Moving Sudbury Forward with Inclusion

The attacks we are seeing on diversity, equity, and inclusion from the Federal government are unacceptable. The solution is to do everything we can at the local level to advance DEI work and strengthen our community through inclusion.

I believe the Select Board needs to be aggressive in expanding and promoting an inclusive Sudbury. I would prioritize making sure every human being feels welcomed, valued, and respected. This must continue to be a priority for the Board. We can make Sudbury the place we want it to be if we have leadership that has the courage to be an ally. 

Moving Sudbury Forward with Capital Planning and Proactive Operations

Since I have been elected, Sudbury has taken a much more proactive approach to capital planning and capital projects. Long-delayed projects are now completed, and long-term plans for capital have more precision than ever before.

Our Town Manager, at the direction of the Select Board, has been putting proper systems in place that will bring needed improvements in planning, operations, and execution.

I advocated for the Town to conduct a space use and facilities assessment. Town Meeting approved and funded the assessment. That plan is now being finalized by the administration. The “Facility Condition Assessment and Space Use Analysis” will help the Town to plan its capital needs and identify opportunities to bring more efficiency to Town operations.

I have consistently advocated not just to maximize efficiency in Town government, but also to enhance community services. The highly anticipated Open Space and Recreation Plan is one example of a project I supported that will give Sudbury the tools it needs to improve our recreational assets, preserve and enjoy our open space, and do so in the most efficient manner possible.

Moving Sudbury Forward with Public Safety Services

Public safety is paramount. There has been a rise in calls for emergency services in the past few years, and the demand is expected to increase further. We must prioritize our public safety services so that we provide the best possible services to our community when they need us most.

In addition to providing needed infrastructure and staffing, there are things we need to do as a community to be proactive in responding to future public safety issues and natural disasters from climate change.

We must also make sure the Sudbury Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) are supported, staffed and prepared to respond to our community’s needs at a moment’s notice.

Moving Sudbury Forward with Respectful and Honorable Leadership

If re-elected to serve a second term, I will continue to promote respectful leadership that honors the Town of Sudbury. As I have said many times, at my core I believe we must promote kindness when we disagree. Our community deserves leaders who can agree to disagree, put aside partisan politics and work together to solve community problems in an amicable, collegial way. Let’s Move Sudbury Forward in a respectful, honorable way.

Moving Sudbury Forward with Policy and Governance Improvements

Professional development isn’t just about acquiring skills or knowledge. I have routinely attended MMA conferences and events, networked with peers across the state, and was recently named the Chair of the Women Elected Municipal Officials (WEMO) association. WEMO is under the umbrella of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and it supports women in their roles as elected officials with networking and professional development opportunities.

This work is critical because it strengthens Sudbury’s ties with other communities and potential partners in the future. At a time when regionalization and shared services are helping to bring efficiency to municipal budgets, being a good partner is essential.

One of the primary roles of the Select Board is policy development. Since joining the Select Board in 2022, I have personally followed through on the Select Board’s commitment to update its policies. I have been a member of the Select Board’s Policy Subcommittee working amicably and effectively with both Chair Jennifer Roberts and currently Vice-Chair Dan Carty, as well as the Town Manager.

We have made tremendous progress updating several policies and the Select Board remains committed to sharing those policies in a transparent manner.