The letters below have been submitted to the Brookline Tab in support of Gil's re-election to the Board of Selectmen.


Hoy Cares About Important Issues
April 24, 2008:

I am very pleased to be an endorser of Gil Hoy for selectman.

Gil supports many of the issues I care about and have worked for in the Legislature. He is committed to supporting measures to maintain the excellence of Brookline’s schools and services. Additionally, he has set forth an agenda that includes making Brookline a more “green community,” 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.

Gil also supports small business owners and improving our business areas, the programs of the Brookline Health Department, and assistance to Brookline veterans. Gil supports changing our zoning laws to protect neighborhoods. Brookline is sometimes a divided town, but Gil is consistently trying to bridge the gap and works well with all of his constituents.

I believe Gil Hoy’s skills are important for the board at this time, and that is why I am giving him one of my votes for selectman on May 6. I urge you to do the same.

Frank I. Smizik, State Representative
15th Norfolk District

***
Hoy Sticks to His Principles
April 24, 2008:

Gil Hoy deserves to be re-elected to the Board of Selectmen and Brookline benefits from his presence on the board. Gil has done a superb job of representing Brookline’s citizens. He has been a very strong supporter for excellence in our schools, our public safety and town services, our libraries, our parks and services for seniors. The many letters to this paper are testament to Gil’s tirelessness and determination on our behalf.

When I was a member of the School Committee, I knew that we could count on Gil to have a reasoned approach to the thorny issues facing us, and to be a dogged advocate for the schools. But Gil’s advocacy on behalf of Brookline residents extends far beyond its schools. He worked to make the Senior Center happen; he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our parks, open space, libraries and town services; he has championed the inclusion of neighborhoods in the planning process of development; and he has been a forceful voice on the Board of Selectmen for evenhandedness and for allowing an open and fair process in hearings.

Perhaps his most notable quality is that he sticks to his principles and takes actions based on them. He has always valued citizen participation in government as he did when he instituted a public comment period at Board of Selectmen meetings in the face of some skepticism and dismissive attitudes by others. Our society would greatly benefit from having more politicians who stand up for what’s right despite the pressure to act otherwise. The citizens of Brookline can rely on Gil to tell us the truth and to put our interests first. Let’s re-elect Gil to the Board of Selectmen because we deserve to have a selectman of his caliber.

Nancy Heller, former chair, School Committee
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 8

***
Hoy Works Hard for BATV
April 24, 2008:

As president of the Brookline Access Television Board of Directors, I am writing to endorse Gil Hoy for selectman. Gil has served with distinction on the Board of Selectmen for 12 years, and, in my role at BATV, I have had many opportunities to work with him.

I have seen firsthand how hard Gil works on behalf of Brookline, particularly as the lead negotiator in litigation and other dealings with Comcast and RCN. Gil has been tenacious in negotiations on license agreements, concluding difficult deals with both, which combined have brought Brookline over a million dollars. He also previously helped to negotiate other license agreements resulting in millions of dollars for the town in cash and benefits, which in turn help BATV provide Brookline public access television programming.

In addition to hammering out tough licensing negotiations for the town, Gil also has shown himself to be a strong advocate for education, which dovetails perfectly with BATV’s mission of public service. Gil helped forge a strong new alliance between BATV and Brookline schools by advocating to move the BATV studio to Brookline High School, and securing the funds to make it a reality. This strategic relocation of BATV will ensure that our students will enjoy a broader range of practical skill-building and vocational preparation, in a state-of-the-art facility.

At BATV, we serve the citizens of Brookline by covering school and town-wide meetings and events, providing programming that focuses on local issues, and by giving Brookline’s residents free access to the airwaves. Having Gil Hoy on the Board of Selectmen helps us to perform our mission masterfully. Please remember to vote for Gil on May 6.

Will Slotnick, President, BATV Board of Directors
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 12

***
Hoy Understands Town/School Link
April 24, 2008:

I am writing on behalf of Gil Hoy’s candidacy for selectman. In a town like Brookline, the well being of our town and our school system are inextricably linked. Gil has a deep understanding of that connection and a proven track record in supporting programs and policies that serve our schools, and our town, well. Gil represents a strong voice for transparent processes in the town, for a sense of balance and fair play in our community, and a voice for a strong and respected constituency in our town. I believe he should be re-elected to the Board of Selectman to continue his long service to our community.

