I directly witnessed Lin Jensen’s environmental orientation, dependability, curiosity, and commitment to community when I was a Big Backyard organizer for Hastings Elementary School. At the time we were trying to get styrofoam lunch trays out of the Hastings cafeteria and teach children to recycle. By the time my kids left Hastings I was discouraged and had given up on fighting disposable lunch trays.
As Lin’s three kids grew, her community involvement grew. When she became PTO co-president, she learned from the recycling and waste reduction efforts at Bridge School and made that a priority at Hastings. She partnered with other PTO presidents and formed the Green Teams network and in that coalition met with town staff, the superintendent, the food service and students. When she was told why the lunch trays had to be styrofoam she persisted. She researched complex questions and over time, her team got a dishwasher and re-useable trays at Hastings. Green Teams was able to reduce cafeteria waste significantly in part because of Lin’s persistence, her methodical research, and her broad team work.
Planning Board members need more than good intention to avoid unintended consequences. Lin has the stamina to delve deep into complex issues and understands she needs to listen to others to learn all she needs to make responsible decisions. She has been attending Planning Board meetings since 2016. Lin Jensen has my vote for Planning Board.