To the editor:
Lincoln has a long tradition of civic engagement and independent thinking. Since its beginnings, the town has engaged in constructive and vigorous debate over issues such as education, conservation, roadways and public safety, always honoring its past while thoughtfully planning its future. We are currently on the cusp of decisions that will shape our community for decades to come—decisions that begin with the question “What is our vision of Lincoln?” To create a collective answer, we will need to navigate many choices, requiring each of us to listen, ask challenging questions, and build consensus as we make decisions about capital projects, community development, conservation and the well-being of our citizens.
It is in this context that I am excited to announce my candidacy for the one-year Board of Selectmen term that will be created by Renel Fredriksen’s resignation in March. I thank Renel for her many years of service to the town, and I respectfully ask for your support as I seek to continue my service to the Lincoln community in a new capacity.
Since we moved to Lincoln a decade ago, my husband Andrew and I have immersed ourselves in the life of the town. During my nine years on the Lincoln School Committee, I have found serving in town government deeply engaging and rewarding because of the thoughtful and creative people with whom I have worked. I am grateful for what each committee member, administrator, faculty, staff and community member has taught me. Whether discussing educational policy or strategic planning, budgets or building projects, support for our faculty or how best to measure the efficacy of our work as a district, I have strived to follow their examples and to listen carefully, work openly and collaboratively, and act thoughtfully. Together we have focused on enhancing student outcomes and engagement, and on promoting a culture of educational innovation and risk-taking. I am proud to have played a role in fostering the changes happening in the Lincoln Public Schools.
And so, with positive momentum in the schools, and after three terms on the committee, I look forward to serving Lincoln as a selectman. If elected, I hope to bring the same positive momentum and focus on engagement, innovation and outcomes to issues facing the town.
Two capital projects have the potential to command much of Lincoln’s attention, energy and financial investment over the next several years: a Lincoln School renovation project, and a community center to house Parks & Recreation and the Council on Aging (COA). These institutions not only form the vital core of civic life but serve, together with public safety, as our community’s support network. While on the School Safety and Security Committee, I worked with our police and fire departments, and I have been deeply involved in the numerous conversations and committees guiding plans for a Lincoln School renovation project. The latter continues to require collaboration with many town boards and committees, parent groups, the COA, and individual citizens.
In addition, I have been part of the team reaching out to Hanscom Air Force Base leadership, state legislators, and our congressional delegation to talk about issues affecting our schools, our families and our town. Through my work on the School Committee and particularly in my seven years as chair, I have gained a great appreciation for the interconnectedness of our institutions and for the centrality of conversation to building community consensus. Achieving our goals is rarely a linear process, and I understand the perseverance needed to make shared decisions. I want to continue to build the connections that move Lincoln forward.
Our town strives to cherish its history and imagine a progressive future. It embraces both long tradition and innovation. These values provide the touchstone and spark of Lincoln and make it an energizing and engaging place to live. Your welcoming and sustained support has made me deeply committed to our community. I humbly ask for your vote as a candidate for selectman.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Glass
11 Stonehedge Road
Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.