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 have been a Lexington resident since 2002. I recently retired after a 40+ year career as a corporate cost accountant, CFO, and Treasurer. I am a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and have graduate degrees in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems from Bentley University. I am the parent of three LHS graduates, a former candidate for School Committee, a former Town Meeting Member (former webmaster of the TMMA website), and have served on the town’s Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee.
I enjoy hiking in Lexington’s numerous conservation areas (and elsewhere), as well as biking on the Minuteman Bikeway. My wife Marlene is a successful piano teacher here in Lexington (I’m typing this as a child is pounding away on the piano. 🙂
Why are you running for Town Meeting?
I genuinely fear for Lexington’s future. With several overrides planned for the next 5 years (NOT just the high school), we may find ourselves caught in a doom loop of ever-increasing taxes, which drive out the remaining middle class and empty nesters. They in turn are replaced by families with or planning children (why else would someone buy here?), and the cycle continues.
I feel we have not been well-served by our town government. Hindsight is said to be 20-20, but did one really need foresight to conclude that a prediction of 400-800 new units over 10 years on 228 acres was not credible? That should have been obvious, and my frustration over this, as well as other concerns, has prompted me to run for Town Meeting.
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 was a financial manager for over 40 years and have extensive experience in finance and accounting. Additionally, I negotiated leases and managed facilities, and have experience in HR and IT. I had a previous stint in town government 2007 – 2013, and learned how the process works in a community with a representative town meeting. I made many acquaintances in that period, most of whom are still here and with whom I’ve kept in touch.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
I support Article 2 in the special Town Meeting March 17th. We must restrain the development tsunami unleashed by our reckless implementation of the MBTA Communities Act last year. We must also conceive of a way to build a new and/or upgraded Lexington High School without bankrupting the residents. To excel, students need a safe, comfortable learning environment. They do not need a palace. I am convinced with so many smart people in this community we can get this done!
I am always open to reason and pride myself on intellectual honesty. If someone can demonstrate to me, with facts and clear logic, their position on a particular topic is superior to mine, I will change my mind accordingly.
Thank you for your consideration.