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Paul Schlichtman

@schlichtman.org
1.2K followers 1.2K following 531 posts

School board member; retired urban educator & principal. My passions are public policy (especially education & transportation), local governance. Oxford commas, Daf Yomi. (he/him) #mapoli #maedu #ArlingtonMA Arlington, Massachusetts

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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
CKC Pottery 🇺🇸🇺🇦🪲🐞🌱🍁🍄‍🟫🌳 @ckcpottery.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
“Spill the Tea! Vote them out!” “Doubts? LeavingMAGA.org “ Arlington MA visibility brigade protest
“Spill the Tea! Vote them out!” Arlington MA visibility brigade protest“Doubts? LeavingMAGA.org” Visibility brigade protest
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 01/10/2026
Look at this wonderful thing of beauty that appeared in my kitchen! Joy! Thanks to @riekopiano.bsky.social
Apple kuchen with honey and ginger.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 01/10/2026
Truth.
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
WBUR @wbur.org · 21/09/2026
Question 3 supporters have pulled in a growing number of mayors who’ve witnessed top-two elections up close. But not everyone agrees that the system would translate well to state elections.
trib.al
Mass. mayoral elections use all-party primaries. So what do mayors think of Question 3?
Question 3 supporters have pulled in a growing number of mayors who’ve witnessed top-two elections up close. But not everyone agrees that the system would translate well to state elections.
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Vote YES on 3! All-Party Primaries @yeson3ma.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Agawam City Council President Anthony Russo Arlington School Committee Member Paul Schlichtman Cambridge City Councilor Patty Nolan
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Jonathan Cohn @jonathancohn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Great piece highlighting the dangers of Question 5. Vote no on 5. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/28/o...
bostonglobe.com
Massachusetts needs to save for a rainy day - The Boston Globe
The proposed tax rebate rule would tie the state’s hands when revenues fall and demand for services rises.
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Massachusetts Bill Bot @mabillbot.mattbachmann.dev · 28/09/2026
Repeals a provision from a 1980 law related to the MBTA Red Line extension. The bill's practical effect depends on what that original provision required or prohibited, but the repeal removes an existing legal obligation or restriction tied to the Red Line.
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Massachusetts Bill Bot @mabillbot.mattbachmann.dev · 28/09/2026
Garballey, Sean filed: H.5681 - An Act relative to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority red line extension malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5681 #mapoli
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 28/09/2026
Of the 200 #mapoli state legislative seats on the Massachusetts ballot in 2026: 143 districts: One uncontested candidate 53 districts: Two candidates. 4 districts have 3 candidates on the ballot. • First Middlesex (Senate) • Fifth Essex (House) • Third Hampden (House) • Seventh Worcester (House)
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 28/09/2026
Congress shouldn't appropriate another penny for the Pentagon until Hegseth is replaced by a competent military leader. www.semafor.com/article/09/2...
semafor.com
Republicans fuming at Hegseth as war costs build
Some lawmakers are resisting the Pentagon chief’s budget requests amid concerns over his leadership.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 28/09/2026
Just watch out for the sewage from the Somerville and Cambridge CSOs.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 28/09/2026
Massachusetts voters: If you receive a November ballot filled with uncontested races, the fix is on the same ballot. Vote YES on Question 3. #mapoli yeson3ma.org
yeson3ma.org
Yes on Question 3 – Massachusetts All-Party Primaries (2026)
Massachusetts Question 3 (2026): one primary ballot, every candidate, every voter. From Coalition for Healthy Democracy. Vote YES on Nov 3.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 28/09/2026
The @mlb.com American League teams with the three best records are in the same playoff bracket. How is this good for baseball?
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 27/09/2026
The A.L. West division champions will not have a winning record. As a division champion, they will receive the third seed in the playoffs.
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Jim Aloisi @jimaloisi.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In response to reporting from #mapoli's Katie Lannan: let's be clear, there is no "new way to fund" a gas tax giveaway. All the governor is doing in her proposal is taking much-needed resources away from worthy transportation needs. There is nothing "net new" about this.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 27/09/2026
Sure. People don’t spend money on uncontested elections.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 27/09/2026
A YES vote on Question 3 advances the top two candidates who earn their ballot line in the primary - regardless of party. If California is any indication, it will give voters more choices and better choices in state elections. #mapoli www.reddit.com/r/massachuse...
reddit.com
From the massachusetts community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the massachusetts community
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 27/09/2026
A YES vote on Question 3 advances the top two candidates who earn their ballot line in the primary - regardless of party. If California is any indication, it will give voters more choices and better choices in state elections. #mapoli www.reddit.com/r/massachuse...