Isabella Hinds, Former Chair, School Committee
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 11

***
Hoy a Proven Leader
April 24, 2008:

I have known Gil Hoy and his family since our children started kindergarten together more than 10 years ago. I have always respected him for how hard he has worked for the town. As a member of the Override Study Committee who has come to know the town’s financial situation and its need for this override, I have developed a deeper respect for Gil and believe strongly that he has earned our vote through his record.

It’s worth noting that Brookline has not needed a general override since 1994 and that Gil has been a selectman for almost that entire period. However, now that raising additional funds is needed, Gil had to courage to step forward as the lone voice for supporting the full override as a single vote. This is not surprising given his track record.

Gil found creative approaches to renovate the Main Library with funds that were raised privately, so that the town budget would not have to bear the entire burden; he was responsible for negotiations and settlement of litigation with the cable companies (Comcast and RCN) that yielded millions of dollars in funding for Brookline Access TV; and he has always been a strong advocate for our schools, especially in helping to protect vital positions in the recent past.

Going forward, we need continuity in our leadership to ensure we get through these tough fiscal times. Gil has proven he can provide this. He has made clear that he recognizes that controlling personnel costs is the key to the town’s fiscal policy. He favors keeping total employee cost increases to no more than 3.75 percent per year so that these costs do not grow faster than annual increases in revenue. He also supports the move making town employees join the GIC, as recommended by the OSC — this is critical to a long-term sustainable budget. And he favors using at least some of the potential $1 million-$2 million in savings to fund future retiree health costs.

For all of the above reasons, I am voting for Gil Hoy and hope you do so as well.

Tony Friscia, Member, Override Study Committee
Denny Road

***
Hoy a ‘Lone Voice’
April 24, 2008:

For the past 12 years, Gil Hoy has done an outstanding job as a Brookline selectman. While he brings many strengths to the office, the one I appreciate most is his willingness to advocate for what he believes is right, even if his is a lone voice. He deals honestly and fairly with issues, including ones that are controversial, and he isn’t afraid to take positions at odds with the majority viewpoint. Even in situations where feelings run high, Gil conducts himself in a respectful and dignified manner.

Those of us who have been active in protecting our fragile neighborhoods know that Gil will listen with an open mind to what we have to say, and will not assume that we are operating out of a reactionary fear of change. He understands that our neighborhoods, north and south, are the backbone of the town and deserve protection from overzealous developers and misguided planning. Although the needs of the town and those of the neighborhoods can sometimes be at odds, Gil is able to work with the affected parties to achieve reasonable solutions.

Gil Hoy understands that citizens of the town need to feel that those in charge are listening to them. His establishment of an open comment time at the beginning of each selectmen’s meeting ensures that people with concerns of every sort have access to their town officials. He knows that town government in Brookline can be considered successful only when people believe that it represents their best interests, that it is a smoothly working grassroots democracy.

I urge the voters of Brookline to support Gil Hoy’s re-election to the Board of Selectmen.

Barbara Scotto
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 8
Crowninshield Road

***
Hoy Commands Respect
April 24, 2008:

At the town election on Tuesday, May 6, I will be voting to re-elect Gil Hoy to the Board of Selectmen. I’ve known Gil since he ran for Town Meeting in 1996, so he is an old friend. But my support is not based on loyalty alone.

In my 18 years on the School Committee, I observed many committees and boards of the town. I know that the smooth working of a board depends, in part, on the civility and respect that the members pay to one another. Gil is first and foremost kind and respectful. Because he gives and commands respect, he plays an essential role.

For me, of course, support of our public schools is the primary responsibility of the town. Gil is and always has been supportive of the schools. He serves as the selectman representative on the Town/School Partnership Committee. Because he listens to the committee members, he understands the needs of the system and he can report them honestly and persuasively to the board.

I also must highlight that he is the chair of the Green Technology Committee. Except for the schools, I don’t believe there is anything more important to the future of the town than reducing our carbon footprint and preserving our environment in other ways.

Gil is experienced, having served four terms on the board. He is an independent thinker —not afraid to stand alone in standing for what he sees to be right.

Gil listens to others. He wants the board to allow citizens to speak.

For these reasons, I hope others will join me in voting to re-elect him to the Board of Selectmen.

