My Turn

We are writing to urge you to join us and vote for for Jim Hutchinson for the Select Board.

As former Selects, we have experienced the joys and challenges of serving. The challenge was to honor the vision statement of the town, as we worked to build consensus within the town and at Town Meeting. While we were the CEOs of the day-to-day operations, we also were charged to be leaders while following the will of the town as expressed in Town Meeting votes.

We believe Jim has the deep experience to address the challenges the town will face in the years ahead. His work on the Finance Committee, liaison to the Capital Planning Committee, the Green Energy Committee, and the Water Commission has him in a unique position to have a more holistic understanding of the impacts of proposed projects that the town is currently discussing.

But most important, Jim has demonstrated a temperament that is thoughtful and respectful and inclusive, and these are critical qualities to bring to the role of Select Board.

For these reasons, we urge you to join us in voting for Jim Hutchinson for the Select Board.

Respectfully,

Penny Billings
Noah Eckhouse
Sara Mattes
Beth Ries
Peter Sugar

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 Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

To the editor:

In my 14 years as a resident of Lincoln, I have come to deeply appreciate Lincoln’s long tradition of being proactive in anticipating and adapting to change. We as a town have often taken advantage of new opportunities long before other towns seem to even be aware such opportunities exist. In my mind, this (and the often drawn out and tedious but necessary consensus-building that goes with it) is part of the often extolled, sometimes derided, but never concretely defined “Lincoln Way.”

We have long shown ourselves to be a town determined to address problems before they become crises. We spend a great deal of time and effort discussing and wrestling with the challenges presented by the changing world around us. We are often recognized (and emulated) for providing direction and leadership in the face of change. I see all of these qualities active in the recent WIDE and IDEA initiatives to encourage diversity and inclusion; in SLPAC’s work to revitalize the Lincoln Station area; and in our decades-long efforts to balance and strengthen our often competing goals of historic preservation, the conservation of our open space, and the preservation and promotion of affordable housing.

I am often amazed (but no longer surprised) at the deep bench of professional skill and experience that many or most past and present members of our town’s boards, commissions and committees bring to the table in this work. I am also impressed with how humble most of these folks are: their focus is on serving the best interests of the town as best they can — not self-promotion.

In my opinion, Margaret Olson and Steve Gladstone exemplify all of this. They have proven to be creative, and hardworking guardians of our town’s best interests and “the Lincoln way” through their presence on the Planning Board: working hard to find a viable path forward in the face of ever changing and often competing economic, environmental, political, cultural, and legislative agendas. They are both good listeners, hard and reliable workers, and their professional backgrounds provide valuable points of view and skills in support of this work.

Both were important contributors in the successful development, vetting, and town meeting approval of Oriole Landing; in the development and ongoing work of SLPAC; in simplifying our planning and permitting processes; in making our zoning laws fairer and easier to understand and implement; and in promoting affordable and safe housing for all of Lincoln’s residents. Neither of them are “flashy” or eager to grab the spotlight, but the results of their work benefit us every day.

Steve and Margaret are respected and valued members of the Planning Board and are important allies in the complex challenge of promoting and supporting increased diversity, inclusion, and equity within Lincoln. Please join me on March 28 in voting to allow them to continue doing so.

Sincerely,

Allen Vander Meulen
30 Beaver Pond Rd.

“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.

To the Town of Lincoln:

After six engaging years on the Planning Board, I would like to continue with the productive work of this group. My goal is to insist upon and to help to craft consensus-driven solutions by eliciting and utilizing the views of as many people and groups as possible and melding them into the best possible outcome.

Since arriving in Lincoln 15 years ago, Susan and I have found great pleasure and satisfaction in our involvement with townsfolk, governance, and of course the character and landscape of this remarkable community.

Professionally, two graduate degrees in scientific fields supported my responsibilities as Director of Research Operations at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. I served on the management team responsible for a complex, interdependent research enterprise with a $325 million budget. As a director in the Office of Science and Technology, I was intimately involved with budgeting, strategic planning, space/resource allocation, and implementation of diverse critical functions. My later career included a similar function at MGH, the management team at a pharmaceutical startup, and consultant in the biomedical research arena.

My official experience on town governance began 12 years ago with the Facilities Coordinating Committee. Identifying usage patterns, availability, capabilities and limitations of our critical meeting spaces led to deeper engagement in the town’s management and social processes. I was selected as one of the three at-large members of the Community Center Study Committee, and was the Planning Board representative on the Community Center Planning & Preliminary Design Committee. I intend to continue to advocate for the community center that our town deserves and needs.

