Brookline Town Meeting - Pct 13 - 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
Campaign Phone
617-566-5474
Attendance
29 of 30
Biographical Data:
I am a Resident of Brookline now for over 45 years, married to Brookline Pediatrician Jenny Lewis with two daughters who attended Heath School. Have been a TMM for P13 since 2012 and on the Advisory Committee for 8 years. My background is in computer technology, telecommunications and finance gained through a career in the financial services industry. I am endorsed by Brookline By Design.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
Schools FY26 budget gap needs narrowing (currently around $4m) further by reducing non-student facing line items. Close the gap as much as is reasonably possible, and then see if the Town will assist in providing a larger contribution.
Affordable housing has had some significant number of units added this year, but this still falls short of what is needed. More zoning changes, such as changing some S zones to SC zones which would permit a single family residence to be changed to a two family residence.
1-2 and 3 family residencies have seen large tax increases in the past two years. The town needs to increase commercial property base to help lower the burden on residential units.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
617-293-8304
Campaign Website
http://https://www.precinct13partners.com
Attendance
30 of 30
Biographical Data:
I am retired from active law practice after 40 years , primarily representing bicyclists, civil rights victims, consumers and other injured parties, I still do some pro bono work. I taught high school English and journalism for 10 years, including 8 years in the Boston public schools.
I have also worked as a newspaper reporter and journalist, both in the Boston area and the Berkshires.
I am currently on the steering committee of the Arava Israel Bike Ride, which supports the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies, serving as co-chair of the Virtual Ride.
I have been a Town Meeting Member for over 20 years, focusing my attention on sustainability and environmental issues
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
The primary issue in the town is sustainability, which takes many forms.
One is economic sustainability. This starts with maintaining schools and services with the town's available revenue,
This impacts a second issue, affordability. How can aging citizens continue to afford to live in Brookline and how can the young afford to buy homes. To address these financial issues, we must address how we grow our housing while preserving the qualities of life we have in Brookline.
This involves the third issue: addressing climate change, the existential sustainability issue. We need to plan housing growth and economic growth until we are carbon neutral but in a way that retains our walkable neighborhoods and strengthens our commercial centers.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
617-735-7444
Attendance
21 of 21
Biographical Data:
I am a 30 year resident of Brookline with 2 kids currently in the Brookline Public Schools. I graduated from Cornell University's College of Engineering and have an M.B.A. from Boston College. I currently work in commercial banking. It has been an honor to serve as Town Meeting Member for P13 over the past several years.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
1) Zoning: We need a thoughtful urban planning process which balances the needs of affordability, sustainability, green space and livability. Save our beautiful neighborhoods from developers. Development needs to serve the needs of the residents of P13. I support the Comprehensive Plan.
2) Energy: The town needs to adopt sensible energy policies. Affordability and reliability for all residents needs to be our priority in town meeting.
3) Fiscal responsibility: The town cannot continue to fund operations with tax overrides. Expenses need to be in line with reasonable tax revenue growth.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
617-306-3202
Attendance
27 of 30
Biographical Data:
Town Meeting Member (20+ years); Realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty; Past Heath (Hayes) School PTO President; Board of Overseers---BHS 21st Century Fund; Parent of Sarah (BHS ’06), Charlton (BHS ’09) and Clifton (BHS ’12)
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
Our schools must be our top priority. We need to get spending under control while ensuring resources directly benefit students. To achieve this, I support a freeze on non-student-facing positions while keeping cafeteria and custodial staff as school department employees. Tough choices must be made to preserve the excellence of our schools. At the same time, we must fully support our police and fire departments, ensuring they have the resources needed to protect our community. Responsible commercial growth—where appropriate—can expand our tax base and ease the burden on residents. By focusing on these priorities, we can build a stronger, safer, and more financially stable future for our town.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
719-881-9239
Campaign Website
http://https://www.precinct13partners.com/
Attendance
Not Incumbent Town Meeting Member
Biographical Data:
Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina I have been slowly making my way up the eastern seaboard for the past 30 years until i arrived here in Brookline. As an active hiker, biker and skier looking to grow my family, Brookline and the Boston area was the perfect combination of progressive community, easy mobility and proximity to the great outdoors. Whether its looping the Charles prepping for the PMC, Grabbing a bite in the growing food scene or enjoying coffee and a library book in one of the many parks near by, i am invested in seeing this area be the best it can be!
