This year’s state primary election will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day, but voters can also vote early in-person or vote by mail. With a dozen candidates on the ticket, the election will help determine who holds seats in the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, the Governor’s Council and various county-level positions. As election day approaches, The Cypress has compiled information on every candidate running a contested race on the Brookline ballot as well as important information about the election.
Important Dates
– Tuesday, Aug. 20: The latest recommended date to request a mail-in ballot to ensure the ballot has time to be shipped to the voter, and back to town hall. Voters can request a mail-in ballot until Monday, Aug. 26. To request a mail-in ballot, visit tinyurl.com/BrooklineVoteByMail.
– Saturday, Aug. 24: Deadline to register to vote in this election. In-person voter registration must be requested by 5 p.m. on the 24th, while online registration must be complete by 11:59 p.m., and mail-in voter registration must be postmarked any time that day. Voters can register to vote at tinyurl.com/BrooklineRegisterToVote.
– Saturday, Aug. 24: First day to vote early in-person.
– Monday, Aug. 26: Last day voters can request a mail-in ballot. To request a mail-in ballot, visit tinyurl.com/BrooklineVoteByMail.
– Friday, Aug. 30, 12:30 p.m.: Last day to vote early in-person. For more information on early voting, visit tinyurl.com/BrooklineEarlyVoting2024.
– Tuesday, Sept. 3, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Election day. Polling places can be found at tinyurl.com/BrooklinePollingPlaces.
Special note: In order to be counted, your ballot must arrive at Town Hall by 8 p.m. on election day. The Town has recently installed three new ballot drop-boxes—one in front of Town Hall, one in front of the Coolidge Corner Library and one in front of the Putterham Library. If you’re concerned about having enough time to ship your ballot back to Town Hall, placing it in a dropbox before 8 p.m. on election day will ensure your ballot will be received. You can also drop off your mail-in ballot at Town Hall any day before the election, or at a polling place during early in-person voting. You cannot drop your ballot off at a polling place on election day.
To track your mail-in ballot, use the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Track My Ballot website at: tinyurl.com/TrackMyBallotMA
Senator in Congress
Senators in Congress represent constituents in the United States Senate. Senators are responsible for proposing and voting on federal laws; overseeing the federal budget; confirming the President’s appointees to the Supreme Court and high ranking positions in federal agencies; and declaring war, when they may deem it necessary.
The Democratic senatorial primary is uncontested, while three Republicans are vying for one seat. The following are excerpts from the candidates’ websites in the order that each candidate listed their own top issues online:
Republicans
Ian Cain
“Washington is broken and stuck in the past. It’s time to embrace common sense policies that propel America into the future. I’m running to usher in a new generation of leadership, where leaders embrace the innovation economy and the new digital world, focus on collaboration instead of divisiveness and strive for results, not celebrity. Put simply – I’m ready to get [expletive] done for Massachusetts and lead us into the future.”
“The United States is failing at the border, and the security of our nation is at stake. We see the results of this failure everyday in Massachusetts … Meanwhile, Washington is doing what they do best: nothing. At the end of the day, a very complicated issue has simple solutions that are proven to work. We need to secure our border with physical and technological barriers, reinstate Remain in Mexico and restore a simpler process for legal immigration that prioritizes our needs first.”
“We have to invest in diversified energy, a secure and expansive digital network and build in a way that looks towards the future, not tries to fill holes from the past.”
“We are also facing an affordable housing crisis and families are being priced out of communities and home ownership. We need to build to solve this problem and encourage public-private partnerships to grow and expand communities in need.”
Read his full platform at CainForUs.com.
Robert J. Antonellis
“America is being attacked by the Radical Left who are stripping away the things we love, and endlessly forcing upon us to swallow the things we instinctively hate. Bob Antonellis has a plan to win the culture war, to end all the assaults on our common decency and create a healthy sense of normalcy, so Americans can finally get back to living their lives in peace.”
“We must protect womanhood which is under direct and constant attack by Islam and the Transgender deception. Bob supports a Federal ban on Sharia Law, the burka and the hijab … Bob will block the use of the school curricula, which confuses and converts young students, often legally minors, to changing their identities, often intentionally hidden from the parents. Bob would consider using criminal charges against those who ‘kidnap children from the inside out,’ as well as using ‘pension purgatory’ for teachers, principals, administrators, who prey on children to create a financial disincentive.”
“A domestic energy policy that boosts ‘made in the U.S.A. and provides high paying jobs”
“Ban offshore and onshore windfarms in all 50 States, U.S. Territories and U.S. Territorial waters”
“Return the Offshore Drilling Licenses in the Gulf of Mexico to American Corporations”
“Ban Bitcoin Mining from all 50 States and U.S. Territories”
Read his full platform at BobForSenateMA.com.
John Deaton
“John Deaton is a U.S. Marine veteran, cancer survivor, father to three daughters, trial attorney, author and someone who overcame impossible odds to build a life for his family and become a champion for other underdogs.”
“As someone who grew up in extreme poverty, I can easily relate to anyone who longs for a better life and I believe most of the undocumented migrants are good people, desiring a better life. But even if only a small percentage of people illegally entering America have bad intentions, our national security is at risk. Simply put, the status quo is unsustainable, undermines legal immigration and it will cost MA taxpayers billions of dollars.”
“Spending in D.C. has grown to crisis levels, contributing to the worst runaway inflation crisis since the early 1980s. Inflation is a tax on working families, costing the average American family $1,069 more per month in the last three years. The poor and middle-class feel this pain the most. For too long, the federal government has been living well beyond its means – and Americans are feeling the consequences of politicians in D.C. running up the tab. In the Senate, I will vote to control the growth of government spending, and I will fight to eliminate wasteful and unnecessary pork-barrel spending.”
“As your next Senator, I will fight for policies like reforming the Accredited Investor Rule … We should invest in infrastructure, education, and social services, especially in struggling and impoverished neighborhoods, and we should make it easier for businesses to open shop in distressed urban centers through tax incentives.”
Read his full platform at JohnDeatonForSenate.com.
Democrats
Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for Senate. Warren has served in the Senate since 2012. Recently, she has sponsored bills to prohibit oil and gas leasing off the coast of New England, expand access to affordable housing, expand state-based universal healthcare systems, limit contributions to American political campaigns from foreign entities and limit the President’s power to control who gets to enter the country, among others.
Read her full platform at ElizabethWarren.com.
Councilor
Councilors represent constituents on the Massachusetts Governor’s Council, also known as the Executive Council. The council comprises eight elected Councilors and the Lieutenant Governor. Councilors are responsible for confirming any pardons or commutations the Governor may issue, as well as any judges, members of the Parole Board or public administrators that the Governor may appoint.
There are two candidates vying for one spot on the council in District 3, which includes Brookline.
There are no Republicans running in this race.
Democrats
Mara Dolan
“If you care who our judges are, you need to care who your Governor’s Councillor is. The Governor’s Council confirms our judges, Parole Board members and pardons and commutations. I’m running to be the first public defender on the Governor’s Council to bring a perspective that is badly needed and badly overdue in a court system where former prosecutors who are now judges outnumber former public defenders 2:1. I’ll make sure judges understand the science of addiction and know how to work to support recovery, that they are ready, willing and able to fight systemic racism with every tool the law allows, that they treat children in accordance with the science of brain development and that they support a woman’s and a family’s right to choose. My opponent has served for 25 years and voted to confirm an anti-choice judge just weeks after Roe v. Wade was overturned. She also recently called the science of brain development ‘just pages in a book’. I am the most endorsed Democratic primary challenger in any race in any year in Massachusetts that anyone can remember because the choice is so clear. There is no Republican running, so it all comes down to the September 3rd Democratic primary. Please find more on my website MaraDolan.com or write to me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!”
Marilyn M. Petitto Devaney
Petitto Devaney, who currently serves on the Governor’s Council, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The following is an excerpt from the “About” page on her website.
“I have four children and three grandchildren. I was married to the late John ‘Jack’ Devaney, a Watertown Firefighter, U.S. Marine, who supported me in everything I pursued. Working together, without personal financial resources. I began as a freshman in college with four children and a great, supportive husband (ABA – Middlesex Community College, BS – Suffolk University, Masters – Boston State College.)
– I served as the youngest Watertown Town Meeting Member and when changed to a city; elected as Watertown’s Councillor-at-Large; served on various local and state committees; most rewarding as a member of the Commission on Disabilities for twenty-two years. I am now completing my eleventh, two-year term on the Governor’s Council.
– I come from a family who overcame prejudice and discrimination and that is why, from my experience – it makes me a strong proponent of diversity. My dad was an Italian Immigrant from Sicily. In those old days in Watertown there were no anti-discrimination laws – no Italian was allowed to work in Watertown.
– When I vote no – I can document why and publicly state it – I won’t vote for someone based just on being a political appointment, or just on gender, ethnicity etc.
– Please call me anytime at (617) 840-7689. I welcome your call. I have been honored to represent you these past years and I want to continue to work for you.”
Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts serves as the Clerk for the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. They are responsible for maintaining the Court’s docket and calendar, processing court filings and serving as the court’s liaison to parties and their lawyers.
