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 serial entrepreneur, devoted husband, and proud father who has called Lexington home since 2012. Born and raised in South Florida, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges of underfunded public schools—a lesson that fuels my commitment to quality education and community service. After earning advanced degrees from MIT, I built a diverse career in operations, strategy, and technology development, launched startups, led global and strategic initiatives at companies like Twitter and Microsoft, and hold nine U.S. patents.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I treasure Lexington’s local traditions. My wife, Leslie, and I enjoy community events, from memorable concerts at Cary Memorial to neighborhood gatherings that celebrate our town’s rich heritage. I believe that Lexington’s forward-thinking spirit will drive our community toward responsible growth and better public services for all residents.
Why are you running for Town Meeting?
I am running for Town Meeting because I care deeply about Lexington’s future and the well-being of every resident. Over the years, I’ve seen how rapid development and budget constraints can strain our community services, especially our schools. My background in startup strategy, technology, and operations has taught me to look at challenges from multiple perspectives and to make decisions that balance progress with responsibility. I want to ensure that as Lexington grows, we do so in a way that protects our community’s heritage and maintains the quality of our public services. My family and I have proudly called Lexington home since 2012, and I believe our town deserves thoughtful leadership that listens to residents and plans for sustainable growth. I am committed to making decisions that support our schools, protect our neighborhoods, and foster a vibrant community for current and future generations.
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 decades of experience in operations, technology development, and startup strategy that have prepared me for the challenges of Town Meeting. Leading teams at companies like Twitter taught me to balance innovation with fiscal responsibility, while managing high-stakes projects refined my ability to consider every perspective before making decisions. Through mentoring early-stage startups, I learned how to evaluate complex issues through multiple lenses, a skill that is crucial when addressing the diverse needs of our community. Since moving to Lexington in 2012, I have witnessed firsthand both the strengths of our rich heritage and the challenges posed by rapid development. I understand the critical balance needed to support sustainable growth—ensuring quality education, preserving our neighborhoods, and maintaining excellent public services. I’m eager to bring my analytical mindset, leadership experience, and passion for community service to Town Meeting to help guide Lexington’s future.
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 for me is managing the pace and scale of development to protect our town’s financial stability while still meeting our housing needs. Our current zoning plan—approving 228 acres instead of the 50 mandated by state MBTA guidelines—has set us on a path of rapid development that risks overwhelming our schools, infrastructure, and community services.
At a minimum, I believe we need to scale back the zoning from 228 acres to 50. This change would help us control the speed of development, ensuring that growth is measured and sustainable. I also plan to closely examine and see if it is possible to close the loophole that currently allows projects with fewer than 10 units to avoid providing any affordable housing. Addressing this gap is critical to making sure that every new development contributes fairly to our community’s housing needs.
I understand that growth is necessary, especially when it comes to diversifying and expanding our housing options. However, unchecked development can have unintended consequences that jeopardize the quality of life in Lexington. I am committed to a balanced approach—one that honors our town’s heritage while carefully planning for a sustainable future. I look forward to working with town officials, developers, and residents to refine our policies and ensure that development benefits every member of our community.
I believe that respectful dialogue is key to managing diverse opinions. I recognize that in a community as vibrant as Lexington, there will always be differing perspectives. When I encounter opinions that don’t align with my own, I commit to listening carefully and engaging in open, honest conversations. I will actively seek to understand the concerns behind those views and work to find common ground where possible. By fostering an environment of mutual respect, I aim to build trust and encourage constructive debate. I also plan to use data and sound reasoning to explain my decisions and policies, ensuring that all community members understand the rationale behind them. Whether through town meetings, one-on-one discussions, or community forums, I am dedicated to making every voice heard and incorporating diverse viewpoints into our decision-making process. Collaboration and open communication are the foundation of strong governance, and I will work hard to honor that every day.
I believe that good governance is built on open communication, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the community. My career has been dedicated to solving complex challenges—balancing innovation and risk—while always keeping people at the forefront of decision-making. As a husband, father, and long-time resident of Lexington, I have a personal stake in preserving what makes our town unique and ensuring its future is bright for all generations.
I’m excited about the possibility of bringing my experience in operations, strategy, and technology development to town government. I am committed to listening to your concerns, engaging in honest dialogue, and working collaboratively to address the issues that matter most—from sustainable growth and quality education to preserving our community’s character.
I see every conversation, every community meeting, and every shared experience as an opportunity to learn and grow together. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to serving and working side by side with all of you to build a stronger Lexington.