120 candidates, 17 precincts: The Brookline.News guide to the 2025 Town Meeting election

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Balanced development that preserves town character and address environmental impact, planned zoning, and high quality education in public schools.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I believe we need to engage our constituents in this conversation. Increasing density by demolishing older homes to build significantly more expensive ones has not made Brookline more affordable.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

To implement a comprehensive review of town expenditures combined with a long-term financial forecasting plan, ensuring spending aligns closely with revenue streams. This would help prioritize most-needed services, identify potential savings, and improve fiscal responsibility over time.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I believe good governance begins with listening. I would actively seek input from residents through email, surveys, and informal meetings, and make myself available to discuss concerns or ideas.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

While the town meeting form of government can be slower and more complex, it fosters community involvement. Transitioning to a city structure could streamline decision-making and support a more coordinated approach to policy, but it can also distance residents from the democratic process and reduce transparency. Given the town’s evolving needs, I believe we should continue an open and informed discussion about our form of government—carefully weighing the trade-offs and considering what best serves Brookline’s long-term interests.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I believe in public service. I care deeply about my neighbors, this town and all its residents and employees. I think my 40+ years of service to Brookline, as a TMM and as a lawyer for the town, give me valuable perspective and experience. I learn from diverse viewpoints. I am committed to civil discussion and respectful disagreement.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I support mixed used development, locating more residences and professional offices above one story commercial properties in walkable, transit-rich areas.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

I have long advocated for actively working to expand the Town’s commercial tax base so that our fiscal health is not so dependent on residential property taxes.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I hear from my constituents frequently by email, telephone and in person. I send out email updates on issues of great concern to my neighbors. I advocate with town officials about noise, trash, parking, zoning, construction disruptions and other local issues that affect our quality of life.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Yes, let’s consider it. I like the big tent of a legislative body with so many members that Town Meeting provides. The nature of 17 precincts requires us to listen to our neighborhoods to represent them effectively. But TM can be unwieldy and slow to act. I believe the Select Board works fairly well as an executive body. I am open to the results of a charter review process since our governance can be improved.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I believe I bring an open mind and critical thinking skills to the job of Town Meeting Member. I have enjoyed my time on Town Meeting because of the insights I gain about the inner workings of our Town and the colleagues I get to work with. While many challenges loom, the one closest to my heart and experience is climate change. We must continue our push towards electrifying everything and greening the grid. We have been moving in this direction in our own home so I know first-hand some of the challenges. Brookline has ambitious climate goals, a wonderful Town staff in place and strong and smart non-profits. I look forward to working with all of them and fellow elected officials to prioritize this agenda.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I believe Town Meeting can facilitate housing by supporting moves such as reducing minimum parking requirements for new construction and encouraging building housing units above existing single-story retail, as was proposed in the MBTA Communities Act consensus and as is happening soon in the St Mary’s business district. We can also support the Comprehensive Planning process currently underway.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Short term we need to take a close look at expenditures, including how fancy we are making new school buildings and making hard decisions, like DPW is doing with privatizing garbage collection. Longer term, we must find a way to increase our commercial tax base. I believe we are hitting a ceiling – understandably – when it comes to tolerance of property tax increases.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I am always happy to have conversations with constituents, hearing their concerns and sharing my rationale for my votes. I don’t generally respond to copied and pasted email blasts, but I do try to respond to genuine concerns.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I do believe Brookline should explore becoming a city. We are currently the largest Town in Massachusetts. The downsides of that are that we have a somewhat unwieldy and demographically skewed Town Meeting, and we place an overwhelming burden on our Select Board with minimal compensation. I do believe our culture of volunteerism is important and has many benefits, such as building connections within our community. But it’s time to take a fresh look.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m thrilled to be running for re-election to Town Meeting in Precinct 1! I’m a freshman at Harvard and I’ve lived in Precinct 1 for my entire life— I care tremendously about this neighborhood and want to give back to the neighborhood that has given me so much.

On Town Meeting, I have and will continue to focus on sustainability: fiscal, housing, and environmental sustainability. Our decision making in Brookline should be thoughtful and careful, with long-term effects in mind. Despite being a full-time student, I have a 98.3% attendance record at Town Meeting. When I first ran for office, I walked the entire precinct and knocked on hundreds of doors. I’ve started to do this again, and it is incredibly important for me to hear directly from the voters one on one.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I am concerned about the rise in property taxes and the overrides that our town continues to pass (needed) projects. These property tax raises affect all residents who live in Brookline, but particularly our most vulnerable residents. We need to ensure that our property taxes are low enough so that our seniors can age in place and young families can remain in town.

To that end, Town Meeting should pursue zoning changes that allow us to build sustainable commercial and residential developments that can increase our property tax base. Particularly in South Brookline, there is space for the town to pursue sustainable developments.
The single best thing that the Town can do to alleviate the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline is to ensure that the cost of living in Brookline is lower. And we have a tool to do that – expanding our revenue streams to avoid increasing property taxes.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

One concrete action that Town Meeting can do to alleviate our fiscal instability is simple: not tap into our free cash or reserves to pay for one-time expenses. It can be tempting to use our ample free cash reserves to pay for improved services and pursue capital improvement projects that the Town has planned, but Town Meeting needs to be extraordinarily careful with overspending over the coming years.

The decisions that we make over our budget this year will have reverberations far down the line, and I am particularly concerned that Brookline might lose its AAA bond rating. This bond rating allows Brookline to borrow at very low rates compared to other municipalities, and jeopardizing this rating will have long-term consequences for the fiscal health of the town.

Budget crunches are tough for everyone — we won’t be able to expand or improve the Town’s services as we had hoped. But what we can do is be responsible and measured about the money that we spend. And that means resisting the temptation to spend our free cash or borrow to cover expenses — decisions that will cause even worse budget crunches in the future.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

The best part of Brookline’s town government is just how many diverse voices are involved. As the youngest person elected to Town Meeting, I know how important including new voices is to a democratic process. If we had a City Council without volunteers, we would lose out on so many different perspectives. The diversity and varied expertise of our town’s volunteers allow Brookline to be governed by its citizenry, which is an amazing thing. This is the major advantage of our town’s government structure, and I think Brookline should remain a town for now.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

The best part of Brookline’s town government is just how many diverse voices are involved. As the youngest person elected to Town Meeting, I know how important including new voices is to a democratic process. If we had a City Council without volunteers, we would lose out on so many different perspectives. The diversity and varied expertise of our town’s volunteers allow Brookline to be governed by its citizenry, which is an amazing thing. This is the major advantage of our town’s government structure, and I think Brookline should remain a town for now.

I am open to discussing the issue of charter change in Brookline, and I know that it’s important to hear out both sides of the issue, particularly if the Charter Change Commission question reaches enough signatures to appear on the ballot. For now, though, Brookline should retain the Representative Town Meeting and Select Board that have allowed so many people to participate in our town’s government.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I want to continue to serve my Precinct 1 constituents and enhance their quality of life. I enjoy helping people and using my experience and knowledge to benefit the precinct and the town. Being a Town Meeting member involves more than attending Town Meeting for a few nights each November and May. All year, I work to ensure that the Town of Brookline provides services to Precinct 1 and maintains our parks, streets, trees, and signs. I advise residents on how to work with Town Hall and how to participate in meetings that affect them. I attend or serve on committees that make decisions regarding Precinct 1. I am involved in local organizations such as the Friends of Hall’s Pond. I am running for reelection because I would love to have the opportunity to continue working to improve the quality of life in Precinct 1. I also want to make sure that Brookline makes the key decisions to enable it to be a more affordable community, a greener community, a community in which all public services (schools, police, fire, public works, parks and recreation) are excellent, and a community that leads by example in showing that progressive politics and government can be innovative and successful.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Brookline needs to build more multifamily housing as part of a region-wide effort to address the regional housing shortage. That housing should be built along transit corridors, especially in commercial districts. The Comprehensive Plan that Brookline is preparing should build on the MBTA Communities Act consensus plan, which I supported at the November 2023 Town Meeting. It should extend zoning amendments similar to those that the consensus plan adopted for Harvard Street to other commercial areas with many one-story commercial buildings. It also should propose ways of adding housing on large, underdeveloped parcels, while requiring sufficient open space and trees. Building more housing may reduce rents or at least slow their rate of increase, but given the value of land in Brookline, much new housing will not be affordable by most definitions. Such new housing should nevertheless be built. To provide affordable units, the town should continue to rely on inclusionary zoning and incentives such as an affordable housing overlay district to increase the number of affordable units. There also may be further opportunities to increase the number of Brookline Housing Authority units.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

The one key action that Town Meeting and other parts of town government need to take is to maximize economic development so that Brookline receives more tax revenue. We need new growth to expand the property tax base and increase revenue from building permits, hotel taxes, and meals taxes so that tax increases from Proposition 2½ overrides can be avoided or minimized. Property taxes have increased significantly in recent years. There is no guarantee that Brookline’s voters will approve future overrides that include large tax increases. The ongoing Comprehensive Plan process provides a way to generate concrete proposals for zoning reform and other bylaw amendments that will encourage a mix of commercial and residential development that will generate much-needed new revenue that can be used to pay for essential public services. At the same time, Brookline should continue to follow the fiscal policies and prudent budgetary practices that have enabled the town to retain its Aaa bond rating. Town Meeting needs to continue to approve responsible budgets that share revenues between the schools and town departments, set aside adequate reserve funds, and meet our pension obligations.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I use email to engage and communicate with Precinct 1 residents. I maintain an email list that I use to inform residents about topics such as when trash collection will be delayed, the time and location of a public hearing on a proposed change in parking regulations, or the openings and closings of local businesses. Anyone is welcome to join this email list, which I do not share or use for political purposes. My email address is posted on the Town website, and constituents use it to contact me to, for example, ask me to vote for or against a warrant article that Town Meeting is considering. I also email the other Precinct 1 Town Meeting members to let them know when there is an emerging issue that they should be aware of or to propose that we write a joint letter on a current issue. For example, all 15 Precinct 1 Town Meeting members recently signed a letter that I drafted to express concern about the MBTA’s plans to close the Kent station, and to urge the MBTA to design rider-friendly stations as it improves the Green Line. In addition to email, I attend many events and meetings, where I frequently see Precinct 1 residents. I often meet constituents as I walk through the precinct.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

The current structure of town government works fairly well. Evidence includes the persistently high ratings Brookline receives in the state and national “best places to live” rankings, its coveted Aaa bond rating, and the overall quality of core services, such as schools, police, fire, parks, and public works. The Town Meeting form of government, including the many committees on which residents may serve, encourages public engagement. There are relatively low barriers to entry for residents who want to participate in local government. It doesn’t take a lot of money to campaign for most elected offices, including Town Meeting, or to apply to be appointed to a town board, committee, or commission. That said, I am open to any suggestions for improvement. As a member of Brookline’s Committee on Town Organization and Structure (CTOS), I have been engaged in discussions of these questions for several years. The “city versus town” debate has sometimes obscured the many possibilities for changing the structure of town government without becoming a city, as well as the range of options for a potential city government. We should not assume that change would necessarily be an improvement.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

In the three years that I will be here as an undergraduate student, I hope that Town Meeting will take on the cost of housing and make it possible for working families and students like me to stay here. I hope to be a part of a Town Meeting that supports more homes built, ends broker fees, and funds affordable housing. I also want to strengthen what makes Brookline great: parks and pedestrian-friendly areas, bike infrastructure, and public transit. All in the pursuit of meeting our climate targets and reducing our carbon emissions as a town through smart urban policy.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Brookline needs more housing across income levels – affordable, mixed-income, and senior housing – and Town Meeting should encourage this throughout the Town. In particular, we should create more homes around transit. Every station along the D Line, for example, is below the 16 units/acre within a half mile targeted by the MBTA Communities Act. Town Meeting should support more transit-oriented development here and around Brookline transit corridors. This will reduce the cost of living, combat our housing shortage, and allow more families to live here without being priced out.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Taking on the housing shortage in Brookline is the most feasible way to address Brookline’s rising revenue troubles. Our budget is overwhelmingly reliant on property taxes. That means that if we can allow more people to live in Brookline – by increasing the amount of housing – we can spread out the tax burden and grow the tax base. This can help Brookline avoid Prop. 2.5 overrides that increase costs for current residents. Building more housing can put Brookline on steadier financial footing and ensure we can preserve funding for excellent schools and other budget priorities.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

My hope is that we can raise awareness of and participation in Brookline government. Government works best when it is democratic and universally accessible. As a college student, I am very familiar with my age group’s limited engagement with Brookline and am often met with blank expressions when I bring up Town Meeting. One of the goals of my campaign is to connect younger residents with good government. If elected, I would stay engaged throughout my term – not just in election season – continuing outreach, attending local events, and meeting more of my neighbors. I aim to be completely available to constituents. I’ve put my contact info on my website and campaign literature, and can be reached at dsipos@bu.edu.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

On one hand, I can personally testify to the advantages of the Town Meeting system. I’m a 19-year-old who came to Brookline relatively recently, and I am already able to run a campaign for Town Meeting – to get involved in my community and to represent the public interest. I am proof that the barrier to entry in town government is very low. On the other hand, it’s important to ask why my age group has such an abysmally low participation rate in municipal elections. I think it’s at least worth looking at the structure of the Town and weighing the tradeoffs of a low barrier to entry against a potential higher level of public awareness. We also can and should look at smaller changes, such as having municipal elections align with state or federal primaries, when people are already expecting to vote. We can make changes here and there to make Brookline government more accessible and representative.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running for re-election for Town Meeting because as a current Town Meeting Member I have visibility to issues confronting Brookline and am in a better position to do something about them. If elected, I would continue to prioritize environmental issues and housing.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Town Meeting would be at the very end of the process, but it should enable planned mixed-use developments in locations like the two ends of Route 9 in Brookline and near transit. The developments would include affordable and market-rate housing units. Affordable units will assist those who can be housed there, and the market-rate housing units will help the region as a whole to meet housing demand.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

As in the previous response, mixed-use developments would help address the town’s fiscal issues by adding to the Town’s commercial tax base. Relatively dense new developments would house new residents who can patronize businesses within the development and in the town in general. Town Meeting can support the planning and approval of these developments.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

We have co-hosted community meetings with Town Meeting members and constituents for my precinct and the neighboring ones, and this practice will continue. We have used email to keep constituents current on important issues and to help them be in touch with their Town Meeting members, and would continue to do so.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

A formal process to consider becoming a city would be a useful dialogue. I don’t have a position on the outcome of that process since in my opinion it’s best to approach the process with an open mind. I do feel the town government structure has been a strong driver for community engagement, and Town Meeting is a productive legislative body. We can compare it to other options and reforms that emerge from the Charter process.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I have lived in bustling North Brookline for over three decades; my husband and I raised our children here. I am committed to the community and its neighborhoods, and want to play a part in how we grow, and how we flourish. I volunteered for 20 years in the public schools, and am currently chair of the Friends of the Brookline Library, as well as chair of the Naming Committee.

Open space and our planet’s climate crisis are important to me. I am deeply concerned about fair housing, as well as racial justice and equity issues. I am committed to our public schools and libraries, and want our police and fire departments to love working here.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

There’s a statewide affordable housing crisis. How can we play a role in addressing it? A number of factors contribute to the rising cost of living in Brookline. I strongly prefer to maintain regulations that support middle income households, support seniors aging in place, and support a sizable increase in affordable housing. I’m looking forward to the completion of the Comprehensive Plan on Housing, which will help us clarify our next steps.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Each year, there is an extensive budget process that starts in the summer and concludes with Town Meeting Members passing a budget at Town Meeting. The Select Board and the Advisory Committee, together with department heads and fiscal representatives, work together to sort out how to address our structural deficit. If re-elected, I anticipate voting for the final version at Town Meeting.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I enjoy walking around the neighborhood and talking with people! That said, I try to make sure that our precinct has my contact information, as well as that of my precinct cohorts, for questions and problems. Between us, we should be able to resolve issues. In the past, If unsure about how to vote on a specific issue at Town Meeting, I have polled some of my constituents about their opinions.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I am intrigued with the idea of us becoming a city, as I grew up in a small city in Maine. Whether we ultimately do or not, I think that the issue deserves to have a fair, town-wide debate. Perhaps there’s a win-win answer, with us utilizing the best parts of both forms of government. But let’s talk!

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am a long-time resident of Brookline. I have lived and worked here for many years, and my children were born and went to the schools in Brookline. I am running for Town Meeting because I care about the Town’s future. Brookline is a wonderful and inclusive place for children and families to live, and I want to help to ensure that the Town meets the needs of all our residents.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I believe there are ways Brookline can meaningfully increase affordable housing stock. While we must consider additional development, it is critical that this development be done with careful planning and emphasis placed on maximizing the ratio of affordable units relative to those sold at market rate. While increases to available housing are quite important, solutions should be the result of comprehensive planning rather than wholesale changes to existing zoning. Comprehensive planning will ensure greater affordability while also striving to maintain neighborhood character.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Managing fiscal instability is a complex, multi-faceted issue. The town must look carefully at its budget, and consider cutting underutilized services where possible. Brookline should minimize new Town-funded construction and prioritize re-use of existing infrastructure. Further, I believe the Town should look to maintain its Town Staff whenever possible as opposed to entering into contracts with private companies as these private contracts may lead to higher costs in the long run. One example where costs may increase is the recent shift to private trash collection where, according to a Brookline News article, the private contract starts $60K higher than when Brookline was running this service internally.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I will continue to participate in Town activities, such as ones at the Senior Center, and actively engage in precinct & Town-wide meetings and conversations. I am available by email and phone and often discuss Town issues with neighbors as well as other members of my precinct.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I am not in favor of Brookline becoming a city. A city is run by a mayor and a city council which is a relatively small group compared to Town Meeting. The mayor and the city counselors who work full time are salaried which would require a hefty amount of money in our budget. We are already struggling with our budget and having this new form of government will be far more costly than our current form. Also, a Town Meeting type of government allows many residents to participate in Town governance. The value of this approach is that the numerous Town Meeting members have a wide range of know-how in multiple areas that will not be available if we cut back the number of people who make decisions for the Town.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I have enjoyed being a Town Meeting member and look forward to continue my work advocating for my constituents. That can be in the way of neighborhood issues in North Brookline as well as Town wide issues like housing and quality of life issues.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Have an informed and comprehensive idea of how housing can be built to meet the needs of all.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Have a more transparent look at the budget .

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Through community events, reaching out via email, etc and never hesitating to talk and listen.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I think a healthy look at our options is a good idea

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

For me, responsible government means creating a community where every resident feels heard, valued, and supported. It’s about making thoughtful, well-informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of all Brookline residents—regardless of income, background, or identity. Responsible government isn’t just about reacting to issues; it’s about planning for a sustainable, inclusive future that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.

I’m running for Town Meeting because housing affordability is a significant concern, making it harder for our friends and neighbors to find a place to call home. This crisis creates barriers to vital resources and undermines the diversity that makes our town so special.

I want to lead with transparency and accountability, building trust through open, collaborative conversations. I’ll prioritize affordable housing, support vulnerable residents, and strengthen local businesses. Every decision will be made with a clear understanding of its impact on our neighbors and the community, always with the goal of creating a Brookline where everyone has the resources and opportunities to succeed

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Resolving conflicts between housing density, affordability, sustainability, and the preservation of Brookline’s unique character and open spaces is one of our greatest challenges. The housing issue is central to addressing all the challenges ahead—from the Town Budget to education, transportation, DEAI efforts, and environmental sustainability—are all deeply connected to our housing needs.

