Marianne Cooley Seeks Re-Election ​​for Select Board, April 11

After more than nine years of service as a School Committee member and ten years as a Select Board member, Marianne Cooley is excited to announce that she is running for the Needham Select Board one final time. Marianne has felt honored to serve the town and residents of Needham for more than 20 years. She moved to Needham in 1986 after marrying her husband Al. They raised their two children in their current home, both of whom attended the Needham Public Schools and graduated from Needham High School.

Her involvement with the town began - as with many families - in the schools. As an interested parent, she wanted to support our schools and make sure that all students could have the best Needham had to offer. She also has served on the Beth Israel Lahey – Needham Hospital boards of advisors and trustees for more than 15 years.

Marianne knows that getting Town business done is a team effort. And as with all teams, leaders are needed to set the direction and to enable endurance for completing the task. She has led numerous teams, first for the schools and then for the town, that have successfully attained their goals and benefitted Needham and its residents.

She believes in leaving each organization she has worked or volunteered for in a better place than when she arrived – thoughtfully building systems and supports to maintain the organization for the future. Listening broadly to constituent concerns and understanding how to address those concerns as best as possible has always been a priority. Including all stakeholders in rigorous discourse to help guide decision making is a regular part of her process.

Marianne’s priorities within the Select Board goals include investing in upcoming school capital projects without overburdening taxpayers, improving transportation and affordable housing, continuing the work on climate action, broadening resident participation in town government, ensuring respect and sense of belonging for all who live and work in Needham, and continuing to support Needham’s small businesses.

Service to the Town of Needham:

• Select Board, 2013-2023, two years as chair
• School Committee, 2004-2013, two years as chair
• Needham High School Override, chair 2003
• Pollard PTC co-president
• Citizens for Needham Schools, inaugural board
• Needham Education Foundation, co-president and Spelling Bee Chair
• Beth Israel Lahey Needham Board of Advisors and Board of Trustees, chair of Patient Care Assessment Committee (PCAC)
• Needham Soccer Club, coach
• St. Joseph’s Parishioner and religious education teacher

For more information, go to votemariannecooley.org