WHY JOIN THE BRTC?

Joining the Brookline Republican Town Committee (BRTC) means becoming part of a dedicated community committed to shaping the future of our town, state, and country. As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Shape local policy by participating in discussions and debates on key issues affecting Brookline with candidates from across the political spectrum.
  • Support Republican candidates at every level, from local elections to national races.
  • Engage in meaningful dialogue with like-minded individuals and build relationships with local leaders and activists.
  • Make a difference in your community through volunteering, attending events, and getting involved in local campaigns.

Whether you're new to politics or a seasoned advocate, your voice and energy are needed to help us advance the values that matter most. By joining the BRTC, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking team working to ensure that Republican ideals have a strong presence in Brookline.

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ABOUT THE BRTC

BRTC

The Brookline Republican Town Committee (BRTC) is a civil service organization of Brookline residents who are:

• Registered Republicans on the Town’s voter rolls and

• Republican-leaning, but Unenrolled, who are dedicated to serving Brookline through

• Vigorous, respectful debate of policy and management directions in Town

• Recruitment and support of local, state, and national candidates who espouse Republican ideals, and

• Working with and persuading elected officials and citizens of the benefits of Republican ideals for the Town of Brookline, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the United States of America.

WE BELIEVE IN:

  1. Personal responsibility and liberty
  2. Small, efficient and accountable municipal, state, and federal government
  3. An appropriate safety net for individuals and families in need
  4. Prudent and sustainable fiscal policies and management, including taxation and public budgets
  5. An independent and co-equal Judicial branch, guided by the original intentions of the US Constitution; and
  6. A strong national defense.

THE BRTC PLATFORM

  1. Nationally, we support Republican elected officials and work for their success as our leaders, including the President, U.S. Senators, and Congressional representatives.
  2. In Massachusetts, we support Republicans for all statewide offices, State Senate, State House, and Governor’s Council.
  3. In Brookline, we believe that:
    • Town debate and leadership need multiple points of view for the benefit of all Brookline residents;
    • Public schools are academic institutions accountable to the parents of our children for excellent instruction, merit-based evaluation, and equal opportunity;
    • Public safety is essential for a thriving community. Our police and fire departments have our full support to do their jobs;
    • Fiscal discipline in Town budgets, including eliminating structural deficits and living within a 2.5% increase in taxation each year, is required for families and a broad socioeconomic spectrum of individuals to afford living in, building businesses in, and contributing to our Town;
    • Conservation of open spaces and our natural environment, making recreational opportunities accessible to all, is consistent with our commitment to care for our planet; and
    • Distorting energy markets to deliver anything other than effective and efficient energy to Brookline residents and businesses injures our people and our economy without reducing the global carbon footprint.

MASSACHUSETTS GOP REPRESENTATION

The Massachusetts GOP State Committee is made up of 40 men and 40 women, elected by Republicans in each of the 40 Massachusetts State Senate districts on the Republican Presidential primary ballot.

Brookline is one of three communities in the Norfolk and Middlesex District (along with Wellesley and Newton) and is represented on the MAGOP State Committee by State Committeeman Tom Mountain of Newton and State Committeewoman Jessica Flynn of Newton.

The State Committee elects the Officers of the MAGOP, National Committeeman and National Committeewoman. BRTC is proud to work with MAGOP Chair Amy Carnevale, National Committeeman Brad Wyatt, and National Committeewoman Janet Fogarty.

BRTC is proud to count among its members former National Committeewoman Jody Dow and former State Committeewoman Lisa Barstow.

Massachusetts GOP

ANNUAL MEETINGS & EVENTS

The BRTC holds a number of recurring meetings and community events throughout the year. Highlights and regular practices include:

  • Monthly Meetings: BRTC meets monthly January–November, typically on Monday nights from 7–9 p.m. Each year the meeting dates are published by December 1 for the following year and are available upon request. All meeting locations, whether in-person or on Zoom, are available by email request.
  • Brookline Day: BRTC is a Bronze sponsor of Brookline Day, typically held in mid–late September at Coolidge Corner. Look for our red canopy.
  • Annual Cookout: The BRTC annual cookout is held each summer (typically July or August) at the Chair’s house — bring your best side dish.
  • Holiday Dessert Social: The BRTC Holiday Dessert Social is held each November, typically at the Chair’s house.
  • Candidate Q&A Sessions: BRTC hosts question-and-answer sessions with candidates for contested School Committee and Select Board races each March and/or April and welcomes all Brookline voters to attend these community conversations.

For the current year’s meeting schedule or event details (locations, Zoom links, or sponsorship information), please request the information by email — meeting and location details are provided upon request.

TYPES OF BRTC MEMBERSHIP

Voting Members

Voting Members (35) are elected on the Republican Presidential primary ballot every four years. Vacancies are filled by majority of the existing Voting Members between elections up to the maximum roster of 35 members. Voting Members must be Republicans living and registered in Brookline.

Associate Members

Associate Members are elected by the Voting Members of the BRTC for 2-year terms. Associate Members are either Republican or unenrolled voters registered and living in Brookline. The BRTC can have an unlimited number of Associate Members, and typically has ~35-50 Associate Members.

Affiliate Members

Affiliate Members are invited by the Chair to follow and participate in BRTC meetings and events. They are registered voters living in Brookline or neighboring communities who share BRTC values and want to participate in BRTC efforts. Affiliate Members typically number ~25-40.

Honorary Members

Honorary Members are elected by the BRTC Voting Members for lifetime Associate membership in the BRTC as recognition for their long and distinguished service to Brookline as registered Republicans. The BRTC currently has 2 living Honorary Members.

BRTC OFFICERS

Elizabeth Childs
Chair
Mark Gerber
Vice Chair and Community Liaison
Ariel Soiffer
Secretary
Stephen Chiumenti
Treasurer
Julia Vien
Assistant Secretary
Yvonne Schlaeppi
Recording Secretary
David Eisenberg
Assistant Treasurer
Peggy Maguire
Voter Liaison and Republican Election Registrar
Andrew McIlwraith
Republican Election Registrar
Michael Robbins
Chairman Emeritus