In praise of Hartman’s ‘balanced, thoughtful approach to questions’

March 14, 2025

I first met Mary Hartman when she was serving as the member of the Finance Committee observing and providing feedback to the Affordable Housing Funding Study Committee. Initially I saw her questions

Re-elect ‘strong, principled’ Alexa Anderson

March 14, 2025

I am writing to enthusiastically endorse Alexa Anderson for re-election to the School Committee. Having served alongside her on the Concord Middle School Building Committee, I have seen firsthand her dedication and

In their own words: The Concord Bridge 2025 Candidate Q&A

March 14, 2025

Candidates answer questions as election day draws closer.

Town chief financial officer Anthony Ansaldi met with the Finance Committee on February 27 as staff fine-tune Concord’s 2026 fiscal year budget. Photo: Dakota Antelman/The Concord Bridge

Revisiting the books: New budget could avoid library, fire department cuts

March 10, 2025

New budget adjustments may leave the library open on Sundays.

Select Board members discussed their appointment policy on March 3 after several weeks of public comment on the topic. Photo: Dakota Antelman/The Concord Bridge

Pushback against pushback: New lenses on town’s appointment policy

March 7, 2025

The Concord Select Board is talking about how it appoints members to boards and committees.

Vote against Alexa Anderson’s re-election to School Committee

March 7, 2025

At our upcoming Town Meeting, Alexa Anderson will give us — the taxpayers of Concord — the opportunity to make well-meaning, trusting fools of ourselves yet again. Our town’s financial health is

Balanced and fresh perspective’: Elect Joe Laurin to Select Board

March 7, 2025

I am writing to endorse unequivocally Joe Laurin for the Select Board. I know Joe as a parent, business person, and volunteer, including his involvement in The Scholarship Fund of Concord and

Michael Williams is the candidate who can create a ‘Concord for All’

March 7, 2025

I have been saddened and angered by the recent events involving the Concord School Committee. As a recently retired teacher of pre-school and elementary aged children I have worked with a number

Select Board needs Paul Boehm’s‘leadership and strategic thinking’

March 7, 2025

Paul Boehm will be an excellent member of the Select Board and active participant in the myriad details of town government. He has been devoted to Concord and to fostering community across

Cushing Field blanketed in snow. Photo by Margaret Carroll-Bergman

Family hopes Cushing Field will endure now that Peabody is gone

March 5, 2025

“He wanted something the kids would enjoy,” said Ann Fossett, a friend of the Cushing family. “He did not want some passive something.”

Reviews & Views: In the mood for noir

March 2, 2025

By Fiona Stevenson – Columnist Is everyone counting the extra minute of daylight each day? I hope it’s helping to bring a spark of joy. With snow, cold, the dreaded black ice,

Eighth grade student Jack Reed (left) looks through a Sanborn school classroom with his father and brother during a Surplus Day event on February 15. Photo: Stephen Beyer/The Concord Bridge

Mixed feelings for some students as new CMS opens

March 2, 2025

Ahead of the transition to the new Ellen Garrison Building at CMS, some students still had mixed feelings about the move.

Michael Williams for School Committee: He will ‘work proactively for families’

February 28, 2025

We write as parents of two young children at Willard in wholehearted support of Dr. Michael Williams for the Concord School Committee. Our family’s Concord school experience has been wonderful, but as

School board candidate Alexa Anderson leads by ‘collaboration and empowerment’

February 28, 2025

I am honored to write this letter in enthusiastic support of Alexa Anderson’s candidacy for reelection to the School Committee.

MCI-Concord Advisory Board member John Boynton takes notes during a January 29 commercial development forum at the Concord Free Public Library. Photo: Dakota Antelman/The Concord Bridge

Leaders eye future of commercial development as tax woes linger

February 26, 2025

Bringing in more businesses could help ease Concord’s worsening budget crunch. Growth won’t come easy.

The Select Board heard more complaints about its appointment process during its February 24 meeting. Photo: Dakota Antelman/The Concord Bridge

Select Board to revisit appointment policy after favoritism complaints

February 25, 2025

Concord’s board, committee, and task force appointment protocols were back in the spotlight Monday as residents raised new charges of favoritism and a lack of transparency by the Select Board.

A construction barrel sits on the sidewalk at Main Street and Walden Street after utility work to repair recent gas leaks. Photo: Dakota Antelman/The Concord Bridge

Concord Center gas leaks force repairs, slow traffic

February 25, 2025

Gas leaks under a newly repaved section of Concord Center kept work crews busy, slowed traffic, and frustrated town officials in recent months.

Anthony Ansaldi, the town’s chief financial officer, meets with the Finance Committee on February 13. Photo: Dakota Antelman/The Concord Bridge

Proposed cuts to library hours spark concern

February 24, 2025

Ansaldi said he and Town Manager Kerry Lafleur would be “tickled pink” if someone could find a way to keep the library open seven days a week.

Before you support budget cuts, go visit the library on a Sunday

February 21, 2025

I urge the Select Board and the Finance Committee to reconsider this short-sighted proposal.

‘Proven, accomplished’ Mary Hartman deserves to be re-elected to Select Board

February 21, 2025

Mary’s goals are prudent fiscal policy/tax rates, transparency and collaboration, and thoughtful planning for future infrastructure needs.

Hartman brings ‘thorough understanding’ of budgets, business, building relationships

February 21, 2025

Experience matters. Mary knows the job, understands the issues, and will continue to provide solid leadership.

Endorsing Alexa Anderson for showing ‘exceptional dedication and compassion’

February 21, 2025

Her professionalism, work ethic, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to any team.

Support Michael Williams in creating a ‘Concord for All’

February 21, 2025

I found him to be deeply principled, honest, and passionate about education and our town, a town he has lived in for over 30 years.

A request in Concord was unsuccessful, but School Committee member Brian Waterson said a separate, smaller request for Community Preservation Act funding in Carlisle is moving ahead. Photo: Dakota Antelman/The Concord Bridge

Facing funding setbacks, CCHS bathroom building heads to public vote

February 20, 2025

The committee is preparing to ask voters to foot the bill with no help from any other funding sources in Concord.

A property in the area of 1450 Main Street has been at the center of a legal battle involving multiple lawsuits. Photo: Dakota Antelman/The Concord Bridge

Judge sides with developer in West Concord subdivision fight

February 19, 2025

The proposed 18-lot subdivision would be located in the area of 1450 Main Street, next to the MBTA Commuter Rail tracks.

Chief financial officer Anthony Ansaldi speaks during a February 10 budget presentation to the Select Board. Photo: Dakota Antelman/The Concord Bridge

Library hours, town staffing cut in FY26 budget plan

February 17, 2025

The Concord Free Public Library would be closed Sundays beginning this summer under a plan unveiled to the Select Board.

A Valentine’s Day note from Bridge CEO Maile Hulihan

February 14, 2025

Our goal is to be a good partner — fair, credible, trustworthy, and invested in your well-being.

Hartman’s ‘honesty, independence, and hard work’ merit her re-election

February 14, 2025

Beyond her professional and civic accomplishments, Mary is a person of high character.

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