Precinct: 4
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.
Born in Boston, I grew up in Newton and attended Fessenden and Belmont Hill. I have a B.A. in Government and Philosophy from Hamilton College and a J.D. from Suffolk University. My first experience in government was interning during the summers in Washington, D.C. for Congressman Barney Frank, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and in the West Wing of the Clinton White House. I later served as the Vice-Chair of the Newton Democratic City Committee. In 1998 I worked on State Sen. Lois Pines’ campaign for AG, after which I started in the MA State House in 1999. I served as Staff Director for the House Ways and Means Committee from 2005-2009, and in 2009, I became the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives where I served until 2017. I now work for the government relations firm Preti Strategies. My wife Tara and three daughters moved to Malt Lane in August of 2020. Currently, my two oldest attend Clarke Middle School while my youngest attends Bridge Elementary where my wife Tara also serves as an aide.
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?
I have worked in and with state government for over 25 years during which time I have dealt with issues concerning local education, unrestricted general government aid, housing production and preservation, conservation and open space issues. My knowledge of these issues will allow me a unique perspective when working through their implementation and impact as a Town Meeting member.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
Given that state revenue collections for the current fiscal year have not met expected benchmarks, ensuring Lexington is able to maintain its world-class schools and other public services in the face of potentially declining state assistance will be the most difficult challenge facing our community in the coming months.
I served as the chief aide during most high-level negotiations between Senate, House and Administration leadership between 2009 and 2017. More recently, as a pro bono representative of the Massachusetts Advocates for Children, I help negotiate passage of legislation allowing access to higher learning opportunities for special education students.
My family has deeply appreciated and enjoyed moving and becoming part of the Lexington community. I’m running for Town Meeting to serve our town and all the great neighbors, friends and fellow residents we have met since making our home here.