The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

Letter to the editor: can ranked-choice voting strengthen our democracy?

To the editor:

The midterm elections of 2018 have sparked new interest in a process of voting for candidates known as ranked-choice voting (RCV).

An August 7 editorial in the Boston Globe asserts, “The Massachusetts legislature would be wise to adopt ranked-choice voting, coupled with a robust voter education campaign for statewide elections.” Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin has revealed that he is open to the idea of RCV. Some have suggested that RCV might be an appropriate issue for a ballot question. But why all of a sudden are we just now hearing about ranked-choice voting?

Interest is surging in Massachusetts because of two specific elections, one in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District and the other in Massachusetts’s 3rd Congressional District. Why Maine? In 2016, Maine became the first state to enact ranked-choice voting for statewide elections for governor, state legislature, and Congress. The state used RCV for the first time in November 2018 when the votes for the top two of four contenders in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District were too close to declare one a lawful victor. The process of RCV ultimately proved effective and efficient in determining the winner without resorting to a runoff.

Why is there now interest in the seat in the 3rd Massachusetts District, which Niki Tsongas held for a decade? There were ten individuals competing in the Democratic primary. Because of the distribution of votes among all ten, and since no candidate achieved a majority, a runoff was required for the top two. RCV would likely have resolved the election without a costly and time-consuming recount.

How does RCV work? Instead of picking just one candidate, ranked-choice voting allows you to rank the candidates on the ballot — as many or as few as you like — in your order of preference. If one person gets 50 percent of the vote, no further action is necessary. If no candidate gets 50 percent or more of first-choice votes, then the last-place candidate is eliminated and that candidate’s votes automatically get reallocated to the second choice listed on those ballots. RCV ensures that whoever wins has the support of the majority of voters and not just an electoral plurality.

Supporters believe that RCV frees voters from being pressured to choose between two or more preferences, and solves the problem of “spoiler” candidates who don’t actually reflect a majority of overall voter preference. According to Eric Maskin, a Nobel prize-winning Harvard economist, RCV gives all voters the opportunity to cast their vote according to their individual preference as well as a means to determine which candidate is most preferred by a majority of all votes cast.  The method has been used by the Cambridge City Council since 1941 as well as in municipal elections in Memphis, San Francisco and Minneapolis and in parliamentary elections in Australia and Ireland, as well as in the recent midterm Congressional vote in Maine.

Closer to home, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization, Voter Choice Massachusetts, is dedicated to educating the public and fostering legislative support for RCV. Supporters believe that RCV frees voters from being pressured to choose between two or more candidates, and solves the problem of “spoiler” candidates who don’t actually reflect a majority of overall voter preference.

Lincoln residents are proud of their grassroots politics, cherish their Town Meeting, and treasure their civic activism. On January 20, we in Lincoln have an opportunity to learn from a nonpartisan expert, Jim Henderson, board member of Voter Choice Massachusetts, the pros and cons of RCV and its relevance to Massachusetts. We hope you will join the discussion and help us all to reflect on the utility and value of RCV for statewide elections in Massachusetts on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m.  in Bemis Hall.

Sincerely,

Barbara Slayter and Gary Davis
Co-chairs, Lincoln Democratic Town Committee

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

New bike/pedestrian group seeks members

A new Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is being formed to advise the Board of Selectmen and other committees and boards on issues of cycling and pedestrian safety, and interested residents are invite to apply.

The BPAC will pick up where the Cycling Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) left off, working with town departments to study options for making Lincoln’s roadways safer for cyclists and pedestrians. “The selectmen hope that the knowledge gained will become a natural part of our thinking and planning within DPW, Planning, Roadway & Traffic, Public Safety, and Parks & Recreation,” Town Administrator Tim Higgins said.

The CSAC was formed in 2017 to develop recommendations for improving cycling safety after two bicyclers (Eugene Thornberg and Mark Himelfarb) died in road accidents in Lincoln in 2016. The group issued its report in October 2018 outlining the state of the roads for bike riders, what steps had already been taken, and what more could be done to improve safety. Members performed an “audit” of major biking roads, cycling on each one and documenting hazards with GPS positioning and photographs.