reddit.com
From the massachusetts community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the massachusetts community
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 27/09/2026
I am still waiting for evidence that people arguing against Q3 contributors took a similar stand on the RCV question in 2020. One TX billionaire contributed $3,659,850.00 out of the $10,199,514.71 raised by the RCV committee. 83.6% came from out-of-state donors. www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/25/m...
bostonglobe.com
Who are the out-of-state billionaires backing ranked-choice voting in Massachusetts? - The Boston Globe
In all, of the $9.8 million the Yes on 2 committee has raised, just 19 donors — 12 of whom hail from outside Massachusetts — account for nearly $9.2 million.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 27/09/2026
A YES vote on Question 3 advances the top two candidates who earn their ballot line in the primary - regardless of party. If California is any indication, it will give voters more choices and better choices in state elections. #mapoli www.reddit.com/r/massachuse...
reddit.com
From the massachusetts community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the massachusetts community
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Arlene Kirsch ❌👑 Love America peacefully @arliek.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
#mapoli
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Vote YES on 3! All-Party Primaries @yeson3ma.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🚨 The #NAACP New England Area Conference Endorses Question 3! Read more: commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/all-... #massachusetts #mapoli
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 25/09/2026
Did you count the dogs?
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 25/09/2026
Congresswoman Jesse Mermell? An all-party primary could have elected a progressive voice in Massachusetts Fourth Congressional District. #mapoli schlichtman.substack.com/p/congresswo...
schlichtman.substack.com
Congresswoman Jesse Mermell?
or... how a heavily Democratic congressional election was reduced to a Charlie Baker - Donald Trump contest
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 24/09/2026
If voters don’t want Democrats who support Trump running against Republicans, Democrats running against token Republicans or uncontested races where one party dominates the landscape, a top-two primary provides the best solution to our flawed primaries. #mapoli commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/what...
commonwealthbeacon.org
What Turco’s primary victory tells us
JEFFREY ROSARIO TURCO, who was described by the Boston Globe’s Yvonne Abraham as “an anti-choice, transphobic, border-wall-loving Trumper,” won the March
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 24/09/2026
Meh. There are plenty of specious arguments coming from the No campaign, none of which speak to the merits of the ballot question. Don't be fooled by the "money in politics" argument against Question 3. #mapoli substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Andy Vargas and his specious “big money” argument against Question 3
The State Rep from Haverhill hasn’t seen a contested election since 2017, and he has $88,997.96 in his campaign account. Of course he wants to preserve the status quo.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 23/09/2026
Don't be fooled by the "money in politics" argument against Question 3. #mapoli substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Andy Vargas and his specious “big money” argument against Question 3
The State Rep from Haverhill hasn’t seen a contested election since 2017, and he has $88,997.96 in his campaign account. Of course he wants to preserve the status quo.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 23/09/2026
Don't be fooled by the "money in politics" argument against Question 3. #mapoli substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Andy Vargas and his specious “big money” argument against Question 3
The State Rep from Haverhill hasn’t seen a contested election since 2017, and he has $88,997.96 in his campaign account. Of course he wants to preserve the status quo.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 23/09/2026
Trump votes, 11/5/2024: 1,251,303 Enrolled Republican voters, 11/5/2024: 434,887 Seems there’s a boatload of unenrolled Trump voters, free to select their favorite candidate in the Democratic primary. Question 3 gives these voters the incentive to vote for an actual Republican in the primary.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 23/09/2026
Eliminating viable contenders in a primary the Tuesday before Labor Day is undemocratic. Question 3 addresses the problem of a plethora of uncontested races on your November ballot.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 23/09/2026
Don't be fooled by the "money in politics" argument against Question 3. substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Andy Vargas and his specious “big money” argument against Question 3
The State Rep from Haverhill hasn’t seen a contested election since 2017, and he has $88,997.96 in his campaign account. Of course he wants to preserve the status quo.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 23/09/2026
Don't be fooled by the "money in politics" argument against Question 3. #mapoli substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Andy Vargas and his specious “big money” argument against Question 3
The State Rep from Haverhill hasn’t seen a contested election since 2017, and he has $88,997.96 in his campaign account. Of course he wants to preserve the status quo.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 23/09/2026
Don't be fooled by the "money in politics" argument against Question 3. #mapoli substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Andy Vargas and his specious “big money” argument against Question 3
The State Rep from Haverhill hasn’t seen a contested election since 2017, and he has $88,997.96 in his campaign account. Of course he wants to preserve the status quo.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 23/09/2026
Don't be fooled by the "money in politics" argument against Question 3. #mapoli substack.com/home/post/p-...