Brookline can strike a meaningful balance between affordable housing and maintaining the unique visual vernacular of our town. We can better utilize Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) under 40A state regulations to negotiate much-needed services, green spaces, and additional cultural resources for our community. This includes mixed-use development, zoning changes for adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and infill projects that increase density without changing neighborhood character. These strategies help preserve Brookline’s cultural and architectural integrity while addressing budgetary needs. Inclusionary zoning policies requiring affordable units will ensure equitable access to housing, helping maintain our community’s diversity and character.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

One concrete action Town Meeting should take to address Brookline’s fiscal instability is to prioritize a comprehensive review of our budget to ensure that we are maximizing efficiency and making strategic investments. This means looking at ways to reduce wasteful spending while also ensuring that critical areas such as affordable housing, education, and climate resilience are adequately funded.

Additionally, I would advocate for exploring new revenue sources, including leveraging Brookline’s economic development potential through zoning adjustments for mixed-use development and commercial growth in underutilized areas. This approach can generate sustainable income for the town while minimizing the financial burden on residents. It’s also essential to explore partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and other entities to fund projects that benefit the community, ensuring that Brookline’s fiscal health is secure in both the short and long term.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

If elected, I will prioritize open and transparent communication with my constituents. In collaboration with my fellow-elected Precinct 2 representatives, I will engage with residents through multiple channels, including regular newsletters, social media updates, and hosting town hall-style meetings when needed to ensure that all voices are heard and that everyone has the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process. I will actively seek feedback on key issues through surveys, direct outreach, and community forums, ensuring that I remain responsive to the needs and concerns of those I represent.

Additionally, I will collaborate with local organizations, advocacy groups, and neighborhood associations to stay connected with a wide range of community members. By fostering open dialogue and maintaining ongoing communication, I will ensure that my work as a Town Meeting Member aligns with the priorities and values of the residents I represent, while also keeping the community informed and engaged in the issues that matter most.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline’s current government structure, with the Select Board, Town Meeting, and the Advisory Committee, is rooted in a strong history of fostering civic engagement, which is vital for a thriving democracy. The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) model allows diverse resident input, ensuring decisions reflect community values rather than solely executive-driven agendas. Citizen-petitioned warrant articles provide grassroots action, and in my opinion, these articles reflect the shifting priorities of our residents in ‘real-time.’

Any discussion about transitioning to a city government should involve extensive resident input and be approached with caution. Centralizing power, as seen at the national level, can undermine efforts to build an inclusive, affordable community. Any change must maintain the high level of engagement that has historically defined Brookline, while also allowing us to act decisively on critical issues.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

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 six years and I hope to stay here for a long time to come. My mother and father-in-law 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 family but for all the people who live in 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-health, anti-education, anti-immigrant and anti-POC policies of the current federal administration.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

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.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

As previously stated, increasing revenue by increasing the amount of housing, and thus, the population will solve our budget crisis.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I am always reachable by email. And I walk my dog in the neighborhood daily, so please feel free to say hi if you see me.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline should consider becoming a city. The methods of governance for a township are designed to serve a smaller population than the one Brookline has. I believe Brookline has chosen to stay a town because the idea of being a town feels comfortable and welcoming. However, there is no need for Brookline to sacrifice the community and neighborhoods it has in order to adopt a form of governance that will better serve its population. We can have the community that people associate with towns while still administrating our government in a manner that is efficient and practical.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running for Town Meeting because I believe it should have diverse voices in it. I will prioritize financial transparency in the Schools and the Town, increasing affordable housing, and supporting the work of the 2025 Climate Action & Resiliency Plan.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

It needs to make reasonable zoning changes to allow more market-rate and affordable housing. This means that we have to allow greater density in some areas of town.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

We need to stick to the budget approved by the Advisory Committee, which is the Town’s Finance Committee.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I will send emails to precinct members. I did this when I previously served as a Town Meeting Member

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline has just been named the best place to live in Massachusetts and the 14th best place to live in the country by Niche, so we must be doing something right as a Town.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am a single mother of four children in the public schools of Brookline that arrived in this beautiful town when we were displaced during covid. We lived in public housing in the Egmont Street apartments and while we have moved on to renting in other buildings in Brookline our experience with struggling through housing programs gives me a unique inside view to a host of issues that the renters in my neighborhood struggle with. Namely finding safe, modern, affordable housing. My children have thrived in the years that we have been in Brookline and I want to protect and ensure that the programs that they have enjoyed keep the funding that they need to continue to enrich the lives of other children as well. I believe that Brookline needs to look to secure it’s future and funding in planning new building projects that will ensure our town and children thrive in healthy new affordable spaces that can be built and funded in a variety of ways.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Town Meeting needs to come together to support the concrete planning of progressive affordable housing developments or renovations to the existing infrastructure so we don’t miss out on another grant like the Healey-Driscoll Administrations MBTA Community Catalyst Fund. North Grafton got nearly 1.6 million to build an ADA-accessible ramp to the North Grafton commuter rail station and its silly that we couldn’t come together in agreement of any project that would have qualified. Brookline should have been on the list of recipients and I want to ensure we don’t miss out again. If we focus on finding grants to fund repairs or new builds that frees up money to address other things.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

We need more money. Which means we need more mixed use housing and affordable housing developments planned and built to bring in new families and new funds to preserve the budget for the programs we already have to ensure their survival.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I am an active mother in the community and see a lot of my constituents outside in day to day activities. But I have several open social media accounts dedicated to this seat and would absolutely be active in responding to and communicating with anybody who wanted to speak with me.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe this is a beautiful town. I don’t believe that a smaller more easily influenced form of government would be accurately representing the very diverse Precincts we have here. I believe firmly that Brookline should remain a town.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Town Meeting represents the living heart of our community decision-making. I value the opportunity to represent my neighbors by listening to their concerns and opinions, considering diverse viewpoints at Town Meeting, and thinking hard about the issues before us. We face challenges when our common values are in tension: When our need for more affordable housing seems to be in conflict with the size and scale we desire for our neighborhoods; when tight budgets force impossible choices between valued services. I try to approach every new warrant article with a curious and open mind, searching for common ground, so that we can make choices that reflect our shared values and bring us closer to our common goals.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Thoughtful zoning solutions that allow increased density within existing building forms can help us bring down housing costs while preserving historic buildings and neighborhood character.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

To preserve and grow our town and school programs and services, we will need to increase revenue through new commercial and residential development and consider future overrides in combination with tax assistance/deferral for those who need it.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

When discussing warrant articles in person or via email, I aim to be transparent with my neighbors not just about where I’ve landed on a particular issue, but about how I got there and the information I’m still seeking. I try to listen with an open mind to my neighbors’ concerns and questions and truly take their perspectives to heart when it’s time to vote at Town Meeting.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I don’t know yet, but I’m actively listening to both viewpoints and reflecting on how well they meet our needs for transparency, democratic representation, ease of participation, equity and inclusion, responsiveness, and effectiveness.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I believe in public service. I have been a Town Meeting member for 12 years and a member of the Advisory Committee for 7+ years, serving as Chair for the past 3. I believe in improving transparency of government, in bringing a data-driven approach to decision-making, and in fiscal responsibility.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a simple answer to this question? Alas, the answer (to the extent that there is one) involves a combination of zoning reforms, increased investment in the Affordable Housing Trust, and completing the comprehensive planning process.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

The simplest concrete action that Town Meeting could take would be to stop voting for increases to Town services without also identifying funding sources. But that would only help at the margins. The Town faces a structural deficit — costs are rising faster than the permissible levy increases under Proposition 2-1/2. This is true even if we only look at a “constant service” budget, let alone under budgets that have increased service demands. There are only three ways to address this: (1) new growth, which the Town encourages but which comes with its own issues (infrastructure, demands on the schools, etc.); (2) spending cuts/reallocations; (3) overrides. Historically we rely most heavily on #3 as #2 is politically unpalatable. I think that reallocation of spending is possible but it has a long lead time to invest in the requisite analysis and necessary communication.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I believe that public input is important; I will continue to work with the Town Moderator and Town staff to improve the online communication regarding the budgeting and warrant article review process. I will continue to develop and maintain tools such as the recently-launched brookline.info site which endeavors to provide a comprehensive view of the public meeting process leading up to each Town Meeting.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

As this matter will come before the Advisory Committee during this session, I must respectfully decline to answer, although I refer interested parties to my public remarks to the Moderator’s Committee on Forms of Government.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

With a longtime commitment to supporting civil society and progressive policy in Brookline, I want to continue promoting housing access/affordability, reduction of fossil fuel use, and thoughtful economic development policy that will help address the town’s structural deficit. These issues are paramount in Precinct 3 (and town wide), particularly where tear-downs have been replaced by even more expensive housing with excessive massing and poor design. I support form-based zoning in our precinct to discourage big-box condos and would encourage development of smaller multifamily units to create more affordable housing options.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Allow building three units on lots currently limited to two without changing the overall zoning, which would encourage creation of smaller, more affordable homes along with more housing options.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Support zoning that encourages thoughtful commercial development in areas such as Route 9 and Brookline’s other commercial centers to increase local revenue and help address our structural deficit.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I would continue working with Precinct 3 colleagues on important local issues, such as “Electrify Brookline,” which shares information about reducing reliance on fossil fuels. I always welcome emails from neighbors and will respond to questions and concerns.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Overall, I think the Town government succeeds despite some of the inefficiencies built into our largely volunteer system, but I do support having a Charter Commission explore all of the options. The Town system works well at engaging multiple stakeholders across town (often with deep expertise) and has helped ensure strong schools, services, and a AAA rating. Nonetheless, decision making among the government bodies can be diffuse and uncoordinated, and leaves room for improvement – for instance, I think that Brookline should have a strong Town Administrator with decision-making power in hiring department leaders.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I was born and raised in Newton and have been a BPS parent and Brookline resident since 2017 and homeowner since 2021. I have been inspired to run for two key reasons. First, like most BPS parents I have become deeply frustrated by the budget issues eroding the quality of our schools. If elected, I would push for more transparency and oversight in the budgeting process, and seek all means for funding the schools as best we can to ensure our children get the education we all know they deserve. Second, with all that is happening at the national level, I feel it is more important than ever to focus on strengthening our local governments as a bulwark against the encroachment and overreach.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

On a purely economic level, easing certain zoning restrictions, where possible, to enable the development of additional inventory across all levels of the market can, at minimum, slow the pace of increasing housing costs. I also believe the current movement towards a home-rule petition supporting a real estate transfer fee is a fair way to generate revenue for affordable housing and other community needs—without burdening working families or renters.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

I believe we have to find ways to increase revenues without continuously turning towards prop 2 1/2 overrides, as that is unsustainable. In addition to the transfer I mentioned previously, generally increasing housing inventory, especially in the commercial districts near public transportation, in addition to its effect on housing prices, also stands to increase commercial and employment activity, further increasing our tax base.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I am available by phone and email – and am present at many events throughout our neighborhood and schools.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I will start by admitting this question is very low on my priorities if elected. It is an important question to be sure, but in my mind there are many other pressing issues that need to be addressed before we take what could be a very disruptive step. That said, while I am a strong believer in our form of representative government, there are two main questions in my mind. Most important is a question of accountability: when there are a combined 260 people responsible for the laws and governance of the town, who gets held accountable when the Town Meeting and/or Select Board take actions that lead to crises? Second is a financial question: how much money do we spend on hiring expensive consultants and outsourcing work that would otherwise be done by a city council and a sitting mayor? For me it’s less a question of whether we should become a city or remain a town, but rather, about finding solutions to these structural problems.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I plan to prioritize Housing, Climate and Schools.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

The town has been facing the housing crisis in the face for years, and has not taken action as businesses have moved away, seniors have moved away and young families has moved away. I’ve worked to increase the participation of residents within the town government so that we can move forward on common sense responses to the housing crisis.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

There are short term problems and structural problems. In the short term, we shouldn’t cripple our local economy with rash ideologically driven cuts. In the long term we must address the housing crisis which sits at the center of our challenges.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Actively

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

The strength of a local government relies on the participation of, and responsiveness to, its residents. Regardless of the structure.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

With all the changes at the national level, now is a critical time to strengthen our local community and address key challenges in Brookline. I am running to ensure that the diversity of Precinct 3 is represented in Town government, including renters, working professionals, people under 40, young families, etc. It is critical that we meet the pressing needs of our schools and Town services, the rising cost of living in Brookline, and protect the financial health of the Town. To address these challenges, I will support the creation of multi-family housing near transit to address our affordability and climate crisis and generate commercial tax revenue to support our public schools.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Brookline needs to do a complete assessment of its zoning and land use policies and update them to encourage affordable housing and mixed-use development.

A Town consultant recently concluded that current policies do not encourage mixed-use development as Brookline’s zoning policies do not align “with feasible scale and uses”, leading to a rezoning and approvals process that is “long, costly, and unpredictable”. Ultimately, these policies encourage small-scale, expensive developments that do not contribute to affordable housing. We need to make it easier for our underutilized commercial areas to become complete neighborhoods, where a balance of housing, green space and businesses accessible via walking, biking and public transit create a human-scale economy where people of all ages and income levels can flourish.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Brookline needs to expand and diversify the tax base with new mixed-use development.

Brookline is facing major challenges at the moment, namely the structural deficit and the school deficit. As Brookline residents already face high property taxes, and Proposition 2 ½ caps property increases at 2 ½ %, preventing increases from matching our current rate of expense growth, the Town needs to strengthen the tax base by increasing the volume of taxpayers through additional housing units and by attracting and retaining businesses.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I love hearing from neighbors and would encourage them to email or call me. I am always happy to meet for a cup of tea. I plan to utilize Precinct 3’s existing Google site for periodic updates as necessary.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

It is clear that Brookline is a successful community. It has benefited from the economic growth of the Boston area and the high tax revenue of residents. However, the schools and structural deficit indicate that there are notable improvements to be made in town governance. Several of these issues could likely have been identified earlier were the number of people in the legislature and executive smaller and more skilled in governance. In addition, although touted as an example of democracy, Town Meeting is overwhelmingly represented by residents who are homeowners, over 50, skew wealthy, and have lived in Brookline for decades. Meanwhile, 51% of residents are renters, ~49% of renters and 29% of homeowners are housing cost burdened (pay more than 30% of their incomes toward housing), and 57% are under 40. Representation for this majority of the population is lacking.

It is worth investigating the implications of a city charter. While it may reduce direct democracy and introduce funded elections, it is worth analyzing if more professional politicians, who can be held more readily responsible, would have advantaged the Town’s government.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m running for TM because I’m concerned for the future of the Town and I’d like to have a seat at the table as we address critical and powerfully inter-related issues: housing, transit, diversity and equity, cllimate resilience, and developing our tax base.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

There is no single thing that can be done. There are too many inter-related factors. I support recent changes in zoning regulations that allow for more density. I would support the town building new mixed income public housing. I would support more public transit that would open up parts of town to new development.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

I’d support a little more oversight so we can see fiscal problems coming before they arrive.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

E-mail lists. Also, I walk around my neighborhood and talk to neighbors.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe we should consider it, study it, and discuss it … but not make a change unless there is a very clear benefit to doing so. At this point, I haven’t seen the clear benefit. I’ll continue to listen.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’ve lived in the Boston area for four years and the past two in Brookline with my wife who has lived in Brookline for four years. I am a newcomer to the town but have quickly come to appreciate its unique qualities: the ample green spaces and tree canopy, historic architecture and neighborhoods, and a community that is driven to make Brookline the best it can be. However, I also see housing affordability and supply as one of the greatest challenges for our town. I believe it is important for individuals to try to leave the world a better place than how they found it, and this is especially true for one’s local community. This is what motivated me to caucus for a P4 Town Meeting Member seat in Fall 2024, and I voted in favor of warrant articles supporting housing supply. In addition to housing, I also advocate for preserving our natural resources (I voted in favor of the tree preservation amendment in the Fall 2024 meeting) and bolstering our local businesses and town finances through smart growth. Although these goals seem at odds on the surface, I believe housing supply through increased density in our transit-rich corridors and neighborhoods is the right solution.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

The Town is currently working on the Comprehensive Plan to set a long-term vision for growth; however, I believe there are steps that Town Meeting can take in the short-term to address housing costs, and these actions are not contradictory to the aims of the Comprehensive Plan. We should consider upzoning proposals for transit-connected areas and commercial districts like Brookline Village, the Harvard St. corridor (already upzoned through MBTA-CA compliance), and Coolidge Corner. Upzoning in areas with transit and local businesses mitigates vehicle congestion since trips can be shifted to alternative modes, and bolsters local businesses with increased customers. Lessons from zoning changes can be used as data points to steer the Comprehensive Plan, so we understand what works and what doesn’t when trying to meet our holistic vision for the Town. Another tool in the Town Meeting toolbelt is Resolutions to advocate the Town’s opinion. I support Article 26 in the upcoming Town Meeting which is a Resolution to commit to addressing housing unaffordability and to support Governor Healy’s proposal to eliminate renter-paid broker’s fees.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

It is well understood now that macroeconomic inflationary pressures have trickled down to Town financials and are driving up the cost of services and employee benefits (as seen in the Schools budget for example). I believe stabilizing the Town’s finances requires a strategic compromise between Prop 2.5 override, fiscal responsibility, and commercial growth. Certainly we should leverage Prop 2.5 override as a necessary tool for long-term investment in our community to weather short-term storms, fund critical projects, and bolster our schools. In the long-term we should consider how we can increase our commercial base (ideally in transit-connected, housing dense neighborhoods) to bolster the tax base and reduce the necessity of overrides.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I will keep an open channel of communication with constituents by phone and email, or even if we bump into each other on the street or at the Brook House condominium. I am committed to hearing all perspectives so we can make the necessary compromises that ensure long-term solutions.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

There are tradeoffs between remaining a town versus transitioning to a city. However, as Brookline grows it does seem that town management become more complex, and a city government would give the opportunity to have full-time salaried municipal leaders who can take the time to dive deep into the community and the issues at hand to make informed, long-term decisions. I would hope as a city that we could maintain some form of Town Meeting as its accessibility and breadth provides good representation of the different perspectives in the town. In deciding this question, I would like to see a comparative study of Brookline with similar-sized towns and cities and how the choice of town vs. city governance impacts key metrics like rate of policy creation, financial stability, and trust and engagement in town governance.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I want to continue to have an active voice in town politics. I appreciate the complex and detailed issues that Town Meeting Members are addressing. We have tough budget challenges; but I want to work to address them, while delivering on constituents’ needs and wants. I want a livable Brookline, for years to come, with robust infrastructure, a strong economy, high quality schools, and a strong focus on social justice. I hope to deliver on a climate-forward agenda; working toward zero carbon emissions, supported by renewable energy sources and effective transportation solutions.

I have learned a lot in my three years on Town Meeting; and I still have a lot to learn. I look forward to continuing to learn and continuing to contribute.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Brookline needs to increase housing density in a way that neighbors can agree on. The MBTA Communities Act raised tough questions about how to increase density, with a number of compromises arrived at in terms of zoning by-laws, along with considerations for balancing residential and commercial development, and addressing transportation and parking issues.

There have also been promising developments in favor of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) at the local and state level. I hope to see faster development of ADUs with these policies in place.