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
School Costs
When talking to voters there are a lot of concerns around school funding and possible impacts on the quality education they expect. I aim to make education funding a top priority by increasing the tax base and encouraging learning focused use for the funding
Housing costs
Housing prices have continued to rise while supply has gotten tight. I am aiming to support policies to increase housing supply and lowering renter restrictions to enable new people to join the fantastic community I've become a part of.
Mobility
Brookline is a leader in mobility freedom which integrates well into its surrounding communities but there is more to do to stay in front. I aim to increase safety for all users of our streets and make sure reside
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://https://www.precinct13partners.com/
Biographical Data:
I’ve lived in Brookline for six years as a parent to two young children who attend Driscoll School. We settled in Brookline because I am an ardent believer in our world class public schools, and love the density and public transportation of my neighborhood. The transit oriented development I championed in my early career has long existed here. My love of our neighborhoods and schools and my background in housing and transportation led me to join the Comprehensive Plan Steering Cmte and now to run for Town Meeting. I believe my policy experience gives me a unique perspective on how we can grow our tax base, protect our schools and support and grow all of the things that make Brookline’s character so special.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
1 - Schools: I am continuing to educate myself about school funding in Brookline, but will always prioritize students and learning.
2-Pedestrian and bike safety: I believe Brookline needs to listen to its neighborhoods to identify 'low-hanging fruit' interventions that could improve the ped/bike environment cheaply and quickly.
3 -Housing: Brookline is a special place, so many people want to live here! I support identifying new growth centers in areas with transportation connections.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
617-651-1808
Campaign Website
http://https://www.precinct13partners.com/
Campaign Twitter Handle
@kevin4brookline
Campaign Instagram URL
http://https://www.instagram.com/kevin4brookline/
Campaign Facebook URL
http://https://www.facebook.com/kevin4brookline/
Attendance
Not Incumbent Town Meeting Member
Biographical Data:
My name is Kevin, I am a teacher in the Public Schools of Brookline, a renter, and a young professional who hopes to remain in Brookline as I advance through my career.
Outside of my work as an educator, I serve on several committees for the Town of Brookline. I am Chair of the Commission for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations, which promotes belonging, supports programming that celebrates diversity in our community, and weighs in on policies that impact all members of our community. I also serve as a member of the Naming Committee, which makes recommendations on proposals for the names of public facilities.
I am endorsed by Brookline for Everyone and Brookline PAX.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
The issues I often hear about from my neighbors are: municipal funding, housing, and belonging.
We need to maintain our excellent schools and strong municipal services, but fiscal challenges are threatening this. We need to grow our tax base through thoughtful, comprehensive planning. This would also help us address housing affordability and access by growing our housing supply. Expanding the tax base helps shift the burden away from current taxpayers. This must be done in a way that maximizes transit access and with a climate-conscious approach to protect our environment.
It is important for Town Meeting to take steps to help promote understanding, protect members of our community, and meet the needs of our diverse community.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
617-800-6146
Campaign Website
http://https://www.precinct13partners.com/
Attendance
Not Incumbent Town Meeting Member
Biographical Data:
I returned to my hometown of Brookline in 2014 with my husband and 2 boys (Freshman BHS, 7th grade Hayes) after living elsewhere (Ann Arbor; NYC; Sevilla, Spain) for 20 years. After college, a Masters in Social Work, work experience, and having my kids in Spain, I understand how special this town is and how lucky I am to live here again. Professionally, I work as a philanthropic advisor and consultant, partnering with nonprofit organizations to provide funding that drives positive change. Serving on the Board of the Brookline Community Foundation has given me an understanding of the vibrant nonprofit landscape here, as well as the leadership and network that sustain it.
What three issues are most important to your constituents, and how would you address and/or resolve them?
Schools budget and quality - I know families are concerned about sustainable and excellent public schools. I will vote for smart budgets, expanded tax base, equity, and innovation. Schools are a vital part of Brookline's reputation and need to be a priority.
Cost of Living - I think about the vulnerable people in our community, and how increased cost of living makes Brookline untenable for many families. I hope to understand how we can support older adults, low-income families, and veterans with financial support and wrap-around services (food, utilities, workforce development).
Housing/Development - I will work to pass smart pro-housing articles that encourage increased density along transit lines and help increase the tax base.