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 am Charles James, a dedicated leader in senior living with a passion for fostering inclusive, high-quality care for older adults. As the Executive Director of an Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Independent Living community, I strive to create an environment where residents thrive with dignity and purpose.
Family is at the heart of who I am. My husband, Larry, and I have been together for 20 years, and we are proud parents to our incredible children, Paige and Kristopher. Paige is an avid basketball player, while Kristopher, a Marvel fanatic, dreams of an acting career.
Outside of work, I serve on the boards of Mass-ALA (Massachusetts Assisted Living Association), the Dana Home Foundation Board of Directors, and the Lexington Council on Aging, advocating for aging services. I enjoy trivia, pop culture, and traveling—especially to tropical destinations. My leadership is fueled by compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in both my personal and professional life.
Why are you running for Town Meeting?
I am running for Town Meeting because I believe in building a stronger, more inclusive community where every voice is heard. I have dedicated my career to advocating for older adults, ensuring access to quality care, and fostering intergenerational connections.
Beyond my professional experience, I am a proud resident, husband, and father who values the importance of civic engagement. My goal is to bring a thoughtful, balanced perspective to Town Meeting, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs of all residents—families, seniors, and future generations alike.
I am passionate about responsible development, strengthening community services, and making Lexington a place where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and supported. I am eager to listen, collaborate, and advocate for policies that enhance our town’s vibrancy, affordability, and long-term sustainability.
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?
My experience as an Executive Director in senior living has given me a deep understanding of policy, advocacy, and community engagement. I have worked closely with local and state leaders to navigate complex regulations, advocate for seniors, and ensure high-quality care and services.
Leading a large organization has strengthened my skills in budgeting, strategic planning, and problem-solving—essential qualities for making informed decisions in Town Meeting. I am no stranger to working collaboratively, balancing diverse perspectives, and finding solutions that serve the greater good.
As a community leader, I understand the importance of listening and being a voice for those who may not always be heard. My passion for inclusivity, responsible development, and enhancing community services drives me to bring thoughtful, practical leadership to Town Meeting, ensuring Lexington remains a welcoming and thriving town for all.
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 election is the future of Lexington High School. As a parent and community advocate, I believe we must invest in a modern, functional, and future-ready high school that meets the needs of our students and educators. I strongly support the Bloom proposal, as it provides a well-balanced approach that prioritizes educational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and sustainability.
Lexington has long been known for its top-tier education, and our high school must reflect that standard. The Bloom proposal addresses critical space, infrastructure, and safety concerns while maintaining flexibility for future growth. It also integrates energy-efficient design, which aligns with our town’s commitment to sustainability.
To ensure the success of this project, I support transparent community engagement, fiscal oversight, and strategic planning. We must keep residents informed, listen to concerns, and ensure the project stays on budget without unnecessary delays. Collaboration with educators, parents, and town officials will be key to making this vision a reality.
Additionally, I will advocate for equitable access to resources and programming so that Lexington High School continues to serve students of all backgrounds and abilities. A well-designed, forward-thinking school will strengthen our community, maintain our reputation for educational excellence, and benefit generations to come.
As a Town Meeting member, I will work to move this project forward responsibly and efficiently, ensuring that we deliver a high school that reflects Lexington’s values and commitment to the future.
Managing diverse opinions is about listening, respecting different perspectives, and making informed, balanced decisions. I have navigated complex issues where stakeholders had differing views. I believe in open communication, transparency, and collaboration to find common ground while staying true to the best interests of the community.
As a Town Meeting member, I will actively engage with constituents, encouraging open dialogue through conversations, forums, and outreach. I understand that no single perspective can capture the full picture, so I will approach each issue with a commitment to fairness, research, and thoughtful consideration.
Even when opinions differ from my own, I will ensure that all voices are heard and respected. My goal is to represent the broader needs of the community, make informed decisions based on facts and input, and help create solutions that reflect our shared values and long-term vision for Lexington.
I am honored to run for Town Meeting because I believe in the power of community, thoughtful leadership, and ensuring Lexington remains a place where all residents—families, seniors, and future generations—can thrive.
With years of experience in leadership, advocacy, and community engagement, I bring a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to decision-making. My background in senior living and service on the Mass-ALA, The Dana Home Foundation and Lexington Council on Aging has given me a deep appreciation for policy, budgeting, and community needs. I understand the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with investments that strengthen our town’s future.
As a husband, father, and active community member, I care deeply about education, responsible development, and maintaining Lexington’s vibrant character. I am committed to listening to residents, fostering meaningful dialogue, and ensuring all voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Lexington is an extraordinary town, and I want to help shape its future with practical leadership, integrity, and a commitment to inclusivity. I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve and work alongside my neighbors to keep Lexington a welcoming and forward-thinking community for all.
I humbly ask for your support and your vote. Let’s move Lexington forward together!