James W. Schlesinger, Former School Committee Member
Clark Road

***
Hoy a Supporter of Seniors, Open Space, Neighborhoods
April 24, 2008:

We wholeheartedly endorse Gil Hoy for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. Gil exemplifies the integrity, independence, character, values and commitment so vital to our town government.

During his 12 years of outstanding public service as a selectmen, Gil’s dedication and leadership have contributed indispensably to the quality of life in Brookline. His accomplishments are too numerous to list, but among them are his unwavering support for the schools, his hard work to make the Senior Center a reality, his lead in obtaining financing for the library renovation, his willingness to stand up for down-zoning and other measures to protect neighborhoods from excessive development, his consistently independent voice for transparent government and his role as a most prominent force for the environment and for preservation of parks and open space.

At a time of nationwide economic uncertainty and tight budgets, Gil will continue to find creative and equitable ways to control costs and increase revenues. Gil’s experience on the Board of Selectmen and his ability to work with Brookline’s representatives in the State House make him the best candidate to deal with the challenges of balancing Brookline’s budget and maintaining the excellence of the town’s schools and services.

Gil’s remarkable service to Brookline has helped to make it such a special place to live. We urge you to join us and vote for Gil Hoy for selectman on May 6.

Susan Ellis
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 7, Washington Street and
Betty Goldstein
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 7, Perry Street

***
Hoy is Good for Brookline
April 24, 2008:

I support the re-election of Gil Hoy to the Board of Selectman, and ask others to do so also. What impresses me about Gil is his willingness to do the right thing. He stood alone for the issue of rezoning neighborhoods in Coolidge Corner, making sure the Arthur Conquest matter be properly dealt with, and neighbors’ concerns about the St. Aidan’s project be heard. As board chairman, he implemented a public comment period at Board of Selectmen meetings. Gil is not satisfied just to let things be in Brookline. He works hard to make Brookline better.

Please cast one of your votes for Gil on May 6.

Chuck Swartz
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 9

***
Hoy Speaks His Mind
April 24, 2008:

I have always admired a person who has the confidence to speak his mind, even when they are in the minority, politically. Gil Hoy has been that kind of representative as selectman for the citizens of Brookline. Upfront, he goes out of his way to answer citizens’ questions honestly and fairly, and to follow up when appropriate. His countenance is always pleasant and positive. I urge you to vote to re-elect Gil Hoy on May 6.

Anthony Andreadis
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 15

***
Hoy the Type of Public Servant we Want
April 24, 2008:

I write to urge voters to re-elect Selectman Gil Hoy. I worked closely with Gil for three years on the Town Moderator’s Committee on Campaign Finance. The committee was formed by Town Meeting to explore methods by which Brookline could supplement state law with its own restrictions on the financing of campaigns for town office. Our committee worked intensely, meeting dozens of times and making several public presentations. Gil was not only an active participant throughout, but brought a keen insight that elevated the group’s work. In addition to being a fountain of knowledge about the workings of town government and the political system, he was often a source of innovative ideas and solutions to complex problems. Gil was persuasive without being overbearing, could compromise without sacrificing his principles, and was professional while remaining friendly. Despite his success under the existing system and the committee’s conclusions that reform measures would benefit challengers over incumbents like him, Gil supported such measures.

At Town Meeting, he spoke eloquently about the impact of money on the political process and convinced that body to make Brookline the first town in Massachusetts to enact its own campaign finance reforms. Regardless of one’s opinion on the issue of campaign finance reform, one has to admire an elected official who supports placing restrictions on himself and giving opportunities to his opponents out of a concern for the greater good. In short, Gil is the type of public servant that voters always say they would like to see on ballots more often. Let’s keep him in office.

Randall E. Ravitz
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 8

***
Hoy Leads on Key Issues
April 24, 2008:

We enthusiastically endorse Gil Hoy for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. In his 12 years as a selectman, Gil has repeatedly shown that he supports the causes that are important to us and to many other Brookline residents, including: (1) maintaining our excellent school system and backing the world language initiative; (2) recognizing the importance of mental health by supporting the Brookline Mental Health Center; (3) focusing on the arts by voting for a 30-year lease renewal for the Brookline Arts Center; and (4) demonstrating that he is for responsible development by helping our neighborhood to create the Chestnut Hill North Local Historic District.

