted to serve Bourne, a town she had grown to love, so she joined the Finance Committee where she served from 2005-2021, five of those as chair. M.J. was then handily elected to Select Board and has ably served as chair for part of that tenure. She’s a member of the MA Municipal Association’s Committee on Labor and Personnel and a board member of the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Management Fund.
M.J. sees three key issues that the Select Board needs to address: wastewater planning, canal bridge replacement and workforce/affordable housing, the latter of which is integral to bringing more diversity to the town. She seeks citizen input on the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan which the Board plans to bring before town meeting this fall. She also believes citizen input is critical to the bridge replacement project which will surely impact traffic and bus routes for school children. M.J. is pleased to note that the Board is now holding regular meetings with Mass DOT to discuss the plans as they are formulated. Aside from these issues, she feels bringing the town’s IT up to speed is crucial. She supported the board’s decision to contract IT services
from the county, since the town doesn’t have the personnel to manage the systems around the clock. She also feels another major issue is the southside fire station, an issue that’s been dragging on for years, but on which some progress has been made recently.
We are confident that M.J. will continue to add her breadth and depth of experience to the successful operation of the Bourne Select Board. She says of her candidacy “I listen, I do my homework, and I care.”
Voting is essential to the health of our local, state, and national governments. Our votes are especially critical to protecting and advancing social, economic, and racial justice. The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is excited to join the effort to elect M.J. Mastrangelo to the Bourne Select Board in the upcoming May 21 town election.
Please share this endorsement with others who may be interested in learning about M.J.
Mastrangelo’s campaign for Bourne Select Board. Thank you very much for your support of this
outstanding candidate. Change begins at home and local elections are critical to the well-being of our democracy. Please note that there is no early voting or mail-in voting for this election, but absentee voting will be allowed. Please make arrangements to vote at your polling location on May 21 between 7 AM and 8 PM.
Thank you!
Upper Cape Women’s Coalition Executive Committee
If you do not know your precinct or where to vote, please click on Where Do I Vote?
Early voting begins April 29 in Town Hall; vote-by-mail is also available.
Check your voter registration: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
Falmouth School Committee: Glenda Cohen
The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is very pleased to endorse Glenda Cohen for School Committee in Falmouth’s town election on May 21, 2024.
This endorsement is based on the candidate’s responses to questions posed by UCWC members in a personal interview and assessment of the candidate’s positions on issues of concern. We contacted and spoke with all known candidates for this position.
The Executive Committee members of the UCWC are united in endorsing Glenda Cohen as a candidate for School Committee in Falmouth. If elected, she would be the eyes and ears of the Superintendent. She understands the goals and limits of School Committees and pledges to work for all students. We are pleased to endorse such a committed educator.
Glenda Cohen moved to Falmouth from Framingham with her husband three years ago; her children are adults. She brings her career as an educator with her to us. She taught English language learners for 17 years and even more years as an education advocate. She continues her work in Falmouth to develop learning platforms for English language learners for a technology company.
She believes she can give a boost to our already good school system which, along with systems across the nation, is under pressure due to Covid learning gaps. Glenda has always worked with strategic planning and by looking ahead at possible issues, such as declining enrollment and issues of safety that now exist for all schools. She also identifies the lack of affordable housing as a problem because it is difficult to attract new and diverse staff.
She has worked with and in groups often and knows the importance of hearing all points of view, accepting differences and being a good listener. She received an award when working in Framingham for social justice work and has much experience working with minority groups. She has attended Falmouth School Committee meetings and spoke at most Precinct meetings so that she could be aware of any issues and to see how people are feeling about the schools and to earn the trust of town residents.
Voting is essential to the health of our local, state, and national governments. Our votes are especially critical to protecting and advancing social, economic, and racial justice. The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is excited to join the effort to elect Glenda Cohen to the Falmouth School Committee in the upcoming May 21 town election.
Please share this endorsement with others who may be interested in learning about Glenda Cohen’s campaign for Falmouth School Committee. Thank you very much for your support of this outstanding candidate. Change begins at home and local elections are critical to the well-being of our democracy. Please make arrangements to vote at your polling location on May 21 between 7 AM and 8 PM. Vote by Mail is available as well as Early Voting at Town Hall May 11-17 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Thank you!
Upper Cape Women’s Coalition Executive Committee
If you do not know your precinct or where to vote, please click on Where Do I Vote?
Check your voter registration: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
Falmouth School Committee: Katrina Nevin
The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is very pleased to endorse Katrina Nevin for School Committee in Falmouth’s town election on May 21, 2024.
This endorsement is based on the candidate’s responses to questions posed by UCWC members in a personal interview and assessment of the candidate’s positions on issues of concern. We contacted and spoke with all known candidates for this position.
