Winchester voters head to the polls Saturday for municipal elections featuring contested races for Select Board and School Committee alongside an unexpected development — two write-in candidates vying for a Planning Board seat that initially have no contenders on the ballot. The March 22 election will take place at Winchester High
The Winchester Select Board unanimously approved an 8% water and sewer rate increase for fiscal year 2026, pending Town Meeting approval in late April. The board opted for a moderate approach among several options presented during a March 10 public hearing. The approved increase would raise the average residential user’
The Winchester Select Board revisited a steep health insurance cost increase that threatens to deepen the town’s budget deficit while unanimously approving $61 million in bonds and notes at its March 10 meeting. “The town has received a proposed increase of 18.92% for [fiscal year 2026] on our
Winchester’s School Committee recently voted unanimously against proposed bylaw changes from the Finance Committee that would ultimately require Town Meeting approval, citing concerns over hasty implementation and potential overreach into school operations. Select Board members expressed similar reservations without taking formal action in a special March 4 meeting. The
The Winchester Select Board on Feb. 24 reviewed draft articles for the Spring Town Meeting warrant, preparing to finalize language before the March 14 warrant closure deadline. Town Manager Beth Rudolph presented several proposed articles without assigned warrant numbers, as these will be determined after formal approval. “The warrant for
Rising water and sewer costs, a major development’s environmental impact and key public safety appointments took center stage at the Winchester Select Board meeting on Feb. 24. The board also received confirmation the town is officially in compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities zoning law, a milestone that
As the March 22 municipal election approaches, Winchester News — an independent nonprofit news organization covering the town of Winchester — has published its first comprehensive candidate guide, offering voters a detailed, nonpartisan resource to make informed decisions at the polls. The new digital guide, available on the Winchester News website, is
This guide is designed to inform Winchester voters and encourage civic participation. Stay engaged, ask questions and make your voice heard in the March 22 municipal election. Feel free to return to this space as it will serve as a living resource for voters, providing details on candidates, voting logistics,
Attorney Melissa Mathis has withdrawn her candidacy for an open Planning Board seat in Winchester’s March municipal election ballot, leaving the race for the seat wide open. The withdrawal comes as Winchester prepares for an election that will bring significant changes to town leadership. Six current office-holders are choosing
Facing an 18.92% increase in health insurance costs for fiscal year 2026, Winchester officials warn that residents should prepare for difficult financial decisions ahead. With Town Meeting approaching in April, officials are evaluating potential cost-saving measures to mitigate the budget impact and avoid deeper deficits in the coming years.
Winchester High School is joining a growing number of schools nationwide taking technological action against teen vaping, as officials approved a $25,000 plan to install electronic vape detectors in school bathrooms amid rising health and safety concerns. The Winchester Select Board voted Feb. 10 to allocate funds from the
As far as elected officer positions go, Winchester’s 2025 municipal election is set to bring a mix of continuity and change, with several new faces stepping up for leadership roles and multiple incumbents opting not to seek re-election. According to the Town Clerk’s Office, a pair of competitive
The Winchester Select Board discussed a projected $2.9 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026 during its Jan. 27 meeting, with members divided over school levels and potential cuts to municipal services. Town Manager Beth Rudolph presented updated budget figures showing the deficit had grown since initial projections earlier
How many years have you lived in Winchester? 14 years Please describe your professional background and education. Large animal veterinarian, licensed in Massachusetts Assistant vice president of finance, Ford Motor Company in the Philippines Interpreter/translator, Dai-Ichi Seimei Life Insurance Company, Tokyo, Japan English teacher, Japan Exchange and Teaching Program,
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
How many years have you lived in Winchester? My wife and I first moved to Winchester in 1986, and have lived here ever since. Both children graduated from Winchester schools. Please describe your professional background and education. Nearly all of my career was spent in commercial real estate investment, development