Even as the study was being completed, the town was already fixing some road safety issues with the help of a Complete Streets grant. Among the work done so far: adding a pedestrian island and lights at the intersection of Lincoln Road and Route 117, repairing several roadside paths, and changing the stop lines and other markings on the south side of Route 117 at the intersection with Tower Road.

Among the CSAC’s accomplishments:

  • Revived the Bike to School program
  • Developed and distributed a “Rules of the Road” bookmark for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians
  • Worked with Lincoln police to increase “educational” traffic stops for both drivers and cyclists who violate Massachusetts traffic laws related to cycling.
  • Worked with other town officials to install “Bikes May Use Full Lane” signs (with additional help in research and lobbying from L-S student Ashley duToit, who worked on the initiative as part of her Gold Star project)

Other recommendations for future work include:

  • Making improvements to the intersection of Routes 117 and 126 as well as Route 2A. Both projects will require working with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
  • Working with Hanscom Field, Minuteman National Park and the Hanscom Area Towns Committee (HATS) to lobby MassDOT for safety improvements along Route 2A.
  • Asking MassDOT to build a bicycle/pedestrian tunnel to reconnect parts of the town isolated by Route 2, such as reconnecting Lexington Road or Page Road south of Route 2 with Lexington Road north of the highway.
  • Reinstituting the Bike Safety Program as part of the school curriculum.

Anyone interested in serving on the BPAC should send a letter of interest to Peggy Elder, administrative assistant in the Selectmen’s Office (elderp@lincolntown.org) by Tuesday, Jan. 15. For more information, call the Selectmen’s Office at 781-259-2601.

News acorns

Public hearings coming up

The Board of Water Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. at the Lincoln Town Offices on its plan to institute first rate hike since 2015 (see the Lincoln Squirrel, Jan. 6, 2019).

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 to consider the approval of a report recommending (1) the addition, at the request of the property owners below, of the following properties to the Brown’s Wood Historic District, and (2) the preparation of a warrant article to approve the same for vote at Town Meeting on March 23, 2019.

  • 8 Moccasin Hill Road (owned by Lewis and Rosemary Lloyd)
  • 18 Moccasin Hill Road (owned by Neal and Kimberly Rajdev)

The Lincoln School Committee will hold a formal budget hearing on Thursday, Jan. 10 and is scheduled to vote on the FY20 budget on Thursday, Jan. 24. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. the Multipurpose Room, Hartwell building. Copies of the proposed budget are available for review in the Lincoln Public Schools Business Office, 2nd floor, Hartwell building.

Cabaret concert at L-S

The Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Music Department presents its annual Cabaret Concert on Friday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the L-S cafeteria. The evening will feature contemporary, pop, Broadway, and jazz music performed by instrumental jazz ensembles and combos, and student vocal and a capella groups, including duets and soloists. Tickets are $5, with a $20 cap for families. Snacks and beverages will be sold by the L-S Friends of Music.

Find out about ranked-choice voting

Learn how ranked-choice voting could improve the fairness and effectiveness of elections when Jim Henderson, a board member of Voter Choice Massachusetts, leads a session on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. in Bemis Hall (coffee and tea will be served starting at 2:45). (Coffee/tea at 2:45.)  Henderson will present the case for ranked choice voting and lead the audience in a voting exercise to find out how the process works.

Next up for play-reading group: “The Curious Savage”

The play-reading group at the Lincoln Public Library will read “The Curious Savage,” a 1950 comedy set in the living room of a sanatorium, on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and 15 at 11 a.m. All are invited to join the play-reading or just listen — no experience necessary. The group meets on every second and third Tuesday of each month at 11 am. For more information, call Sally Kindleberger at 781-799-4892.

Jazz night at deCordova

One of the photos by Larry Fink in the deCordova exhibition, Primal Empathy.

On Friday, Feb. 1 from 6–8:30 p.m., deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host a Jazz Night, featuring a live performance by the Patrick McGee Quintet in the Larry Fink: Primal Empathy photography exhibition gallery. As a special treat, exhibiting artist Larry Fink will play harmonica with the band. The event also features cocktails (one per ticket with more for purchase, art-making activities for all ages, and access to all exhibitions on view. Click here to buy tickets ($25 for nonmembers, $20 for members, $10 for college students with ID, $5 for kids 17 and under).

