Brookline Town Meeting - Pct 02 - Three Years Choose 5
Town Meeting is Brookline s Legislative arm of government. It consists of 255 elected Town Meeting Members plus the members of the Select Board, and any state representative or state senator who resides in Brookline. In addition, the Town Moderator, who presides over Town Meeting, and the elected Town Clerk, who acts as secretary, are voting members. The 255 membersare elected by precinct, with 15 members elected from each of the Town s seventeen precincts. The members are elected for staggered, 3-year terms so that 5 members are elected from each precinct each year in the May annual town election. Depending on vacancies some precincts will have more members to be elected.Town Meeting is responsible for passing a balanced annual town budget and enacts all town by-laws. An Annual Town Meeting is held in the spring to enact the following year s budget, plus whatever other matters are placed on the Town Meeting Warrant, either by the Select Board or by citizen petition. The Annual Town Meeting is usually held the last week in May or the first week in June. A Special Town Meeting is held each fall, usually in November, to deal with any budget changes, zoning by-law amendments or other matters placed on the warrant. (No salary; no health insurance.)‘*’ following a candidate name indicates an Incumbent.For Incumbent Town Meeting Candidates, Attendance Record for the last three years is shown.(NPE) is the party for all candidates. The Brookline Municipal Election is a Non-Partisan Election.
Biographical Information
Biographical Data:
Brookline has been my home since 1966 when my husband and I moved here from Maryland. I had been teaching in Baltimore for several years, and when my children started school in Brookline, I went to work in the library at the Driscoll School. I eventually decided to return to teaching and taught at the Baker School for half a year before moving back to Driscoll where I taught until I retired. I have been an active Town Meeting member for many years, and after retiring, I served on the Brookline School Committee for about twelve years. I have been very happy raising a family and working in Brookline for most of my adult life and want to continue to do my part to help this community thrive.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
1. Adding to available housing is critically important. I agree that solutions should be the result of comprehensive planning rather than wholesale changes to existing zoning. Comprehensive planning will ensure greater affordability and maintain neighborhood character.
2. I believe Brookline should remain a Town. Residents can participate by running for Town Meeting. TMMs bring a wide range of backgrounds which often lead to unique viewpoints and creative solutions to issues facing the Town.
3. Brookline Schools have excellent teachers and high standards, but struggle with budgets. As school construction projects are now underway, we should shift focus to staffing and programs addressing educational needs of our children.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
617-735-0083
Attendance
30 of 30
Biographical Data:
My husband and I and our four children moved to Brookline in 2000. Our children all attended Brookline public schools. I am an attorney and practiced tax law for several years before becoming a tax and personal finance software developer. When the kids grew up I had time for volunteer work. I assisted detained immigrants, supported Democratic Congressional candidates, and ran for Town Meeting in 2022. Now in addition to serving in Town Meeting I volunteer with Mothers out Front on their Zero Waste team, working towards single-use plastics reduction in Brookline and at the state level. I have been endorsed by Brookline by Design, Brookline Equity Coalition, Brookline for Everyone, Brookline PAX, and Brookline for Responsible Government.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
I think that the issues most important to my constituents are affordable housing, the environment, and wealth inequality. On housing, I have voted in favor of warrant articles that enable more homes to be built in Brookline. I also support mixed-use development that will increase our housing stock. On the environment, I will continue to support warrant articles that help Brookline achieve its net zero emissions goals. I am bringing two warrant articles to Spring Town Meeting that will help the Town reduce single-use plastics. To address wealth inequality, I support our public employees' wage increases and support our robust school system that provides a top-notch education to students of all backgrounds.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
617-909-0170
Attendance
30 of 30
Biographical Data:
I was born and raised in southern Maine. My husband and I have lived in Brookline for 32 years; our three children grew up in the public schools. A former corporate graphic designer and currently an artist, I volunteered in both the Florida Ruffin Ridley School and Brookline High School for over 20 years. I am currently chair of the Brookline Naming Committee; currently chair of the Friends of the Library; and currently chair of a ministerial search committee at our church in Copley Square. Endorsed by Brookline PAX and Brookline by Design.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
There's a statewide housing crisis. How will we address this? My constituents want to thrive: affordability is paramount, whether it's welcoming new neighbors or being able to age in place. I look forward to the upcoming release of the Comprehensive Plan.
