The Select Board is composed of five members who are elected for three-year terms. As the Chief Elected and Executive Officers of the Town, the Select Board is vested with all the municipal authority not specifically retained by the Town s legislative body, Town Meeting. The Select Board appoints a Town Administrator, responsible for the daily management of the Town.The Select Board issues the Warrants for Town Meetings and makes recommendations on the warrant articles; initiates legislative policy by inserting articles in Town Meeting Warrants and then implements the votes subsequently adopted. It adopts town administrative policies; reviews and sets fiscal guidelines for the annual operating budget and the six-year capital improvements program and makes recommendations to Town Meeting on the same.The Select Board appoints department heads and members of most official boards and commissions; holds public hearings on important town issues and periodic conferences with agencies under their jurisdiction and with community groups; represents the Town before the General Court and in all regional and metropolitan affairs; and enforces Town By-Laws and regulations.The Select Board also serves as the licensing board responsible for issuing and renewing over 600 licenses in more than 20 categories, including common victualler, food vendor, liquor, lodging house, open-air parking lot, inflammables, special events and entertainment.The Select Board meets every Tuesday, unless otherwise posted.‘*’ 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.
Campaign Phone
617-232-3202
Attendance
Not a Town Meeting Member Race
For over 20 years, I have lived and worked in Brookline Village. I built a successful photography business based on a passion for visual communication and the power of connecting with others. I’ve spent decades serving a wide range of clients, offering a window into a variety of industries, institutions, and individual stories.
As a P4 TMM, I’ve served on committees for projects involving residential and commercial development and transportation, including the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, developing a community-supported vision and plan for Brookline.
My work with organizations including the BCF, the BHA, Arts Brookline, and therapy dog work at our libraries & Senior Center has connected me with the vibrant fabric of our town.
The Select Board holds weekly meetings with time for public comment. Members of the community are also able to submit comments via email to the Select Board. Individual Select Board members are available to meet with constituents. Select Board members Warren and VanScoyoc send weekly email updates to keep the community informed. It would be helpful to have the Select Board send a scheduled, unified update that provides important information. This update could include a summary of comments and questions offered by the public. I would also like to see Brookline.news work with the town to create a weekly or monthly Select Board column that speaks to issues and concerns raised by residents.
Campaign Phone
617-901-5908
Attendance
Not a Town Meeting Member Race
I immigrated to the United States to pursue architecture studies, earning both a Bachelor of Architecture (Cornell) and a Master of Architecture (MIT). After completing graduate school, I met my wife, Alisa Kahn, and in 2005, we chose Brookline as the ideal place to raise our family. Our son currently attends the Runkle School. My family and I enjoy volunteering in Runkle PTO fundraising activities. I'm a licensed architect with a LEED AP BD+C sustainability credential. I have served on the Advisory (Finance) Committee since 2019 as a member of the Capital and Land Use subcommittees. In addition to serving on Zoning (Lower Boylston and Chestnut Hill West) and Design Review committees, I am a Precinct 14 Town Meeting Member.
The Select Board can play a crucial role in addressing residents’ concerns, particularly if there’s a structured process. For example, implementing clear response timelines, such as acknowledging inquiries within 48-72 hours and where possible, resolving issues within two weeks, ensures accountability.
A public tracking system could be set up to allow residents to monitor progress, reducing their frustration. Adding regular listening sessions and improving meeting follow-ups would ensure ongoing engagement.
A structured feedback loop—acknowledging receipt, reviewing concerns, updating residents, and publicly reporting progress—would provide transparency. Improved and posted newsletters and public satisfaction surveys are other tools that could foster trust and credibility.
Campaign Phone
617-733-9407
Attendance
Not a Town Meeting Member Race
I’ve lived in Brookline for over 30 years. With my wife Elizabeth Skavish, a professional classical pianist, we have raised our two children here; both attended the Heath (now Hayes) School. I co-founded a software company with my brother in 1985 and built it into a successful global business of almost 400 people. Subsequently, I devoted myself to public service at the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization and as a trustee of two schools providing opportunity for underserved students. Currently, I am a Town Meeting Member in Precinct 13, and I co-founded the Yes! in Brookline coalition to forge meaningful compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, expanding housing and economic development in our transit corridors.
Concerns or questions about the activity of a specific department, such as the Building department, are best taken to Department directors. If they can’t respond satisfactorily, residents should appeal to the Town Administrator, and finally, to the Select Board. In addition to addressing a specific concern, the Select Board should review the policies and practices of Town Government so that the underlying general concerns are also addressed. The Select Board should regularly communicate with residents in such cases until they are resolved.
If residents have a concern about a warrant article or policy, they should raise their concern through public comment. The Select Board’s responsibility is to acknowledge the receipt of such feedback, and then incorporate the feedback into their actions. Their response to the feedback should be captured in the votes taken on the matter at hand.
