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 a lifelong Lexington resident and fourth generation living and working in town. Together with my wife Koleen, we raised our four children, who all attended Lexington Public Schools. I am a co-owner of Michelson’s Shoes, a business in Lexington Center and President of the Lexington Retailers Association, the organization which runs Discovery Day, the Lexington Center Halloween Walk, the Holiday Lighting, and Taste of Lexington. I also proudly serve on the Lexington Symphony Board of Directors.
Why are you running for Town Meeting?
I have been a Town Meeting member since 1986 and would like to continue to be involved in the Town’s decision making so that Lexington continues to be a Town that is responsive to its residents. Many things have changed since I was first elected, but what has not changed is the commitment that so many residents make to work together to make Lexington an attractive place to live.
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?
Living, working, and spending time doing community service for Lexington organizations means I am constantly talking to residents and businesses and seeing how they are reacting to actions that have been decided or are being decided. In addition to serving as a Town Meeting member since 1986, I have also been a member of the Town’s Appropriation Committee since 1999, actively reviewing Town finances. My committee service has allowed me to concentrate on finances of the Minuteman Regional High School, the Community Preservation Act, and affordable housing. My service on the Board of Director of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts also gives me a state-wide perspective on issues that not only affect our Town but also our region. As a business owner, member of Boards of Directors, and long time committee member I have the experience of making decisions that will allow organizations to thrive both short-term and long-term. I want to be able to continue to use these experiences to help our town.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
Lexington’s Town finances are reaching a critical point as inflation has reduced how far our growing tax revenues can continue to support our current budget needs. Lexington has been a financially well-managed town due to concerted efforts by elected officials and town administration, but maintaining our present level of services within the limited revenue we have will require financial and legislative discipline. This discipline will require us to understand the financial effects of all decisions, including zoning changes and bylaw changes.
I learn and grow by listening to all opinions, especially when they are contrary to my own. I continue to listen to what people are thinking so I can gain more information and make better decisions so that our Town can remain a community.