VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have spent over three years on the Select Board working on several finance, policy and transportation initiatives for the Town - I want to continue and build on that work. My goals include partnering with the new finance director to continue critical financial planning and policy updates - I am the only accountant serving on the Board; implementing the Board's plan for a Transportation and Mobility Manager focused on transportation and traffic - this would institutionalize the work I have been doing for three years in transportation and increase the potential for more grant funding; and building and retaining our excellent staff - hiring a fire chief and police chief and supporting the work of the Town’s Human Resources Department to review the job compensation and classification system.

I served on the Select Board and Advisory Committee, and am a TMM. I helped reenergize a Town housing board and convene facilitated dialogues to build community and improve public conversation. My experience as an attorney, small business owner, and educator are well suited to the Board’s important work, and I will model open-minded, respectful, and transparent communication on all issues and policies. Plan prudently to optimize Town finances and protect reserves; Hire a new Finance Director and Fire Chief; Implement the Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; Complete DEI Equity Audit and Housing Task Force’s Strategic Housing Plan; Update HR policies to reduce staff turnover; Expand smart growth; Implement Hazard Mitigation Plan; and Finalize Town Hall renovations.

I have used my background, experience, & strategic perspective to be an invaluable member of the Select Board, leveraging my financial acumen to secure Wellesley’s future, & my collaborative leadership style to connect people to solve problems. My passion for Wellesley began with schools & library, & expanded to sustainability, housing, mental health, & thriving retail districts. Co-founded Building A Better Wellesley/serve on the DEI & Housing Task Forces. Led strategic planning/budgeting for Wellesley Free Library. Co-chaired effort to save the branch libraries for future generations. My priorities: 1) housing affordability, for seniors/young families/workforce, with new Strategic Housing Plan, 2) fiscal planning to enable first-rate schools/town services, and 3) addressing GHG emissions

I'm running for Select Board because I care a great deal about this community and the citizens who live, work, and attend school here. I have experience collaborating ideas and groups to get things done, and make a positive difference. If I'm elected, my top priorities are to revitalize the branding of Wellesley into a town that exudes pride and appeal. Giving our visitors and potential buyers, renters and merchants more reasons to make Wellesley a number one choice. I have financial common sense to evaluate past and future projects for efficiency, and I'll give all funding proposals a keen eye. Another goal I have is to encourage town government to be leaders in historical preservation, while finding creative ways to expand town accessibility and reduce the barriers some residents face.