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Chris Van Buskirk @bychrisvan.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
THE ZYN FACTOR: Republican Michael Minogue has built a somewhat quixotic plank into his gubernatorial campaign: Legalize the sale of flavored nicotine pouches — and in particular one brand, ZYN. He could also benefit financially from such a move. #mapoli www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/21/m...
bostonglobe.com
Michael Minogue is pledging to bring back flavored nicotine pouches like ZYN. He also has a financial interest in it. - The Boston Globe
GOP gubernatorial nominee Michael Minogue could benefit financially if the flavored nicotine products ZYN sells are allowed to return to Massachusetts store shelves.
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Vote YES on 3! All-Party Primaries @yeson3ma.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“Noting that #Medford already has top-two elections, Lungo-Koehn said in a statement that passing Question 3 would “bring more competition, broader voter participation, and more accountability to elections across Massachusetts.” #mapoli #question3 www.wbur.org/news/2026/09...
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 18/09/2026
Reps. Garballey and Rogers and Sen. Friedman filed legislation (HD 6313) this month repealing a section of a 1980 law barring the MBTA from planning or building any Red Line extension further into Arlington "unless specifically authorized to do so by law." www.wbur.org/news/2026/09...
wbur.org
Arlington blocked a Red Line extension decades ago. Now, the town wants to revive the idea
Repealing the 1980 law doesn't guarantee the Red Line will be extended.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 16/09/2026
A bill to repeal the ban on transit planning west of Thorndike Field in #ArlingtonMA was filed by Rep. Garballey and Sen. Friedman. Rep. Rogers is a co-sponsor.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 15/09/2026
Of course donors would be more likely to contribute to candidates if Question 3 passes. Makes no sense to spend money on an uncontested election.
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Vote YES on 3! All-Party Primaries @yeson3ma.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Serving cattitude for Question 3 🐈 💅! Want a yard sign? Head to yeson3ma.org/take-action/ to request yours today (or our link in bio). We’ll deliver it right to your door! #massachusetts #cat #kitten #yeson3 #allpartyprimaries #mapoli
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 10/09/2026
"Party insiders like systems they understand, control, and benefit from. They like predictable primaries, protected incumbents, and races where the real decision is made before most voters are even paying attention." #mapoli www.cambridgeday.com/2026/08/28/p...
cambridgeday.com
Why do political insiders fear giving voters more choices?
Disclaimer: Cambridge Day does not endorse candidates or positions. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer. Massachusetts politicians love talking about democracy. They love reminding ...
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 08/09/2026
Forecasts for 1980 indicate approximately 9,000 boardings at the two Arlington stations. This concentration of demand is among the highest of any station planned outside the regional core.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 08/09/2026
The 1977 Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Red Line Extension – Harvard Square to Arlington Heights anticipated that the two proposed Red Line stops in Arlington would be among the busiest in the MBTA system.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 07/09/2026
DeAdder takes the bull by the tail and faces the situation squarely.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 07/09/2026
How healthy is Ranked Choice Voting when a majority of the funding (Question 2, 2020) came from a Texas hedge fund billionaire? Look at the merits - YES on 3 is aiming at the 75% of legislative seats that are uncontested in November. There is nothing healthy about a ballot full of uncontested races.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 07/09/2026
A safe isn't safe if you can safely steal the safe.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 06/09/2026
The powerful elite love running in uncontested November elections.bThree-quarters of MA legislative elections are uncontested. In the September 1 primaries, there was only one major party candidate on the ballot in 124 of 160 House districts. The powerful elites prevail in all the uncontested races.
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Paul Schlichtman @schlichtman.org · 04/09/2026
Weekly News Quiz: I answered 8:8 correctly! politicalwire.com/2026/09/04/w...
politicalwire.com
Weekly News Quiz
Were you paying attention to the political news this week? Take the quiz and find out.
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
Digital Warrior - Combat Disinfo @digitalwarrior.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Another race where the wealthy are trying to install their preferred candidate. If we want $ out of our politics, we have to support those who want money out of politics. Support @markey.senate.gov @edmarkey.bsky.social #DV1 #ProudBlue #Voices4Victory #USDemocracy readsludge.com/2026/08/27/p...
readsludge.com
Private Equity Execs Bankroll Super PAC Backing Moulton vs. Markey
Partners at major private equity and venture capital firms wrote the largest checks to Advance Progress, which is working to unseat Sen. Ed Markey in the Sept. 1 primary. The industry accounts for mor...
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Reposted by Paul Schlichtman
gbhnews @gbhnews.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
“If they are going to vote by mail, do not mail the ballot. It’s too late; we can’t be sure we are going to receive it.” The primary is less than a week away. Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin says mail-in ballots not returned can't now be submitted. bit.ly/4gWSinS
bit.ly
It’s too late to mail in ballots, Massachusetts’ top election official says
“If they are going to vote by mail, do not mail the ballot. It’s too late, we can’t be sure we are going to receive it.”
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