Gil Hoy has shown time and time again that he stands up for what he believes in. As a result, he has helped make Brookline the unique town that it is today. Brookline needs Gil Hoy on the Board of Selectmen. Please go to the polls on May 6 and join us in casting a vote for Gil.

Carol Hall and Frank Lee
Norfolk Road

***
Hoy Adds Thoughtfulness to Board
April 17, 2008:

I enthusiastically support Gil Hoy for re-election to Brookline’s Board of Selectmen. During his 12 years on the board, he has provided an informed and independent voice, supporting residents and neighborhoods and raising the level of discourse at selectmen’s meetings. Repeatedly, Gil has been the most thoughtful commentator on the board — asking probing questions, listening respectfully to all residents and advocating policies in the best interests of the entire town.

I urge you to vote for Gil Hoy for Selectman on May 6.

Diana Spiegel
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 2

***
Hoy Dedicated to Open Government
April 17, 2008:

At a recent meeting of the Riverway Island Neighborhood Association, Brookline’s head of transportation, Peter Ditto, unveiled plans to remediate three dangerous intersections that have plagued our neighborhood for decades. As one member commented, “It felt like Christmas!”

Since I first gathered neighbors to found RINA over 10 years ago, we have been talking about how to get help for the intersections, but time constraints and not knowing what the first step should be kept us in limbo. When Gil Hoy became chair of the Board of Selectmen and introduced the public comment period, I saw our chance. Neighbors signed a petition, and we took it to the BOS, which charged Mr. Ditto with the task. Now a wholesale revamping of the intersections is under way.

While I am extremely grateful to Mr. Ditto and his dedicated staff, I am also grateful to Gil Hoy for giving us the opportunity to jumpstart this process through the public comment period. Gil’s dedication to openness and accessibility in town government is important for Brookline, and I urge Brookline voters to reelect him in May.

Kathe Geist
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 3

***
Hoy ‘Courageous, Clear-Sighted’
April 17, 2008:

For 12 years, Gil Hoy has been our essential selectman. His work has so thoroughly touched our lives, it’s impossible to name all Gil’s accomplishments. Without his persistence and his great gift for consensus-building, the Main Library might never have been renovated or the Senior Center constructed. Coolidge Corner might have continued to lose irreplaceable houses and equally irreplaceable green space. Residents might still be ticketed for parking in front of their own houses and small businesspeople be short of affordable parking for their employees. Parks might be shoddier, housing for the poor and elderly still less available, town buildings less reliant on green technology.

Like other writers to the TAB, I could continue to recite Gil’s greatest official successes. But I’d rather mention his human gifts. I believe Gil to be an honorable man, deeply committed to fairness, to letting us know what’s going on behind long-closed institutional doors. Against entrenched opposition, Gil has instituted a public comment period at selectmen’s meetings: something essential in the widening “trust gap” between public and official realms. Gil listens with genuine respect to anyone wishing to be heard. And he wants other selectmen to listen, too. Week after week, against intense opposition, Gil insisted the selectmen listen fully to Arthur Conquest’s charges of recent racial injustice. Gil was even-handed, morally grounded and alone in raising hard questions both about Conquest and our police. In the end, the Board voted against a hearing. Gil failed. But it was precisely the sort of failure our town needs in its leaders.

It showed that Gil is courageous, clear-sighted and nobody’s person but his own. Gil had voiced our public need to live as honorable, justice-seeking people.

I urge readers to sustain Gil’s independent voice for the next three years. We need him now more, perhaps, than ever. Please vote for Gil Hoy on May 6.

Harriet Rosenstein
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 9

***
Gil Hoy Great for Libraries, Town
April 17, 2008:

As one of the town officials who has endorsed Gil Hoy in his re-election bid for selectman, I am writing to encourage the citizens of Brookline to vote for Gil next month. There have already been many letters in the TAB praising Gil and offering numerous reasons to support him. As a Brookline Library Trustee, I can attest to how much of a friend Gil has been to the town’s public library.

I have always found Gil to be one of the most supportive of the selectmen when it comes to library issues. Gil understands how valuable the citizens of our town find the services provided by our public libraries. He knows that libraries are a major attraction for all, and whenever the libraries have needed support from the selectmen, Gil has always been one of the first selectmen to pay close attention to the libraries’ needs. He played a particularly valuable leadership role as chair of the committee that oversaw the renovation of the Main Library.