Brookline also needs to bolster support for public housing. The rebuilding of 115 low-income elderly and disabled households at the site of the existing Col. Floyd Apartments, with passive house is encouraging. The planned increase in public housing at Walnut and High Streets is promising. And the the Brookline Community Development Corporation (BCDC) Energy-Efficient Renovations of 1017 Beacon Street is also exciting. Renovations include transitioning the building from fossil fuels to electricity, improving insulation, installing new heating and cooling systems and windows, and making interior improvements to common areas.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Brookline needs to take a comprehensive approach to addressing budget challenges, by speaking directly to the issue of the structural deficit, caused by increasing Town expenses and limitations to taxation, as a result of Proposition 2 ½ , along with related concerns about over-taxing people with limited or fixed incomes. We need to educate Brookline voters on the need for regular overrides and plan over the longer term to address fiscal needs. The recently created Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee is one positive move in this direction. We need to diversify our tax revenues from residential property taxes; looking to commercial tax revenues, and assessing options that could be created under a Massachusetts Municipal Empowerment Act. That would provide the Town with greater flexibility, including increasing lodging, meals, and motor vehicle taxes.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I engage frequently with constituents by email. Precinct 5 residents can email me at perrygrossman [at] gmail.com if they want to get on my email list (or be removed from it). Constituents can also call me at 617.383.9061. I have learned a lot from going door-to-door in my campaigning. It is interesting an important to listen to the various perspectives on issues in the community.

I encourage Precinct 5 residents to get more involved in local (and state and federal) politics. You can start small at the local level, first just attending meetings as a member of the public. Town board, commission, and committee meetings are listed on the Town website: https://www.brooklinema.gov/. You can offer to help, and then join if there are openings. You can also run for Town Meeting: https://www.brooklinema.gov/264/Town-Meeting. Unfortunately, Precinct 5 only has five candidates running for five spots this year. We need more engagement and competition.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I think we can have discussions about becoming a city, in a variety of forums, including through the Moderators Committee on Forms of Town Government, on listservs such as Pax, and through a range of community dialogues. But I am not in favor of a Charter Commission as I think that would bring us too far down the path of becoming a City.

I support a Town form of government, as we have a large number of smart, caring, and committed people who contribute to the Town. Though, there are challenges with the Town structure. Town staff and volunteers do a lot, which can lead to burnout. Town governance is not always efficient. Representation is not widespread enough across different demographic groups; notably amongst renters and people of color. It is difficult for people with work and family obligations to find the time to participate. We should continue to look to ways to ease this burden, improve efficiency, and increase representation, in order to build on the strengths of our robust civic body.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

First and foremost, Affordable housing near public transportation is key to me and my daughter’s survival. At this point our rent is looking to rise about 10% – 17%. This makes me very concerned, and I felt the need to be a part of the conversation. We work hard and pay a high amount in rent to be here. The numbers seem to rise and rise; while employers are not handing out wage increases that meet the cost of living increases yearly. At some point wellness needs to enter the conversation. The fear of homelessness is real for me and many others like me. I am here to listen, learn, and add value to the conversation. I do not feel all sides are being fairly represented middle/lower class families, single adults, elderly of all sizes need more of a voice in town meeting. Other major areas of interest; climate change action is also a passion of mine. Bike lines, parking, transportation, all these are important issue I would like to learn more about and possibly help make a real tangible positive change.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Cap the yearly rent increase to an amount/percentage that would be reasonable for all involved.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Adding an AI data base to help historically track maintain and forecast budgets with many data silos reporting into large warehouse, improving predictive analytics.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Public events and organized town events

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Remain A Town.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Budget balance – support both Town departments and schools. Zoning regulations re future growth. I’m interested in adding housing, particularly affordable housing near public transportation. And keeping Brookline a town. I value the increased participation of Town Meeting and feel that we have not yet gotten too big to function well as a town.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Consider voluntarily adopting the requirements of MGL 40B. New development should provide more affordable units.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

We’ve just spent too much on school buildings which has increased debt. New growth is unlikely to increase net revenue. And we don’t have much lightly used land. The State is unlikely to exempt us from Prop. 2 1/2. Can we consider a progressive personal income or property tax? I would support a real estate transfer tax.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Email.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline should remain a town. Town Meeting gets a lot of people directly involved in budget, zoning, and other decisions. And we are well served by volunteers on boards and commissions. I’ve lived in Cambridge and Boston. Any efficiencies of process were more than offset by poor decisions made with inadequate public input.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I love Brookline, my home for over 30 years. A product of public schools, I graduated from Oberlin College, earned a master’s from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and completed all but the dissertation in a doctoral program in social policy at Brandeis University’s Heller School. I have spent most of my career in public service—currently as an analyst at the Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis, and previously with a state disability advocacy agency in Maryland. I have also been active in civic and political life, including with the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, the Brookline Senior Center Foundation board, and various campaigns for candidates and causes.

Town Meeting has been a meaningful way for me to give back to our community. I served on the Advisory Committee and chaired its Human Services Subcommittee. As Brookline faces fiscal challenges and growing service demands, we must work together to support strong schools and services, preserve our town’s character and open spaces, and promote equity, diversity, and affordability. I look forward to continuing this important work.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Housing affordability is a major issue in Brookline. My partner and I bought a modest two-family unit in the early 2000s, which was a stretch at the time. Today, we could not afford to live here. New housing too often targets the luxury market, not those with moderate incomes. We cannot rely on private developers alone, given high interest rates and rising land and construction costs. I support: 1) nonprofit housing development; 2) smaller units built without bedroom restrictions; 3) adaptive reuse of existing buildings, including converting single-family conversions to multiple unit homes: and 4) affordable housing built instead of cash payments in lieu. I am encouraged by plans to convert the former Maimonides building, with a minor roof addition, to 35 rentals, including 30 workforce and 5 affordable units, pending a zoning change approved by Town Meeting. The warrant includes two proposals of note: a home rule petition for a real estate transfer fee to fund housing and ending the unfair practice of forcing tenants to pay broker fees.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Brookline continues to face structural deficits due to Proposition 2½ limits, now compounded by potential federal cuts. As the Brookline Fiscal Advisory Committee (BFAC) has noted, periodic overrides and debt exclusions are needed to close the gap between this cap and labor and other costs. I supported past overrides but worry about potential voter fatigue and the impact on affordability. The immediate concern is the schools’ FY 2026 imbalance. I look forward to the findings from the independent audit of the public schools’ budget process and the Expenditures and Revenues Study Committee (E&RSC). Hopefully, they will identify efficiencies and revenue alternatives to lessen the burden of overrides. In the long run, we must grow our revenue base through mixed-use and commercial development and creative revenue strategies. At the state level, I see potential opportunities in: 1) Healey’s “Municipal Empowerment Act”, which would allow local increases in meals, lodging, and vehicle taxes, and streamline operations; and 2) Raise Up Massachusetts’s “Corporate Fair Share Tax”, requiring multinational corporations to pay on a higher share of hidden offshore profits.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

If elected, I would keep constituents and others informed about town issues that may interest or impact them, primarily through email updates and the EGNA listserv. I am responsive to inquiries and have met with residents directly to discuss their concerns. I am frequently out walking in the neighborhood and often have casual conversations with residents about town matters. Given my activism, these chats sometimes expand into broader political discussions, During the height of COVID, the Precinct 6 delegation hosted Zoom meetings to connect with residents, introduce candidates, and discuss issues. These meetings were a valuable way to stay connected, and I think it may be time to bring them back.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I deeply value the community participation in Brookline’s town meeting form of government and am continually impressed by the knowledge and expertise within our community. However, as our population continues to grow and as we expand our housing stock, the current system may become increasingly unwieldy. Our FY2026 budget now exceeds $450 million, and the issues we face have become more complex. Our part-time, volunteer-based government may no longer be sufficient to address these challenges effectively. I am open to exploring potential changes and have been collecting signatures to establish a charter commission, which would provide a formal, citizen-driven process with significant community engagement, including two opportunities for voters to weigh in along the way.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

There are a lot of issues facing the world, our country, and our Town of Brookline. The only place I can have any sort of impact is to continue my work as a Town Meeting Member since 2009. I will prioritize Town finances with the view to creating more opportunities for progressive taxes on the wealthy to help fund our schools, housing for those at the lower economic levels, and environmental initiatives.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Make further changes to zoning so it is easier to condoize existing buildings and build ADUs; mandate higher levels of affordable housing within new large developments (beyond 15%); rein in developers whose only goal is their own profit and not the well-being of Brookline citizens.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Create more means for progressive taxes so residents at the highest income levels pay their fair share.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I have set up a new Neighborhood Association, called Brookline Village Neighborhood Association (BVNA), to serve the currently under-served constituents who live around the Brookline Village commercial area, particularly to the east of Harvard Street. As our Neighborhood Association grows in numbers and connects with other nearby NAs, more of our residents will be informed of important issues for our neighborhood and become more involved.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I like the Town Meeting structure because it allows so many of our smart, passionate, multi-talented residents to have a voice in Town government. It is this great accessibility to our government through Town Meeting that has put Brookline in the forefront of progressive actions, on a par with California. I would hate to lose this energy of the Town Meeting structure, chaotic though it sometimes can be!

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am a parent of two students in Brookline’s schools alarmed by the annual funding crises and service cuts we seem to cuts. I want our schools to remain excellent and specifically I want to help the town make the policy choices that will sustainably fund all our services properly. This means both supporting new revenue sources and also removing or redirecting inefficient spending.

Three major policy choices I think we face in the coming years:

(1) We must keep good, well-run, and well-funded schools. Our kids deserve this, and it’s part of why many people choose to live here. Town Meeting has influence because they set the total school budget amount.

(2) Due to the 2025 political realignment, left-leaning places need to assume we’re on our own and no federal help is coming. We need a contingency plan for a reduction in federal funding. Town Meeting sets those budget priorities.

(3) We need to protect our residents from a federal government overreach that is trying to silence their speech, kill many researchers’ grants, and detain and deport lawful permanent residents. I am VERY open to ideas from neighbors about how our town can help with this.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I don’t think we have, like, one greedy property management company charging unsustainably high monopoly rates for rental housing; nor do I think we have a cabal of existing homeowners conspiring to keep home prices high for folks who want to buy. I think there just isn’t enough housing to go around – not many new places competing for tenants, and also not many places nearby for people to GO if they want to move. This keeps everyone stuck and paying more.

I think the town meeting should make it easier to build or change housing. The current process for permitting and approvals is glacially slow and so is the building; I have seen the same holes in the ground and stripped-to-the-studs skeletons for years in parts of precinct 6.

We should legislate a speedup to the cycle: people can get a definitive “yes” or “no” in a guaranteed fast time frame (90 days total?) BUT if they use the fast path, they must also complete the build quickly (within 1 year)?. This would balance current and new neighbors’ needs.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

We should introduce bylaw amendments to codify the Brookline Fiscal Advisory Committee’s unadopted recommendations.

Background:

(1) Brookline needs to find more money. Under state law (Proposition 2 1/2 enacted in 1980) our primary revenue stream, property tax, goes up by 2.5% per year.

(2) We can get more revenue: commercial real estate; negotiated payments in lieu of taxes from tax-exempt nonprofit landowners; new construction expanding the Prop 2 1/2 cap.

(3) We can also vote to raise our taxes. Every 3 years an “override study committee” decides how much we’ll ask for. If they choose a number that’s too low we have a horrible musical-chairs fight about what town services to cut and we gut critical parts of what makes our town great. It’s an awful and distracting process and it keeps happening.

The BFAC was chartered to explain how to get out of this painful cycle. They issued 18 recommendations; many have NOT been fully adopted. Town Meeting should ask BFAC which bylaws can be rewritten to compel adoption of BFAC’s commonsense budgeting improvements and we should take up those bylaw amendments.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Hey, there is a website where you can reach all the constituents (brooklinep6.com). Maybe we should publish precinctwide news there? Our precinct has periodically held “warrant article info sessions” for people to attend; I have been and I have seen some engagement (tens of people). We should also talk to our neighbors about the fact that the town meeting exists and that it has a vital impact on the wonderful parts of our town that we care about and want to grow – our schools, roads, sidewalks, parks.

I’d also welcome direct feedback at any time by email (mherdeg@gmail.com).

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

A charter review is a normal healthy thing for a municipality to do. I’ve watched one in the small 3000-person town I grew up in; I’ve watched several in Cambridge; and I’m happy that Brookline is reviewing ours, too.

But while there has been plenty of debate about turning from a representative town meeting into a city I have heard surprisingly muted discussion about going the other direction. Why not have an OPEN TOWN MEETING? Suppose we continued to invest the select board with executive power in concert with town administrative staff (although maybe with higher stipends to attract full-time executives rather than requiring it be done as a volunteer job). But on the legislature side, what if every eligible voter in town who cared enough about an issue could vote on it? We have technology for this now — why limit the meeting to representatives instead of using pure, direct democracy?

I do worry that our town’s low municipal election turnout (often in the 17-20% range) makes the legislature less accountable to all its residents. Maybe a city would better reflect the interests of all residents, but why not just let every citizen vote on the laws?

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I moved to Brookline with my family in 2021 and have come to love this town. As a member of the Brookline Comprehensive Planning Committee I developed concrete ideas for improvements, aligned with many of the community priorities. I also realized that legislative action is key to enacting change, prompting me to run for the Town Meeting.

Housing and development are Brookline’s most pressing issues, affecting affordability, diversity, and economic sustainability. We must ensure that Brookline remains welcoming to people of all incomes and backgrounds, that diverse housing options are available to accommodate residents through different stages of life.

Related is the issue of development more broadly, including commercial, and ensuring we have a sustainable tax base to avoid future budget deficits.

With my son in Pierce and daughter starting kindergarten in the fall, schools are also top of mind. High quality of Brookline’s education system was an important reason that prompted us to move here, and I’m invested in maintaining and improving it.

Finally, I see opportunities to improve mobility by supporting sustainable transportation options and reducing congestion.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Targeted revisions of zoning regulations to allow creation of more dense, mixed-use housing suitable for a wide range of demographics. Affordability should be further supported through a mix of market-based (e.g., smaller units, limited parking spaces near transit) and regulatory (e.g., inclusionary zoning) avenues. Additionally, costs of construction (an correspondingly prices) could be reduced by streamlining the approval/ permitting process.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

I see an urgent need to bring in additional revenue to compensate for the limits of Prop 2 ½. In the near term I expect that we’ll have to rely on overrides to avoid further cuts that will undermine quality of education and town services. I would also like to understand further drivers of both school and town budgets (absolute and recent increases) and if there are structural changes that can be made to mitigate spending.

In the long term I’d like to see additional commercial and residential development to increase our tax base. Residential development will need to be carefully managed to ensure additional property taxes will be greater than the additional spend on services.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I would welcome any constituents reaching out through email or phone or meeting in-person to express their thoughts/ feedback on current issues, upcoming legislation or any other topics.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Given growing population, increasing complexity of issues facing town government, and recent fiscal challenges I believe Brookline should thoroughly investigate the pros and cons of the option to change the form of government from town to city.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Our precinct is wonderfully diverse: homeowners and renters, seniors and students, young families and singles, multi-generational Brookliners and immigrants from all over the world. I try to make decisions that will improve life for those who face the most obstacles. To continue to provide those services, though, our town needs more revenue. That’s why I support increasing the tax base through commercial and housing development. Any zoning changes affect our precinct very directly, since we are located so close to the T that it is ideal for increased density. However, I believe that updated, climate-friendly housing enhances our neighborhood—if it is designed with an eye to street-level life and an aesthetic in harmony with nearby buildings.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

The only action within Brookline’s control that can contribute to lower housing costs is building more housing. Brookline has not grown in step with other Boston-area towns. New market-rate developments, especially near public transportation as our precinct is, make sense economically, ecologically, and socially. Many of these will also be expensive, but this is not a reason to fight them. Many middle class homes built over the last century have already become “luxury housing” because our property values have been so inflated by the state-wide housing shortage. Only by playing our part in providing places for people to live can we move our region toward affordability. Town Meeting should continue to modernize our zoning so that we can welcome more neighbors.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Town Meeting has very little say over the budget of the town, and none over the schools. We have authority to change our zoning restrictions, which can affect how many people are able to live here and how many businesses can thrive here. I support zoning that removes outdated obstacles to growth, so that landlords and developers can build attractive, climate-friendly expansions and new buildings that improve neighborhoods for everyone.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I invite emails and calls from neighbors with concerns, suggestions, and questions. Our form of government is extremely confusing, and I am by no means an expert. But I am excited to learn about your experiences and I will try to find solutions for you!

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I strongly support a charter change process, and would advocate for a stronger municipal government like many cities have. The size and complexity of Brookline are far too great to be managed effectively by antiquated volunteer committees. Open meeting law prevents the kinds of candid conversations that generate innovative solutions. We need paid, professional urban leadership who can move nimbly and boldly to meet the challenges of the coming decades.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

My top issues are the high cost of housing, supporting our schools, and protecting vulnerable communities. Housing and schools are addressed in the next two answers. As for protecting vulnerable communities, I believe should Brookline should be a safe space and support its residents who are immigrants, low-income, people of color, LGBTQ+ or otherwise marginalized or under attack by the Trump Administration.

I am also running to try to make Town Meeting more representative of Brookline. Nearly 20% of this Town’s population is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), but there are only a handful of AAPI Town Meeting members

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I believe we should allow more and denser housing, especially near transit. I was a supporter of the Warrant Article in the Fall 2024 Town Meeting that would have allowed for an additional unit in two-family zones.

To address the high cost of housing for renters, Town Meeting passed a rent stabilization home rule petition to limit rent increases, but the State Legislature has not approved it

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

The source of Brookline’s fiscal instability is the underlying structural deficit caused by Proposition 2 & 1/2, which limits the growth in residential tax collections to 2.5% annually. That is a problematic limit for municipalities such as Brookline that primarily rely on residential property taxes for their revenues. Many expenses increase more than 2.5% annually even in low inflation times, especially health insurance premiums. During periods of higher inflation, such as recent times, the impact is even worse.