Water Department proposes rate hike

The Water Department will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. at the Lincoln Town Offices on its plan to institute first rate hike since 2015.

Residents are charged quarterly for town water in a three-tiered system based on their level of usage (0–20,000 gallons, 20,001–40,000 gallons, and 40,001 gallons or more). The Water Department plans to raise the charges by 10 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively, while the base change for all users will go up by $5 per quarter, said Water Commission member Ruth Ann Hendrickson.

“We’re really focused on minimizing the impact on lower-level water users who are conservation mindful,” she said.

Part of the increased revenue will be used to pay off an anticipated bond of about $1 million. Investments are needed because the Water Department is now subject to Occupational Health and Safety Administration rules, and because of recent annual inspection of procedures and methods “with a new inspector who had a big long list of things we have to do differently,” Hendrickson said.

“Just to make a perfect storm, we had some big failures this [past] year,” she added. Those included a water main break outside the library, an acid sink, and a 3,000-gallon water heater used to clean the treatment plan filters.

The three-tiered pricing structure and quarterly billing were introduced in 2015 to encourage conservation with the goal of meeting water usage limits required by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Although its budget and revenue structure must be approved by the town, it is funded entirely by user fees, and its revenues are expected to meet or exceed expenditures on a year-to-year basis, with the difference held in reserve to fund emergency repairs and system improvements.

The department plans to apply for a state program that offers zero-percent interest on bonds, though it’s unknown whether it will be accepted, Hendrickson said. As part of the process for qualifying for bonding, the Water Commission has developed a long-term financial and capital improvement program.

If approved, the increased rates will become effective on all rates and charges on any bill for usage after January 1, 2019.

Strike up the band (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Lincoln School musicians directed by music teacher Karen Sheppard were one of seven schools, colleges, and local musicians who gave holiday performances at the Watertown Mall shortly before Christmas. Other schools were Boston University Academy, Perkins School for the Blind, St. Jude’s School, Belmont Hill School, and Watertown middle and high schools. It was the first year that the Lincoln School performed.

Above (front row, left to right): Simon Karty, Kalash Manandhar, Elizabeth Cooke, Sebastiano D’Ambrosio, Sage Gorman, and Hunjun Lee. bStanding in back: Georgia Buendia and Alexandar Balogh.

Standing in back (left to right): percussionists Nicholas Volpone, Georgia Buendia, Aubie Wells, and Alexander Balogh. Front row: Karen Sheppard (conductor), Sebastiano D’Ambrosio, Hunjun Lee, Nina Gill, and Olivia Wilkinson.

DeCordova offers hands-on art sessions

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is offering two sets of hands-on art sessions this winter: “Conversation and Crafts” and studio workshops.

In “Conversation and Crafts,” participants can bring their own craft projects or contribute to one of ours while hearing an artist speak about their community work. Sessions are free for deCordova members and $10 for nonmembers. Click on a title for more information and to register.

Conversation and Crafts with Virginia Johnson
Thursday, Jan. 10 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join Virginia Johnson, owner of Cambridge-based stitch lounge gather here, in a craft making event and conversation about building communities for and through craft.

Conversation and Crafts with Matting Change
Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join Audrey Lin, creator of Matting Change, to transform plastic grocery bags into crocheted sleeping mats for young adults experiencing homelessness. 

Conversation and Crafts with Adrienne Sloane
Thursday, Feb. 7 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
From Madame Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities onward, knitters have been incorporating the political into their stitches. Come hear how knitting is being used by contemporary artists to address issues such as war, climate change, and species preservation. 

Conversation and Crafts with Cat Mazza
Thursday, March 7 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join exhibiting artist and craftivist Cat Mazza for a talk about the deep roots of craft in New England labor history to its continuing role in contemporary activist causes.

Winter studio workshops

Interactions of Space: Sculpture Workshop with Michelle Lougee
Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Working with artist Michelle Lougee, make a freestanding or hanging sculpture that focuses on the interaction of spaces.

Weaving Memory Workshop with Jodi Colella
Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Work with artist Jodi Colella to create personal, abstract tapestries on looms that we will construct together in class.

