Civic Engagement

Daily Buzz | Now Is the Time to Start Planning Your 2023 Run for Local Office

Election Season is closer than it may appear

Nicci Kadilak

Dec 16, 2022 — 2 min read

Good Morning!

As 2022 winds down, it might seem like an election just happened (because it did!). But that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about how you can serve your town in 2023 and beyond.

As you probably know by now, the Buzz started as a way to connect Burlington residents with the government that serves them. We’ll be continuing to advance that mission and digging even deeper in the coming months with two goals in mind:

Zero uncontested races on the ballot
Increased voter turnout for the April 1 local election (We usually get about 16% for local elections.)

These two goals are intimately related:

If races aren’t contested, the results are predetermined, and many residents don’t see why they should bother voting.
Uncontested races give the false impression that local government is not important—after all, if it were, more people would be running. In fact, the decisions made and implemented by local government affect you and your family on a daily basis.

I do think it all comes down to information. Voters will be more motivated to show up if they know (a) what the offices are and what they’re responsible for, (b) who’s running, and (c) how the role stands to affect their day-to-day life in Burlington.

So, in bite size pieces over the next several months before the election, I’ll be making sure you have all the information you need, starting today with the open seats.

Most of these positions are already profiled in our Local Government section. So—poke around a little and see what interests you. I’ll be back with more info soon; stay tuned.

Today in Burlington

As I mentioned, there are no official town meetings today. However, the Help Grow the Grinch’s Heart activity through the library is still going on through the end of next week! Kids and their parents/caregivers can stop by several Burlington businesses to collect a piece of the Grinch’s heart. Once all pieces are collected, bring them to the library to earn a prize!

There is also an adult yarn and threads crafting session (bring your current project) at 10:30 and a holiday tea party at 11. See what I mean about activities for all ages?

Sports and Activities

Score Update

I want to correct the score I sent out for Girls’ Hockey yesterday. I looked at the same tweet twice and mistakenly gave the wrong score for their game against Winchester. they actually won 4-1! Fantastic work, Lady Devils, and sorry for yesterday’s mix-up!

Our Boys’ Swim Team took home a close win, coming in over Melrose 87-82.

Boys and Girls both won their track meets against Stoneham, as well—girls 58-42 and boys 76-24.

Way to go, Devils!