What folks are saying...

"Gil Hoy is committed to supporting measures to maintain the excellence of Brookline's schools and services. Additionally, he has set forth an agenda that includes working to promote diversity within the town, protecting the environment, creating more affordable housing, and finding creative and fair ways to control costs and increase revenues. He also supports an open and transparent government. Leadership like Gil's is an elusive quality these days, and one that ought to be rewarded. Please join me in voting for Gil Hoy for Selectman on May 6."

-- State Representative Frank I. Smizik

"Gil Hoy has always been a terrific friend and supporter of the schools, and we will need his support in the upcoming years of tight budgets. Gil is committed to the core to maintaining the excellence of the Brookline Public School System. Please join me in voting for Gil on Tuesday, May 6."

-- Judy Meyers,
Chair, Brookline School Committee

"Gil’s independence of thought is in short supply on the Board of Selectmen. One example from a number of years ago is when the Board considered the renovation of the Main Library. The projected amount was staggering, and four of us were, reluctantly, prepared to defer the project. Gil took us to task, eloquently arguing for the importance of our gem of a Library and a scheme of private fundraising and state aid. Gil’s arguments prevailed, and time has proven him correct. Every time I enter our beautifully renovated Main Library, I think of Gil and silently thank him."

-- Don Weitzman,
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 12
Former Selectman

"Gil Hoy is the one candidate for Selectman whose service to the town and to its citizens makes him stand out as an exemplary leader for Brookline. Gil has been a leader and listener for the twelve years he has served our town and he has been a voice for ALL Brookline citizens. He has fought to overcome the perception that 'insiders' have the ear of the Board of Selectmen, by instituting an open public comment period at Selectmen's meetings and by working for an open public process no matter what the issue."

-- Andrew M. Fischer, Town Meeting Member, Precinct 13

"Hoy, who implemented the public comment period, understands that, apart from keeping government transparent, public comment also serves to keep residents from feeling like they're held in contempt."

-- Brookline Tab,
January 10, 2008 Editorial

"One of my highest priorities has been, and will continue to be, promoting meaningful citizen participation in all aspects of Town Government. Citizen participation, and the respect of our citizens by the Selectmen, lead to better results and are at the heart of grass-roots democracy." -- Gil Hoy


Dear Friend,

It has been a true honor and privilege to serve the people of Brookline as your Selectman for the past twelve years. I consider myself very fortunate to be representing this Town and our citizens who care so deeply about our Town and its future.

I am running for re-election primarily because I believe that I bring an independent voice to the Board that needs to be heard. I also believe that my many years of prior service and experience will be a real asset to the Town in these difficult financial times.

Gil with wife Fran (left) and mother Chobee (right)

I believe that public process is the hallmark of good government in Brookline, throughout the Commonwealth and for our country. It is critical to the Town that the Board of Selectmen welcomes and, in fact, actively solicits and encourages public comment and participation. Such a process will result in better and more informed decisions. For these reasons, I instituted a public comment period, which allows for public comment by any citizen at each Selectmen’s meeting. I will continue to try to promote open, participatory and reasonable political process in Brookline. 

During my nearly 12 years on the Board, I have helped Brookline accomplish many great things, such as: constructing a Senior Center; restoring our main library; moving towards the forefront of green technology; renovating some of our schools; funding affordable housing; modernizing our 911 dispatch operation and thereby placing more police officers on the street; becoming a leader in the municipal use of IT; and increasing our parks inventory. Accomplishments like these make me proud to be a Selectman.

However, we have great challenges ahead of us. In fact, our ability to sustain our longstanding excellence in our schools and town services is now in jeopardy.  I believe that my many years of service and past experience will serve the Town well in these upcoming years of projected budget deficits and financial constraints.

Please feel free to contact me at any time at my home (617-738-0889) or at my law office (617-787-3700). I look forward to the opportunity to continue working with you to maintain our excellent town services and schools and to make Brookline thrive.

I ask for your vote on Tuesday, May 6!

Sincerely,

Gil Hoy

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And remember: Election Day is Tuesday, May 6th. To find out where your polling place is so that you can cast your vote to help Re-Elect Gil Hoy, please go to the website of the
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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"One of my colleagues has stated that the Selectmen need to address a 'Trust Gap' with the citizenry and Town Meeting Members. He was correct. But it’s also a leadership and listening issue. The Board must work to encourage and, in fact, actively solicit public comment and input and all of our citizens deserve and must be treated with courtesy and respect. We also need to continue to work on appointing to Town Boards and Commissions more officials who will give deference to neighbors and neighborhoods. Brookline’s buck stops with the Selectmen who must not shy away from active leadership." -- Gil Hoy

More support for Gil...

"Gil has been a strong advocate for Brookline residents. His experience and ability to bring diverse voices together will be especially crucial in these challenging times for municipal budgets."

-- State Senator Cynthia S. Creem

"Gil has regularly advocated for the employees of this Town, while at the same time being mindful of our fiscal responsibilities. He is also a strong advocate for our neighborhoods in opposing inappropriate development."

-- Bobby Murphy,
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 16

"Gil is a leader in calling for increased public comment and input at Board of Selectmen meetings. At a time when many Brookline residents feel there is a 'trust gap' in our local government, we need a Selectman like Gil to continue to support greater public input and to ensure that town officials listen to all citizens."

-- Sean M. Lynn-Jones,
Advisory Committee Member

"Gil Hoy’s devotion to all Brookline residents, both young and old, rich and poor, has throughout his life and tenure as Selectman made a positive difference to the lives of many. He has always been a hands on champion of all who need help. We need his dedication and knowledge to make sure that Brookline and its residents will continue to be cared about and protected. He has my endorsement and vote. Please give him yours."

-- Evelyn Roll,
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 8

"As Chair of the Town’s Green Technology Committee, Selectman Hoy was instrumental last year in amending our Town’s By-Laws to require consideration of energy efficiency and environmentally friendly initiatives in our capital projects. Hoy has always been and continues to be a forceful advocate for open space, the environment, and the Town’s historic and cultural resources."

-- Betsy Shure Gross,
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 5

"Whether defending a citizen’s civil rights, demanding public participation, protecting Coolidge Corner from excessive development or enforcing our underage drinking laws in bars, Gil Hoy has demonstrated the courage and independent thinking that is so desperately needed on the Board."

-- Marty Rosenthal,
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 9
Former Selectman