Community Activities:

• Winchester Climate Action Advisory Committee member

• Town soccer coach

• Winchester Boat Club volunteer

• Sheffield/Everett annual block party organizer

• Sheffield West green re-investment organizer

What Winchester issues do you think are most important?

In my outreach to precinct 5 residents two main issues that surfaced. The first issue is preserving the wonderful quality of life we are fortunate to enjoy – nice open spaces and fields, a nice downtown, great schools, friendly atmosphere. The second issue is the financial sustainability of our town – if residential taxes continue to go up, what is the impact on residents who may be pushed out as a result. 

Of those important issues, which one do you feel most passionate about, and what is your position on that issue?

To continue to enjoy the high quality of life in the town we need a model of growth that is sustainable. I would look to our recently updated master plan to inform our budget process – both the levels of spending and the outlook for revenue. 

What does Winchester do well and what might be improved?

From my vantage point the town is in a virtuous cycle where long-time residents want to remain in town and lots of new residents are eager to join and contribute to the warm, safe, and fun culture of the town.  The challenge we face is sustaining this cycle while being intentional about the diversity we want to maintain or expand.  

The Town Meeting Communications Study Committee has recommended that a written communications plan be prepared and a town communications manager be appointed by FY2025 (https://www.winchester.us/DocumentCenter/View/9219/Communications-Study-Commiteee_Final-Report_Recommendations). Do you support both recommendations, even if they would involve adding a new full-time position (salary and benefits) to the town budget? If not, what alternative ideas do you suggest?  

I am very grateful to all who served on the Town Meeting Communications Study Committee. The report provides a great foundation for understanding problems we have today and opportunities for improvement. I do support an investment in the creation of a written plan that takes this initial work and layers on more details rooted in best practices observed inside and outside Winchester.  I do not yet have sufficient understanding to support the addition of a full-time communications manager. This position may well be a good investment and I look forward to learning more about it.