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 running as a write-in candidate for Precinct 7. I have lived in Lexington with my husband for 28 years. Our two children attended the Lexington Public Schools.
Over the years, I have been active in the community: in school activities, co-directing the Family Friends Program, volunteering for the Big Backyard program, and supporting the Ωbaseball, football, and track teams, as well as figure skating. I have continuously engaged in neighborhood events and issues, such as actively working for the installation of sound barriers, all while working full time. Most recently, I served as a member of the 2022 Affordable Housing Trust Study Committee, and I am currently vice chair of the Affordable Housing Trust and liaison to the Housing Partnership Board.
Why are you running for Town Meeting?
I am running for Town Meeting because Lexington is facing changes on many fronts: building a high school, new housing, commercial vacancies and budgetary deficits. Having worked in other communities facing similar changes, I am aware of the impacts and opportunities that growth can offer. Lexington is a remarkable place, and I am excited about the opportunity to participate in its future.
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 a master’s degree in public administration and spent my career working in community development for the state, various municipalities and private and non-profit organizations. Most recently, I worked for the City of Cambridge, managing housing programs and drafting and advocating for complex zoning for residential and commercial development. Previously, I was director of the state’s Office of Community Economic Development. I have also been a consultant to municipalities on planning and development projects in Bedford, Arlington, Lincoln, and Concord.
In my years working in community development for different municipalities, I have gained insight into issues which are key to any town, such as housing, zoning, traffic, conservation, responsible financial budgets, and I understand the complex interaction of these issues.
In my professional life, I have often been in situations where there are opposing views. I have often had to negotiate with housing developers to ensure that the apartments they develop meet the municipal requirements and maximize their livability. I first always listen to find common ground. In one case, the developer felt their property could not financially support the affordable units that were required by the city. After careful discussions, and some changes to their housing program, we were able to reach an agreement in which all of the requirements were met and the developer was satisfied with the financial outcome. It was a difficult and tense situation, but ended with a result in which everyone felt satisfied and, through the process, gained respect for each other’s point of view.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
I have always worked in community development and housing and understand there must be a thoughtful approach to development. New development impacts all parts of the town– schools, infrastructure, and economy. There are challenges in growth, but, on the other hand, there are also opportunities, such as creating more economic diversity in an expensive town and more vibrancy to the Town Center. Housing affordability is an issue close to my heart. Lexington is expensive and I’d like to see more opportunities for a diversity in price points.
But no issue is in isolation. I understand there is a complex interaction among housing, schools, infrastructure, traffic, conservation, economic development, and, not least of all, budgets.