Lisa is one of two candidates running for two open spots on the Select Board.
Why do you want to serve in this position?
It is very important to me to be a representative of the citizens, to listen and value their concerns and work toward a successful outcome.
I want to bring innovation into the mix to help with easing some of the changes we will be experiencing for the next several years. It is a much needed tool for addressing those challenges and offering alternatives to create healthy policies. The select board is charged with making policies for the town that aid in its future growth, I have the experience to help with that process.
What special qualifications and experience will you bring to the office?
I started and ran three successful businesses that were focused on serving the public, which developed a good foundation for understanding citizens wants and needs. In the thirty-five years that I have participated in town government, business and school organizations along with community groups, I have added to that acumen.
Formal education includes Business Administration with accounting major, business law minor, Lasalle Interior Design, Harvard Landscape Architecture, Massachusetts Real Estate license and a variety of continued education.
Some of my community service includes:
- Southborough Business Association Board
- Southborough Organization of Schools, where I raised $10,000 in three months by creating and selling The Town of Southborough Game
- Tri-Town Exchange Club board (local service club)
- Westborough Historic Society board;
- American Cancer Society Bachelor Auction director, raising $30,000
- Westborough Players Club board
- Westborough Finance Committee
- Westborough Waste Water Committee
- Northborough Design Review Committee
- Ocotillo Homeowners Association board (Arizona)
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?
In 1999, a few months after I moved into Northborough, I received an abutters letter informing me that an 8 bay gas station and a 24 hour Seven Eleven convenience store project was going before the ZBA for the vacant lot next to me (12’ from my bedroom window). A neighbor and I collected 750 signatures to stop the project, but the process continued. When I realized that the petition held no value to the ZBA, I wrote and presented 8 zoning bylaws at Town Meeting and received support from the voters to stop a gas station from going in Business Zone B. As soon as that was finished, an 8 bay carwash and 24 hour White Hen Pantry applied for the same site. This time two neighbors and myself filed a lawsuit to prevent it. The applicant sold the land to a bank and it has been there ever since.
The bank was a welcome improvement to the neighborhood that includes an elementary school 500’ away. I heard a lot of negative feedback until the bank arrived but it is proof that you can make a change, for the better, with understanding how the system works.
Describe THREE key issues/challenges facing the town and how will you address them in this role?
Working with the Board and the town to have a complete and comprehensive process in choosing our next town administrator, I will work collaboratively with the consultants, the search committee and the residents to achieve an excellent outcome.
Capital improvements and capital expenses are part of the select person’s fiduciary responsibility. We have several municipal buildings that need to be upgraded or built with a budget in mind. I plan to bring a conservative and thorough approach to enhance the useability, appearance and long term stability of our old and new facilities, grounds, equipment, waterways, etcetera.
ADA compliance and safe public ways have been desired by the citizens for some time now. It is a long standing challenge for Northborough that I hope to address with collaborative efforts.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I believe planning for the future of Northborough is paramount. It requires active, positive participation and goal setting. I hope my involvement and leadership will encourage a new generation of volunteers to come forward with their valued time, expertise and vision to create an environment of sustainability and smart growth for those who live, work and play here.