The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

My Turn

My Turn: Vote for Hogue for Select Board

Dear Lincoln,

I am writing today in support of Adam Hogue’s efforts to be elected to Lincoln’s Select Board. I met Adam and his family last summer and had the opportunity to do a few a jobs for them. Through conversations and other interactions, I have found Adam to be very respectful, fair-minded, and very dedicated to Lincoln. As he has stated in his March 9 letter, he has a passion for serving.

I am very confident that should he be elected to the Select Board, he will carryout his functions with the judiciousness and integrity required.

Kind regards,

Donald Fonseca
1 Mary’s Way

“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 Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

My Turn: Olson asks for votes for re-election

Dear Fellow Lincolnites,

I’m writing to ask for your support for my re-election to the Planning Board.

I first joined the board in 2013 as an associate member and became a full member later that year. The zoning, site plan review, and land use planning and processes for which the Planning Board is responsible can seem intimidating and complex. My initial goals as a board member was to make licensing and permitting friendlier to applicants and neighbors by making them clear, consistent, and transparent. The Planning Board has made great progress in this regard. Working with our excellent town planning staff, we developed a set of guidelines and regulations for site plan review that increased transparency for both the applicant and neighbors while reducing the amount of time required to navigate the process.

Over the past eight years on the board, I have worked with my colleagues to ensure that Lincoln’s zoning and land use policies are clear to all residents, fair to all applicants, and reflect Lincoln’s values and the will of the town.

As I gained experience, my goals expanded to engaging the town in the long-term planning needed to respond effectively to the challenges of the 21st century. As chair for the last six years, I have led public discussions for several major developments: the Minuteman School, the new Lincoln School, and Oriole Landing, a 60-unit, mixed-income housing development. My objectives were to ensure that Lincoln’s requirements were met and its values respected, and that neighboring property owners were given a voice and protected from negative impacts to the extent permitted by law.

Ultimately, the rules around land use and the processes for important land use decisions are made not by the Planning Board but by town meeting through approval of zoning bylaws and other regulations. Beyond its permitting responsibilities, the role of the board is to look forward and engage the town in conversations around the challenges that arise from the changing needs within Lincoln as well as Lincoln’s part in the region. I believe it is not only necessary but part of Lincoln’s ethos to engage residents in a robust discussion of the pros and cons of possible responses and then to prepare bylaw proposals for consideration and approval by town meeting. I look forward to continuing to listen as we together seek to protect what we all love about Lincoln and position the town for success in the future.

Thank you,

Margaret Olson
(I appear on the ballot by my full name: Setha Margaret Olson)

“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.

My Turn: Hogue makes his case as Select Board candidate

By Adam Hogue

(Editor’s note: Hogue is running against Jim Hutchinson for the Select Board seat being vacated by James Craig. He sent the following to LincolnTalk in answer to a question about what local issues he believes are important and how his experience and qualifications would contribute to addressing those challenges. His answer is reprinted here with his permission.)

One of the most important issues (not only in Lincoln but the Commonwealth overall) is housing. I love our community and I know others that want to live here, but are either priced out or simply unable to find a home given the supply. We need more housing options in Lincoln so that people can afford to live in our great community. In addition, I also want to make sure that people are not forced to sell their homes due to inability to pay taxes, so that people are able to age in place if they so desire.

The next issue that I see as critical is sustainability and green energy. As we have seen with gas prices and heating costs (even prior to the current situation), we need to work with our leaders on Beacon Hill and as a region to fulfill our energy needs in a smart way that doesn’t economically burden our residents.

Finally, another important issue, and one of my main goals, is to work with the Finance Committee to build a reasonable budget that serves our needs while also making sure we do not put too much of a burden on the taxpayers of Lincoln.

In terms of my experiences and qualifications, I have been involved in state and regional politics for years though my charity work for veterans, as well as lobbying to teach financial education to children in schools. If elected, I will use the relationships that I have built to work together with elected officials in our neighboring towns and the state level to make sure we solve issues together.

