Response: “Political Party Organizations Barred from Town Day” – The 6/27/25 Belmont Voice

At the June 23rd Select Board meeting, Member Taylor Yates mischaracterized Citizens for a Fiscally Responsible Belmont (CFRB) as a “political activist” group.  Since The Voice reported that quote, CFRB is compelled to clarify our status to Voice readers.   CFRB is not a “political Group” nor a “Political Activist” group. Rather, CFRB works to serve all taxpayers and residents with our efforts to inform, educate and promote fiscal responsibility and government transparency - these efforts appeal to all parties.  

In response to an email query, available through public records, from Select Board Member Yates on Friday, June 20, CFRB president Dawn MacKerron clarified in writing that CFRB is not a political group.  Yates acknowledged that clarification, also in writing. It’s unfortunate that Select Board member Yates chose to publicly misrepresent CFRB in the Select Board Meeting three days later.  

A resident’s letter to the Voice cites CFRB involvement in opposing the override as political. We strongly disagree. The Town’s need to control spending transcends partisan boundaries and aligns with the CFRB mission to advocate for fiscal responsibility.   

Here is our mission: “CFRB is a non-partisan, grass-roots group of concerned citizens who serve Belmont residents by working to increase accountability, responsibility and transparency in all aspects of town government.”  CFRB is incorporated as a Massachusetts 501c4 social welfare organization and is not a political group.