Precinct: 1
Tell us a little about yourself. You can include your personal background, family, outside interests that are important to who you are as a person and a candidate.
I moved from my birthplace in Connecticut to the Boston area for college and graduate school and have been a Massachusetts resident ever since. My husband, Albert, and I moved to Lexington in 1966 and feel so fortunate to live in our original house in this wonderful community. We raised our three children here, all of whom went through and graduated from the Lexington Public Schools. My professional work has been and is as a Clinical Social Worker. For fun, I enjoy gardening and taking continuing education courses.
How has your past experience — whether in your professional life, elected office, or as a community leader — prepared you for a role in Town Meeting?
Having served continuously as a Town Meeting member from Precinct 1 since 1976, I have had the incredible opportunity to participate directly in Lexington town government and growth. Also, I have been involved with many community agencies and organizations (including Lex. League of Women Voters, RePlace, PTA Boards, Citizens for Lexington Conservation}. All these experiences have given me an understanding and perspective on the changes and challenges facing Lexington today.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
The most important issue in this, and every local election, is to provide excellent, environmentally sustainable, and fiscally responsible services to ALL Lexington citizens. I have always been committed to fiscal and land use policies and practices which foster a diverse population which can afford to live here.
The issue of Housing continues to be particularly significant this year. I would advocate for and support measures that would provide multifamily/affordable housing, as I have done as a Town Meeting member in past years.
As a Town Meeting member, one always has to listen to, understand and come to terms with opposing views. Personally, as I listen to the pro and con discussion of the many controversial warrant articles on the floor or in pre-meeting discussions, sometimes I modify my position and seek some compromise position.
Collaboration always happens and we go on to work together. We agree to disagree. I can’t remember ever experiencing or witnessing anything else. Thank goodness! My husband and I have been in Town Meeting together for many years and very often hold totally opposite views!
I feel honored to have the opportunity to be a Pct. 1 Town Meeting member. It means a lot to me personally to give back to a great town which has been home to our family for over 50 years.