Specific to Lincoln, I have volunteered to run many veterans’ events in town and the Fourth of July run. These experiences have given me a great appreciation of the importance of these community events. I want to work to create more community events in town and to make sure that we bring back the Fourth of July fireworks to our community once the school project is done. So many in our community miss this great event.

I have also served the town as a current School Committee member. I have helped form budget and policy in this role and have worked with numerous people in town for the last four years. This has helped me understand how the town works, as well as what goes into the budget process, and has also helped me to understand the community. While the work has been challenging at times, it has always given me great pride to serve our children and our community. During my time on the School Committee, we have kept the budget within the Finance Committee’s guidance and have not had to ask for an override.

Finally, I love serving my community. I picked this up from my 17 years in the United States Military where I was awarded a Bronze Star for my action in Afghanistan. I also currently serve on the Capital Planning Committee as part of my role on the School Committee, and as I’m sure others on that committee may say, I am not afraid to speak up and suggest new ideas. I don’t passively accept the answer “because that is how we have always done it” because we have to be creative and have debates to solve issues. I like to learn and work with people and I believe that debating the issues to come up with the best solution(s) is an integral part of this work.

Thank you once again and I would appreciate your support on March 28!

“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.

My Turn: Residents endorse Hutchinson for Select Board

We are writing to endorse Jim Hutchinson for the Select Board. For several years, he has contributed his experience and analytical skills to many town committees. For the past eight years on the Green Energy Committee (GEC), Jim has offered critical thinking and leadership during a time of transition. The climate crisis has brought urgency to the role of the GEC as the town responds to new state guidelines for energy efficiency and reduced emissions.

Jim’s ability to see the problems clearly and articulate the way forward has helped the committee navigate this new path. He is determined to balance costs and benefits, using a “sharp pencil” when needed. He is mindful of the need for residential equity and inclusivity as the town works to implement needed change in our energy practices. Most recently, he has played a key role on the PPA subcommittee, which is working to put solar PV panels on our newly renovated Lincoln School.

Jim has waded into the thorny problems that confront our town organizations during these difficult times. He often brings a light touch of humor to discussions help all of us see the issues more clearly. Lincoln is lucky to have his background, temperament, and commitment to the town.

Sincerely,

Alex Chatfield
Buck Creel
Andy Fallender
Trisha O’Hagan
Roy Harvey
Ed Kern
Chris Klem
Sue Klem
Ed Lang
Paul Shorb
Lynne Smith

“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.

My Turn: Article headline was “misleading”

To the editor:

Although the body of the article is accurate, the headline of the Lincoln Squirrel article “Town officials marshal arguments against housing rules” (posted March 3, 2022) is somewhat misleading.

It is important to emphasize that Lincoln is not against the Housing Choice Act, nor is it opposing the Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD’s) draft guidelines, which are the focus of this article. The concern is that the DHCD’s proposed rules, as currently written, do not accomplish their intent of providing support and usable guidance on conforming to the Housing Choice Act for smaller towns (like Lincoln). They would have the opposite effect.

Lincoln has a long history of being proactive and diligent in the development and support of affordable housing and still is, as the ongoing support and leadership in this regard from the Planning Board, Board of Selects, SLPAC, COA&HS, Housing Commission, Housing Trust, and many other town bodies and departments demonstrate.

The goal of the town’s response is to encourage the state (and DHCD) to work with Lincoln and other smaller towns to craft a more effective, and comprehensive, approach in support of the Housing Choice Act. We must avoid creating a set of rules that will discourage smaller towns from participating in the effort to address our state’s severe shortage of affordable housing with viable public transit options.

Sincerely,

Allen Vander Meulen
Chair, Lincoln Housing Commission

“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.

My Turn: Carty is running for L-S School Committee

(Editor’s note: Carty is one of three Sudbury candidates vying for two seats on the the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee.)

To the editor:

My name is Maura Carty and I am pleased to share that I am running for the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee.