This fiscal instability is felt most severely by the schools, which have an $8 million shortfall in their budget, leading to terrible cuts. We need to fully fund our schools to make sure all of our children receive a strong education, no matter what their background or abilities

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I engage with constituents on multiple platforms, including email, listservs, social media, and face-to-face conversations

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe that Brookline should become a city. With over 60,000 residents, we have outgrown the old-fashioned New England Town Meeting structure

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running because I want to see Town Meeting plan for the future, encourage safe complete streets, support our schools, and be an evidence based legislative body. Issues I plan to prioritize include (1) increasing housing production and diversity of housing types, especially near transit, to start to tackle housing affordability and our per capita carbon footprint; (2) prioritizing the safety and accessibility of our public ways for all users, and making it easier for residents to make more environmentally friendly transportation choices; and (3) addressing our fiscal structural deficit so our schools and town services can keep up with inflation, primarily by encouraging new commercial and residential development to broaden our tax base.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Addressing our housing affordability crises starts with allowing more homes in a variety of housing types to be built in town. The homes built today will be the naturally more affordable homes 20 years from now, and our regional lack of building much of anything for the past 30 years will take time to address. Brookline Town Meeting can facilitate this by changing our zoning to allow more homes in our walkable and transit accessible neighborhoods, legalizing apartments in more places, and by streamlining our permitting process to remove barriers to housing production.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Simply put, our budget has not kept up with inflation. On the school side, we are constantly forced to cut positions and programming each year. On the town side, our roads are filled with potholes, our bicycle infrastructure is practically non-existent, our sidewalks are not ADA-compliant, and our town staff are not always paid competitive wages. To just maintain the services we have come to expect, we need to proactively increase revenue with a combination of regular and transparent overrides, increased commercial and residential development, and additional revenue sources such as parking fines and meter rates. While operating overrides are set by the Select Board, Town Meeting can push for increased transparency of how much funding is actually needed, how it will get spent, and setting the next override at the level needed. Town Meeting itself should also be a lot more proactive about zoning for commercial and mixed use development in key parcels throughout town, instead of waiting for a developer to approach town with a proposal.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

This is a great question. Unfortunately, precinct 7 doesn’t have an active neighborhood list, so it falls on individual town meeting members to compile their own lists to communicate with neighbors. As I am plugged into a number of Brookline communities (BREC soccer, Brookline Soccer Club, First Lego League, Minyan Shaleym, Congregation Kehillat Israel, Pierce, and TCEE), I will continue my efforts to have conversations with friends and acquaintances about the happenings of town, what they have heard, and what their concerns are. I put out regular communications to Brookline residents I know in town to keep them abreast of town happenings, and am always searching for ways to expand my network.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline has a lot of volunteers that give a lot of their time to the town. Unfortunately, the current town structure favors those who have a lot of free time to give, so our Select Board, Town Meeting, and Advisory Committee especially are unrepresentative of the make-up of our town, and are likely to be unrepresentative of its policy wishes. At minimum, I would like to see us decrease the size of Town Meeting and have an executive branch that is paid for their work. It is great that we have so many knowledgeable volunteers, but it leaves out those who have vision and leadership, but not the time to donate 20 hours a week to our executive branch. With 5 Select Board members with staggered terms, it is difficult to have leadership that proactively envisions the future, plans for things like long term economic development and population growth, instead of simply favoring, or at least acquiescing to, the status quo. A government structure that streamlines both the executive and legislative functions is more likely to present competing narratives for the future to voters, leading to increased responsiveness by elected officials to public will.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I moved to Brookline for medical training at BIDMC 20 years ago and stayed because I love this place and the people. I am extremely grateful to Pierce and BHS for caring for and educating my 4 children, to all the people who maintain services and safety in Brookline, and to all those who govern it responsibly. As a Town Meeting Member, it would be my privilege to do what I can to ensure that the maximum number of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to life in Brookline, and to ensure that the Town continues to be able to provide wonderful and high quality of life for its residents.

As a physician, health and safety for all is important to me. As a mother, health and safety too of course, and top-quality education. And as a former healthcare entrepreneur, I know the greatest values and ideas can only be realized if the financials make sense; I will address constituent priorities through this lens, making sure budget decisions are data-driven and sustainable. I will ensure we allocate budget to benefit individuals who need it and to the community as a whole, while taking care not to inadvertently make it even more difficult for people to afford living in Brookline.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Town meeting should adjust zoning in order to incentivize responsible development, and should evaluate the possibility of implementing government incentives and subsidies to help solve the housing shortage while preserving Brookline’s unique character.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Town meeting must do the painstaking work of going line by line through the budget and evaluating the obvious and hidden costs and benefits of each item, both short-term and long-term, so that we spend our money in the most effective way that brings the most amount of benefit to individuals who need it, and to the community as a whole. Expanding the tax revenue base is a potential concrete action that should be evaluated, however, we need to be careful not to do so in a way that makes it even more difficult for people to afford living in Brookline.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

(Answer left blank)

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

(Answer left blank)

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Land use: I support transit-oriented mixed-use development, such as the Harvard Street rezoning.

Sustainability: Environmental and fiscal responsibility is top of mind. I would continue to vote for strong environmental projects, and also look for ways to bolster our tax base, particularly with commercial rezoning and development.

High quality services: make sure that our most important services continue to be funded at a high level, and that we are receiving service quality commensurate with our investments.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Zone for more housing to be built, particularly transit-oriented housing.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

The town should focus on both revenue (particularly commercial development) and on expenditures, especially where there are opportunities to better forecast our future expenditures so that we have fewer surprises going forward.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I have an open-inbox and phone policy, and have also held office hours to communicate with constituents in the past. Say hi!

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

If town government is a vehicle, and a charter commission is a group of mechanics, we shouldn’t be afraid to pop the hood and let them look around, knowing that they can’t make any changes without approval of the voters. However, we should have a high bar, deep dialogue, and thorough thought about any potential charter changes and how those changes would impact the town.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I focus my volunteer energies on 3 Brookline groups. First, I am the co-coordinator of the Brookline chapter of Mothers Out Front (MOF). In this spring Town Meeting, the Warrant includes 2 WAs that that call for further reduction in the use of plastic bags and packaging. Second, I am on the Board of Directors for Biking Brookline, which advocates for safe routes to school, and safe bike paths in general. Third, I am a member of a team working to support the Town in building a Community Outdoor Swimming Pool. It is our hope that the Fisher Hill Land Use Committee, and the public, will agree that the Newbury College site is an ideal location. I hope to be reelected to continue to drive successful outcomes for my and other initiatives about which I am passionate.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

To decrease the cost of housing, the clearest way is to increase the supply. For that, our zoning bylaws need to be modernized and updated to reflect the values of our town. Build taller, multi-unit buildings near transit corridors, ease restrictions on parking, etc. I was at a brainstorming session at the BCDC where we talked about our Building and Planning Department streamlining approvals for construction projects so that projects are approved quicker. Housing is a national crisis, but there are steps we can take locally to at least alleviate this problem.

At the last Town Meeting, I spoke in favor of making the districts with 2-family houses (T-zones) be permitted to add a third unit without adding to the footprint of the house. In a small way, this would increase housing density (though probably not by much). FYI, this initiative did not pass.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

To keep up with our increasing budget, homeowners are required to pay an increasingly higher amount of property tax. To avoid this, we need to diversity our tax base. I suggest we make a concerted effort to choose a light-manufacturing or service industry and actively seek companies to locate here; create an active campaign for relocation of chosen industries. Perhaps these companies would concentrate on Route 9; perhaps somewhere on Beacon Street. I don’t know where, but diversifying our tax base seems to me to be imperative.

I also think the PILOT program (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) is a good area to look for some additional revenue or in-kind services. We could negotiate with the private schools and the medical offices for some sort of payment or perhaps use of their facilities, such as playing fields. Albeit small, this is an area that should be explored.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Precinct 8 has a P8 listserv and a P8 Facebook page. These two channels are the easiest way to communicate to constituents.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I would like to see what the committee that is studying this topic has learned. I love being a TMM, but I’d like to know my choices. I know Danvers has a Town Manager, which is different than a Town Administrator, that latter has more authority. What would that look like? Danvers seems to run very well (granted, lots of land, more commercial tax base, etc.) Its concerning that to be on the Executive Branch of our town, one likely has to be retired or wealthy due to the structure (loads of time commitment yet only a tiny stipend).

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I love our Town and want to contribute, as do so many others, to its governance. Priority issues are the safety of our streets/sidewalks for all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists; the care and maintenance of our natural environment, including protection and expansion of our tree cover and expansion of green spaces, for reasons of air purity, noise abeyance, and lowered summer temperature; closer attention to our Town budgets and fiscal responsibility, including school expenditures and other Town expenditures; Town support of increased commercial enterprises to provide tax income to the Town and lessen our very high individual property taxes, including consideration of zoning changes in some parts of Town.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I voted in favor of the MBTA Communities Act because it offers us an opportunity to increase our housing stock and expand commercial development, while preserving the architectural charm of our neighborhoods. Town Meeting’s adoption of the Harvard Street commercial corridor plan last fall is a thoughtful, strong start. Also, I support adopting zoning changes that provide more opportunities for the construction of multi-family housing, particularly in areas close to public transportation. Row housing is also an efficient use of land, as authorizing the conversion of one- and two- family houses to three-family houses.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

When debating a new Warrant Article, Town Meeting should consider the estimated costs to the Town (including any savings when a new Warrant Article, for example, replaces another policy/program). In addition, the Town should, as I mentioned, expand the scope and locations for commercial development.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I commit to continuing to work with my fellow Precinct 8 Town Meeting Members to hold periodic meetings with constituents. We should be more diligent in thinking of ways to improve attendance, including increasing our efforts to let constituents know about the meetings, and the importance of their participation. We should assure our constituents that we would like to hear their ideas how to improve Town government.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I am proud to have served as a Town Meeting Member, and I greatly admire the commitment and diligence of so many residents to Town government. Also, in my discussions with residents, I have found broad support for retaining our current and historical Town Meeting form of government. Although a city structure may be more efficient (because cities can often adopt and enact policies more quickly), a city, run as it would be by a very small group of professionals, runs a risk of being less responsive to the concerns and preferences of residents. On the other hand, a weakness of the Town Meeting form of government is that it may provide insufficient oversight of the operation of Warrant Articles once they have been voted on, as well as insufficient consideration of the expenses to the Town (and the effect on the tax rate) of enacting particular Warrant Articles. I believe it is worthwhile to discuss hybrid forms of government.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running for re-election to advocate for (1) Better strategic planning and more economic development to enable the Town to afford to pay competitive wages; to provide more neighborhood-scale affordable housing; to improve the maintenance of our streets, buildings, and parks; to make our streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers; and to lead to address our climate crisis; (2) Zoning reform to make it easier to build mixed-use housing and to foster more economic development to increase the Town’s vitality and tax base, and to do our part to address to the region’s housing crisis; (3) Improve our Town’s financial planning and auditing policies to avoid the Town leaders continuing to “surprise” the public every few years about our recurring needs for more resources than the automatic 2.5% increase allowed by state law, resulting in last-minute turmoil and partially-thought-through service cuts; and (4) Making it easier for the public to learn what our Town government is doing, so that the public can more easily provide feedback and input. I have authored several bylaws and resolutions at Town Meeting to promote these objectives, and plan to continue doing so.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Town Meeting can address the high cost of housing in Brookline by passing zoning reforms that make it easier to build housing including by increasing density in our transit corridors and by making our permitting processes more efficient. Town Meeting can also fund, through our budgeting power, efforts led by the Select Board, our Planning Department, and our Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) to make Brookline more attractive for economic development that can help pay a larger share of our taxes to reduce the tax burden on residents that also contributes to the rising cost of living here.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Five years ago, I was a member of the Brookline Fiscal Advisory Committee (BFAC) that issued recommendations to improve the Town’s budgeting and financial practices, which called for improved practices by the Select Board, the Advisory Committee (our Town’s finance committee), and the School Committee. After observing slow progress to even formally consider and debate the BFAC recommendations, I led a successful effort at Town Meeting to establish a committee (on which I served) that wrote several reports documenting the Town’s progress (and lack of progress) considering and implementing these recommendations, which are available at https://bit.ly/BFACMC. I have consistently advocated for the Town to improve its long-term budgeting practices, to expedite our economic development planning — such as creating several neighborhood economic development plans simultaneously rather than one at a time that will take decades — and to bring more clarity to our capital maintenance needs and associated funding. While I and fellow Town Meeting Members can advocate for these practices, most need to be implemented by the Select Board, School Committee, and the Advisory Committee.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I helped establish a listserve (precinct8brookline@googlegroups.com) and Facebook Group (precinct8) to foster communication among Precinct 8 Town Meeting Members and our neighbors / constituents. These have attracted hundreds of subscribers. I have also helped organize and participated in several meetings with Precinct 8 constituents to exchange views on the topics coming to Town Meeting.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe we need structural reform to bring more professionalism and accountability to the elected leadership of our executive branch and to those elected to foster our long-term financial planning. I have not decided whether this would best be accomplished by reforms to our Town structure or by becoming a city, and am looking forward to learning more, including by reading the final report once published by the ongoing efforts of the Moderator’s Committee on Forms of Government. I look forward to the discussions about this.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running for Town Meeting because I want to participate in the discussions about what that town should do keep Brookline a great place to live for everyone. I would prioritize housing, education, and public spaces.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Encouraging more housing production

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

I believe there is a study committee about an override, and I support putting an override on the ballot for May 2026. In the longer term, I look forward to learning more about the town budgeting process.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

If elected, I will talk to neighbors and engage with them through the Precinct 8 forums on email and Facebook.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I think Brookline should consider becoming a city, or at least study the pros and cons of becoming a city or remaining a town.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m running for Town Meeting to encourage greater participation in local government from families with school-age children and to advocate for data-driven, transparent, and fiscally responsible decision-making. I believe our schools should strive for excellence and that we can build a stronger, healthier community by promoting walkability, cycling, and meaningful civic engagement.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

While there’s no simple solution to the high cost of housing, Town Meeting should require meaningful affordable housing components in new developments. These efforts should focus on commercial corridors like Harvard Street, where thoughtful density can help address the need while supporting vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Town Meeting should establish clear standards for how spending data is collected and measured to ensure greater accountability and transparency. In parallel, it should explore ways to strengthen and promote Brookline’s commercial areas to enhance local services and generate additional revenue.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

If elected, I would make it a priority to stay accessible and responsive to constituents through email, neighborhood forums, and regular updates before and after Town Meeting votes. I’d also look for informal ways to connect to hear directly from residents and bring their concerns forward. Open, two-way communication is essential for a representative government that truly reflects the people it serves.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

While I lean toward Brookline remaining a town, I recognize that becoming a city could bring benefits, such as clearer governance structures and potential incentives for commercial development. However, I’m also mindful that such a shift could change the character and community fabric that make Brookline unique. Any consideration of this change should be driven by broad community input and a careful weighing of long-term impacts.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m running for Town Meeting to be a voice for the young renters in our community and to help make local government more accessible and responsive to the people who live here. As a young renter, I know how difficult it can be to find stable, affordable housing in Brookline. Too many people, including young families, seniors, and essential workers, are being priced out. I want to prioritize policies that increase affordable housing and improve access to safe, sustainable transit, while preserving what makes our neighborhoods vibrant and walkable. I’m also committed to strong public schools, climate action, and making sure Brookline’s budget reflects our values, including support for renters, libraries, and social services. Brookline has the potential to be a leader in equity, sustainability, and good governance, but we need to make bold, compassionate choices to get there. As a scientist and new voice in Brookline government, I’m excited to bring a data-informed, community-centered perspective to Town Meeting.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Town Meeting needs to take action to address Brookline’s housing affordability crisis. One key step is strengthening incentives to build income-restricted affordable housing through funding, public-private partnerships, and streamlined permitting. While recent zoning changes have laid important groundwork, we also need to understand why affordable housing isn’t being built even in areas that have been upzoned. Additionally, I’m interested in creatively expanding housing in adjacent neighborhoods and finding ways to encourage smaller-scale, community-friendly development that fits within our walkable, transit-accessible town. We can’t solve the housing crisis with zoning alone, but thoughtful, equity-driven policy can make a real difference.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

One concrete action Town Meeting should take to address Brookline’s fiscal challenges is to expand our commercial tax base in a way that aligns with our community values. Right now, Brookline relies heavily on residential property taxes, which creates pressure on homeowners and limits our ability to sustainably fund vital services like schools, libraries, and social programs. By encouraging thoughtful commercial development, especially in areas along the Green Line, we can generate new revenue without putting additional strain on residents. This could include mixed-use projects that bring together housing, retail, and office space, while maintaining the walkability and character that make Brookline special. We should also look at ways to support small businesses, streamline permitting for appropriate commercial projects, and ensure that new development includes community benefits. A stronger commercial sector can provide a more stable financial foundation for the town, while also contributing to a vibrant, inclusive economy.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I believe good representation starts with listening, and I’m committed to being an active, approachable, and responsive Town Meeting Member. As a young renter, I’m already in regular conversation with neighbors who don’t always feel heard in town politics. Since launching my campaign, I’ve connected with many longtime residents and community leaders in my precinct, and I look forward to deepening those relationships. I bring experience communicating complex topics through my work in science communication, and I am currently president of the Harvard Science Policy Group, which has given me valuable experience managing teams, coordinating advocacy efforts, and organizing events that bring people together around shared goals. I care deeply about clear communication, and I want my neighbors to feel informed, heard, and included in the decisions that affect them. I also hope to collaborate closely with my fellow Town Meeting Members to ensure our precinct is well represented and responsive to the full diversity of perspectives in our community.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I appreciate Brookline’s Representative Town Meeting because it keeps government closely connected to the community and ensures residents have a voice in decision-making. The fact that so many people can participate in the legislative process is a strength—it fosters transparency, engagement, and grassroots policymaking. At the same time, I recognize that this structure can sometimes feel slow, repetitive, or bogged down in bureaucracy. I believe it’s worth exploring how we can make our local government more responsive and effective while preserving its community-driven nature. Whether that means improving Town Meeting procedures or having a broader conversation about the town’s structure, I’m open to thoughtful discussion. What matters most to me is that our government remains accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of Brookline residents.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

To bring unity to the Town which has been overcome by strife.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Sadly, there is no one answer or magic bullet. Making homes more affordable in Brookline requires a multi-layered strategy that combines zoning reform, incentives, and public investment. The town can allow more multi-family housing near transit corridors and expand zoning for duplexes and triplexes to diversify supply, while offering density bonuses and strengthening inclusionary zoning to require more affordable units in new developments. Leveraging public land for mixed-income or 100% affordable housing, expanding the Affordable Housing Trust, and legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across neighborhoods can create gentle density and housing options for seniors, caregivers, and young adults. At the same time, tenant protections like right-to-counsel, eviction prevention programs, and support for nonprofit housing models like community land trusts can reduce displacement and preserve socioeconomic diversity. Brookline can’t solve the regional housing crisis alone, but it can take meaningful, community-driven steps to ensure it remains a place where people of all incomes and backgrounds can live and thrive.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Instead of just asking how to fix the budget, I suggest we step back and ask a deeper question: “Is Brookline’s Town-School Partnership (TSP) still the right model?” The TSP is the framework that divides Brookline’s $436M overall budget—including $144M for schools—between municipal services and the Public Schools of Brookline. Before we debate cuts or reallocations, we should first ask whether the current split still makes sense for the town’s evolving needs. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t—but that’s the place to start.

It’s also worth reminding ourselves: we’re dealing with nearly half a billion dollars. There’s no hidden “pot of gold” waiting to be found by combing through spreadsheets. If I had a magic wand, I wouldn’t just look for line-item savings—I’d think strategically. What must we keep doing? What can we stop? To do this right, Brookline should engage a strategy firm—like my former employer, Bain & Company—to benchmark every aspect of our budget against peer communities. Where are we spending more or less—and why? That kind of work is hard, but it’s what real, responsible budgeting demands.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I have gone out and met a lot of my constituents by going door to door, hosting candidates, and organizing debates (one coming up April 1). On election day, I meet voters outside the polls which is right next to my house. People never seem to be shy about offering their opinions.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I don’t know. In the past, I have been in favor of Brookline becoming a city, now I am more reluctant. I am waiting to see what the Moderator’s Committee says about this issue.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running for reelection because I have loved my last three years on Town Meeting. I have gotten to know my neighbors, my neighborhood and helped to shape our town and future together.

Going forward I would like to focus on:

Bike lanes on Washington and throughout Brookline. I am a big bike rider and we need more attention on bike lanes. We need more of them and the ones we have need to be better protected.

