“Her years of public service and participation in the life of the town demonstrate her commitment. She has helped mold our community. More important, she brings the essential experience and creative energy needed to help us build our future.”
Marcia Heist, TMM Pct 9
former Chair, School Committee
“Betsy is experienced. I was on the Advisory Committee all four years she chaired it. She was an excellent chair—well prepared, firm and fair in managing the meetings. AC Chairs don't vote. Because of her fairness I usually didn't know Betsy's position on an issue based on anything she said during those meetings.
“During her twenty-plus years in Town affairs Betsy has worked to improve the schools and particularly the opportunities for public housing kids in the schools. She worked for the New Lincoln and the High School.
“Betsy has been a leader and worked effectively for those in need of Town services and fairness in local government. She has helped get more affordable housing."
“Betsy is what I want a Selectman to be.”
John Bassett, TMM Pct 6
Former Advisory Committee member
“Betsy DeWitt is smart and has a solid grasp of the issues. She also has a big heart. Not only does Betsy know how to get things done, she knows what to get done. She will be a great addition to the Board of Selectmen.”
Don Weitzman, TMM Pct 12
former Selectman
“Betsy's 20 year involvement and key leadership roles in Brookline's government have provided her with a deep understanding of its workings and finances. She knows how to get things done and what could be better.
She couples an extensive background with an innate sense of fairness, a deep respect for the opinions and needs of others, and an analytical mind, able to grasp all sides of an issue.
Most of all, she has a deep love of the town, based on living and bringing up a family here. She has certainly paid her dues. We should all work to get her elected and benefit from her unique combination of mind and heart.”
Bob Stein,
former Chair, Board of Selectmen
“Betsy is not only one of our best problem-solvers, she knows from long experience whom in town to call upon. She has earned the trust of both town officials and neighborhood activists alike. She knows what we need to do to keep Brookline Brookline.”
Pam Lodish, TMM Pct 14
former Member, School Committee
“The diverse makeup of the Advisory Committee and its deliberative process and its open discussions provides a rare opportunity for in-depth review and critical analyses of the Town's finances and the inner workings of all its departments. In my opinion, there is no better training for a full understanding of Town government and of what makes Brookline tick.
“Betsy's leadership as Chair of the Advisory Committee is a key reason why she is my clear choice in the Selectman's race this year.”
Sergio Modigliani
former Chair, Advisory Committee
“As director of the Brookline Community Fund, Betsy has a long history of being helpful and caring to Brookline Housing Authority tenants and others in need.”
Christina Wolfe,
former Member, Housing Authority
“I worked with Betsy when I was the Town's Planning Director and she Chaired the Advisory Committee — one of the most difficult and demanding jobs in town government, and one which demonstrated her ability to mediate among people with conflicting points of view, particularly on budget issues.
“And as Executive Director of the Brookline Community Foundation, she was able to stretch a limited budget to help many Brookline citizens in times of personal and family crisis, both financially and through a network of social services.
“After retiring I joined the board of the Brookline Improvement Coalition (BIC), the town's affordable housing non-profit. As its President, Betsy has again shown her ability by leading BIC through several successful affordable housing projects.
“Because of her abilities, her leadership qualities, and her concern for all of the citizens of Brookline, I am proud to endorse Betsy DeWitt for Selectman.”
Jay Woodward
Brookline Planning Director, retired
“As a newly appointed member of the Advisory Committee, our town's financial oversight body. I was in awe then and continue to be impressed by her broad-based knowledge of Brookline's finances, as well as her clear-headed understanding of fiscal realities. Betsy's commitment to Brookline is long-standing. For the last 25 years she has invested her time and energy in making Brookline the best it can be.
“Affordable housing? She has developed affordable units as President of the Brookline Improvement Coalition.
“Better schools? She's been a PTO President as well as having chaired or served on town-wide committees that have made a remarkable difference.
“Providing assistance to people in need? [Yes, they exist in Brookline.] As Executive Director of the Brookline Community Foundation, she established the Brookline Safety Net to provide emergency help to people in financial crisis.
“Programs for youngsters? The foundation she headed was a partner in establishing the Brookline Youth Fund.
“Anywhere I see something I value in Brookline, I see Betsy's fingerprints. Betsy DeWitt is rooted in Brookline. For her, serving our community is not just a brief stop on route to someplace else. Betsy loves Brookline.”
Myra Trachtenberg, TMM, Pct 3
