Differing priorities emerged between two of the candidates for the vacant Bedford Planning Board seat during the League of Women Voters candidate forum broadcast on Sunday.
Armen Zildjian said the cornerstone of his campaign is diversifying housing inventory. Housing affordability affects residents who wish to downsize, “working-class families who built this town,” and people of other socio-economic backgrounds with little or no access.”
Chris Gittins emphasized “proactive” long-term planning, guided by the specific components of the Comprehensive Plan.
Zildjian, Gittins, and Bryan Jean are running for the three-year term on the March 13 ballot. Incumbent Jeffrey Cohen is not seeking reelection. Jean did not participate in Sunday’s forum; there was no explanation.
Published with thanks to the Charles River Wheelmen and The WheelPeople editors
Don Blake was perhaps the longest-serving of the Charles River Wheelmen cycling club: he was club treasurer from 1972 until 2011, close to 40 years. Don passed away on February 15, 2021, at age 89. We extend our condolences to his friends and family and share memories from Bedford members and others who remember Don.
We are writing in support of Maureen Richichi’s candidacy for the Bedford Board of Health in the Town Election on March 13, 2021. We believe Maureen will be an effective and valuable Board of Health member who responds to the needs and concerns of our Bedford Community. She has an open mind, a broad public health background, and is willing to listen to the residents to represent their interests. We feel she will use her expertise, experience, and balanced judgment to evaluate resident input, fact-based evidence, best practices, public health guidance, and collaborate with other Town boards to make good decisions for Bedford.