A majority of the Board of Library Trustees has come out in support of Gil; I believe that makes the point more succinctly than I possibly could. Gil Hoy’s voice is an independent one that is invaluable to the town of Brookline. Please vote for Gil Hoy for selectman on May 6. We need him.

Michael A. Burstein, Library Trustee
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 9

***
Town Lucky to Have Hoy
April 10, 2008:

I enthusiastically support Gil Hoy in his campaign for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. It seems as though most of the TAB letters that endorse candidates come from well known elected officials, Town Meeting members and long-time political activists. I am not in any of those categories, but I would like to explain why I am voting for Gil, and urge others to join me.

Whenever I have attended Board of Selectmen meetings, I have been struck by Gil’s genuine interest in and respect for others’ viewpoints, including public comments. When I presented, he paid close attention and listened. In my view, we should judge our elected officials not only by how they treat their colleagues, but also by the courtesy and respect that they show to the public. Gil seems to recognize this point, and it’s not surprising that he is an advocate for meaningful citizen participation. When I worked with Gil on the Clean Car Committee, I found that he understood the workings of government and could forge a consensus.

As someone who has worked in the health and human services field, I appreciate Gil’s efforts to increase and improve the array of services available in Brookline. He was instrumental in bringing about the Senior Center, consistently has supported expansion of senior programs and recently voted in favor of a property tax abatement for seniors who qualify based on income. Gil also has served as the selectmen’s representative to the town’s Commission for the Disabled to promote program and faculty accessibility, including the current renovation of Longwood Station. He is an advocate for Brookline Public Schools, which both he and his children have attended, and an early supporter of the override to preserve our schools and services.

I feel that Brookline’s residents are very fortunate to have someone of Gil’s caliber working on our behalf. I plan to cast my vote for Gil Hoy on May 6, and I urge others to do so, as well.

Kim Smith
Brington Road

***
Hoy has ‘Stellar Record’ of Service
April 10, 2008:

I have read with interest the many letters of support for Gil Hoy that have appeared in the TAB over the past weeks as he seeks re-election to a fifth term on the Board of Selectmen. Gil is indeed a remarkable elected official with a stellar record of service to the town. All of us who love Brookline can thank Gil for his work to make the Senior Center a reality; his unstinting commitment to preserve our parks and open space; his insistence on including neighborhood voices in plans for development; his help creating permits for residents to park on their own blocks; his advocacy for excellence in our schools and libraries; his work to ensure we use green technology in town construction projects; his lucid understanding of the fiscal realities we face now; his stubborn insistence on transparency in the workings of governance; and the list goes on.

One aspect of Gil that I particularly value is his fairness: He treats everyone who comes before the Board of Selectmen with dignity and respect. Those qualities seem to be in short supply in our public life at the moment. Gil has never forgotten what it means to petition the government for redress of our grievances, and how important it is for government to listen.

I am grateful for Gil’s dedication to the town and hope others will join me in voting on May 6 to ensure that we continue to profit from Gil’s public service and his example.

Cathleen Cavell
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 1

***
Hoy Good for Small Business
April 10, 2008:

I am writing to endorse Gil Hoy for selectman. Gil has been on the Board of Selectmen for 12 years, and I hope that the voters of Brookline will re-elect him for another three years when they go to the polls next month. I have run a business in Brookline for 30 years, and I have been involved in many community activities. I have seen what Gil has done and what he can do. There is no question that Brookline is better off with Gil on the Board of Selectmen and that he should be re-elected.

Gil knows Brookline. He grew up in this town, attended the Heath School and Brookline High, and sent his three children to Brookline’s public schools. He is deeply involved in the community and understands what Brookline needs. Gil is the kind of guy who is willing to listen to and work with many different groups of people. I worked with him on Brookline’s Commercial Areas Committee, and I can say that Gil knows what it takes to bring people together. He has been a good friend to the small businesses in Brookline — and small businesses help to make Brookline a great place to live.

Gil Hoy will definitely bring outstanding leadership and years of experience to the board.

Please vote for Gil Hoy for selectman on May 6!

Elias Audy
Former President, Brookline Chamber of Commerce

***
Hoy a Supporter of Schools, Libraries
April 10, 2008:

I am writing in support of Gil Hoy’s re-election for selectman.

