elections

By Allen Vander Meulen

I’ve known Gary Taylor for nearly 15 years. He and his wife Susan were one of the first people we met when we moved into our home on Beaver Pond Rd.

I think we all are very aware of the many years both Gary and Susan have invested in service to the town, in many roles and in many ways. So, instead of dwelling on his many qualifications, I thought I’d share two tidbits that speak to me of Gary’s thoughtfulness and long-term dedication to many of the issues central to the challenges and controversies of the present.

Back in 2014 or so, I attended a Planning Board meeting. Following that meeting, Gary took the time to talk at length with me about his concerns over the erosion of moderate-priced housing in Lincoln, and how economic realities plus the regulatory structure at the local, state, and federal levels all conspired to promote the creation of housing for folks at the low end and high end of the income scale, but nothing for those in the middle. This is precisely the challenge that the Housing Choice Act seeks to address. 

Now, this was around the time I joined the Housing Commission, and I was still quite the newbie in that arena. Even so, Gary made sure his concerns were clear, and that I clearly understood the “bigger picture” of housing, not just whether Lincoln could keep its SHI (Subsidized Housing Inventory) percentage above 10% as mandated by state law. I learned a lot in that conversation, and as a result the concerns he raised have been part of my own thoughts and work ever since.

In 2017 I ran for the Select Board against Jennifer Glass — and (rightfully) got stomped. (Mainly, I think, because it was clear I had neither the experience nor the connections within the Lincoln community to be in such a position — yet.) Even so, Gary and Susan went out of their way to host a neighborhood coffee for Jennifer and me during that campaign so their Lincoln neighbors and friends could meet both candidates and hear what they had to say. They didn’t have to do that, and I’m sure they knew that I had little or no hope of winning that election. But it was important to them to facilitate communication and understanding for all. And frankly, I learned a lot from that evening myself: not just meeting many Lincolnites I hadn’t met before, but also hearing what they felt was important for us to learn, no matter who won that race.

So to me, that’s who Gary Taylor is: a man who has spent a very long time working to make Lincoln a more inclusive, welcoming, and diverse community. A gracious and a good friend, an attentive listener, a deeply thoughtful and knowledgable speaker, a creative and reliable worker, and someone who remains diligent in working for the town’s best interests.

Please join me in re-electing Gary Taylor to the Planning Board.

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“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

By Mark Robidoux

This office has received multiple questions and concerns from residents that signs are being installed on the town-owned easement in front of private residences without the resident’s permission or town permission.

As a friendly reminder, 16.4 of the local zoning ordinance states signs on town-owned property need approval from the Select Board and a permit from the Building Inspector.

You are welcome to install political signs on your own property or at the following intersections: Sandy Pond and Lincoln Road, Ballfield Road and Lincoln Road, Lincoln Poad and South Great Road, Bedford Road and Morningside Lane, and Codman Road and Concord Road.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation on this very important matter. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns on the sign bylaw.

Sincerely,

Mark Robidoux, Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer
781-259-2613, robidouxm@lincolntown.org

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“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

By Allen Vander Meulen

As some might recall, I was Jennifer Glass’s challenger during her first campaign for Select Board in 2017.

I must say, I got royally stomped in that election, receiving about 10% of the vote. But the outcome was no surprise: Jennifer clearly had the experience, temperament, and talent needed for such a challenging position, while at the time I was still relatively unknown and unproven.

In that campaign, I came to deeply respect and admire Jennifer, and that respect and admiration have only grown since. Jennifer listens carefully to all of her constituents (and her opponents too, as I learned). She is not afraid to rethink her approach or path when new information is presented, or it is clear the current path is not workable. She is very clear and consistent in her determination to make Lincoln a more just, welcoming, and livable community for all. And she has proven herself to be adept at constantly educating herself about, and navigating, the extremely intricate and challenging legal, regulatory and political landscape within which Lincoln exists.

While I have great respect for one of the other candidates challenging her (I do not know the third candidate at all), it is clear to me that Jennifer Glass is by far the best choice for the position. This is not just because of her past record, but also because she continues to be a creative, knowledgable, deeply thoughtful, forward-thinking, and energetic leader. Such qualities are absolutely necessary for those who wish to lead our community in confronting the challenges we face.

Please join me in re-electing Jennifer Glass to the Select Board.

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“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

By Sarah Postlethwait

I am announcing my candidacy for Planning Board, and hope that my focus on critical thinking, thoroughly researched planning and inclusive dialogue will bring value to Lincoln and win your vote.

I have a background in education, and I enjoy comprehensively analyzing information and breaking it down so it can be explained to a large audience. As the marketing director for the Boston and Canadian branches of a global company, I have practice in navigating a constantly shifting commerce terrain while working with a team to achieve our diverse business goals.

