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 1983 and a Town Meeting Member since 2007. I have been active in Town affairs during that time:
• Community Preservation Committee since 2006 (Chair)
• Lexington Historical Commission since 1994
• Lexington Comprehensive Advisory Committee 2018–2022
• Town Election Official since 2012
I am a Massachusetts licensed attorney and have over 40 years’ experience in banking, law and historic preservation, working with companies, non-profits, and government agencies. I am married with one adult son.
Why are you running for Town Meeting?
For many years I was unable to contribute to the Town that has become my home, due to work and family responsibilities. Now that I am retired and my son is grown, I have the time and energy to give back and support the issues that are important to me. I find the debate at Town Meeting, and the sometimes difficult decision making that is required, to be stimulating and personally challenging. I am grateful for the collegiality of my fellow Town Meeting Members and hope to be able to continue for an additional term.
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 a member and the current chair of the Community Preservation Committee has given me a better understanding of the Town’s priorities and policies, while at the same time requiring me to listen to multiple opinions on how those priorities and policies should be met. The four aspects of the Community Preservation Act—affordable housing, open space, historic resources and recreation—are often at variance, leading to compromise, collaboration and a deep appreciation and respect for my fellow members on the CPC.
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 has changed radically over the last few years with its growing population, costly infrastructure (new police and fire stations, high school) and changing priorities (reasonable commercial development, adequate affordable housing, aging town facilities). This will require greater collaboration and compromise if we wish to retain the unique character of Lexington.
Diversity of opinion requires listening, asking pertinent and challenging questions and mutual respect. I have welcomed opposing (and supporting) outreach from constituents and have answered as completely and honestly as I can with my own views, in many cases modified after listening to the constituent arguments.