The Executive Committee members of the UCWC are united in endorsing Katrina Nevin as a candidate for School Committee in Falmouth. Katrina’s background and experience make her an outstanding candidate who will work to include outdoor education, expansion of the arts and a focus on improved communication skills if elected.
Katrina Nevin moved to Falmouth from Martha’s Vineyard four years ago with her husband who works for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). They now have two children and the oldest will start first grade next fall in Falmouth public schools and the youngest will start preschool. She is a member of Farming Falmouth and has long been active in advocating outdoor education with the promotion of gardening added to the curriculum.
She has visited our schools, attended School Committee meetings via Zoom and, from her ongoing research, knows of a number of grant opportunities to bring in outdoor education and farming experience by creating gardens for the school. She has been pleased to see the initiatives in these areas going on presently in Falmouth schools. She is also experienced in the theater and arts and knows firsthand their importance in developing confidence in young children, especially girls who may suffer from depression in these times.
She has always been one to speak out on issues and to seek consensus. She would advocate for providing teachers, students and parents with communication skills and tools to seek consensus in a nonviolent manner. She is eager to help with issues of inclusion and the promotion of student confidence. She feels the schools have a strong foundation here in Falmouth and she would bring positive energy as a School Committee member with young children who will advocate for the concerns of teachers, parents, and all students.
Voting is essential to the health of our local, state, and national governments. Our votes are especially critical to protecting and advancing social, economic, and racial justice. The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is excited to join the effort to elect Katrina Nevin to the Falmouth School Committee in the upcoming May 21 town election.
Please share this endorsement with others who may be interested in learning about Katrina Nevin’s campaign for Falmouth School Committee. Thank you very much for your support of this outstanding candidate. Change begins at home and local elections are critical to the well-being of our democracy. Please make arrangements to vote at your polling location on May 21 between 7 AM and 8 PM. Vote by Mail is available as well as Early Voting at Town Hall May 11-17 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Thank you!
Upper Cape Women’s Coalition Executive Committee
If you do not know your precinct or where to vote, please click on Where Do I Vote?
Check your voter registration: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
Falmouth School Committee: Kelly Welch
The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is very pleased to endorse Kelly Welch for School Committee in Falmouth’s town election on May 21, 2024.
This endorsement is based on the candidate’s responses to questions posed by UCWC members in a personal interview and assessment of the candidate’s positions on issues of concern. We contacted and spoke with all known candidates for this position.
The Executive Committee members of the UCWC are united in endorsing Kelly Welch as a candidate for School Committee in Falmouth. Kelly’s background and experience make her an excellent candidate who will be dedicated to smart fiscal planning and clear, transparent communication between the school and the Falmouth community.
Kelly Welch is an incumbent who has been on the School Committee since 2014. Her long experience has given her unique insight into what is needed and how to achieve goals which are positive for the Falmouth schools. She has served on both the Policy and now the Budget committees. She also has worked for many years in the field of health equity as well as having four years of teaching 7th grade. Her children have been educated in our school system, and she is proud of what we have here in Falmouth.
She has seen diversity and inclusion improve in the schools over her years as a School Committee member. Teachers and students seem well educated on the topic. While there is always room for improvement, she can track progress everywhere. She does see an urgent need to improve communication with parents. Kelly is a skilled communicator with clear, realistic views and expectations for what can be done in this area. She recognizes the loss students experienced because of Covid and will focus on ways to make up for the gaps.
She is a problem solver, well aware of the challenges that students face in today’s world and a very hard worker. She first ran thinking she would try out the role for a year but has become so involved and loyal to our school system that she is happy to run again. Progress with school meals and hiring a master chef as well as working to allow therapy dogs in the schools have been high points this past year and are the types of progress she would like to continue to make happen.
Voting is essential to the health of our local, state, and national governments. Our votes are especially critical to protecting and advancing social, economic, and racial justice. The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is excited to join the effort to elect Kelly Welch to the Falmouth School Committee in the upcoming May 21 election.
Please share this endorsement with others who may be interested in learning about Kelly Welch’s campaign for Falmouth School Committee. Thank you very much for your support of this outstanding candidate. Change begins at home and local elections are critical to the well-being of our democracy. Please make arrangements to vote at your polling location on May 21 between 7 AM and 8 PM. Vote by Mail is available as well as Early Voting at Town Hall May 11-17 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Thank you!
Upper Cape Women’s Coalition Executive Committee
If you do not know your precinct or where to vote, please click on Where Do I Vote?
Check your voter registration: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
Mashpee School Committee: Kelly Robson
The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is very pleased to endorse Kelly Robson for School Committee in Mashpee’s town election on May 11, 2024.