I have three children; my oldest is a graduate of L-S, my second is currently an L-S senior, and my youngest is an eighth-grader at Curtis heading to L-S next year. My family has lived in Sudbury for over 20 years. During those years, I have been deeply involved in the community by serving as a board member on many nonprofit organizations. I presently serve on many community boards in leadership positions, including Lincoln-Sudbury Parent Organization and L-S’s Senior Safe Night (formerly known as Jamaica Jammin’). This has afforded me the opportunity to cultivate deep connections with many community members and to gain an understanding of what is important to them. 

So why am I running? Lincoln-Sudbury is an incredible school, and I believe together we can elevate it. I am running to bring a current perspective to the Committee. I am plugged into the community and feel I can make an impact on the lives of students and their families by concentrating efforts on student mental health and academic growth. I look to leverage what I have learned and decisions I have made in my many years of public service to benefit the L-S community and all of its students.

Students have been overwhelmed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Their academic experience and mental health has been impacted. Collaboration to find safe, appropriate solutions to the complicated issues that arose during the pandemic and are certain to continue as we transition to the next phase of this evolving virus will be key. Our decisions must be made based on science with the needs of students at the forefront. I believe it is the role of the School Committee to ensure both happen.    

I am a dedicated and passionate individual and proud member of the L-S community. I build relationships by listening, asking questions, and embracing different viewpoints to accomplish the best outcomes. I look forward to advocating for all students and helping them advance to their full potential. Together we can make a great place better, and I ask for your support on Monday, March 28th.

Sincerely,

Maura Carty
15 Stonebrook Rd., Sudbury, MA

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to  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.

My Turn: Kevin Matthews seeks reelection to L-S School Committee

(Editor’s note: Matthews is one of three Sudbury candidates vying for two seats on the the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee.)

To the editor:

I am excited to be running for re-election for L-S School Committee. It has been an honor and a privilege to have served the communities of Lincoln and Sudbury for the last 12 years. I believe, in that time, I have been able to make a difference. I hope you consider voting for me for the L-S School Committee on Monday, March 28.

As in 2010 when I was first elected, we are again facing uncertain times; this time we are entering a post-pandemic era, with a growing war in Europe and with the economic threat of rising inflation. As before, I promise to provide steady, bold, and reasoned leadership.

As a community of teaching and learning, we must prioritize our mission: the development and education of our communities’ students. It is our public charge to provide the best possible education for all of the students who enter our doors. There is perhaps no mission more important.

We must provide a safe, supportive, and sustainable environment for this period of developmental growth for our students. In order to do so, we need the appropriate resources and responsible financial management, and a faculty and administration who bring educational and administrative excellence. We as a high school and a community need to work together to provide a safe environment and to inspire our children with a sense of grit and optimism toward learning here and in their lives beyond these walls.

We as a school need to remember we serve the community in this role. And in service, we work together with the community, the families of our students, and the taxpayers and always remain sensitive to the needs of the community.

While we have the tools to guide and develop our students, our families depend upon us to heed their concerns and the taxpayers require us to manage their resources responsibly and efficiently.

I promise to serve the community openly, honestly, and always with a sense of urgency. You have entrusted this committee with tremendous responsibility. I hope to earn your trust once again. I ask for your vote on March 28. 

Sincerely,

Kevin Matthews
137 Haynes Rd., Sudbury MA

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to  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.

My Turn: Lincoln needs a Climate Action Plan

(Editor’s note: Climate Action Lincoln gave a presentation at the State of the Town meeting on Nov. 2, 2021).

To the editor:

The global climate crisis has us all wondering what we can do now and for the next generation. The great news is that, as a town, we are not powerless. Lincoln is going to develop a Climate Action Plan that will address climate change on many levels.

Massachusetts is legally committed to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and a 50% reduction from 1990 levels by 2030. That means we in Massachusetts must cut our use of fossil fuels by about one-third in eight years — a drastic reduction in the use of natural gas, oil and propane to heat and cool houses, to run our cars, trucks, and buses, and to generate electricity.

For the last year, volunteers from Climate Action Lincoln, a subcommittee of the Green Energy Committee, have been learning about climate plans from our neighboring towns. Lexington, Concord, Carlisle, Weston, Arlington, Cambridge, and Acton have comprehensive plans, and most have Sustainability Managers. We have also met with 12 town boards and committees to hear about their efforts.

