by Frank Schroth

Katie Conlon, candidate for Milton Selectman, kicked off her campaign yesterday afternoon at an event in a back room at Steel & Rye. The room, festooned with red and yellow balloons, was crowded and loud.

Ms. Conlon is challenging Bob Sweeney, the incumbent. She was introduced by two of her campaign team, Emily Innes and co-chair of campaign, Barbara Martin. In their separate remarks both characterized Conlon as “thoughtful.” Ms. Martin said Conlon was “judicious, respectful .  .  . [both] a leader and a listener  [who has] a strong work ethic.”

In her comments to the crowd Ms. Conlon cited her experiences and history of civic involvement, drawing a connection with her current motivations for running for selectmen with the impulse to become a town meeting member at age 19. There are three: love of Milton, interest in town government, and a desire to serve.

She believes the town needs new leadership and that she is the one to provide it. She recalled at age 19 being at town meeting and “I watched the action at the warrant committee table and the selectmen’s table and I thought someday I’d like to sit at both of those tables.” Conlon has served on the Warrant Committee and now seeks a Selectman’s seat.

“When you ask for someone’s vote, you are asking for their trust. . . I am asking for your trust and if it’s given I will accept it with the gratitude and respect it deserves.”Conlon mentioned that upcoming debates will air the respective candidates views on current issues facing the town. But she noted that we do not know what issues may come up in the future. She believes it is “just as important to know how a person will make their  decisions as it is to know what a candidate’s views are on any  given issue of the day .  .  . I will be a good listener. I will be deliberate and make decisions that are impartial and informed by the facts and the law.”

She concluded saying, “When you ask for someone’s vote, you are asking for their trust. . . I am asking for your trust and if it’s given I will accept it with the gratitude and respect it deserves.”

photos by Frank Schroth