Here are the five stories that we think were the most important to Reading this week.

Securities Exchange Commission takes on former Reading broker. The commission filed a complaint this week about a broker who formerly worked for Reading-based Sentinel Securities. According to the complaint, James Konaxis defrauded a September 11th widow and her children of about $2 million the family received from the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund.

Officials play Mythbusters at budget meeting. As the Financial Committee winds down its series of meetings focusing on the town’s fiscal 2012 budget, it addressed a number of beliefs about town employees’ benefits packages.

Kids and toy guns. Our Moms Council took a look this week at whether or not kids should be allowed to play with toy arms. Not only did our moms offer their own input, but a handful of commencers added their own two cents. Take a look at the conversation.

School committee candidates. Incumbents Karen Janowski and Lisa Gibbs, as well as challenger Charles Arthur answered a series of questions relevant to their candidacy and the pending election, and their responses generated some conversation of their own—particularly on the subject of facilities naming and budget management.

Pending development aims to be greener. In an effort to be more environmentally responsible, Pulte Homes agreed to reduce surface parking spaces and may consider moving up the start date of a planned shuttle service.