Precinct: 4
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 called Lexington my home for over nine years, and in that time loved being involved with the community of this historic town. I am currently a student at Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, pursuing a dual degree in architecture and design, along with a focus on public policy. At Tufts, I serve as an editor for the opinion section of the Tufts Daily and am a community senator in the Tufts Community Union. In my capacity as a senator, I actively foster collaboration between the student body, administration, and various communities.
My educational journey includes attending NuVu Innovation School and Lexington High School. Beyond academics, I express my creativity through photography and various forms of mixed media art at SMFA.
My passion lies in policy development, zoning, transportation planning, and the thoughtful design of neighborhoods. I am deeply committed to making meaningful contributions to the intersection of art, architecture, and public policy.
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 served as a member of Lexington’s Transportation Advisory Committee, since 2022, and recently the committee’s liaison to the MBTA. Over the past year, I led the committee’s proposal for the $20 Limitless Lexpress annual pass, successfully reducing rider costs and increasing the ridership of the Lexpress buses. I wrote the committee’s proactive engagement and commentary on proposed changes to the Lexington Select Board, Planning Board, and School Committee, fostering improved collaboration on transportation initiatives.
As a community member, I authored an open letter to the MBTA with over 200 signatories. The letter advocated for the retention of pre-pandemic bus service in the town. The goal was to ensure accessibility for those who depend on the vital service and those seeking a sustainable transportation alternative. The advocacy resulted in a successful revision of the original proposal.
Having recently been a student at Lexington High School, I possess a keen understanding of the unique needs of students and youth in our town.
In 2023, I attended Annual Town Meeting, furthering my understanding of the functioning of Town Meeting in Lexington.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
There are many important efforts and conversations happening in Lexington; it’s difficult to pick a single one.
In the coming years, Lexington will address critical issues such as housing, transportation, schools, and their integration with sustainability. My advocacy will focus on promoting sustainable methods in new housing construction, safeguarding and enhancing Lexington’s vibrant tree canopy, mitigating the trend of excessive mansion development, diversifying housing options, fostering neighborhood walkability and local business support, and providing essential resources for the youth to actively engage in our community.
To enhance housing accessibility, Lexington can diversify its housing portfolio by revising zoning regulations. Encouraging developers to construct multiple housing units rather than larger single-family homes, and incorporating community spaces into neighborhoods, will contribute to a more accessible residential landscape. The proposed articles by the Tree Committee to prevent the removal of existing trees and promote new tree planting initiatives are crucial for preserving Lexington’s greenery and maintaining a sustainable environment.
Please vote in the Town Elections on March 5, early in-person, or by mail-in voting. Information on voting is available from the Town on https://lexingtonma.gov/elections.
I hope for your vote on March 5th.
If you’re able to, please make a contribution to help finance this campaign in connecting with every member of Precinct 4: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kunal. If you live in Precinct 4 and would like to host a sign, please reach out to kunal@kunalbotla.com.
Your vote and support are incredibly important.