Fiber Workshop with Woomin Kim
Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 6:30–9 p.m.
Learn how to process various fibers and fabrics to create string, and then incorporate personal or found objects to make art objects from everyday materials. 

Date Night with Clay
Saturday, Feb. 9 from 5–7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 10 from 4–6 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 6–8 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 6–8 p.m.
Work as a team on the wheel, decorating clay “hearts” or building your own signature romantic sculpture.

Corrections

The original stories and listings have been updated online to reflect these corrections.

 

News acorns

“Wings of Desire” screening

The Lincoln Film Society presents Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire (1987) on Thursday, Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. An angel tires of overseeing human activity and wishes to become human when he falls in love with a mortal. In German, English, and French with English subtitles.

Peter D’Elia in concert

Peter D’Elia

The Lincoln Public Library presents Lincoln native Peter D’Elia in concert on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. He plays guitar and banjo and sings original folk/country/bluegrass songs about being a musician, being a dog, being bald, being single and being in love. He now lives in Berlin and has been touring with The Beez in Germany and Australia since 2005.

Eric Kilburn at next LOMA

Eric Kilburn

Eric Kilburn, owner of Wellspring Studios in Acton, is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Jan. 14 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and Kilburn will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. He has appeared alone and with his band, The Swing Café, and his songs have been covered by musicians including Arlo Guthrie, Sally Rogers, and Lucie Blue Tremblay.

LOMA is a monthly event. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com for a slot. There is a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups.

Obituaries

Jane Langton

Jane Langton

Jane Langton, 95, a prolific mystery writer and illustrator, died in hospice care near her home in Lincoln on December 29. She received the Mystery Writers of America’s Grand Master Award in 2017 for her career, which include numerous books set in New England and specifically the Concord area. Click here for full obituary (New York Times).

Carol Seeckts

Carol “Lee” Seeckts

There will be visiting hours on Friday, Jan. 4 from 4–7 p.m. in the Dee Funeral Home (27 Bedford St., Concord) for Carol “Lee” Seeckts, a certified nursing assistant and mother of four who died of cancer on December 25. She graduated from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in 1962 and lived most recently in Acton. A funeral service will take place at the Dee Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. followed immediately by an end-of-life celebration at the Pierce House in Lincoln. Click here for full obituary. 

John Ritsher

John Ritsher

Services will be held on Monday, Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. at First Parish Church, 24 River St., Norwell for John Ritsher, a Norwell resident and former Lincoln Board of Selectman member who died on December 10 at age 88. A former senior partner at Ropes & Gray, he and his family lived in a Lincoln home he designed with famed architect Henry Hoover. Click here for full obituary. 

 

Council on Aging activities in January

Tap your toes to trad jazz tunes
January 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Come join your fellow COA neighbors to tap your toes and bob your heads and sing to those tunes of yesteryear that we all know and love. Yes, the grandchildren can shake their heads and think we’re nuts, but we know where it’s at. Led by the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band, we’re gonna have a good time — you might even say a ball — around the old Steinway upstairs at Bemis Hall on January 4.

Lincoln Academy with MaryBeth Wise: From source to tap — Lincoln’s water system
January 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 7 at 12:30 when MaryBeth Wiser, Lincoln’s Superintendent of the Water discusses “From Source to Tap: Lincoln’s Water System.” How does water get from its source in nature to your tap and what happens to it in between? Find out where Lincoln gets its water, how it is treated, how it is tested, what it is tested for, how you know if there is ever a problem with your water, and how the Water Department makes sure that water will be available when you turn on the tap. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome

Free wellness clinics for all ages
January 8 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Jan. 8 from 10 a.m.–noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 9–11 a.m. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Services provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. The Bemis Hall clinic is supported by the Pierce House.

Would you like to share writing memoirs with others?
January 9 at 10 a.m.
If you are interested in writing a memoir or just curious about what goes on in the memoir group, please come to the first winter meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 10 a.m.–noon at Bemis Hall and find out what we do. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the ten-week term is $75. The dates for the term are January 9 and 23; February 6 and 20; March 6 and 20; April 3 and 17; and May 1 and 15. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in January