This endorsement is based on the candidate’s responses to questions posed by UCWC members in a personal interview and assessment of the candidate’s positions on issues of concern. We
contacted all known candidates for this position, some of whom did not respond.
The Executive Committee members of the UCWC are united in endorsing Kelly Robson as a candidate for Mashpee School Committee. Kelly is dedicated, as we are, to encouraging and extending women’s voices and their participation in public service and to building a community that is equitable and inclusive.
Kelly, an eleven-year Mashpee resident, is the parent of a child in the 5th grade at Quashnet School and an older daughter who has already graduated. Currently, in addition to raising her son and working full-time, she attends School Committee meetings, was the Cub Scout Den Leader for 6 years, and is a volunteer with the Mashpee Travel Basketball League.
As a School Committee member, she will continue to work on student wellness and providing a safe, healthy, and equitable environment for all Mashpee students. Her vision for Mashpee schools is that they become a place where students are respected and heard and where there are actual repercussions for bullying, racism, and fighting.
As a business manager for an HVAC company, Kelly works with a variety of people both inside and outside the company. Her background and professional experience will bring added value to how to provide a safe and secure environment for all Mashpee students and staff. Further, Kelly has demonstrated her ability to navigate complex situations, develop realistic strategies to meet goals, balance budgets, and offer mindful communication in the moment.
We feel these qualities and experience make Kelly an ideal candidate for the Mashpee School Committee.
We are confident that Kelly will be successful in her goal for Mashpee schools to become even more responsive and respectful of student, school, and community differences and needs.
Voting is essential to the health of our local, state, and national governments. Our votes are especially critical to protecting and advancing social, economic, and racial justice. The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is excited to join the effort to elect Kelly Robson to Mashpee School Committee in the upcoming May 11 town election.
Please share this endorsement with others who may be interested in learning about Kelly Robson’s campaign for Mashpee School Committee. Thank you very much for your support of this outstanding candidate. Change begins at home and local elections are critical to the well-being of our democracy. Please make arrangements to vote at your polling location on May 11 between 7 AM and 8 PM.
Thank you!
Upper Cape Women’s Coalition Executive Committee
If you do not know your precinct or where to vote, please click on Where Do I Vote?
Early voting begins April 29 in Town Hall; vote-by-mail is also available.
Check your voter registration: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
Mashpee School Committee: Brian Weeden
The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is very pleased to endorse Brian Weeden for School Committee in Mashpee’s town election on May 11, 2024.
This endorsement is based on the candidate’s responses to questions posed by UCWC members in a personal interview and assessment of the candidate’s positions on issues of concern. We contacted all known candidates for this position, some of whom did not respond.
The Executive Committee members of the UCWC are united in endorsing Brian Weeden for re-election to the Mashpee School Committee. Currently serving as vice-chair of the School Committee, Brian is dedicated, as we are, to encouraging and extending women’s voices and their participation in public service and to building a community that is equitable and inclusive.
Wampanoag Tribal Chair, Brian Weeden, a life-time Mashpee resident, is the parent of a pre-school age child. In addition to working full-time, being on the School Committee, and his role as Tribal Chair, Brian is a leader in several national organizations supporting Indigenous peoples, many with an emphasis on youth. As a School Committee member, he will continue to work on student wellness and providing a safe, healthy, and equitable environment for all Mashpee students.
Brian’s own experience in the Mashpee Schools and his knowledge of the current situation suggest that bullying and racial taunts often occur outside the classroom, making it difficult to respond to. While in high school, Brian began his ongoing focus on youth and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. His commitment to youth and community continues with his vision for Mashpee schools; that they become a place where all students and staff are respected, heard, and supported.
We believe that these qualities and experience make Brian an ideal candidate for the Mashpee School Committee. We are confident that Brian will be successful in his goal for Mashpee schools to become even more responsive and respectful of student, school, and community differences and needs.
Voting is essential to the health of our local, state, and national governments. Our votes are especially critical to protecting and advancing social, economic, and racial justice. The Upper Cape Women’s Coalition is excited to join the effort to elect Brian Weeden to Mashpee School Committee in the upcoming May 11 town election.
Please share this endorsement with others who may be interested in learning about Brian Weeden’s campaign for Mashpee School Committee. Thank you very much for your support of this outstanding candidate. Change begins at home and local elections are critical to the well-being of our democracy. Please make arrangements to vote at your polling location on May 11 between 7 AM and 8 PM.
Thank you!
Upper Cape Women’s Coalition Executive Committee
If you do not know your precinct or where to vote, please click on Where Do I Vote?
Early voting begins April 29 in Town Hall; vote-by-mail is also available.
Check your voter registration: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx