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How many years have you lived in Winchester? I have lived in Winchester more than half of my life. My family moved here when I was a kid. I went off to college, but came back with my wife Kelly to raise our family in 2017.
Please describe your professional background and education. I am a graduate of Winchester High School, Boston College and Suffolk Law School. After law school, I opened two restaurants in Boston and in 2016 bought into my parents' restaurants, which include Ristorante Lucia in Winchester Center.
What Winchester town positions (appointed or elected) have you held, and for how long? I have served on Town Meeting for four years.
What are the primary issues motivating your candidacy? Town moderator is unique position in town government that's independent of policy issues. My roll will be to ensure that the Town Meeting follows proper parliamentary procedure and to facilitate fair and efficient discussion of the issues of the day.
My candidacy is motivated by a love of the Town Meeting. My mother, Anna, was elected to Town Meeting when I was in grade school so I was exposed to the unique tradition of a New England Town Meeting pretty early. I have fond memories of tuning in to Channel 19 when I was a kid and watching John Sullivan, who was Town Moderator for 37 years, was a dear family friend and a mentor to me when I was in law school. The love he had for Winchester and the joy he found in a spirited debate was inspiring.
Can you share any volunteer work or civic engagement experiences that have shaped your perspective and prepared you for this role? I was elected to the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council when I lived in Boston, and served as its President for a few years, so I have experience with Robert's Rules of Order. I have also served on the Winchester Chamber of Commerce and the Children's Own School Board of Directors.
Moderator-specific questions
Can you provide an example from your experience where you successfully managed a discussion on a contentious issue without bias?
With four small children, I feel like I am always moderating heated discussions on contentious issues!
How would you ensure that debates on complex issues like zoning bylaws and financial appropriations are conducted efficiently while allowing for comprehensive discussion?
As a member of Town Meeting, I come to each session with an open mind, ready to be persuaded by the facts and discussion. As Moderator, it is my job to make sure all perspectives are heard and Town Meeting Members have all the information they need to make informed decisions.
How would you stay informed and adapt to ensure meetings are conducted effectively with evolving technologies and potential changes in meeting procedures? Luckily most of the meetings of town goernment are broadcast by WinCam and available on YouTube. I will, of course, also keep tabs on Winchester News!
Have questions for Philip? Contact him at philipfrattaroli@gmail.com.
