My husband and I moved to Watertown 25 years ago to raise our two children, who are now in their 30s and still call Watertown home. I love this city, with its mix of amenities like a professional theater, fantastic dining options, and a growing economy along with easy access to nature and close-knit neighborhoods.

What first brought me to political engagement was volunteering for a local election. The idea of running for (the then) Town Council myself seemed impossible. But, I loved helping people improve their lives. Since that first canvassing shift, I have been involved in the Democratic Town Committee, co-founded Progressive Watertown, and supported many of the town’s nonprofits, including Project Literacy, the Food Pantry, the Watertown Community Foundation, and the Council on Aging.

Through that experience, I witnessed firsthand the huge changes happening in Watertown and their impacts it has had on our neighbors. Fast-paced business and housing development has driven up the cost of living, transformed whole neighborhoods, and increased traffic. Demographic shifts over the past two decades bring challenges regarding equity and diversity as well, which we must address in order to maintain our cohesive, welcoming spirit to all residents. The impacts of climate change are impossible to ignore, with more extreme and shifting weather patterns, as the large-scale effects of climate change loom over all of Greater Boston.

I’m extremely proud of my record as a City Councilor. I successfully advocated to create more affordable units in Watertown by leading the charge to create a Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, as well as increasing the number of affordable units in senior living centers, and advocating for a linkage fee from corporations. I have supported the TMA which now has a shuttle from Repton Place to Harvard Square, as well as the Blue Bikes that can be seen around town. I was one of only two town councilors to vote to strengthen the Resolution on Climate change and I took the lead in successfully advocating that a Human Rights Commission will be included in our new home rule charter. I was on the selection committee to hire the new city manager and, as chair of the Personnel and City Organization, I advocated for a salary and compensation study which has resulted in creating a more professional, responsive and effective municipal government.  While this behind the scenes work does not sound exciting, this, more than anything is improving city services and helping our residents.

And, not to be forgotten, after many years of trying, we finally passed a snow shoveling ordinance! This will help to ensure residents can finally safely walk throughout the city after snow storms!

But there is so much more to do. In our next term, the Council will be working on the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance which will create limits for the emissions from the larger buildings in the city. We need to look at creative methods, such as the proposed WadaHoppah, an electric boat which will provide an alternative commute to Boston, to make it easier for residents to access public transit. This will be critical to meeting our climate goals. In addition we will be looking at ways to create more affordable housing in the city. I also want to create a meaningful noise ordinance as well as ban gas powered leaf blowers.

It has always been my hope as a City Councilor to make the lives of every resident a little better than it was before!

I hope that I have earned your vote on November 4, 2025.