There are no Republicans running in this race. There are two candidates vying for one Democratic nomination in this race.
Democrats
Robert L. Jubinville
Jubinville did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The following is an excerpt from the “Issues” page on his website:
“After years of working as a law enforcement officer and trial attorney, Bob hopes to bring his immense knowledge and expertise as Norfolk County Clerk of Courts.
“Understanding the judicial system and possessing a deep knowledge of what constitutes a competent judge are crucial qualifications for the position of Clerk of Courts. Bob’s background in law enforcement and trial law equips him well to fulfill these requirements.
“The primary responsibility of the Clerk of Courts is to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the judicial process within their jurisdiction. Integrity and diligence are paramount qualities for this role, as the Clerk is entrusted with upholding the standards of fairness and transparency in all court operations. By safeguarding the rights of citizens and prioritizing the community’s well-being in every decision, Bob is committed to maintaining public trust in the judicial system.
“The Clerk of Courts holds a position of trust and should embody exemplary moral character and unwavering integrity. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of state laws and dedication to upholding the principles of justice are essential attributes for this role. Bob’s commitment to the legal system and experience make him a fitting candidate for Clerk of Courts.”
Walter F. Timilty
Timilty did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The following is an excerpt from the “Home” page of his website:
“Born in Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood, Walter was raised in Milton, a town he continues to call home. He witnessed first-hand as a small child his family’s civic duty and call to service in the community by watching his dad, Walter Jr., who served as a Town of Milton selectman and became the Norfolk County Superior Court Clerk. He also watched his uncle, Joe, a Boston City Councilor, where he served from 1967 to 1972, become elected to the Massachusetts State Senate in 1972, serving for 13 years.
“‘I’m very proud to be a public servant. To me, public service is a vocation. I bring those decades of legislative experience to the table. As clerk, similar to my role as State Senator, one has an ability to help people. In many ways, this job is akin to being a social worker because when people need help, they call you. I’ve never been in this for personal gain. I’m here to serve people in the truest sense of the word,’ said Walter.
“Hard work, dedication and experience have been the hallmarks of Walter’s service to his district.
“‘It’s extremely important. We can’t afford on-the-job training. You need someone who knows how the process works right off the bat. You need someone who knows and can collaborate with other elected officials to get the job done on behalf of the people living in Norfolk County,’ Walter added.”
Register of Deeds
Registers of Deeds are responsible for maintaining all documents pertaining to real estate ownership in Norfolk county.
There are no Republicans running in this race. There are two candidates vying for one Democratic nomination in this race.
Democrats
William Patrick O’Donnell
“Brookline voters should vote for me because my wife and her family grew up in Brookline and graduated from Brookline High School.
“More substantively, as the present Register of Deeds I have implemented modernization initiatives to provide quality customer service. As a graduate of Boston College Law School, I use my legal training and past legal experience to record and protect the over 13 million legal real estate documents at the Registry. This safeguards the legal title to peoples’ homes.
“For the first time in Norfolk County’s history, which dates back to 1793, there is online internet land record and title research. You can view all Registry documents online at the Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org.
“A Genealogy Resource and Research Center was created where people can research their family history.
“Norfolk County was one of the first Registries in the state to implement a free Consumer Notification Service to alert citizens against title fraud.
“My team of employees kept the Registry open and operational every work day during the COVID 19 pandemic. We have been to the Brookline Town Hall and Brookline Senior Center with the Registry’s Community Outreach Program where residents got real estate information and copies of their land records.
“A Customer Service Center was created to help people.
“If you need more information please see www.billodonnell.org. Please consider voting for Bill O’Donnell for Register of Deeds on September 3rd.”
Noel DiBona
“I was first elected to the Quincy School Committee in 2013 and currently a Quincy Councilor at-Large since 2016 (Council President 2022-2023). I worked as the Director of Administrative Services at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds from 2021-2024. I worked as Senior Community Service Coordinator at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office from 2016-2020. I operated a small business for 26 years. I am married to my wife Niamh and have three children Tyler 11, Aidan 9 and Nora 8. I’m proudly endorsed by two of the three Elected County Commissioners Joseph Shea & Peter Collins. I was the first minority to be elected to office in Quincy, with your Vote on Sept. 3rd, we can make history as the first minority Norfolk County elected official.
“If elected, I would take the recommendations from the Abrahams Group and Ripples Report. I will work with County Government and the IT Department to install proper software upgrades and modernization of the IT infrastructure. I would find alternatives other than backing up information on an old MicroFilm system that is almost obsolete. If elected, I would install and allow Credit Card transactions as a form of payment, like other Registries in Massachusetts. Under the current Register, customers can only use Cash or Check. If elected, I would increase accessibility with satellite offices throughout the county. If elected, I would treat employees and customers with the utmost respect.”
County Commissioner
County commissioners represent constituents on the Norfolk County Commission, the executive branch of county government. The Commission oversees the Registry of Deeds; the County Treasurer’s office; the County Engineering department, which helps maintain some roads; and manages the county’s conservation land and open spaces.
There are no Republicans running in this race.
There are two candidates running for two Democratic nominations in this race: Joseph Shea and Richard Staiti. Both are up for reelection. The following are excerpts from the Norfolk County “Commissioners” page.
Democrats
Joseph Shea
“Commissioner Shea is Chair of the County Commission. Appointed in 2015 to fill the term of his friend and mentor John Gillis of Quincy. Chairman Shea was elected to full terms in 2016 and 2020. A lifelong resident of Quincy Massachusetts he served as City Clerk and Chairman of the License Board for 24 years, thereto succeeding Gillis. Chairman Shea retired as City Clerk of Quincy after 33 years of faithful service in 2016, which included a stint as Executive Secretary to Quincy Mayor Walter J. Hannon. Chairman Shea’s tenure as City Clerk was characterized by his quick adoption of technology and rapid modernization of the department. He has been recognized by numerous genealogical organizations for his pioneering efforts in the digitization and preservation of vital records making them much more easily accessible to the public. He was a central figure in Quincy’s decennial redistricting process for 50 years and remains a poll worker in municipal elections to this day. He served as a member of the Quincy College Board of Governors from 2010-2022 and is a 50-year life member of the Quincy Democratic City Committee. An Eagle Scout, Chairman Shea is also a Massachusetts Army National Guard Veteran, honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent, serving in the 101 Field Artillery Regiment.
“Chairman Shea is a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School, Quincy College, and Suffolk University. He is a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC). A grandfather of five, he resides with his wife Josephine Shea on Hospital Hill in Quincy.”
Richard R. Staiti
“Commissioner Staiti is a lifelong resident of Canton Massachusetts and Norfolk County.
“After growing up in Canton and graduating from Stonehill College, Commissioner Staiti returned home and became a science teacher as well as the first athletic trainer for the Canton High School athletic program. Commissioner Staiti finished his extensive teaching career serving as the Science/Technology Director in the Canton Public Schools.
“While raising his family in Canton , Commissioner Staiti served two years as a Library Trustee, nine years as a member of the Canton Selectboard, and over twenty years as Canton Town Moderator. In addition Commissioner Staiti served over thirty years as the Norfolk County Advisory Board Member for Canton, a position he left when elected to the County Commission in November of 2020. Commissioner Staiti is a dedicated leader and volunteer of many civic and charitable groups including Canton Association of Business / James F Salah Foundation, Knights of Columbus Council # 2095.
“Commissioner Staiti holds a Bachelor of Science from Stonehill College, a Masters of Education Administration from Bridgewater State University and Juris Doctor from Suffolk University.”
Representative in Congress
Your Representative in Congress represents you in the United States House of Representatives. Representatives are responsible for initiating revenue bills including tax bills, proposing and voting on federal laws, voting for president in the case of a tie in the Electoral College, impeaching government officials and declaring war, when they may deem it necessary.
Jake Auchincloss is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for The House. He represents District Four. Auchincloss has served in The House since 2020. Recently, he has sponsored bills to prohibit oil and gas leasing off the coast of New England, to combat cyberstalking, to provide aid to Ukraine, to strengthen federal efforts to combat antisemitism and to “stop arming cartels”, among others.
Read his full platform at JakeForMA.com.
Senator in General Court
Senator in General Court represent constituents in the Massachusetts State Senate. State Senators are responsible for proposing and passing laws, including the state budget.
There are no Republicans running in this race.
Cynthia Stone Creem is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for State Senate. She represents the Middlesex and Norfolk district. Creem has served in the State Senate since 1999, and currently serves as the Senate Majority leader. Recently, she has sponsored bills to protect data privacy and cybersecurity, “modernizing” gun laws, “protecting” minors during law enforcement interrogations and supporting a transition to fossil fuel free buildings.
Read her full platform at SenatorCindyCreem.com.
Representative in General Court
Representatives in General Court represent constituents in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. State Representatives are responsible for proposing and passing laws, including the state budget.
There are no Republicans running in this race.
Tommy Vitolo is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for State Representative. Vitolo has served in the House since 2018. Recently, he has sponsored bills to allow for the construction of geothermal wells underneath Pierce Park, prohibit home equity theft, “ensure” charter school transparency and expand treatment and coverage for people with substance use disorders.
Read his full platform at TommyVitolo.com.
