FAQ

Municipalities throughout the Commonwealth are facing the same issues of rising costs, stagnant revenue, and COVID-era programs coming to an end. It is an unfortunate reality. Many towns are utilizing debt overrides to offset these struggles. Thankfully, East Longmeadow is not there. There are only a few ways the town can make changes to the budget and that's to either increase revenue or cut expenses. This year there were cuts throughout the school district where nearly 20 teachers and staff lost their jobs. Unless we want to see more cuts throughout the town something has to change and increasing taxes on single family property owners isn't the answer. The clear answer would be to encourage businesses to come to East Longmeadow through thoughtful planning and zoning. Taking the time to have comprehensive bylaws in place that allow developers to come in and create spaces were people want to spend their time and businesses want to go is vitally important. We need to be forward thinking and plan for the future of the town while maintaining the small town charm East Longmeadow has always had.

I’m running for East Longmeadow Town Council because I believe in the strength of community, the power of listening, and the importance of taking meaningful action. I want to be a voice for the community - someone who listens, asks the right questions, and works hard to represent the people of East Longmeadow with transparency, integrity, and heart.

My candidacy for East Longmeadow Town Council is supported by my professional background of over two decades in the real estate industry and over ten years as a small business owner, coupled with significant community engagement, most notably through my successful management of the campaign for the new East Longmeadow High School, widely known as Vote Yes ELHS. This campaign demanded strategic planning, effective communication, and the ability to mobilize community support around a shared vision. My leadership in this successful endeavor demonstrates my capacity to understand community needs, articulate a compelling case for change, and work collaboratively. This experience highlights my ability to listen to residents, address concerns, and lead initiatives that have a lasting positive impact on our town. Additionally, I operate a thriving small business providing services to the real estate industry, previously in the Midwest and currently throughout New England. Working in the real estate industry has provided me with a deep understanding of property values, land use, and the economic drivers that impact our local community. My familiarity with local market dynamics will be invaluable in making informed decisions that benefit all residents. My experience has equipped me with budgeting, financial management, customer service, and problem-solving skills. I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our local businesses, which are a vital part of East Longmeadow’s economic health.

The most important issues facing East Longmeadow right now are transparent communication and growth, both of which present significant challenges and opportunities for the town’s future. There is a clear need for more open and consistent dialogue between town officials, residents, and local businesses. Many residents feel that decisions are made without sufficient input or understanding of community perspectives. Enhancing transparency could involve more proactive dissemination of information through various channels, including a better web experience, email and text messaging, and social media. The second issue is managing growth effectively. East Longmeadow is experiencing development pressures that require careful planning to preserve the town’s character and quality of life, now and into the future. For residential development, considerations include maintaining a balance between different housing types, ensuring adequate infrastructure to support new residents, and preserving open spaces and natural resources. Similarly, commercial growth requires a thoughtful approach. While economic development is important for the town’s vitality, it needs to be aligned with the community’s vision and values. The town needs to attract businesses that provide quality jobs and contribute to the local economy, ensuring that commercial development is appropriately zoned and does not negatively impact residential areas. The town needs a clear strategy for revitalizing existing commercial areas and attracting new businesses in a way that enhances the town’s overall appeal.