I have worked with Gil on town issues since we both were first elected to Town Meeting in Precinct 12 in 1994. In the intervening years and roles, he has represented Brookline citizens with integrity, commitment, independence and lots of hard work. Gil has always supported excellent town services with special attention to the schools and the library. And his deep value of citizen participation has always informed the ways he has approached town issues.

As a library trustee since 2000, I have always known we could count on Gil as one of the strongest champions of the library and its services to the town. He was the enthusiastic leader of the selectmen in the early days of the renovation of the Main Library, and throughout the negotiations as the work went forward. If not for Gil’s constant support, we would not have the magnificent facility that we all enjoy today.

Gil has continued to be an unwavering backer of the library’s commitment to the research, reading and learning needs of our citizens. He understands that it is our educational institutions that make our town a magnet for families, working people, single adults and elders. He knows that we must continue to maintain the highest quality of these municipal institutions to provide the quality of life that Brookline citizens expect and deserve.

I support Gil Hoy for selectman without reservation. I hope you will join me in voting for Gil Hoy on May 6.

Carol Axelrod
Chair, Trustees of the Public Library of Brookline
Clark Road

***
Hoy an Independent Thinker
April 3, 2008:

With great pleasure and enthusiasm, I endorse Gil Hoy for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. I have watched Gil’s service to Brookline since we ran together for Town Meeting in 1994. For three years, I sat on the Board of Selectmen with Gil, and that experience gave me an intimate view of Gil’s contributions, skills, and love for Brookline.

The Board of Selectmen is a better-functioning body with Gil as a member, and Brookline is a better community because of his service. From the beginning of his tenure, Gil has demonstrated an independence of thought. For example, when the board first considered the renovation of the Main Library, the estimated cost was staggering, and four selectmen — including me — were prepared to defer the much-needed project. Gil took us to task, eloquently arguing for the importance of our gem of a library and devising a scheme of private fundraising to complement state aid, which made the cost to the town manageable.

Gil’s arguments prevailed, and time has proven him correct. After Gil convinced the rest of us, he took on the work of shepherding the project through its various stages. Every time I enter our beautifully renovated Main Library, I think of Gil and silently thank him.

Gil also stood alone in asking fundamentally important questions about the police report on the May 24, 2007, incident at Town Hall involving Arthur Conquest and others. He was a voice for essential principles of racial justice, while displaying full respect for our superb Police Department and the individual officers who were involved. As I watched Gil speak on this issue, I was powerfully struck by his combination of skills, experience and commitment to human values. While he did not prevail with the rest of the board, he saved the honor of our community by raising difficult questions no one else on the board was prepared to take on.

In my humble opinion, not only should such courageous behavior be rewarded with another term, I believe we will lose a singularly valuable voice if we fail to re-elect Gil on May 6.

Don Weitzman
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 12

***
Selectman Gives People a Voice
April 3, 2008:

Gil Hoy deserves re-election on the basis of his principled efforts to make Brookline town government more accessible to residents. In plain words, Gil wants residents to have chances to be heard.

A significant recent example of this commitment is the public comment period at the beginning of Board of Selectmen meetings. As chair of the board, Gil introduced this as a regular feature of meeting. Before the board begins its structured agenda, residents can now be heard briefly on any topic.

In some cases, the public comment period simply provide residents with a chance to get attention to a matter of concern only to them. Alternately, the public comment period gives individuals and groups a forum for providing useful new insights on town-wide issues. In either case, the public comment period is a highly welcome addition. With Gil’s reelection we will have at least one voice advocating for continuation of this feature at board meetings.

We urge you to join us in voting for Gil’s reelection on May 6!

Carol and Frank Caro
Town Meeting Members, Precinct 8

***
Hoy’s Record ‘Downright Amazing’ [Brookline PAX Endorsement]
April 3, 2008:

With great enthusiasm, Brookline PAX, a 46-year-old progressive advocacy group, endorses 12-year incumbent Selectman Gil Hoy for re-election, as the best candidate to preserve and improve Brookline’s strengths.

The PAX Board regards Gil’s 12-year record as “downright amazing.” Time after time, he has stood vocally, often in a minority (often a minority of one) of the selectmen, for the values of our community, before almost always being vindicated by an overwhelming Town Meeting vote. Among many examples:

In the recent Arthur Conquest matter, Gil pressed the selectmen to examine some serious policy issues.