While Lincoln has done a lot to protect the environment, become more energy-efficient, and reduce GHG emissions, there is more we can do together as a community.

We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Curtin, Assistant Director of Planning and Land Use, will support our efforts. She is working to secure grant funding for a consultant to lead Lincoln through development of a Climate Action Plan, which will address the interconnected issues of the climate crisis:

  • Electrification with renewable energy to reduce GHG emissions
  • Mitigation and adaptation to climate impacts
  • Ensuring environmental justice and supporting vulnerable populations
  • Safeguarding public health
  • Creating sustainable and resilient infrastructure
  • Protecting and regenerating ecological systems, including back yards, forests, open space, farms, and wetlands

A Climate Action Plan will also coordinate and recommend municipal, commercial, and residential actions. It will address the built environment, transportation, energy production, waste, and land use in Lincoln.

Town-wide participation is critical to developing a Climate Action Plan that will achieve results, not just sit on a shelf or a website. In Lincoln, actions by residents will be crucial to the success of a plan as Lincoln has very small commercial and municipal sectors. The process of developing a plan will include:

  • Visioning — Engagement of all residents and stakeholders in town
  • Data — Energy use, GHG emissions, carbon storage
  • Analysis — Vulnerable populations, housing, infrastructure, transportation
  • Goals — Align with state and federal goals; interpret for residents
  • Implementation — Timelines, accountable parties, measurement
  • Financial implications for the town budget

As the town works to secure funding for the plan, Climate Action Lincoln would like to engage residents. To join our group, receive updates on our progress, or arrange a presentation for your organization, please email ClimateAction@lincolntown.org or reach out to one of our members listed below.

Sincerely,

Climate Action Lincoln
Sue Klem (chair), Roy Harvey, Emily Haslett, Staci Montori, and Lynne Smith

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their 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.

My Turn: Ephraim Flint throws hat in ring for Planning Board

To the editor:

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Planning Board in the March 2022 town election. 

As I grew up in Lincoln, I witnessed the town’s innovative and thoughtful decision-making as it navigated change while maintaining its unique rural character. I left Lincoln for school and work in 1975 and returned in 2000, happy to see that the town had continued its tradition of carefully managing growth and change.

I served on the Planning Board from 2003–2008 as we shepherded several significant projects towards successful completion: the redevelopment of the Mall at Lincoln Station, the creation of the South Lincoln Overlay District; The Commons senior living community, and Minuteman Commons. Other volunteer positions I have held include School Committee (in Garrison, N.Y.) and the board member of Codman Community Farms. 

Today, we are again in a period where we must creatively manage change so the hard work of those who came before us and the values that we all cherish are not lost.   

I live on our family farm on Lexington Road. With extended family, we grow hay, sweet corn, and pumpkins and in the spring, we make maple syrup. Professionally, I work at Draper Lab. I am a physicist by training and a farmer at heart.

Again, I would like to offer my service to the town at this exciting and challenging time.

Sincerely,

Ephraim Flint

“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.

My Turn: Joseph Dwyer running for School Committee

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

Dear fellow citizens of Lincoln:

Today I write to announce my candidacy for the open seat on the Lincoln School Committee. In a time when our world is changing at an unprecedented rate, providing our children the skills to navigate their way through is more critical than ever. With technology continuing at its ever-increasing pace, the priority of teaching needs to shift from what our kids  learn to how to learn. I argue that focusing on the process of learning and education better equips our youth with the tools they need to succeed in the long term, far outlasting the temporary satisfaction of acing weekly tests.

I have had the good fortune to be a resident of Lincoln past 13 years. At this stage in my life, I have greater bandwidth and a genuine drive to work on behalf of our community. I respectfully ask for your support. I welcome the opportunity to speak further about my vision for Lincoln’s schools and can be contacted directly at jaysp51d@gmail.com or 603-560-1787. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Special thanks to all the hardy Lincolnites who took the time to sign my nomination papers in this frigid weather. I got many more than needed!

Sincerely,

Joseph Dwyer
6 Emerson Rd
Lincoln, Ma 01773

“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.