My constituents want clean air, clean water, and safe streets. They want excellent schools! Balancing a town budget that takes care of our public employees is key. The Select Board, School Committee, and Advisory Committee are working hard to present a balanced budget; I look forward to voting for it.
A sizeable portion of my constituents are in public housing. I want to make sure that they are not an afterthought. Open space, free composting, and more are important to all of us.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
617-869-1191
Attendance
30 of 30
Biographical Data:
18 year resident of Brookline. Homeowner.
3 children went through the BPS system.
Incumbent TM member.
Previously worked in sales.
Endorsed by PAX and Brookline by Design.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
Maintaining a healthy quality of life in the densest part of Town.
Maintaining a positive relationship with our neighbors (residential and commercial)
Listening to all issues from all constituents.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://https://p2brookline.vote/
Campaign Facebook URL
http://https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-couture-stone/
Attendance
Not Incumbent Town Meeting Member
Biographical Data:
As a local parent, and as a nearly 20-year resident, friend and neighbor, I believe our community should reflect the diversity of the world around us, and that all our children have the resources needed to grow, learn, and succeed. If elected, I’ll work to foster open conversations and collaborate with you—our neighbors—to find practical solutions that make Brookline more affordable, vibrant, and sustainable for all of us. I believe that as a community, we can honor and preserve the beauty of our architectural landscape while embracing all the hope and vitality of a prosperous Brookline future.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
The housing issue in Brookline is key to addressing the challenges we face as a community. Housing is deeply connected to so many important areas, from our Town Budget and education to transportation, DEAI efforts, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on mixed-use development near transit, we can not only meet our housing needs but also increase the Town’s revenue, strengthen our local businesses, ease the financial burden on our friends and neighbors, and reinvigorate our education budget for our kiddos. This approach creates an opportunity for a more balanced, sustainable future, where all Brookline residents can thrive in a community that remains viable, engaging, and accessible for all of us.
Biographical Information
Attendance
Not Incumbent Town Meeting Member
Biographical Data:
I am a paramedic currently working in community medicine who has worked on ambulances throughout the Boston area including in Brookline. I have lived in Brookline with my wife and dog for seven years and I hope to stay here for a long time to come. My in-laws live in Brookline in an apartment building that neighbors my own, and I am dedicated to ensuring this town has services, housing and social supports for not only my own family but for all the people who live within it’s borders. I decided to run for town government so that I could address the current housing crisis, improve the 911 system and combat the harmful anti-women, anti-environment, anti-queer, anti-science and anti-POC policies of the current federal administration.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
My top priorities are affordable housing, healthcare and the environment. I would like to ensure housing in Brookline is available, affordable and green. To accomplish this, I support increased development of multifamily housing near transit lines with green building initiatives. This will reduce our carbon footprint, reduce the cost of rent and increase the town's revenue. Increased revenue can then be used to fill the budget hole in our school system and improve our 911 system, including health services.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://https://p2brookline.vote/
Attendance
Not Incumbent Town Meeting Member
Biographical Data:
I’ve lived in Brookline for over 20 years—first as a renter, now as a homeowner. I’m a single mother of two, with one child at the Ridley School and another who will attend in the fall. I hold a BA in Sociology and an MAT in Visual Arts, and I’ve spent nearly 20 years teaching, almost all in public schools. I’m deeply committed to Brookline’s progressive values, exceptional schools, and vibrant community. My experiences have fueled a strong passion for housing affordability, climate action, and inclusive planning. I believe we can honor Brookline’s historic charm while building a diverse, welcoming town where everyone can thrive.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
I'm running for Town Meeting to support sustainable housing policies that address Brookline’s key challenges—housing, education, and environmental concerns. By promoting energy-efficient, transit-oriented, and mixed-use development, we can reduce carbon emissions, ease the housing crisis, and expand our tax base. With a multi-million dollar school budget gap, we must pursue smart growth strategies that generate new revenue without overburdening residents. Sustainable development near transit can help us maintain excellent public schools, support diversity, and build a more inclusive, thriving community for all.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.p2brookline.vote
Attendance
Not Incumbent Town Meeting Member
Biographical Data:
I am an 18-year Brookline resident and solo mom to a 3-year-old daughter. I came to the area to pursue graduate degrees in social work and public health and I specialize in the field of refugee mental health. Over the time I have lived in Brookline, I have seen how increasingly unsustainable it has become for families to live and thrive here.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
If elected to Town Meeting, I will advocate for policies that promote housing access and affordability, well-resourced public schools, and environmental sustainability.