Answers to Common Questions
What does success look like for you as an aspiring member of our Town Council?
I’d like to improve how things are done - better processes and approaches to decision making. Opportunities for improvement include:
Focus on fewer initiatives and do each of them very well - be more analytical, seek alternative viewpoints, and uncover blind spots. A perfect example is the recent transition to automated trash collection. I support the initiative given its cost savings and environmental benefits but the rollout has been unnecessarily bumpy. We should have engaged more with residents prior to the change. I also question the necessity of recently approved speed cameras. Let’s not unintentionally create problems.
Inspire greater engagement by encouraging more diverse perspectives in public conversations, helping to shape thoughtful and inclusive decisions. We should welcome dissenting opinion and seek common ground.
Improve communications. I’d like to overhaul how the town dialogues with residents to more efficiently and effectively deliver the most relevant information to residents.
But aren't you a Democrat? If so, why are you running as an Independent?
Yes, since the age of 18 I have been a registered Democrat. I am moderate, relatively socially liberal and more fiscally conservative.
I believe in climate science and will support appropriate investments to protect our town from flooding risk. I passionately support the equal rights and dignity of women, LGBTQ+ people, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and neurodivergent people. I believe in the transformative power of public education and community service.
Barrington politics has been negatively impacted by a shift towards partisan extremes, with one extreme making all the decisions while demonstrating an unwillingness to compromise. This divisiveness is not productive.
Yet, diverse opinions provide valuable “checks & balances” in decision making. Without them, we risk siloed thinking. As an example, our current Town Council seems to rubber stamp every spending proposal.
I will embrace a leadership style where the best idea wins no matter its origin. To disagree is not to disrespect, rather it is the foundation of democracy.
What makes you a different kind of leader for Barrington?
I call it like I see it. I use my voice to ask tough questions that others might shy away from. I lead with an independent voice that is Barrington-driven, not party-driven.
I am not afraid to disagree and engage in challenging conversations (just ask my kids!). Doing so is a necessary step if we want to make meaningful gains.
And perhaps most refreshing is when I get it wrong, I own it. I am confident enough to apologize and learn from mistakes.
What are your highest priorities if elected?
Improve fiscal stewardship. The recent string of high year over year property tax increases is unsustainable. We need to adopt a “can’t do it all” mindset to make tough decisions regarding limited town resources. We need to make critical changes to the new Financial Town Referendum (“FTR”) process. We should never sign a vendor contract of any financial significance without first seeking competitive bids as was done recently with the solar panels. I support the good work of the Resilience & Energy Committee but wish the Town Council had considered alternative locations and sought additional proposals.
Develop a sustainable future-oriented housing plan that supports our needs as stated in our Comprehensive Plan prioritizing affordable housing for seniors looking to downsize and young professionals starting out. The private developer-led proposal for high density development of the former Zion property should never have gotten this far.
Invest in our Infrastructure. Let’s prioritize investment in needed improvements to our roads, sidewalks, and parks.
Support small businesses and improve business friendliness of our town. Growing our commercial tax base is critical to our long term fiscal health. I am excited to support the recent repositioning of the Barrington Business & Community Association to Live. Love. Barrington. Let’s try more new approaches and embrace innovative big ideas like this.
What are some quick wins you would like to bring to Barrington?
Fill all town committee vacancies! Do we have too many seats on some of our committees? Do we have the right number of committees each focused on the highest priority initiatives? And, how do we most effectively entice new volunteers to serve?
Increase attendance at Town Council, COA, Planning Board, and School Committee meetings by creating a culture where more of us can easily stay informed and contribute to decision making. This will require more frequent and efficient meetings with shorter agendas.
Improve relationship with the School Committee. The current strain between our two elected governing bodies is unacceptable. There is much important work to be done and no time for nonsense. For example, how do we encourage our teachers, police, and parent groups to work together to improve e-bike/e-scooter safety?
Clean the beach! Our coastline is a jewel of our community and it needs our collective commitment to reduce the trash that often litters our shoreline. We’re better than this!
What do you need from me?
I can not be successful on my own. I am counting on my friends, neighbors, and fellow residents to show up for Barrington. That means leaning in, attending meetings, raising your hand to help, sharing your expertise, and speaking out when you disagree.
I said yes to this call to service with a vision of doing it with you.
I’d like to ask every resident to pledge to get involved in some new way - attend a COA meeting, serve on a committee, organize a beach clean up or a neighborhood block party, help a neighbor with their trash, and, please, always pick up that dog poop bag even if you didn’t drop it!