In 2007, he supported rezoning some Coolidge Corner properties, preserving private green space in neighborhoods besieged by “tear-downs” — a stance subsequently supported by a two-thirds vote of Town Meeting.

He also showed his concern for our neighborhoods in 2005 by pushing for public comments at meetings about subsidies for St. Aidan’s development.

That year, Gil supported both a permit system for residents to park for over two hours on their own streets, and also legislation restoring Town Meeting’s ultimate power to revise transportation regulations.

In 2006, he supported reforms offered by the Moderator’s Committee on Campaign Finance.

And in November 2002 — five months before the war began — he supported a successful Town Meeting resolution opposing an attack on Iraq.

Gil has made steadfast efforts to close the oft-cited “trust gap” between Brookline’s officials and citizens. He has worked to make government more open, inclusive, and responsive, and has called for appointing board and commission members who pay at least the same deference to neighbors as to developers. He’s been a vocal advocate for our schools — including being an early supporter of the override; the Commission for the Disabled; various environmental and open space initiatives; senior citizens; affordable housing; our libraries; civil liberties; and preservation.

Gil, a practicing lawyer and member of a close-knit family known for its dedication to Brookline, is well known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. PAX feels that re-electing Gil is crucial to our community, so we urge Brookline residents to join us May 6 in voting for Hoy for selectman.

Marty Rosenthal and Frank Farlow
Co-chairs, Brookline PAX

***
Hoy Kicks Off Campaign
Political Notes - April 3, 2008

More than 120 supporters joined Gil Hoy at the home of his mother, Chobee Hoy, when the selectman kicked off his campaign for re-election on March 16.

Attendees included state Rep. Frank Smizik; Selectwoman Betsy DeWitt; School Committee Chairwoman Judy Meyers; School Committee members Kevin Lang and Glenn Cunha; School Committee member and candidate for re-election Rebecca Stone; School Committee candidates Barbara Scotto and Arthur Conquest; Ruth Kaplan, state Board of Education; former selectmen Marty Rosenthal and Don Weitzman; Library Trustee Chairman Carol Axelrod and library trustees Jonathan Margolis, Judith Vanderkay and Roberta Winitzer, former School Committee Chairman Bill Schlesinger; constables William Figler and Stanley Rabinovitz and more than 60 Town Meeting members.

In his remarks, Hoy said he would continue to support measures to maintain the excellence of Brookline’s schools and services, including the override, and would work to promote diversity within the town, protect the environment, create more affordable housing, conserve energy in our buildings, ensure through collective bargaining that increases in salaries and benefits are maintained within the town’s ability to pay, and find creative and fair ways to control costs and increase revenues.

***
Re-Elect Gil Hoy
March 27, 2008:

I enthusiastically support Gil Hoy's re-election to the Board of Selectmen. I will vote for Gil for many reasons, including his support for more opportunities for public comment and participation, his principled independent stands on issues, and his ability to match words with deeds.

Gil has taken the lead in calling for increased public comment and input at meetings of the Board of Selectmen and other town commissions and committees. 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.

Gil has not hesitated to be an independent voice on the Board of Selectman. Sometimes he finds himself in the minority on the Board--on issues ranging from the Iraq War to neighborhood preservation--but he is often vindicated by subsequent events and by the votes of Town Meeting as a whole. It's good to have a selectman with an independent perspective, not only because Gil is so often right, but because it's good for democracy to have a full public debate on important issues.

I am also impressed by the way Gil backs up words with deeds. Many people around Brookline regard Gil as a strong voice for parks and open space, but Gil's commitment goes beyond rhetoric. A few years ago, when neighbors of Monmouth Park asked Town Meeting to designate the park as permanently protected open space, Gil was the only selectman who agreed with our call to make sure that the town-owned building that now houses the Brookline Arts Center would always be used in ways compatible with the adjacent park. Fortunately, Town Meeting agreed with Gil. As an advocate of the renovation of Monmouth Park--and of greenspace more generally--I appreciate Gil's support for this project. It's just one of many reasons why Gil should be re-elected to the Board of Selectmen. I urge all Brookline residents to join me in casting a vote for Gil Hoy on Election Day, May 6.

