Today, I am announcing my candidacy for re-election to the Select Board. I have proudly served three terms on the Board and wish to continue my service to the community. During my 40 years as a resident, I have also served 15 years on the Planning Board and contributed to numerous other boards and committees in the town.
With extensive experience in the private sector, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge in managing organizations. I served as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing 3,500 employees and operations, as Chief Financial Officer of a publicly held company, and negotiated collective bargaining agreements with six different unions. I have also negotiated sophisticated financial transactions.
My candidacy offers a proven track record of public service combined with a successful career in senior leadership roles in the private sector. I have genuinely enjoyed serving the Town of Lynnfield and look forward to being re-elected to continue addressing the challenges and opportunities that will arise.
As Chair of the Select Board this year, I established a set of goals for the Board to accomplish:
MBTA Communities Zoning Act – A committee was formed, of which I was a member, to develop a plan ensuring Lynnfield’s compliance and protecting current and future state funding. Residents voted to approve the plan at Town Meeting.
Public Library – I supported improving the library by making it ADA compliant and bringing it into the 21st century, but at a cost the residents would approve. A committee was formed, presenting a more affordable plan that was well-received and approved at Town Meeting.
Street Improvement Plan – This was prioritized by the Select Board and brought before Town Meeting. While the town had invested more than ever in road repairs, many residents, myself included, felt progress was insufficient. I instructed the DPW Director and Town Administrator to develop a plan to address the issue. After numerous public hearings and listening to residents’ concerns, a detailed plan was created and unanimously approved at Town Meeting.
We are now at a critical point in the town’s infrastructure development. The Schools Building Project has been completed on time and on budget. The Public Safety Building Project is on track for completion in 2025, and the Rail Trail continues to make steady progress. The Library Renovations Project and Street Improvement Plan need final approval at the ballot box on January 6.
Why have we undertaken so many projects in a relatively short period? In 2018, we developed and adopted a Strategic Plan that identified and prioritized capital improvements. It also highlighted a window of opportunity to fund these projects, as the town was scheduled to retire significant debt, reducing the tax burden. Managing the town’s affairs strategically has been vital, and we are now working on the successor to the 2018 Strategic Plan. The new Capital Improvement Plan will outline our needs over the next five years and guide resource allocation.
2025 will be a challenging year. State revenues are down, which may mean less funding for cities and towns. Tax revenue from new growth in town is minimal, and both the town and school district’s collective bargaining agreements expire this year.
The town needs a Select Board with members who possess the institutional knowledge, experience, and skill set to navigate these challenges and the vision to ensure Lynnfield remains a great place to live for generations to come.
I respectfully ask for your vote on April 8.