Building. We need more housing in Brookline and many of our regulations won’t allow for it. We need to update codes, pass exemptions, and do our best to comply with the MBTA Communities law. At the same time, we should be passing green building codes and eliminate fossil fuel usage in new construction. Heat pumps and induction burners should be required. We should change building codes to require more and more green energy.

Education. Our schools are in crisis. We are spending enormous amounts on new schools while firing the staff we need to run them. While I don’t want to be on the School Committee we have a lot of influence over the budget and other decisions and I want to continue to be engaged in this process.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

One concrete action Town Meeting should take to address the high cost of housing is to expand and improve Brookline’s bike infrastructure to reduce reliance on cars. Prioritizing protected bike lanes and safe, accessible bike routes can make it easier for residents to live without a car, reducing household transportation costs—one of the biggest expenses after housing. A more bike-friendly Brookline supports sustainability while also making it possible for more people to afford to live here.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

One concrete action Town Meeting should take to address Brookline’s fiscal instability and budget challenges is controlling school budget growth while maintaining educational excellence. This means prioritizing cost efficiencies—such as targeted reductions in administrative overhead, and better use of existing school buildings—to ensure that resources are directed toward students and classrooms. By taking a strategic, data-driven approach to school budgeting, Brookline can ensure financial sustainability while continuing to offer top-tier education.

Additionally, reforming parking policies to generate new revenue could help offset school costs without overburdening taxpayers. By taking a strategic, data-driven approach to school budgeting, Brookline can ensure financial sustainability while continuing to offer top-tier education.

I am against raising taxes.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

If re-elected, I would continue to engage and communicate with constituents by being present, accessible, and proactive in listening to the community. I spend hours in Griggs Park talking with neighbors, and discussing ideas for how we can make Brookline better. I also attend community events, neighborhood gatherings and go out of my way to ask constituents for their opinion.

I am always open to emails and always reply.

I believe the best way to represent people is to meet them where they are—whether that’s in the park, at a local event, or over email. My goal is to make sure everyone feels heard and included in the decisions that shape our town.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I love Brookline’s Town Meeting structure because it is deeply democratic and includes so many voices in the decision-making process. It ensures that a broad cross-section of residents can participate in shaping the town’s future. However, our reliance on a Select Board that functions as a full-time job without a salary creates an inequitable system where only the very wealthy or those with extreme flexibility can serve. Before rushing into a conversion to city government, we should first explore meaningful reforms to our current structure—such as paying the Select Board a full-time salary—so that public service is accessible to a more diverse group of residents. That said, I am open to carefully considering all options, including potential structural changes, to ensure that Brookline’s government is both inclusive and effective.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m running for Town Meeting because I appreciate Brookline. It has been a good place to raise my family. As a town, it relies on the effort of good-hearted volunteers to help it be as good as it can be. I want to continue contributing to that effort.

The following aims will continue to guide my decisions and actions on all issues: (1) Address climate change (e.g. fossil fuel free housing and transportation); (2) Enhance livable streets and neighborhoods (e.g. protected bike lanes, safe routes to school, calm neighborhood streets, pedestrian scale lighting); (3) Realize racial and economic justice (e.g. close the school achievement gap, more high-quality affordable housing); (4) Support our public schools and libraries (e.g. adequate funding); (5) Provide services for vulnerable seniors (e.g. Senior Center programs); (6) Assure fiscal responsibility (e.g. avoid unfunded mandates, support important overrides); (7) Inform, listen and respond to concerns of Precinct 10 residents.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Allow an additional (i.e., a third) unit by right within “T” (two-family) zoning districts.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

The Town has budget challenges but it is not fiscally unstable. The budget challenges arise from Proposition 2.5, which limits budget increases to levels below those needed to maintain current levels of Town services and fund Town commitments to employee salaries and pensions. In the short term Town Meeting should support periodic Proposition 2.5 overrides. For the long term we should support efforts to implement changes to state laws, such as allowing a local progressive income tax.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I will continue my past communication practices: (1) Send an email to interested Precinct 10 constituents before and after each Town Meeting session, summarizing each issue, explaining my planned and actual votes, and reporting the final outcomes; (2) respond promptly to every constituent who contacts me about a Town Meeting issue.

I invite Precinct 10 voters who read this and are not on my email list to contact me so you can receive my Town Meeting reports.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I haven’t yet made up my mind on this issue. While there are frustrating aspects of town government, there are also great strengths. One concern I have is that it is easier to see the weaknesses of our current form of government than it is to see the weaknesses of some other form that we might adopt. Any effort to consider becoming a city must carefully examine the potential weaknesses.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Brookline is a great place to live, learn, work and play. As a Town Meeting Member I will work to maintain the great things about Brookline and make improvements to make our town even better. We need to address racial and economic disparities through efforts like increasing affordable housing and addressing the opportunity gap in our schools. We’ve taken steps on climate and sustainability, and must do more including bolstering public transportation, biking and walking options, installing green infrastructure and caring for our tree canopy. Brookline needs more affordable housing so that a wide range of households, including seniors, families and singles can live and thrive here. We need to actively support our local businesses so we can maintain our vibrant commercial areas and assure the commercial tax revenue needed to support our town services, schools and libraries.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Brookline is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Many people who grew up here cannot afford to live here now. More people should be able to afford all that Brookline has to offer–vibrant commercial areas, beautiful parks, access to public transit, good schools, excellent libraries and top notch town services. For households looking to rent, they typically have to pay four months of rent up front–first month’s rent, last month’s rent, security deposit and a real estate agent fee. Depending on the size of the unit, this can mean over $10,000 upfront just to move in. The real estate agent is typically hired by the landlord who passes on the cost of the fee to the tenant. One concrete action that Town Meeting can take to address the high cost of housing in Brookline is to pass Warrant Article 26 which is a resolution where Town Meeting would urge our elected officials at the State House to support pending legislation and the Governor’s proposal to require that the party that hires a real estate agent pay the fee/commission for that agent, thereby saving many renters the cost of this fee and making it more affordable to start renting in Brookline.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

If we want to maintain quality Town services, we need the funds to pay for them. Town Meeting should support efforts to maintain and grow our commercial base in order to increase the available tax revenue coming from the commercial sector. A recent example of this has been approvals of several hotels. The Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) provides Town Meeting Members and other decision makers in town with economic insights and policy recommendations related to our commercial sector. Town Meeting should pay close attention to EDAB deliberations and recommendations in considering zoning changes and budget decisions.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I would communicate through voluntary email updates and engagement through the Griggs Park Neighborhood Association about key activities in town impacting the neighborhood. I have always and will continue to be available to constituents via email and phone to answer questions about the Town and help connect them to our dedicated Town staff to help answer questions and solve problems.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I think that power, money and influence will find their way into our local government no matter which form of government we have. Those with the most time and money will always have an advantage in shaping government to their wishes unless we proactively work for broader representation.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m running to represent Precinct 10 to contribute my voice and energy to the conversations about the challenges facing Brookline today. I prioritize supporting our excellent schools, adding affordable housing, and enhancing our urban infrastructure for walking, cycling, and to adapt to climate change. I bring a data-centered mindset to solve problems – my academic background is in environmental health, and I work as an epidemiologist for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health focused on health disparities in population health.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Create and encourage increased affordable residential housing so people can settle here and then remain through all stages of life.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Add commercial space to increase the tax base.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I believe that successful engagement is proactive and community-based. I would interact with the Precinct 10 constituency through neighborhood canvassing, email to communicate and other media to keep constituents abreast of discussions, activity and progress town meeting. Importantly, I would be available and encourage constituents to reach out to me with any questions or issues for consideration.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe that the Town of Brookline is of sufficient population and complexity that it certainly warrants fully exploring the possible benefits of becoming a city. In particular, the advantage of one individual, guided by a town council, making final decisions and developing long-term policy strategy seems advantageous, however the challenges of a transition require exhaustive review..

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

As a data scientist with graduate degrees in both Sociology and in Government, I am passionate about using data-driven solutions to address local policy challenges. I am running to bring the voices of millennials, renters, and residents from racial minority communities to the table and to help make Brookline a more vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking town for everyone.

Besides housing affordability, I am interested in building sustainable and accessible transportation, like more bike lanes and bus stops. Creating opportunities for more inclusive and equitable representation is also a priority for me.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Encourage responsible development and revise zoning laws to allow for more multi-family and mixed-use housing development, especially near MBTA bus and train stops.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Use data science and machine learning methods to develop and annually update a 5-year financial forecast while also building emergency reserves.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I’d like to collaborate with other Precinct 10 Town Meeting Members to host informal events like happy hours or office hours—spaces where neighbors can casually drop by, share their thoughts, ask questions, or just get to know each other better.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

More research needs to be done to answer this question thoughtfully. I think it’s important to look closely at other towns that have transitioned to city status and study the actual impacts—both positive and negative—before making any decisions.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

We need to increase housing, ensure ongoing high educational quality while dealing with a complicated budget, and help Brookline continue to lead in environmental issues and public health, all the face of a problematic federal government. It is a challenging time.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Build more housing!

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

There should be more discussion of the budget before Town Meeting.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I run a neighborhood listserv and a neighborhood Facebook group. We also have virtual or in-person fora before Town Meeting to learn about what’s going on.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

It is definitely a question we should be taking seriously as the largest town in MA. Unless we pay our executives, whether structured as a Select Board or as a mayor, we will have a hard time having representation from across the community.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am seeking re-election as a Town Meeting Member after serving in this position for thirteen years. The Town of Brookline (including my precinct and neighboring North Brookline precincts in particular) faces significant challenges in the realms of multi-use infrastructure and smart development, as well as securing sufficient revenue to continue providing high-level municipal services. I believe we can achieve smart development by engaging the public in thoughtful consideration of development proposals and building support for negotiated compromises that carry long-term benefits for the town (such as hotel rooms generating tax revenue or moderately priced, age-restricted housing to promote retirees staying within our community). I also believe we can make our neighborhoods – particularly our business districts – welcoming to all users of all modes of transportation, providing adequate parking and motor vehicle passage while allowing ample safe space for bicyclists, pedestrians, and others.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

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What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

The increase in demands on our school district – including legally-mandated services that did not exist 40+ years ago – far outstrip the restrictions of Proposition 2 ½ . The same is true of the demands on all Town departments. Our Town has a responsibility to provide excellent public services, and the current system is simply unsustainable. In the absence of a successful statewide campaign to overturn Prop 2 ½, I would encourage routine, incremental, annual operating overrides (which occur in some other MA municipalities) coupled with a strong, sustained educational campaign.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I try my best to respond to emails from constituents. I would work with fellow TMMs from my precinct to plan informational/Q&A evenings for our constituents, as we have in the past.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe our municipal government should be representative, effective, efficient (not in the DOGE sense!), and accountable to its constituents. This could be achieved with either a city or a town form of government, but I do not think it can be achieved with a system that relies so heavily on uncompensated (or nominally-compensated) volunteer efforts as our current structure. Work is work and deserves to be recognized as such.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am deeply committed to public service, citizen led government, and my town of the past 40+ years. Managing the town’s structural deficit to maintain the vibrancy of our community without overburdening our citizens (particularly those economically vulnerable including seniors on fixed income and lower income residents). Embracing growth and change to keep the community vibrant. My profession work has been primarily work on low income housing for Massachusetts local housing authorities and non-profits, and smart growth housing master planning for Massachusetts cities and towns, and so I focus my energy where I can be most supportive given my experience and knowledge base.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

We must complete the Comprehensive Plan with the highest degree of citizen participation as possible and then move forward with the anticipated two-part implementation – first simplifying and modernizing our zoning bylaw, and then making progressive changes to the bylaw that fulfill our community’s vision for a vibrant and inclusive Brookline.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Again, working through the Comprehensive Plan as well as the Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study and the Major Corridor Studies, we must plan for, enable and encourage economic development that increases net new revenue after accounting for increased cost of town service, particularly commercial development.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I walk Corey Hill and talk with neighbors. For the past several years I have served on the Driscoll School Building Advisory Committee and have sent periodic updates out to the other 14 members of the Precinct 11 delegation. I serve on several other committees including the Advisory Committee and the Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Community Advisory Group and make my self available through those meetings.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I think our town government provides an astonishing and highly productive level of citizen participation and contribution, and I believe that every other form will result in less engagement and understanding. At the same time I am open to the conversation, there are more nuanced versions of charter change that we could consider short of becoming a city, and I look forward to the community conversation.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running to help make Brookline a municipality that reflects my values. Making more affordable housing was the initial reason why I became a town meeting member but since then, I am also concerned all the other matters that are important to the town such as the schools, the infrastructure, the government structure, and developing more commercial property.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

We need to start to modestly up-zone, to allow more housing. More residents can also lead to more business activity, since there are more people to support the businesses. This can lead to more tax revenue from businesses, which will help the town.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

We need to help develop more business property for tax revenue. I believe a change to a city form of government may also help with that.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Emails is the main way.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I am a member of the Moderator’s Committee for Other Forms of Government, and my research led me to believe that a city form of government would be better able to help develop commercial property and to address housing unaffordability. Developers need to reliably depend on help with zoning regulations and a mayor with city councilors is better able to meet developers’ needs than a select board with town meeting. Moreover, research has shown that cities up-zone faster than towns.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Committed to helping build a community that works for everyone. 30+ years developing affordable housing. I am principled and pragmatic.
Working with public and private partners, have created or preserved over 2,000 units of affordable housing, developing deep experience in issues such as zoning, finance, tenants’ rights and a landlords’ needs. Expertise working with local, state and federal government to advance equity, climate justice and affordability.
Volunteer: Temple Beth Zion, Girl Scouts, Driscoll KEEP (Kids Expect Environmental Protection) Club and pro-democracy efforts in Georgia and nationwide.
Served in Town Meeting from 2011– 2024; long record of supporting progressive policies and assisting folks who are bringing legislation for the first time.

Priorities:

Supporting commercial development, for a diverse tax base and to support lively village centers

Increasing affordability of housing, protecting public transportation

Supporting residents who are lower income; ensuring that design and implementation of Town services ensures everyone can participate in civic life

Local initiatives to address climate change and environmental protection

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

One concrete action that would make a tremendous difference would be to change the zoning code to make it easier to create multi-family housing, especially near the T and bus lines. Since land in Brookline is limited, the only way to create more housing (which is what will reduce the high cost of housing) is to build more units on the existing land. Encouraging development near public transportation is the best way to do this while addressing other local priorities such as reducing carbon emissions and congestion.

Since development is often time consuming, efforts to protect renters, such as providing emergency funds to avoid displacement of tenants, is also valuable.

I applaud many actions taken by Town Meeting to address the cost of housing, such as changing our inclusionary zoning policy and making accessible dwelling units easier to create.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Exploring ways to incentivize commercial development will result in increased revenue from non-residential properties. As a Town Meeting member, I have seen many viable development proposals voted down because of concerns from a handful of nearby neighbors. The broader impact on the Town’s budget and implications for making it possible to maintain a high level of services did not receive adequate consideration in reviewing these proposals.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I always respond to any emails sent by constituents and am happy to talk with any constituents directly. I have a documented record of meeting with constituents to discuss their ideas for warrant articles and to hear their concerns about Town operations. I am happy to talk with constituents directly. I also engage with constituents through our community listserve.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Although I love the participatory nature of Town Meeting, our current structure relies on an extraordinary investment of volunteer time. Our neighbors with greater financial resources (who don’t work full-time) and fewer caretaking responsibilities can participate most easily in the many meetings that guide our Town’s policymaking. Many lack the ability to participate in our current system in a meaningful way. This means that a small subset of our community holds the power to make decisions about budget, zoning and other priorities that have a huge impact on all of us.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running because I want to help Town Meeting allocate Brookline’s resources thoughtfully and carefully. My top priorities are ensuring a generous budget for Brookline schools (focused on the classroom), maintaining the town’s excellent services, and managing its infrastructure and open space responsibly. I am concerned that Brookline High School’s ranking has slipped significantly and dismayed at the growth of the town’s debt. The town needs to navigate its fiscal challenges more wisely.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Brookline needs to develop a comprehensive plan that balances the need for residential and commercial development with respect for the neighborhood amenities and characteristics that it make it such a distinctive place. In addition, given the regional dynamics of housing demand and the limited potential for housing growth in Brookline itself, the town’s ability to influence prices within its borders is minimal. That doesn’t mean doing nothing: the rezoning of Harvard Street is a good start on this issue, but residents need to be realistic about what the town can actually accomplish.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Town leaders need to make harder choices about spending. The growth of the schools budget while enrollment has declined or stayed flat is a particular area of concern. If school leaders can’t explain why the $8 million budget deficit has emerged this year, they should be be replaced. I am glad to see that the town is moving to exert some control over the schools budget. As for the other side of the ledger, the town must make the most of the opportunity to redevelop the land in Chestnut Hill south of Route 9 for commercial real estate so that tax revenue grows.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I will be happy to talk and meet with residents of Precinct 11 to hear about their priorities and concerns. My email address is andrew.riely@gmail.com; please reach out!

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline should remain a town. The tradeoff between democracy and efficiency is real, but the costs of pursuing local-level democracy through Town Meeting are worthwhile. I think democracy is a means to social as well as political ends. We want to encourage citizens to articulate their ideas, persuade, and reach consensus. These attributes spill over into other elements of life in vital ways. Town Meeting encourages this kind of civic participation and by definition includes far more voices than a city council. I want it to stay easy for Brookline residents to cultivate democratic habits; becoming a city, however, would make it more challenging.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m running for re-election because I love this town and community. I enjoy cultivating compromise and moderating polarized thinking. I offer careful consideration of every vote, while mindful of the dangers of single issue politics. I am locally and nationally weary of candidates and platforms that operate more like social media influencers, instead of the essential stewards our democracy deserves. Above all, I pledge to do the work.

The following priorities keep me up at night:
-Fiscal Headwinds (Immediate & Long Term)
-Balancing Growth with Livability and Affordability
-Maintaining Quality Public School Education for ALL children

Service & Bio:
-Incumbent (TMM since 2021)
-Brookline Fiscal Advisory Committee (BFAC), Moderator’s Committee
-Treasurer of TMMA (Town Meeting Members Association)
-Brookline Community Foundation (Investment Committee, 2013-)
-Lead author of multiple Brookline Firearm Regulation bylaws
-20 years in not-for-profit; specializing in Governance, Planning, Team Development
-Runkle School Council; Mother of 3
-MA International Law (Tufts), MBA (MIT)
-Champion of DEI, community engagement (Hope Heart Project)
petrabignami.com

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I believe we should explore ways to increase car free housing along our more urban and commercial corridors, which should help affordability. I also believe affordability, sustainability, livability, and green space are concurrently achievable in the longer term. However, balancing these goals will require compromise and support for an urban planning process, which takes time. If we rush without considering potential consequences, we are likely to fall short on all four. The good news is that the work has already begun! Thank you comprehensive planning committee. I am likely to support changes to zoning bylaws that reflect the committee’s work. I am less likely to support zoning bylaw changes that undercut the committee’s comprehensive and inclusive process. Voters should also know that I am deeply concerned by the loss of mature tree canopy both on public and private property throughout our precinct and our town overall. In several cases, these losses are a direct result of developers violating and undercutting the permitting process and/or finding workarounds. Once a 100 year old oak is gone, climate and health benefits for future generations are extinguished for good.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

I agree with several of the recommendations that came out of the Brookline Fiscal Advisory Committee’s (BFAC) work from 2020. Many of the concerns and recommendations as outlined in the report remain today. Longer term, if we are to continue to offer the municipal services at the scope and scale that we do now, we’ll need to explore ways to raise revenue beyond raising property taxes. This means developing a well articulated economic development strategy. For example, finding ways to expand office, medical, lab and commercial properties in specific areas and in conjunction with the comprehensive planning process (see answer to prior question on affordability).