Sean M. Lynn-Jones
Monmouth Street, Precinct 1

***
Hoy a Champion of Public Health
March 27, 2008:

Please join me in voting to re-elect Gil Hoy to the Board of Selectmen. Gil has provided a constant, thoughtful voice for our community. Over the last 10 years, I have had the privilege to see Gil work not only at selectmen’s meetings, town meetings and numerous public hearings, but also behind the scenes. Gil listens with open ears and an open mind and is a man of action. He tries to forge consensus but is quite willing to take independent decisive action sticking to his principles.

As a public health professional and current president of the Friends of Brookline Public Health, one of my main hopes for our community is to make Brookline as healthy as possible. Gil Hoy not only shares my goal, but actively works to promote public health in our community. Gil has been a staunch supporter of our town smoking policy that has proven to be a major success in improving the quality of life in our community. In terms of recent issues, he continues to chair the town’s Green Technology Committee, which recently proposed a warrant article that passed at Town Meeting consisting of a by-law amendment requiring that green alternatives be considered and reported to the public with respect to capital projects before any work is done. Gil has also co-chaired the selectmen’s committee aimed at eliminating the sale of alcohol to minors. He had regularly been the only selectman to vote to suspend a liquor license for a day or days when there have been violations. Gil also served on the town’s Clean Car Committee, set up by the selectmen, to draft legislation to submit to the state with respect to encouraging the purchase of more fuel-efficient motor vehicles. Gil’s commitment to public health in Brookline is unquestioned.

Finally, I want to thank Gil for helping me get more involved in our community. Gil’s unflagging enthusiasm and advocacy for our community are constant standards that remind us of what we value in Brookline. Please join me in re-electing Gil Hoy to the Board of Selectmen.

Bruce Cohen
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 12

***
Hoy Understands Need for Open Space
March 27, 2008:

We are supporting the Re-Election of Gil Hoy to the Board of Selectmen for his 12 years of service to the people of Brookline and his tireless advocacy for inclusion and participation at all levels of town government.

In particular, we applaud his commitment and concern for our parks, open spaces and sanctuaries. Both ongoing capital investment and annual maintenance funding for operations are essential to protect the capital investment and provide for the equitable distribution of active and passive recreational resources townwide. Too often the focus on public safety and education (both of which are vital to the community) obscures the issue of physical and mental health for all ages--a critical public health issue which needs to be understood and addressed. Our open spaces are four season resources where physical and mental health needs can be met.

Gil Hoy understands these needs and the challenge of meeting them. Gil will continue to work to protect and enhance Brookline's parks, playgrounds, and sanctuaries. He has been a strong supporter of open space throughout his career as a Selectman and we urge our colleagues and neighbors to vote for him on May 6.

Hugh Mattison and Betsy Shure Gross
Environmental Advocates and Town Meeting Members, Precinct. 5

***
Hoy Deserves Re-Election
March 20, 2008:

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.

As a selectman, Gil Hoy has shown a remarkable ability to bring together all elements of the Brookline community.  He has promoted a style of government that is inclusive, open and transparent, where all citizens are treated with dignity and respect, allowing all citizens to feel like their voice has been heard and that they have been included.

Gil's accomplishments go beyond just his leadership style.  As we make our choice in the upcoming election, we need remember that Gil Hoy led in obtaining the financing for the library renovation.  Gil Hoy headed the negotiations with Comcast and RCN that has provided secure funding for Brookline's cable access television, BATV.  More recently, Gil Hoy has been in the middle of negotiations regarding handicap access to Longwood T station that would provide the first handicap access from Brookline into the Emerald Necklace parks and Gil Hoy has led in the over-ride debate.

Brookline is fortunate to have the kind of open and respectful leadership Gil Hoy has demonstrated over the past twelve years.  Our town is best served by his re-election.

Andrew M. Fischer
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 13
21 Bartlett Crescent

***
Hoy Devoted to All Residents
March 20, 2008:

The word "POLITICIAN" too often has a negative connotation attached to it.  The true fact and definition is that a "POLITICIAN IS A PUBLIC SERVANT"!  A really good politician, therefore, is someone who cares about his constituents and helps to serve their needs.

Gil Hoy knows about service to his community.  His 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.

Gil Hoy has my endorsement and vote-please give him yours!

Evelyn A. Roll
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 8