Brookline resident and homeowner since 2009. TMM since 2017. Member of Mothers Out Front, Brookline Parents Organization, and PAX. Served on the town's redistricting committee in 2021. Parent of BHS 9th-grader and Runkle 1st-grader. Labor and employment attorney. Married to local business owner Ben Kelley.
Brookline’s most critical issue right now is funding the schools and town services. I support the override because we need those funds to maintain the town’s excellence. We also need to consider additional options to help generate revenue for the town, including commercial development. I have supported and will continue to support efforts to grow and support local business, increase housing supply and density, prioritize excellence and student enrichment in our schools, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and single-use plastics. It is critical to set the agenda locally on issues important to our community, including protecting our civil rights, given the current threats to our values at the federal level.
Town Meeting Member since 2001; only missed one night in 25 years. Library Trustee since 2004; chair 2014-2016, 2021-2024. Endorsed by PAX in all elections. Endorsed this year by PAX, Progressive Brookline, B4E, and Brookline by Design. Harvard College: A.B., Physics; Boston University: M.A., Physics. Brookline resident 1991-3, 1995-date. Teacher (1995-2004): Cambridge School of Weston, Rashi School; Editorial Manager (now): Savvas Learning Company. Condominium owner in precinct 12 with twin daughters, age 16. Award-winning science-fiction writer and editor.
Right now, I'd say the most important issue is funding the schools and town services, including the libraries. The town very much needs the override to pass, but at the same time, we need to find other ways to fund the budget for the services the town has come to expect and appreciate. We need to look at other solutions, such as good, smart commercial development. We also need to continue looking at how to create proper affordable housing. Finally, most of us in Brookline are opposed to the overreach by the current federal government and we need to continue to find ways to fight that at the local level.
I am a 12 year Brookline renter, and a middle school English teacher with 11+ years of experience in public education; I'm passionate about public education, both in our schools and publicly
funded institutions, like our libraries. I was caucused into Town Meeting in the Fall of 2024, elected in May 2025 Education: College of the Holy Cross, BA, 2011; Harvard Graduate School of Education, M.Ed., 2015.
The MBTA Communities Act motivated me to become engaged in local politics and am a Brookline for Everyone Board Member and TMM. I moved to Brookline because I love living in a walkable, public transit friendly community, and saw the MBTA Communities
Act as a way of bolstering that part of Brookline's character. Affordable housing (both subsidized and market rate) is the key to so many issues: welcoming immigrants and so many other groups threatened by the federal government means making sure that
Brookline is an affordable, safe place for everyone; a walkable, transit friendly community helps the elderly age in place, while also helping Brookline achieve's it's climate goals.
Attendance
Not Incumbent Town Meeting Candidate
Out
11-Mar
I have over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate investment. My duties included budgeting, valuations, leasing and management. I also served as the partner liaison representing the financial partner in joint ventures with developers. I was involved in the development of several hotel, retail and multi-family projects nationwide. My second career was as a Human Resources Specialist for Whole Foods. My duties included employee benefit programs and recruiting. I handled five locations including the Brookline and Brighton locations.
My primary focus will be on a balanced budget. Taxpayers are becoming very weary of overrides for budget shortfalls on the election ballot. There needs to be more discussion and accountability for these overrides. An open checkbook is unacceptable. It is not a viable option to hope an override passes on a vote. If it does not pass, then we face service cuts. We must be able to sustain the services we provide to the community. While an override may be warranted, it needs to be explained.
Email is a great way to inform a large audience all at one time. I also feel personal interaction is important. I am very accessible and happy to speak with the constituents of my precinct.
Attendance
Non-incumbent but has served in caucus
Out
30-Jan
I have lived in Brookline for 6 years, and live with my wife, daughter, and dog near Washington Square. We love the walkability of Town, the strong services (including dog parks!), and are looking forward to sending our daughter to BPS. As an avid runner, I serve on the Pedestrian Advisory Committee and am on the Beacon Street Bridle Path Design Review Committee. I also served in Town Meeting during the Fall of 2025. I am dedicated to realizing a progressive vision of Brookline, and am on the board of Brookline for Everyone.
My two biggest issues are the Town's financial situation and the affordability of housing. Brookline needs to allow more commercial development to develop our commercial tax base, which will allow for a more financially sustainable Town without adding to the cost of living. We are in the midst of a years-long housing crunch, and Brookline can meet the moment by allowing for more residential housing. Before Town Meeting this spring is a very important project, the CHCA, which will bring in millions of commercial tax revenue per months and add substantial housing, helping address both of these issues.
Attendance
Not Incumbent Town Meeting Candidate
Out
11-Mar
I grew up in Belmont and have lived in Brookline since 2020 with my partner, Flora, and our cat, Golde. I love living a block from the T, being close to so many great restaurants and businesses, and walking in the beautiful neighborhoods around me. Professionally, I am a software engineer, building services used by towns and other municipal agencies across the country. I am proud that through my work I help make the jobs of government employees a little easier, and give residents better access to their governments.
The biggest concern for many is the override, and the budget deficit that makes it necessary. To avoid future overrides while maintaining excellent services we need to promote sensible commercial development. We also need to create more affordable housing so that Brookline can continue to be a diverse welcoming community. We have great opportunities to accomplish both of these without hurting the character of the town.
Regarding broader concerns such as climate change and the erosion of democracy, I believe local civic engagement creates a foundation for addressing these issues. As a Town Meeting member I would support policies to increase government accessibility and voter participation, and I would personally be a resource for residents.