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I will continue to be a resource for any resident in precinct 12. I prefer face to face meetings or phone calls over email or texts. Personally, my goal is to limit ‘conversations’ over social media, although I do post information or events that are relevant to town topics from time to time. When I first ran for a 1 year seat in 2021, it was prior to vaccine development for COVID, so door to door campaigning was not an option. With the help of a friend, I created a website: petrabignami.com where voters can get in touch. When I ran for re-election in 2022, I stood outside the polls at Runkle from 7am-8pm and met many of you in person. That was a great day. I plan to do the same this May 6th and may have my husband, three children, and our faithful hound join me. I’ll be walking the neighborhood as much as I can in the coming weeks and hope you don’t mind if I stop and say hello. I also invite neighbors to stop by ours, and if the mood strikes, contribute to our hope heart project on our fence. If the kids or dog are in the front yard, you’ll hear ‘em before you see ‘em, as you near the triangle of Tappan/Sumner/Blake.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Townships are one of the most participatory forms of democracy that exist. I believe this provides the greatest opportunity for broad representation and civic engagement. Have a concern? Talk to one of your 15 elected neighbors, they live just round the corner. Want to get involved? Run for town meeting. Not ready to commit to that, but have a burning issue that you think warrants a resident petition, go for it (just ask a representative or town hall about the process). That said, as with all things, there are tradeoffs. As any group, organization or body where important decisions are made, processes can get cumbersome, deliberations messy, nights long. For some, this means we lose efficiency and move too slow. While it may feel that way at times, I believe we get better outcomes as a result. Efficiency isn’t always better. Speed not necessarily desirable. I encourage voters to consider the positives of our existing government structure as judiciously as they may be considering other models. Personally, I value being able to hold 255, non-career politicians accountable, rather than funneling power to a few, especially these days.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m honored to have represented P12 at Town Meeting for over three years, never missing a session. A Brookline resident since 2003, I’m the parent of two Runkle and Brookline High School graduates. I don’t consider myself a single-issue candidate: I supported the MBTA Communities Act Consensus Article in Fall 2023 to increase housing supply, worked with ElectrifyBrookline.org to move beyond fossil fuels, and have been deeply involved in school organizations. I co-chaired the Runkle PTO at OLS during the school’s renovation, served on the Brookline High School PTO Board, and was president of the Brookline Education Foundation from 2017 through the pandemic’s early months. (I now serve on the BEF Advisory Board.)

I’m engaged in the community, I work to be informed, and I’m committed to finding solutions to the problems we face. The key issues I believe are most important for our town and its residents are: (1) Ensuring excellent public education for every student, supported by a multi-year school budget, with a mission of equity and belonging in our PK–12 schools. (2) Planning for residential, commercial, and recreational growth. (3) Promoting climate action and greener living.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Support Brookline’s Comprehensive Planning Process. I’m eager for the completion of Brookline’s Comprehensive Plan; thoughtful planning can help build consensus and get us collaborating on a greater housing supply. Brookline’s ability to meaningfully lower the cost of housing may be limited, but it doesn’t diminish the value of trying in smart ways, with our unique combination of density, multi-modal transportation, vibrant neighborhoods, commercial areas, and open space.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

We can’t risk another a funding gap like the FY26’s $8.2 million for the Public Schools of Brookline. Everyone suffers in this scenario—student, teacher, school leader, parent/caregiver, and taxpayer alike.

After the independent review of the Public Schools of Brookline’s financial and management processes has been completed, Town Meeting should carefully consider the results and support closer oversight of the Schools budget, if warranted. One proposal is quarterly financial meetings between School Committee, Select Board, and Advisory Committee. The Town/School Partnership seems to have worked in the past, with multi-year, collaborative planning, led by the educational values and decisions of our school leaders, representing every student and dedicated educator.

(We as a town face budget challenges but not fiscal instability yet; Brookline has a triple-A municipal debt rating.)

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Since my election in 2022, I have responded to every email I’ve received from my constituents. Many P12 residents are excellent at sharing input, especially around Fall and Spring Town Meetings and specific Warrant Articles. I always encourage everyone, whether highly engaged or less informed, to sign up for:

• Aspinwall Hill Neighborhood Association email list (recent topics: next steps in the redesign of Schick Park; want to join the Friends of Schick Park?; Electrify Brookline’s How-To Guides; trash pickup during storms). Sign up here: https://ahna.us/join/
• Brookline.News (recent topics: who’s running for Select Board and who isn’t; what’s going on with Schools budget). Sign up here: https://brookline-test.newspackstaging.com/newsletter-sign-up/
• Brookline School Committee Newsletter. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCggYgnwFrsYzVpKqgrJs0gfgNxS2s6Baj5AYvi0dGr85Swg/viewform

and share links for:

Brookline Interactive Group Town Meeting Livestream: https://brooklineinteractive.org/live/

Brookline Current Town Meeting Files: https://www.brooklinema.gov/3599/Current-Town-Meeting-Files

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Yes, Brookline should consider becoming a city while also evaluating and exploring ways to improve our current system. (Questions: Might we reconsider paying our hardworking Select Board a higher salary to ensure a diverse candidate pool? How can we better educate citizens about how our town government works? How it could better serve them? How can we broaden opportunities for participation?) As someone who is part of the government structure we’re examining, I hope we don’t miss a special opportunity for increasing citizen involvement in local government at a time when many feel disconnected from their political leaders or discouraged about democracy.

(The democratic process, which can seem inefficient, slow, and frustrating, also requires compromise, active participation, and a great deal of patience and optimism.)

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Having volunteered in my neighborhood in a variety of roles for eighteen years, from Runkle PTO co-president in the renovation planning years, to long time Town Meeting Advisory Committee member, I am running because I would like to continue using my energy and extensive experience serving Precinct 12.

Maintaining excellent schools, preserving open space/climate initiatives, and supporting commercial development/revenue, top my list of priorities; however, I view the Town and our community like a single organism; it has to work for all or eventually, it works for none. No part of the precinct or the Town exists in a vacuum. That is why housing development, overall affordability and quality of life are inextricably linked to the priorities listed above.

As an elected voter (Town Meeting Member), it is my practice to consider the details, the moment and the big picture, before casting any vote. Every vote I have ever taken has been well informed, taking into consideration constituent concerns, contrary perspectives and practical legislative outcomes. I am committed to good governance, inclusion and civility, no matter the issue.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Town Meeting has already voted to support a comprehensive planning process (which is underway and which I wholeheartedly support), that will guide the “future physical design of a community, clarifying the relationships between physical development policies and social and economic goals”; by definition that includes how best support affordability.

Town Meeting will be better informed regarding the type of inclusionary zoning we should pursue in order to mitigate potential negative impacts of development, such as increased congestion, pressure on Town services, loss of sky and green space, and discordant luxury new-builds/renovations that increase density without increasing or supporting affordability, once the plan is complete.

Affordability is an issue throughout the greater Boston area. Brookline, with its relatively small and generally densely developed footprint cannot solve that problem alone, but we can do our part. The zoning changes Town Meeting ultimately makes are legacy decisions; those changes should be informed, thoughtful and serve the entire community (so, constituents, please participate!).

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Thanks to sound fiscal policies and discipline over time, Brookline has been able to maintain a triple A municipal debt rating, and it has done an excellent job planning and parsing resources in both the Town’s operating and capital budgets. But resources are limited and we have growing obligations.

One concrete action all Town Meeting Members can take is to familiarize themselves with Town policies, and prepare for and attend at least a few budget hearings in the lead up to Town Meeting.

Town Meeting is responsible for voting on the budget each spring. The Town’s finance committee, (the Advisory Committee), begins budget review work, holding public meetings on every departmental budget no later than early February. Town Meeting members who prepare for and attend those meetings are in a much better position to ask informed questions and relay constituent priorities.

Having served on the Advisory Committee from 2011-2023, it is my experience that that preparation and involvement is invaluable to effective fiscal management. It helps bring into focus areas of concern, what difficult decisions are the best decisions, and when we can justify, support, and seek an override.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

My phone number and email address are on my election materials and publicly posted. I frequently speak with or email with individual neighbors and constituents; that is the beauty of living in a Town with local elected voters in every neighborhood.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Town Meeting is a fundamentally more democratic form of government than any city constellation.

Our current system invites far more meaningful and impactful public engagement than a city form of government, not only to individuals who run for Town Meeting, but by giving the public the power to vote for more representatives who are likely to know them and listen to them. Now, voters choose several Town Meeting members and vote for Select Board members every year, supercharging accountability. And, in TOWN MEETING members of THE PUBLIC MAY PROPOSE LEGISLATION! Not in a city.

If Brookline were to become a city, revenues will not suddenly rise and services will not suddenly improve. That is magical thinking, but lobbying to the few will increase, and the voice and meaningful participation of the average resident will decrease.

I have yet to hear or read a compelling reason for becoming a city that stands up to scrutiny. Many of the anecdotes and reasons devolve into anecdotes of dissatisfaction with particular outcomes, rather than a true structural problem. Democracy is messy; I’d rather we engage together, than winnow down decision makers and consolidate power in a few.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I love Brookline and want to do my part by helping to make it even better. Priority issues for are: 1) Finding additional sources of revenue, so as to be less reliant on property taxes; 2) A multi-year operational funding solution for the schools so we don’t have this same budget adventure; 3) Building more housing in Brookline, in dense areas, with a specific target in the Comp Plan — and the infrastructure to accommodate that, such as improved multi-modal access; 4) A signature new community based infrastructure project in the next 5-10 years, such as a quality rink or a Town Pool.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

This is not easy. Brookline is a desirable place to live. We need to pick a specific objective, such as ‘Brookline is going to build X New Units in the next 15 years’. And then try to make a percent of those units less expensive to build — such as fewer parking spaces, higher rise buildings, X % affordable. Related to this could be tax breaks based on income or for those such teachers who work in Brookline.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

A multi-year plan for the operational part of the School budget, so we don’t have this same adventure every year. We also have to think about capital allocation. We’ve spent $1 billion on school construction projects in the past 15 years, but are offering a lower quality educational ‘product’ due to operational pressures on the budget. This does not add up to me.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Periodic ‘open houses’ to update constituents on what’s going on in Town and also to hear their concerns & questions. I’d also like to find a way to send regular emails to constituents, sort of like Select Board members Warrren and VanScoyoc do, but on a more local level.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I support having a discussion about it and have signed the petition. I don’t have an opinion, yet, on what Brookline should do. But I think it’s worth considering. Why? I think our budget and some of the complexities of running a Town effectively in 2025 have outgrown the Town Meeting infrastructure, despite the laudable efforts of the many amazing people who give of their time and expertise to the Town.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

The primary issue, by far, is the affordability crisis, driven by housing costs.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Change the zoning laws so that the incredibly high cost of land this close to Boston can be divided among more people.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Examine and categorize the costs associated with catch-all categories such as the General Fund (taking about 1/3 of the total budget) and Student Services (taking, as of last published data a few years ago, about 1/3 of the school budget, which is in turn about 1/3 of the total budget), to help find places that costs can be safely cut.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I would attempt to regularly check my Town Meeting email so that people can reach me when they need to.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe that a town has more checks on the executive branch of the government than a city does, and therefore is to be preferred.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

My career has focused on policy development and research. I have spent years conducting research and program evaluation to support policy makers in refining programs to ensure that they are effective in achieving their outcomes, as well as supported the development of federal program guidance for state Medicaid offices. Having worked on the regulatory and operation side of policy for many years, where the rubber meets the road, I decided to run for Town Meeting because I wanted to have some say in what those policies are. I moved to Brookline in 2022 and chose the most inconvenient apartment for where my then office was located. My job has changed in the intervening years, but not my apartment. I’m running for Town Meeting because I love living in Brookline and I would like to make this a community that works for everyone. For those reasons, I’d focus on the affordability crisis, school funding and quality, and climate change.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

I have thought about this issue quite a bit. Many of the things I would like to see implemented – rent control, an end to broker fees – require state legislature approval. That hampers our ability to address the affordability crisis in Brookline. Article 22 in the current warrant seeks to enact the Good Landlord Tax Abatement Program, which provides a tax exemption for landlords who rent their apartment at an affordable housing rate to residents who meet income requirements. While I believe this policy could be a step in the right direction, we need to ensure that rent and housing income limits to not perversely incentivize landlords to raise rates or continue to price out moderate income individuals and families.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Addressing the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges is a must for Town Meeting. Some solutions to this issue, like levying a sales tax, would require approval from the state legislature. While I think there is value in exploring that as an option, Town Meeting should also continue to encourage the construction of new housing units. If there are more units available for individuals to buy, that would increase the property tax base without having to increase the property tax rate. Without new streams of revenue, the best option is to maximize the options currently available to the town.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I would use a variety of methods to engage and communicate with my constituents. I would make sure that they have my email in order to send me their thoughts or concerns. I would also find ways to host “office hours” or times when individuals could meet me and discuss their concerns in person. As a frequent caller of my own representatives, I have found it frustrating that I almost never get to have an actual conversation with my elected representatives. i would like to make sure that my own constituents do not feel that way.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

There are benefits to staying a town and benefits to becoming a city. The benefits of our current Town Meeting model is that there is robust representation from across the town. That should be commended. However, there are real arguments that can be made for why a city form of government may be better suited to nimble and quick decision making. I am open to hearing arguments on both sides before making a final decision. However, any change to the government structure needs to be carefully considered to ensure that it will represent the diversity in the town, balance the needs of renters and owners, and ensure adequate voice and input from the community.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running primarily for two reasons. The first is the schools- my wife and I purchased in Brookline for the schools, and we plan to raise a family here. I believe it is important to have more Town Meeting members who have a stake in our schools and are willing to invest in an excellent education. The second reason I am running is housing. We are pricing far too many out of our community. I have many friends rent in Brookline, and just simply do not have a path to purchasing a home here or are getting priced out of town. They are passionate about their community and want to stay- we, as a Town, can do better to provide that pathway to stay.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

We can pass Warrant Article 22 in this year’s Town Meeting! It offers tax relief for landlords who offer housing that is small-a “affordable” (non-section 8 subsidized, but something average earners can afford). Everyone I have spoken to, on any side of the housing debate, agrees that we need more affordable housing; the disagreement is on how much to develop. This warrant article will pave the way for making the supply of housing more affordable, instead of development being dominated by luxury condos.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Our first course of action needs to be to expand our commercial tax base, and give businesses the opportunity to flourish in Brookline. These coming years will have plenty of budget challenges, and nobody wants tax overrides. To prevent property taxes from rising, and to keep our robust municipal services, we need to focus on commercial development. For instance, 1280-1330 Boylston’s commercial tax is supposed to bring in more tax revenue than the original School budget gap.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I have noticed many precincts have a non-political precinct website that displays important information for voters, including contact information for Town Meeting members. Precinct 12 did not have one, so I stood one up (brooklinep12.com) for residents to easily get in touch with their representatives. If elected, I plan on engaging with constituents at our parks, playgrounds, and businesses to hear their concerns; reach out directly to those I meet on the campaign trail that express concerns or opinions; and summarizing my votes for them in a newsletter after Town Meeting.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Two things can be true- (1) Town Meeting is a wonderful form of representative government; and (2) leadership in our town needs to be more professionalized, instead of relying on volunteerism. Most working people cannot afford the time commitment to serve on the Select Board or Advisory Committee, so there is a heavy selection bias in these powerful positions. For this reason, I lean towards becoming a city; but I would still find value in keeping some version of Town Meeting as a representative body.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’ve lived in Brookline for just a year and a half, but it already feels like home. With my wife Jennie, a long time PSB teacher, we’re thrilled to be raising our twins here; both attend Runkell in the 5th grade.

In 2012, I co-founded Salsify — an e-commerce software startup — and helped grow it into a successful global company employing over 500 people. With the company in great hands, I left early last year to pursue public service and the many passions I’d put on hold to start a company and raise our twin boys. I’ve spent my time since volunteering with a wide array of local organizations from Elevate Youth to BUILD Boston to the Brookline Food Pantry, and have recently joined the Brookline Pollinator Pathway.

I’m running for Town Meeting to put my experience and passion to use working to ensure Brookline remains the vibrant town that attracted our family here. If elected, I will prioritize a long term plan to help our schools sustain excellence for the next generation, and addressing the affordability crisis with thoughtful housing solutions to meet the needs of renters and owners alike.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

For a truly vibrant town we need to address the affordability crisis by providing thoughtful housing solutions to meet the needs of renters and owners alike. While this is a long term challenge that will take many actions over years to address, we can approve warrant articles 24 and 26 this spring as a significant step — working to remove broker’s fees for renters and creating a long term funding source for affordable housing in town.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

The challenges we are seeing this year are not a one-time event. There are a number of proposals to bridge for a year or two, but ultimately we must grow revenues in order to sustain the vibrant town and schools we’re lucky to have here in Brookline. I would start with pushing for Town Meeting to support the large Chestnut Hill development and use it as a jumping off point for us to really engage as a group around where the opportunities are short- and long-term to grow town revenues. I don’t want Brookline to die a death by a thousand (budget) cuts and I will work hard to ensure that doesn’t happen.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

For better or worse, I love talking about how to improve the world around us — via changes both small and large. It’s what I did for years in my professional career, and it’s what I look forward to doing as a TMM for Precinct 12. I will always be available to my constituents however works best for them — email, text, phone, in-person, or over a coffee.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I love the level of deep civic engagement I’ve seen in Brookline, and think a lot of that comes from the significant time and effort so many volunteers (and quasi-volunteers) put into the town government. However, many of the challenges we are seeing are similar to what others towns in Massachusetts and elsewhere have seen as our form of government hits its limit. I believe we owe it to ourselves to undergo a study as to what the impacts — both positive and negative — of the change would be, and keep an open mind as to the final answer until then.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Brookline is an incredible place to live: we have a walkable community with many sustainable transportation options like bike lanes and public transit; we have excellent schools; we have an abundance of small businesses in walking distance of many homes. Unfortunately, many of the people who work in Brookline’s schools, restaurants, small businesses, can’t afford to live here. I’m running for town meeting because we need more development in Brookline-both commercial and residential-within close proximity to established public transportation options. Towns like Brookline are uniquely poised to expand sustainably in comparison to more sprawling suburbs, because we have such a walkable and bikeable community, and we should capitalize on that. We also have schools with lower enrollment than in previous years, and regularly confronting a budget crisis. Some of that is due to the COVID transition to private schools, but it is also a symptom of the fact that families find it increasingly difficult to live in Brookline. I want to see Brookline continue to up-zone in the same way they did with the MBTA Communities Act, creating a more robust tax base so that we can fully fund our schools.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Whenever possible, Brookline should up-zone, as they did (or attempted to do) with articles like Warrant Articles 8 and 9. There is not enough housing in the Greater Boston area, and Brookline has the ability to increase commercial and residential density along major corridors like Beacon Street. I’m very excited by projects like the Center Street lot, where we could crease mixed-use buildings above an existing parking.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Town Meeting should embrace density. Creating the conditions for more mixed-use development, close to public transit, is a way to increase our tax base without raising taxes or traffic congestion. There are an abundance of small businesses in Brookline that thrive from local patrons who arrive on foot. A denser Brookline is a thriving Brookline, where people who live in close proximity to the our local businesses can patronize them regularly.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I am a renter, a minority on Town Meeting. I want more renters, particularly younger renters who may be new to town, to become engaged in town issues. I want to form a renters caucus on Town Meeting to amplify the voices of renters in town. Most Brookline renters live in apartment buildings, and a renters caucus would give renting Town Meeting members a chance to highlight their neighbor’s experiences and opinions with Town Meeting more broadly.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I do think Brookline should consider becoming a city. We are the largest town in America, and our governing body does not represent the demographics of our community. Town Meeting members tend to be older homeowners, who have more free time. Town Meeting times make it difficult for members who work night shifts or have families to attend. A more streamlined representative government like a mayor or a city council still might not reflect our town’s demographics, but it would mean that those elected officials would be more beholden to the needs of Brookline as a whole, instead of just those in their immediate precinct.

