I am writing to urge our community to support Tom Shiple for Planning Board in our upcoming Town Elections on Monday, March 3.

My husband and I have known Tom for well over a decade, since our days as parents at Bridge School. We have volunteered together in our schools, in local soccer, and in the community. Over time, we have come to deeply respect and appreciate Tom’s commitment to Lexington and the vitality and well-being of our community. 

Tom is a community volunteer extraordinaire. Through his extensive volunteer work, he has acquired a deep knowledge of the workings of our town government—particularly with regard to our municipal services, the intricacies of zoning rules, and especially our town’s growing need for moderately-priced housing. Alongside this experience, he balances a longstanding commitment to environmental issues, from decreasing our carbon footprint to preserving our green space.

Tom is a meticulous researcher. The extent and depth to which he will study a topic is especially noteworthy. In 2023, he was part of the working group of Town Meeting Members that studied and then submitted an amendment to Article 34 that supported, but slowed the development of multi-family housing. Though the amendment failed, he has continued to research and deepen his understanding of housing development: the needs, benefits and costs. He is a voice of thoughtful, informed moderation.

Above all, Tom is pragmatic—an essential quality when confronted with complex decisions where perfect answers are in short supply. Tom has the skills and balance that we need on the Planning Board as we navigate challenges of the upcoming years, the complex questions of how Lexington will grow, and what kind of community we want to be. I strongly urge all to vote for Tom Shiple for Planning Board on Monday, March 3.  

For more information, go to: shipleforlexington.com

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