Why do you want to serve in this position?
Having lived in Northborough for most of my life, there are some topics which have really interested me and by serving on the Northborough Select Board, I hope I can make decisions that will improve the livability of our town.
I am passionate about downtown revitalization. By serving on the Select Board, it will give me the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of our downtown area. I have some ideas that I think could be effective in attracting new businesses to our town, such as improving the walkability of downtown and creating a more welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Northborough.
The second reason I want to serve in this role is to try to keep our town affordable to the residents. In all the groups I participate in, our tax burden is a concern for many people. By serving on the Select Board, it will allow me to work on initiatives focused on keeping our town affordable. This includes reviewing our financial planning policies, departmental spending, and looking at more partnerships between the town and the businesses to achieve common goals.
The administration of our town is something that I have watched for many years and the most important job for the Select Board as it relates to the direction of our town. I look forward to implementing our goals as a community and working together with an administrator who will help us achieve those objectives. Ensuring that all Select Board advisory committees and boards understand and follow their charge will also be an important objective as we look to the future of a high-functioning town government.
What special qualifications and experience will you bring to the office?
The most important qualification I can bring to the Select Board is my passion for town government. Anyone that knows or has met me can attest that this is something I love. Some other qualifications that I have include a business degree from Concordia University in Montreal and achieving my Girl Scout Gold Award. This has equipped me with a strong foundation in management, leadership, and finance.
Collaborating with others is another qualification that will benefit the Select Board. I have a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team, collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds, and making decisions that represent all groups in our community.
The last qualification I would mention is related to our finances. I am comfortable working with financial data to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of the town. It’s clear that we must seek all ways to ensure the affordability of our town for the residents and strong financial policies will remain a key focus.
Describe ONE other activity or (sub) committee you’ve been involved with within the town. What has it meant to you and how did it shape and impact the town?
Traffic safety has been an ongoing concern for the residents of Northborough. When the Select Board decided to take a closer look at whether a traffic safety committee was needed, I volunteered.
The Temporary Traffic Safety Committee was established to determine if the town needed a permanent Traffic Safety Committee. By serving as the chair of this committee, I gained an understanding of how the town staff and committees can work together towards a common goal. In addition, our committee developed a charge and mission which will be presented to the Select Board soon.
Describe THREE key issues/challenges facing the town and how will you address them in this role?
As with any government, there is always a long list of challenges that need to be solved. The top priorities I see in Northborough include appointing a new town administrator, downtown revitalization, and economic development.
I look forward to reviewing all candidates and appointing a new town administrator who will be a transformational leader for our staff and help the Select Board make informed decisions for our town.
Another challenge to address is revitalizing our downtown area. I look forward to finding ways to make our downtown area more appealing to pedestrians which will in turn build a stronger community and more support for the businesses located in our town center.
Finally, we need to focus on conservative financial planning. As a member of this board, I will work to develop initiatives that support these goals in order to keep our town affordable for everyone.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?
As someone who is passionate about town government, I strongly believe that the power to make a difference lies with the residents. The health of our town depends on the engagement of voters like you. I encourage you to come out and vote on May 9 at Melican Middle School. Please continue to communicate with me about what matters to you and by working together, we can help Northborough continue to be a town that we love to live and work in.