If Brookline became a city, we’d also be more agile, more able to legislate year around as opposed to only twice a year, ultimately more able to respond to residents’ needs.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running to represent as best I can the constituents of P13 through having a common sense approach to voting by listening to the arguments and opinions with a data-driven approach, to make each decision on its merits. Priority issues are: safe streets and sidewalks, more housing, including affordable units, and a School budget that meets not only the needs of students but also that of Town programs.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

To approve the Comprehensive plan when presented which, among many other aspects, will address rational increases in density in selected areas of Town to enable thoughtful housing supply increases, which in turn should have a moderating impact on rising housing costs.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

To approve the newly formed Expenditures and Revenue Committee’s recommendations, when delivered before year’s end, to address the specific issue of the town’s fiscal and budget challenges.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Communication via email, text messaging and internet as well as making and receiving telephone calls from constituents.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

There are many forms of both city and town government but there is one fundamental difference between the two, which is, in a town meeting form of government, every voter has the right to petition its government and be heard. This is achieved by presenting a petition on any subject, signed and submitted by 10 voters, as mandated by State Law, for discussion in Town Meeting. A city on the other hand does not have this State mandate. On balance, there are things which we can do as a town to be more efficient, such as appointing a Town Manager, rather than a Town Administrator which we now have. We should try implementing changes, like this, before moving to a less representative form of government which potentially is more efficient but concentrates political power in the hands of a few.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I would like to continue to fight for public safety and environmental issues for which I have advocated as a member of the TMM Green coalition. These include complete streets, safe for all users, that encourage fossil fuel free transportation, heating and cooling our homes with clean energy, reducing use of single use throwaway plastic, and making all our schools and municipal buildings fossil fuel free and converting all town vehicles from gas power to electric power.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Compliance with the MBTA/ACA act was a first step towards development that expands the tax base while creating more housing in commercial areas. This is one creative way to allow (and require) developers to build housing that is targeted at and affordable to seniors who seek to down size and young people who have grown up in Brookline and seek to stay here.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Expand the commercial tax base by finding places to locate more commercial development and expanding our current commercial zones by allowing greater density.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I would continue to communicate as I do now, with an email list of of over 100 constants, to whom I send notices and announcements, responding to requests and emails, and speaking to neighbors and constituents.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline is the largest “town” in the Commonwealth, larger than 150 cities. Select Board Members work hard for a nominal salary, but are overwhelmed. Brookline Town Meeting Members are unpaid volunteers. There are 15 Town Meeting Members in each precinct, but unlike a city counselor, accountable to voters in a precent or district, Town Meeting Members have no authority or accountability. Meanwhile, developers do as they please.

Perhaps it is time to consider being a city, like all the communities around us.

To change our form of government under state law is a 3-5 year process, requiring two votes in town wide elections, one establishing a study committee and then one to adopt its recommendations. Maybe we would start the process rather than decide in a year or two or three that we need a change and then be confronted with a 3-5 year delay.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running for town meeting to ensure that the town maintains fiscal responsibility, common sense energy policies and sensible zoning and urban planning. These are the issues I plan to prioritize.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

This is a complex question and there isn’t any one action TM can take. However, TM decisions regarding building codes, zoning and land use can be done more deliberately from a housing cost perspective.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

100% of the fees generated from the contemplated real estate transfer tax should be directed to the general fund. This decision is a no-brainer for a town that struggles annually with the budget and has consistently resorted to overrides. It is expected that this fund will generate upwards of $14 million per year. This is the equivalent of an override without raising taxes on residents who remain in town. The town can then direct these funds where needed, with the usual public input and town meeting oversight, for its operations for the benefit of its citizens.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I write, talk and email with my constituents.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline should remain a town to ensure the widest community input into town decision making and so that all political voices continue to be heard to ensure inclusivity.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running because I hope to give voice to underrepresented groups in Town Meeting; I am a teacher, renter, and LGBTQ+ identifying individual. Local challenges intersect with the issues I want to focus on: public education, affordable housing, and support for all of our neighbors. I looking to learn more about how I can best serve our community and all who are a part of it.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Thoughtful and deliberate zoning changes in already dense and transit-accessible areas.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

We need to grow the tax base in the long term. Supporting residential and commercial development will do that and take pressures off of current taxpayers.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I have an open door policy and am happy to engage with constituents and all community members at any time. I can be reached at kevin4brookline@gmail.com

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Civic engagement is a benefit of our town model, but it requires a lot of people power and participation in it is limited by outside factors. I am in favor of putting the question of a charter commission to voters and support letting voters have the final say on any proposed city charter.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m running for Town Meeting because I believe our local government should reflect the diverse voices of its residents. In my case I am actively engaged in Brookline’s schools, participate in recreational activities, and work full-time. Town Meeting should encompass a wide range of ages and backgrounds to better serve all residents. My hope is that we continue to push for more housing alongside sustainable development, excellent schools, and better transportation infrastructure.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

We should be passing warrant articles that provide flexible zoning, and expanding our tax base through retail and housing development.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Our challenges have come from many different directions – starting with COVID, inflation, health insurance changes, now loss of federal funding, and a variety of other reasons. I hope we use Town Meeting budget processing to think about the next few years, what we know and can expect, and how we will likely need overrides to get us through. We also need to look closely at what can be cut. The budget challenges are similar to the housing and development challenges – smart growth for an increased tax base is what will help.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I try to be as accessible as possible (but like others of my generation, if you call me I will assume national emergency). I hope to speak to to anyone with ideas or questions – in any form they prefer.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I think it is worth having this conversation. It is important to understand all of the benefits and costs of Town Meeting structure.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am looking forward to my second term in Town Meeting to build upon my priorities in my first term. These include: (1) listening to my constituents on the issues that affect them, (2) ensuring that our public schools are funded and excellent (was elected to School Committee in May 2024 to further reach this goal), and (3) to advocate for smart land use planning, development, and support of effective transportation policies.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Create a Housing Trust Fund that helps first-time buyers with securing a home (or renters with a challenging first-month and last-months rent payment). Such a Fund could help non-profit developers provide more affordable housing and the Fund could also provide for maintaining aging affordable housing units to extend their lifetime.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

As part of my participation in the Town’s Expenditure and Revenue Study Committee (representing the Public Schools of Brookline), help to determine the reasons that school fiscal needs outpace the ability of the Town-School Partnership to provide adequate support. One output of the Study Committee may be raising taxes by the right amount to level fund the Town without being caught in the Prop 2 and a 1/2 squeeze. Building more housing may not increase revenue but it will certainly require more infrastructure capital cost at some point in the future.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I already stay in contact with my constituents via email lists and neighborhood walks, through my other TMMs, and through my distribution of a Town Meeting Summary Newsletter that provides my constituents and other in Town a concise set of capsule summaries of all the Warrant results.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe that Brookline should remain a Town for the following reasons: (1) Town Meeting although large, provides for more voices to express themselves in the process of governing and of being active in municipal activities; (2) concentrating the power of making changes into the hands of a small set of councilors and a mayor will not, on its own, solve Brookline’s problems. Our Town Meeting just needs to remain focus on what’s important.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I run only to have a platform to help elect candidates to Select Board who will put a stop to government by property tax override which is destroying the fabric of this community. I am working for Carlos Ridruejo, the only candidate in the race who recognizes that we must build sustainable budgets that do not require frequent overrides.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Make the eliminating the town’s structural budget deficit the number one priority.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

See above and build only commercial, not more housing. We are one of the densest communities in the state. Build more housing in Lowell, Lawrence, Springfield, etc.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Through my voting record. People know where I stand.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

If Ben Franklin were alive, he would say we have a Town Meeting form of government, if we can keep it. Every Town Meeting member has one degree of separation from a Select Board member. If we become a city, that access is gone and corruption fills the vacuum.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running for Town Meeting because local government is the closest to the people and the most impactful in addressing the issues affecting our daily lives. Brookline is a community that prides itself on being engaged, progressive, and thoughtful about addressing local concerns and broader societal issues. I want to be a part of that process to ensure that decisions are made with the best interests of all residents in mind, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.

One of Brookline’s most pressing challenges is the high cost of housing. Many residents, especially younger families and low—to middle-income individuals, struggle to afford rent or homeownership. The town needs to find ways to balance development with maintaining affordable housing, ensuring that Brookline remains a diverse community for people of all income levels. Lastly, Brookline has diverse residents, but challenges are still related to race, socioeconomic status, and access to opportunities. Brookline must ensure that all community members have a voice in local governance and that our policies and actions are inclusive and equitable, and that this should be a priority like housing.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Brookline faces a significant housing shortage, especially in affordable units. I support increasing the supply of multifamily housing, which can help alleviate this issue, particularly for people struggling with high rent and homeownership in the area. Adding more housing units can help address both current demand and future growth needs. I also support a town initiative that incentivizes affordable housing development by offering zoning adjustments, density bonuses, or tax incentives to developers who commit to building affordable units. Brookline must build more multifamily housing units to attract a diverse population, including families, young professionals, and low- to middle-income residents. I strongly believe in smart growth because of Brookline’s proximity to Boston and the availability of public transit; Brookline is well-positioned to handle more density. Brookline must take a holistic, innovative, growth approach when it develops policies to address its housing shortage that recognizes the interconnected issues and addresses them to promote overall community well-being.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

First, the Town Meeting should empower the Advisory Committee to work with the School Committee to prioritize core educational needs and ensure funding for critical areas like teacher salaries, classroom materials, and essential support services. Both committees should focus on programs that directly impact student learning and outcomes. They must evaluate program effectiveness to assess the impact of existing programs, consider cutting or redesigning those that don’t meet objectives, and explore alternative programs that provide better value or outcomes.

Second, regarding providing essential town services, the Town Meeting should empower the Advisory Committee to work with the Select Board to prioritize essential services like public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and sanitation, review non-essential services, and consider scaling back or finding efficiencies. They must commission third professional accountants to conduct regular financial audits to identify inefficiencies and areas for cost savings. Lastly, we must continue to develop a multi-year financial plan to anticipate future needs and avoid short-term fixes.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Strong engagement and communication with my constituents can make a huge difference. I will make myself accessible both in person and virtually so that my constituents can share concerns. I will attend community events, neighborhood meetings, and cultural activities to maintain a strong presence and interact with them. If necessary, I will use the library and social media (like Facebook, Instagram, and the town website to post updates, answer questions, and create two-way conversations. Lastly, if necessary, I will consult with constituents where they are if they cannot participate in any public meetings.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline’s current government structure has a solid foundation but could benefit from modernization and streamlining, particularly regarding efficiency and voter engagement. Whether or not Brookline should remain a town or transition to a city largely depends on the balance between maintaining democratic involvement and increasing the ability to respond rapidly to complex urban needs. If Brookline were to move toward becoming a city, careful attention would need to be paid to ensure that residents feel connected to decision-making processes and retain a meaningful voice in governance.

A shift to a city government (e.g., adopting a Mayor-Council model) would centralize decision-making. It could speed up the governance process, especially in responding to urban challenges. A city-type government could have a directly elected mayor with more authority to act quickly, which could be beneficial in times of crisis or when making strategic decisions on growth, zoning, and infrastructure. It could also provide a more streamlined budgetary process and better department coordination.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’ve been involved with several local issues around construction, schools, parks, and housing for several years. In my current first year as a TMM, I take a town-wide approach (as is essential). But TMMs in P15 are especially focused on new housing construction, affordable housing, retail construction, and improved parks.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

P15 is doing more than any other precinct to build affordable housing, including large apartment / condo structures at Hammond and Rt. 9 area, and proposals in the Boylston St. / Hammond Pond Parkway intersection.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Better scrutiny of budgets and spending in every department to identify unnecessary expenditures, reduce overtime costs, etc.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I already do that. Our P15 members are active in attending hearings, encouraging resident participation in planning and town board meetings, and joining public events in our area.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Cities cost more to run and are less democratic than towns like Brookline large Town Meeting membership. We have a huge amount of voluntary governance that would be reduced and some of it having to be paid for.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I have been a proud Brookline resident since 2014 and am the mother of two students in Brookline public schools. My daughter, Kathryn, is a 7th grader at Baker, and my son, Will, is a 4th grader at Driscoll in the LAHB program. My husband, Greg, and I are both history and government teachers, earning our Ph.D.s in American History from Boston College in 2011.

For the past six years, I have served as a Town Meeting member. I first ran to be a stronger advocate for Brookline Public Schools and to model civic engagement for my students as an AP U.S. Government teacher. I wanted them to see that politics is for everyone—if their teacher can stand up and speak before Town Meeting, so can they.

My vision for Brookline’s future is one of responsible growth. We must make thoughtful decisions that sustain our schools, recreational spaces, and economic opportunities. By working together, we can preserve what makes Brookline special while planning for a thriving, inclusive future.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

​To effectively address Brookline’s escalating housing costs, Town Meeting should consider revising the current Inclusionary Zoning By-Law to increase the percentage of affordable units required in new developments. The existing by-law mandates that all projects with four or more residential units provide affordable housing or contribute to the Brookline Housing Trust. By raising the required percentage of affordable units, Brookline can expand its affordable housing stock, aligning with the goals outlined in the town’s Housing Production Plan, which aims to proactively plan for and develop affordable housing. This action would also complement recent initiatives, such as the MBTA Communities zoning bylaw, designed to increase multifamily housing near transit areas. Implementing this measure would demonstrate Brookline’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community by ensuring that housing remains accessible to residents across various income levels.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

To address Brookline’s fiscal instability and budget challenges, Town Meeting should prioritize expanding the town’s commercial tax base by encouraging mixed-use and commercial development. Currently, Brookline relies heavily on residential property taxes, making the budget vulnerable to rising costs. Increasing commercial development—especially in key corridors like Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Route 9—would generate additional tax revenue without overburdening residents. The town’s comprehensive plan emphasizes the need for economic diversification to create a more sustainable revenue stream. By streamlining zoning regulations, offering incentives for new businesses, and supporting transit-oriented development, Brookline can attract more commercial investment. A stronger commercial base would provide long-term financial stability, funding essential services like schools, infrastructure, and public safety without relying solely on residential tax increases.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

If re-elected, I will prioritize open and accessible communication with my constituents. As an active member of the Baker School community, where I volunteer for events like the Middle School musical, I understand the importance of staying connected. You’ll often find me in the stands or on the sidelines cheering for my daughter’s Brookline hockey and lacrosse teams or my son’s Brookline soccer and futsal teams, and I enjoy engaging with fellow residents at these games. I welcome emails and encourage conversations with my neighbors about their concerns, whether at community events, on the field, or around town. My goal is to listen, collaborate, and ensure that all voices are heard in shaping Brookline’s future.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

If Brookline were to become a city, it could benefit from a more centralized and efficient government structure. A mayoral system would provide clear executive leadership, streamlining decision-making and reducing the complexity of Town Meeting, which can be slow and cumbersome. A city government could respond more quickly to pressing issues like budgeting, infrastructure, and housing policy. Additionally, a professional city council could bring more consistency and expertise to legislative decisions, rather than relying on a large body of part-time Town Meeting members. Brookline could also improve coordination with state and regional agencies, potentially increasing access to funding and resources. While some worry about losing the town’s unique character, becoming a city could enhance governance efficiency while still allowing for strong community engagement through neighborhood councils and other participatory structures.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I have been a Town Meeting Member since 2016, and I value being a member with children currently in the public schools. Keeping our public schools strong is my number one priority. I also want to make sure that South Brookline’s voice is represented in the town at large.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

We need more affordable housing that is actually affordable. Unfortunately, with the 40B construction that has impacted our neighborhood, the developer has taken many liberties that are not with the residents/neighbors’ best interests at heart. We need to find a way to make it appealing for developers to increase affordable housing without pillaging the town’s resources.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Town Meeting Members must prioritize what elements of the upcoming budget are needs rather than wants. While there are many lofty goals that we have, we also are accountable to our accounts! We need to push the town to look for alternate revenue sources, and consider whether the current form of government is tenable for the increasing needs of our town in the long run.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Since precinct 16 is pretty isolated, we are a close community, especially through Baker school. I have been a TMM for almost a decade now, and people know that they can talk to me about issues.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I do not think that the current form of government is sustainable in the long run for a town as large as ours. I think that it is hard for us to hold decision makers accountable in the current framework, and that is becoming increasingly necessary.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running for Town Meeting because I want to serve my community. As a former Town Meeting Member for Precinct 2, I am excited to be running again in Precinct 16. While the issues and priorities of my new community are slightly different, if elected, I plan to prioritize fair housing, government transparency, protecting the environment, and education.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Town Meeting should discuss the possibility of bringing back rent control, which has not been implemented for decades in Brookline. Another way to tackle this issue is by building more mixed-use housing that caters to renters of diverse economic strata while keeping in mind the preservation of the Town’s unique physical and cultural characteristics.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Besides the obvious choice of building more mixed-use housing, the Town must place an emphasis on working collaboratively with its constituency to determine the needs of the community and, in conjunction with those needs, restructure the budget accordingly. The Town will have to take into account various methods in which more input from the Brookline community can be obtained. From my conversations with other Brookline residents, this would also address the concerns that many of them have regarding transparency within Town Meeting.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Collaboration cannot happen without open and honest communication, which is why I plan on engaging with my constituents through face to face conversations to tackle the issues within our beloved community. For me, it’s important to establish, maintain and nurture the public servant-constituent partnership. As someone who grew up in the Brookline Housing Authority, being a former Town Meeting Member for Precinct 2 has gifted me with a sense of belonging and purpose. I am proud to belong to this community and am grateful for the opportunity to lift my voice in service to my community, which is why I am running for Town Meeting in Precinct 16–my new home.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

This is a complex issue. While I am still divided, I think it’s crucial to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of remaining a town or becoming a city. Ultimately, as public servants we must do what is best for our constituents. I am curious about the arguments on both sides of the aisle and look forward to engaging with my colleagues and constituents as we work collaboratively to build a better Brookline.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

Precinct 17 is one of the most densely developed precincts in Brookline. Most of its housing is multifamily but it also includes much of the CC business area. There’s often conflict caused by proposed and/or actual development that can adversely impact residents. My focus has been trying to help residents who may pay the price for development by reduced livability. I want to continue that pro-resident focus. For example, I helped residents when a developer proposed a hotel which, as the developer first presented it to the town, would have been operated in a way susceptible to sex trafficking. Another example – I’ve been active complaining to the town’s licensing authority about blaring outdoor concerts that make it impossible for residents to enjoy their own homes. There’s more.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

One concrete action to address the high cost of housing, for at least some residents and future residents, would be to change Brookline’s archaic overnight parking ban – for example, by permitting overnight parking for residents who own cars but don’t own their own parking spaces and whose buildings don’t provide sufficient overnight parking for all residential units. This would reduce the cost of residing in Brookline for many residents – for example residents of older multifamily buildings with insufficient (or no) on-site parking (many of which are located in Pct. 17); also, for example, residents who must be physically present at their job site (like teachers, public safety officers, health professionals, repair persons) and whose job site is not easily reached by public transit, or residents who must be physically present at multiple job sites (some health professionals, also repair persons).