When I moved to Lincoln with my husband 14 years ago, I was attracted to the open space and farmland that reminded me of my childhood in Ohio. Since then, we have welcomed three children who enjoy all the benefits of growing up in this beautiful town surrounded by a community with similar values. We love walking to Drumlin and Codman farms, visiting the fantastic children’s department at the library, and we have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the wonderful offerings of LincFam and the Recreation Department.

Although I have been an active voice at Planning Board and other housing meetings for a decade, I am growing increasingly concerned about the town’s future. Current leadership is rushing towards a response to the new Housing Choice Act (HCA) that goes far beyond what is required for our small town. Instead of rezoning for the HCA requirement of 42 acres of land and 635 units, they are backing a plan that rezones 72 acres of land and allows for 801 housing units, all in one concentrated half-mile radius of the train station. It is a mistake to rush. The likelihood of unintended consequences is too great.

I understand that the town must evolve. Expanding our housing stock will help address the housing needs of our state. At the same time, we need to protect the retail businesses that currently exist in Lincoln, and ideally find ways to attract more. We need to be smart and not race headlong into a plan that may endanger the town’s financial stability and the rural character that we love.

The goal of the HCA is to create housing for families; however, the bylaw we have created for the HCA district is unlikely to interest them. Most families don’t want to live in overpriced tiny apartments without any green space, surrounded by pavement. We need to consider ways to adjust our zoning to ensure that the kind of housing that appeals to families will actually be built. Furthermore, we need to maintain our attention on creating affordable housing units for all types of families. There is a desperate need for homes that are affordable for moderate and lower income individuals in the Boston area.

I am running for a seat on the Planning Board because I feel Lincoln can do better.  Lincoln has a long history of coming to consensus to build multifamily developments and to prioritize affordable housing. An enviable 40% of our current housing stock is multifamily. Nearly 13% of our housing is in the affordable housing inventory. We can continue on this admirable path by rezoning only for the HCA-required number of acres and units. Then, as a fully informed town, we (not the state, not developers) can plan for the reasoned and responsible fiscal, social, and environmental evolution of Lincoln.  

These same principles of thorough research and planning, measured implementation, inclusive dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving should apply to all of the key issues facing our town: the HCA, revitalization of the mall, the community center, and more.

This is a future of Lincoln that I would like to be part of, and if you agree, then I ask for your support at the March town election.

Questions or concerns? I listen and I respond. Please contact me at sarah@bayhas.com. 

Sincerely,

Sarah Postlethwait
Proud member of the Lincoln Residents for Housing Alternatives.

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“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

By Gary Taylor

Fellow Lincolnites,

I write to ask your support for reelection to the Planning Board for a three-year term. When I initially ran for the board six years ago, my objective was to reorient its attention from micromanaging what Lincoln residents hoped to do with their properties to more forward-looking thinking and planning. Implementation of that change and the addition of capable planning staff have significantly improved the experience of applicants before the board and allowed us to spend more time looking at what lies ahead for Lincoln.

I have considerable training and experience that are useful as a member of the board. I know how to analyze problems, communicate clearly, and manage teams. I hold degrees in law and management (finance and planning). I co-founded and served in the management of an economic consulting firm that grew from two people to 400 with 14 offices in the U.S., Europe, China and Australia. I was responsible for the design and construction of our offices in Cambridge, Boston, New York, and London.

For 30 years I have provided expert testimony in high-stakes energy-related litigation. I also have been involved in many aspects of Lincoln. During my nine years on the Finance Committee, we computerized the town’s accounting and integrated budgeting for the town and schools. While on the Housing Commission and Lincoln’s Affordable Housing Trust, I helped add 50 affordable housing units. In three terms as a Selectman, I played key roles in the development of The Groves (now the Commons) and in the conservation of large, key parcels for open space. All of this has taught me what Lincoln values, how Lincoln works, how to listen, build consensus and get things done.

As you likely know, Lincoln is going through an extraordinary period of challenges that will significantly influence the town’s future. Through the Housing Choice Act, the state has upped the ante regarding rezoning to allow denser “by right” housing near our commuter rail station — a big change for Lincoln that could help or hurt our small commercial center depending upon how any rezoning would treat the mall itself.

We must address the design and funding of a new Community Center. A proposed expansion of private jet services at Hanscom Field by Massport poses not only significant local noise and pollution problems, but it would also thwart broader efforts to slow climate change. The 250th celebration is coming to Minuteman National Park with its associated crowds, and Rte. 2A is supposedly due to be repaved. These matters and more give us a lot to prepare for and to do, and the Planning Board will be playing a significant role.

Lincoln has in the past strived successfully to strike a balance between preserving our cherished values and responding as needed to changes affecting not only our town, but also the world around us. I hope that we can continue to thread that needle effectively. I ask not only for your vote, but as well for your participation in the continuing dialogue that will shape Lincoln’s future.

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“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.