About the Suburban Coalition

The Suburban Coalition was founded in the mid 1980’s by local officials to provide input to the state about local services, state funding and state regulations. Membership has grown to include Boards of Selectmen, School Committees, some Finance Committees and other local officials in nearly 60 communities. By banding together, these communities can address mutual problems more effectively at the state level. The Coalition is bipartisan and does not support parties or individual candidates.

Each year the Coalition releases a position paper that summarizes its views. The Steering Committee members also meet with individual legislators, host a Legislative Breakfast at the State House, testify at legislative hearings, participate in forums, visit member boards, and present the Coalition’s views to the media. All members are welcome to attend periodic Steering Committee meetings. The current officers of the Suburban Coalition are:

Chairman: Dorothy Presser (Lynnfield School Committee)

Immediate Past Chairman: Jerry Wasserman (Needham Board of Selectmen)

Vice-Chairman: Nancy Gallivan (Walpole School Committee)

Secretary: Susan Welby (Needham School Committee 1996-2005)

Treasurer: Stu Sklar (Harvard School Committee)

The Coalition is dedicated to the idea that excellent educational and municipal services and facilities, coupled with sound fiscal management, are the right of every citizen in the Commonwealth.