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

One concrete action – I think the town should be more receptive, and do a better job of publicizing and inviting – public subscription to support particular activities or particular projects. This would probably be best directed to either one-time expenditures (for example, an additional swimming pool if residents desire it) or recurring expenditures expected to begin two or more fiscal years in the future.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I’m always available by phone or email, and I can meet in person. Sometimes I’ve leafletted the precinct or particularly affected parts of the precinct when something comes up that I think is of particular importance to Pct. 17 residents.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I think becoming a city is a bad idea. A city centralizes government decision making in a paid cadre of professional politicians (with salaries and benefits which increase budgetary challenges). It reduces the number of eyes and minds looking at and thinking about difficult issues. The great thing about Brookline as a town is that it encourages ordinary folks to get involved with the town government and do it on their own time and without expecting the town to pay them. When I think about scandals in local governments it seems to always be in cities, and not in towns which encourage residents to volunteer to become part of their own government.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

It is an honor to represent my neighbors in helping Brookline remain a great place to live. Among the most pressing issues are: 1) Maintaining the high quality of the Brookline Public Schools; 2) Supporting local businesses; 3) Addressing the rising cost of living in Brookline; 4) Fighting climate change on both the individual and local levels; and 5) Promoting municipal transparency and accountability. The delineated issues require the Town to spend responsibly and to adhere to budgets. If it is necessary to raise additional revenue from residents, by means such as increasing taxes or even a tax override, such methods should be a last resort. This must be done without placing undue financial stress on the many residents who are struggling with rising costs and a lagging economy. I value programs supporting senior citizens and other vulnerable residents and believe the Town must be responsive to those communities. An strong component of Brookline’s desirability as a residence is its diversity and there should be no tolerance for racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and bigotry of any sort.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

The Town needs to continue on the path it started with the adoption of the Mass. MBTA Communities Act and the attendant re-zoning. The Town should exert maximum pressure on luxury residential and commercial real estate developers to include affordable housing in their plans. The feasibility of repurposing underutilized commercial space and government buildings as housing also needs exploration.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

The Town needs to move to a more zero-based budgeting style. To that end, all departments should be required to provide to Town Meeting details justifying the budgets sought for the forthcoming year. They should also detail what specific actions they have undertaken to cut costs and expenses. The Town’s revenue, spending, budgeting, and legal settlements should be made more transparent. With increased transparency and accountability, the Town Meeting can make better and more informed decisions regarding financial matters.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I am available to constituents by email, text message, telephone and mail. I also attempt to attend as many Town events as possible and try to be approachable. Further, my dog and I frequently walk at local parks and streets. I always appreciate the opportunity to talk with the people I meet, whether fellow Brookline residents, constituents or business owners. For very important matters, such as overrides or major changes to Town or School policy, I believe that public meetings and “town halls” might be useful.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Prior to any decision being made concerning the Town’s chosen form of governance, it is crucial that a thorough study be completed to fully analyze both the positive and negative implications that a change in the form of government would entail. Until such a study is publically available, reviewed and discussed, the Town should retain its current form of government consisting of, without limitation, a Select Board, a School Committee, a representative Town Meeting and a paid professional Town Manager. Among similar-sized municipalities, our form of representative town meeting has become increasingly rare. However, it has stood the test of time and should be credited as one of the factors that make Brookline such a desirable place to live.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I have a proven track record to help my constituents in many issues that have affected our precinct. The most recent is when the Waldo-Durgin building was being demolished, there was debris and dust flying everywhere and there was a single hose that was supposed to mitigate the dust, asbestos, and debris. I showed up at the Select Board meeting and spoke on behalf of my neighbors and constituents because this was a health issue. With better planning and information my constituents would have been able to plan during these days to avoid the path of the demolition. So my first issue is showing up for my constituents when issues come up in the neighborhood. I plan on keeping a close eye on the Waldo-Durgin renovation and also being a representative as the discussion on what happens to the parking lot across from the Coolidge Library takes place.

I will continue to support the businesses in Coolidge Corner, green spaces, our parks, bike lanes, and overall good, positive, and healthy quality of life. I have helped the Brookline schools by helping draft the Brookline Wellness Policy and support our Health Department and mental health.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Town Meeting can vote on zoning warrant articles that allow increased affordable housing in certain areas in Brookline. I think there is a lot of land in South Brookline where the snow tractors are parked all year. The snow tractors are only parked in a small portion of the land. This area could be redeveloped with more affordable housing. Zoning is one way to allow housing developments to stay affordable. However, it’s also important to recognize that Brookline is a highly desirable place to live. We are close to the best hospitals and universities in the world, and our green space for a city/town is gorgeous. We have a lot, and when you do, there’s a high demand which allows the housing prices to keep going up because people continue to buy. It’s the basics of economics and supply and demand.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Town Meeting must ask intelligent and necessary questions when we go over the budget and hold firm about wasteful and unnecessary spending. We were initially at an 8 million dollar school deficit. How did it get so bad, and why was an audit not done sooner? When I was on the Advisory Committee I was one of the few people who voted in favor of the audit about 5 years ago. It did not pass at that time, but it made a lot of sense. An audit is being done now but it seems a little too late. We need to keep asking the hard questions and find solutions that make sense so that we have financial stability in Brookline.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

On April 1, I helped organize the first candidates forum for my constituents at the Coolidge Corner Library. I had a blast organizing this event with my colleagues. I helped in hanging flyers so my constituents would know about it, so they could come and hear from the Select Board and School Committee candidates. I also started a Facebook page for my constituents in my last term which is another way for precinct 17 neighbors to get a hold of me.

As the former Vice President of the Town Meeting Member Association, I have organized gatherings at the park, police community room, and will continue to organize events because it’s great to gather, share important information, learn from each other. I have often posted fliers and announcements on the Townwide Facebook page and the Public Schools of Brookline Facebook page as well as other social media platforms letting my constituents know of important events and information.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I am open to explore becoming a city if that’s what the majority of Brookline wants. I think gathering information and learning better methods is always a good thing, as well as weighing the pros and cons. I think we need to include our community in this process and find out how a charter change would impact our communities, the good and the bad, and we must ask ourselves the question- will the people of Brookline be represented? Currently, with 17 precincts and 15 Town Meeting Members in each per precinct, I think there is good representation. Would we lose this with a charter change? Do the people of Brookline want a charter change?

We have 64,000 people in Brookline, and Town Meeting and the Select Board governance has worked so for. It does require a lot of volunteering, and as long as people keep running for office, it will keep going, but I am open to finding ways to help run systems better but there are tradeoffs, and one of them is whether the trade off for a more efficient charter change will allow less opportunity for Brookline citizens to be involved. I have enjoyed being a town meeting member, and hope to serve my community again for the next 3 years.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running to continue to represent the residents of P17, the Coolidge Corner area. I’m focused on advocating for improvements to the quality of life for all residents and business owners in our precinct. One example of this was my work to restore and care for the Minot Rose Garden which is a beloved public space in our Precinct. I’m strongly in favor of pursuing a robust community-focused planning process to understand and envision Brookline’s future.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Do not allow the continued demolition of existing moderately priced housing, which once it is gone always gets replaced by more expensive housing, simply due to the economic realities of building in Brookline.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Encourage more commercial development and support our existing business community.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Via public events, forums, at the polls and email.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe Brookline should explore alternative forms of government. The part-time volunteer basis of our government has diminished our ability to be a stronger municipal presence in the region. A more year-round professional government could be more effective in addressing the truly pressing issues we face.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m running for Town Meeting because I believe we can build a greener, more affordable Brookline with fully-funded schools. I love Brookline’s many parks, vibrant businesses, and walkable streets — but high housing costs and budget shortfalls are making it difficult for families to stay and thrive here. Having moved to the Boston area in 2015 to pursue a PhD in Government at Harvard, and now serving as an Associate Director of Analytics at HBR, I aim to bring my experience in public policy and data-driven decision making to Town Meeting. To tackle our challenges in housing affordability, school funding, and sustainability, I support progressive policies that encourage smart, transit-oriented growth. We can build more housing, support commercial development, fund affordable housing, and build safer streets for people and bikes, all in dense communities near transit. Supporting these kinds of growth opportunities can allow more families to stay in Brookline, broaden the tax base to bring in more revenue for schools and streets, avoid possible property tax increases, and promote sustainable commutes.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

To address increasing residential costs in Brookline, Town Meeting should focus on making it easier to build dense housing in walkable neighborhoods, especially near transit. Last year, for example, Town Meeting considered a proposal to allow for a third unit in MBTA districts that are currently zoned for two-family homes. I would have supported this measure, and I would support other proposals and zoning reforms that help increase the supply of housing of all kinds and speed up the construction of middle-class and affordable housing units. I believe we can have an all-of-the-above housing strategy that encourages market-rate, affordable, and mixed-use housing, all of which can help stabilize prices and create more opportunities for families to stay in Brookline. More housing near transit-oriented commercial districts can also help bring in more customers for local businesses and generate more tax revenue for the Town. Finally, we should take a data-driven approach to housing, making sure that our policies are actually leading to better affordability outcomes for all in Brookline.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

The budget challenges in Brookline put the Town in a difficult position, currently forcing cuts to school programs and other services, and likely leading to continued property tax overrides. To lessen the need for cuts and tax increases, Town Meeting should do more to support increased residential and commercial development, with the goal of broadening the tax base and bringing in more tax revenue. Coolidge Corner is a great example of how smart density and transit access can support small, independent businesses, and we should build on the lessons from its success. The Town should also be strategic in determining how to best take advantage of opportunities in areas such as Chestnut Hill and the Centre Street lot to create additional sources of tax revenue through smart development.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I will be available by email and phone for constituents to reach out to at any time with questions and to share their perspectives on how the Town should address our various challenges. I would love to learn more from Precinct 17 residents about the issues most important to them, problems they are having with Town government, questions about how Town Meeting works, or anything else that might come up! I will also share relevant updates on Town Meeting matters and keep an open line of communication on various social media platforms.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline’s Town Meeting government structure is unique for a town of its size, which comes with real benefits and drawbacks. I am currently open-minded as to whether town or city government is best for Brookline. As a new candidate for Town Meeting, if elected, I intend to learn much more firsthand about what aspects of local government are working effectively, and what aspects could be improved by possible reforms. In that spirit, I think it is fair to allow Brookline voters to decide whether they are satisfied with the current system or if they would like to explore possible changes. If voters decide to study additional forms of government, then it is crucial that the commission be truly representative of multiple perspectives and fairly evaluate all potential options. These options could include maintaining the current structure, becoming a city, or adopting other kinds of reforms to enhance participation and accountability.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I’m running for town meeting because there are a lot of things that I can’t do when it comes to directly influencing national politics, but I can work on creating a welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable community in Brookline. I can address Brookline’s housing shortage by voting for measures to create more housing at all income levels, but especially affordable housing. I can address the town and school budget deficits by voting for measures that maintain needed services and expand the town’s tax base and increase revenue. I can address climate change by voting for measures that prioritize alternative transportation. These are the most pressing issues that Brookline faces and I can help Brookline by being a Town Meeting Member.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

One concrete action that will be up for this spring’s Town Meeting is Article 24 which would allow the town to levy a real estate transfer tax on certain property transfers. Town Meeting should pass Article 24. The revenue from this tax will go to Brookline’s Affordable Housing Trust fund which can be used to acquire, create, or preserve the kinds of low- and moderate- income housing that is desperately needed in Brookline. The article lays out many exemptions so that the tax will apply mainly to large transfers of property and will not affect the majority of residents in Brookline.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Addressing the Brookline’s housing shortage is the best way to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges. By creating more housing, Brookline can both increase its tax base directly and support more commercial development which will also increase town revenue through commercial taxes.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

There are a lot of ways of connecting with constituents from print media (i.e mailers and flyers) to social media (an Instagram or Facebook post) to in person chats (i.e. open hours in the park and attending town events). I want to use all of these methods. I’d also like to bring back the old tradition of “beating the bounds” where residents walk around the boundaries of a precinct or town to remember the boundaries and keep a mental map of their community. I’d love to make this an annual tradition for Precinct 17 so people know which precinct they live in and have an opportunity to chat to me about their concerns and bring ideas and suggestions for the next town meeting.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

Brookline should consider and have informed debate on whether or not to become a city. There are many forms of city governance and each should be weighed against our current form of government. A city government may be able to respond to issues more quickly but may not have the input of the town that we’re currently used to. A city government may be less opaque and allow new residents to more readily participate in community politics, but there may be less opportunity for residents to directly have a say in governance. What is clear is that Brookline regularly has budget shortfalls and consistently considers cut to services and/or overrides to cover these shortfalls. A city government may not be a panacea, but it should be considered and voted on by every Brookline resident.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am running for Town Meeting because I want to make a positive impact in people’s lives and affect meaningful change. As someone who believes very strongly in servant-leadership, I want to help solve the problems that arise in the community. Housing has been a prominent issue for many years, but is really coming to a head as populations increase and the demand drives up prices. Brookline is becoming an area that is rapidly pricing out people (young and old) or creating a need for roommates simply to afford an apartment in the area. Having a place to live is a human right and folks should be able to live where they want to live. One of my missions as a Town Meeting Member will be to help create a Brookline where anyone and everyone can live.

I also believe in the power of education. As Brookline faces budget deficits in the several millions, we risk losing our ability to properly educate our students. They are already losing out on opportunities to pursue language studies and the arts, so how much more are we willing to deprive our children and overwork our teachers? I want to work to solve these issues so Brookline is seen as the pinnacle of what a community can be.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

One concrete way to drive down prices is by building more units of housing which are designated for lower income people. This may not drive prices down immediately or for every home, but by simply increasing the supply of houses available we allow the opportunity for current residents to find a home that better suits their needs. By focusing on lower income housing, we pave the way for those living in multi-person housing to find their own place, thus opening up larger residences to families that truly need that space. Increasing the amount of homes also allows the city to collect more property taxes which will help offset any upcoming financial crisis. By focusing on building affordable housing near high transit areas, we increase our population, bring more foot traffic to local business, and even elevate the quality of living for everyone around us all while helping drive down prices.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

One concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability is to take a deeper look at from where our money is coming. Of our major sources of revenue, we are overwhelmingly dependent on property taxes, which without more houses will only ever provide so much money. What are ways we can increase local business and use revenue from that to fund our budget? What are other services that we can provide as a town which generate interest and spending in our area? By focusing on providing more services, we create an environment where people outside of Brookline want to spend money in Brookline. According Brookline’s financial plan for fiscal year 2026, less than 10% of our budget comes from revenue generated by services, so if we invest in building up service based industries, such as restaurants, hotels, and performing arts venues, then we increase the possible amount of revenue available to us. If we want more money in the budget, then we need to be smart about creating avenues by which that money can get to us.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

If elected, I plan to make myself available to all constituents through phone, email, or face-to-face. I believe very strongly in talking to people about what is affecting their lives, so I would host small functions or town halls where we can all sit and discuss daily life and what is needed to make it easier. These could take the shape of monthly events at local restaurants, a newsletter updating constituents on various projects, interviews with local news outlets to keep everyone in the loop, etc. I cannot overstate how much I want to work for the people, so I would create a system where anyone can reach out and schedule a meeting or send an email which will receive a response. I want to know that the work I do is actually helping and I want to know what else needs doing. I don’t believe I have all the answers or know all the problems, so it is only by communicating with constituents that I can begin to form a picture of what the town needs.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I believe Brookline should consider becoming a city, but I think the better question is if Brookline is ready to responsibly become a city. What does being a city mean and what kind of community does that create that we can’t achieve as a town? Some members of Brookline take pride in being the largest town in the state while others may not care one way or the other. Some support the Town Meeting model while others claim a city council is a more practical approach to governance. There is no one size fits all answer that determines whether we should or should not become a city.

I believe we should focus on making Brookline the best version of itself possible, and if that includes becoming a city, then great! If that means maintaining town status, then also great! I am more interested in the discussion than the result, so let’s have a dialogue about becoming a city and then go from there. As of now, we have a school system facing a budgetary crisis, nine percent of storefronts remain empty (more than twice the national average), and people can’t afford to live here. Let’s address these issues so that if/when we become a city, then we are a city which properly cares for its people.

This candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I have been a resident of Brookline for 20 years and I love living here. My wife and I have a daughter who is now at Brookline High School and has been in the Brookline School system since kindergarten. I want Brookline to remain a vibrant community that can sustain itself economically. I want to be a Town Meeting Member to help guide the future of Brookline and specifically the precinct that I will represent.

I appreciate being endorsed by Brookline for Everyone, Brookline Equity Coalition, Brookline PAX and Brookline by Design.

(1) Housing – The town should work to increase its housing opportunities on all levels of affordability in both large and small ways.

(2) Economic Development – The town should strive to find more opportunities to increase its economic base by creating policies to encourage businesses to come to and stay in Brookline.

(3) Schools – Brookline has great schools, but the system continues to run into budget shortfalls. There needs to be a hard look at whether funds are being properly and efficiently spent, while ensuring they provide excellence to their students and community.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

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What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

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If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

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Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

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Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

I am deeply concerned about housing in Brookline. Prices are out of control. Young and working families are virtually closed out of the market. We need to use changes in zoning, parking, and transportation policies to address this issue.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Lobby the legislature to allow a local option for the real estate transfer tax.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

Foster the increase of new mixed use developments along transportation corridors to bring in new tax revenue.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

Local meetings in person and online.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

I think at this time that our form of government is very inclusive and participatory and has many advantages. I would be in favor of preserving it for the short-term, determining whether changes in housing availability and affordability result in significant changes in population density, and consider this question in light of these circumstances in 5-10 years.

Why are you running for Town Meeting? In your answer, please include the issues that you plan to prioritize if elected.

As a young renter, I am running for Town Meeting because I believe that affordable housing is a prerequisite for economic stability and mobility. I hope to support policies which improve environmental sustainability and increase the supply of affordable housing near transit and urban amenities.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the increasingly high cost of housing in Brookline?

Town Meeting should pass Warrant Article 26 encouraging the state legislature to ban broker’s fees for housing rentals.

What is one concrete action that Town Meeting should take to address the town’s fiscal instability and budget challenges?

We should consider raising property taxes and/or the motor vehicle excise tax to increase revenue.

If elected, how would you engage and communicate with your constituents?

I would use platforms like text and email to raise awareness of and solicit input on the Town Meeting agenda.

Do you believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city, or remain a town, and why?

While the Town Meeting system is great for encouraging citizen participation, above a certain size of town it can become unwieldy. I believe that Brookline should consider becoming a city in order to unlock the benefits of having a permanent and paid city council.