Candidate Page ~ Catherine (Cathy) Cordes, Moderator

 

 

 


Basic contact information

  • Email  ccordes @ teamflow.com

Click this link to read Cathy Cordes’s caucus statement

What inspires you to continue volunteering in your current role, and how do you plan to keep your outlook fresh? I cannot imagine living in Bedford and not being part of town government in some way – and being Moderator is great way to be involved.  National and state government can seem so far removed and so inaccessible to individuals. Here in Bedford every voter is a part of the government.  When you as a voter attend Town Meeting, you become the legislature, i.e., “the body of government that has the power to make laws for a political unit.” That political unit in this case is the Town of Bedford.  My role as Moderator is to preside over the meeting and make sure that it runs in an orderly fashion.  I take that responsibility seriously because, when it comes time to vote on the articles presented, I want people to feel they can make informed decisions.

Bringing fresh eyes to Town Meeting means listening to those who attend regularly – as well as those who do not attend.  I want to do everything I can to make Town Meeting a meaningful and effective means of governing for the good of all. I belong to the Massachusetts Moderators Association(MMA). And, I serve on the 2040 Town Meeting of the Future” MMA Working Group that is working to ensure the relevance of Town Meeting by sharing best practices and sharing new ideas for improving citizen engagement.

What challenges do you anticipate in the coming term? The biggest challenge right now is introducing Town Meeting form of government to new Bedford voters – 18 year olds and new residents in town. The current political vernacular uses “Town Meeting” a feedback session with a politician.  It is confusing therefore when they see “Town Meeting Warrant” and do not understand the process.

A big part of the job for new voters is to learn that they have a role to play in local government. They can make a difference through attendance at Town Meeting.  I will continue to explore a variety of ways to help voters understand their opportunity to make government in Bedford truly “of the people, by the people for the people.”

Final campaign statement: I am excited to have been nominated for a second term as your Town Moderator. I have lived in Bedford for 43 years, raised two sons here, and I am a grandmother to 3 terrific grandkids.

I am a fierce defender of Town Meeting. I believe in open, transparent and participatory government. It depends on thoughtful, informed voters. My role as Moderator is to preside over the meeting and make sure that it runs in an orderly fashion.  I take that responsibility seriously because, when it comes time to vote on the articles presented, I want people to feel they can make informed decisions.

I want to continue this work.  I do appreciate your vote on March 9 to elect me for a second term as Town Moderator.

Thank you,

Catherine (Cathy) Cordes

 

 

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