Lincoln enjoys a distinct rural character unique among towns so near Boston. It is a fundamental aspect of our special town spirit — one that deserves to be understood, respected and refined to “keep Lincoln Lincoln.” Yet we must and will evolve as times change. One key role of the Planning Board is to look ahead, anticipating what threats and opportunities the future may present and how Lincoln might most effectively engage them. The mindful management of land, services and community by committed and attentive citizens is central to my thoughts. The town’s future successes and character depend in great part on how effectively we embrace and respond to emerging ideas and approaches as they support this guiding principle.

With the help of other volunteers and staff, the Planning Board has streamlined the permitting aspect of its activities, making them more efficient and less burdensome for applicants while continuing to protect the interests of all affected parties.

Volunteers have ever been the backbone of Lincoln’s community spirit. I am enthusiastic to continue my involvement on the Planning Board. It is my hope that this note gives the voters of Lincoln greater familiarity with me, both personally and professionally. Please call or email with your thoughts, questions, or concerns. And please do vote, do volunteer and do get involved in the thoughtful evolution this exceptional town! 

Sincerely, 

Steve Gladstone 
67 Winter St.. Lincoln
617-784-9731 
steve.gladstone@gmail.com 

“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.

We write to endorse Kim Rajdev for election to the Lincoln School Committee.

Since moving to Lincoln five years ago with her husband and two young girls (now entering third grade and kindergarten), Kim has taken an active role in supporting the Lincoln schools. She has volunteered as a room parent in K-4 and served as a legal advisor to Lincoln Nursery School as part of the parent cooperative. Consequently, she is familiar with the challenges and issues of the Lincoln school system.

We believe that it is valuable to have Kim, an engaged parent who has the interest, experience, and professional background to contribute to the governance of Lincoln’s schools. As an engineer and lawyer, she will bring both analytical and consensus-building skills to complement those of other members of the committee.

Kim’s open, respectful style invites dialogue on important issues such as the implementation of LPS Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity (AIDE) policy. She is clearly focused on enabling a school environment that encourages curiosity and high academic engagement along with a welcoming and inclusive approach to student life. As part of the Lincoln School Committee, she will be attentive to these opportunities and challenges.

Town elections are Monday, March 28. Please join us in voting for Kim Rajdev for a position on the Lincoln School Committee.

Sincerely,

“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.

Fellow residents,

I’m writing to endorse Jim Hutchinson for Select Board, and I urge you to vote for him in the town election on March 28 (the Monday after Town Meeting).

This is an easy endorsement to write: I’ve worked with Jim closely for a number of years on Lincoln’s Finance Committee and other town projects, and I’m constantly impressed with his expertise and understanding of financial and management issues in our town. Residents may not fully understand how much he’s led and contributed, from a revised OPEB “level-budgeting” policy at FinCom, to playing a key role reviewing and negotiating our complex solar power purchase agreements for our new school building, to learning the municipal water business (probably more than he bargained for!) and getting operations there back on track.

When Jim was talking to me about joining FinCom, he said (paraphrasing), “If you want to understand how a town really works, follow the finances.” While there’s much more to the Select Board than just business and finance stuff, I have a hard time imagining someone with a better perspective and instinct on Lincoln’s opportunities, challenges, issues, and constraints than Jim. He’s been a model for volunteering, analytical thinking, active listening, problem-solving, dry humor, and “giving back.” We’re all lucky to have him.

After I wrote this, a few other residents that feel the same way about Jim asked to add their names below. We all urge you to vote for Jim in the March 28 Select Board election.

Sincerely,

Andy Payne
83 Tower Rd.

“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.

Dear fellow Lincolnites,

I am running for the position of trustee of the Lincoln Library. Although the race is uncontested, I ask for your support.

As a trustee, I support the library’s vision to be “recognized as one of the town’s premier intellectual and cultural centers, serving as a focus for lifelong learning and literacy.” I know firsthand the important link libraries play in nurturing a community’s social, informational, cultural, and intellectual life. After retiring from educational publishing, I launched an encore writing career for young readers. I have given many books and writing workshops at public and school libraries as an author.

I served on the Friends of the Lincoln Library for six years, including one year as chair. And I represent Lincoln on the Massachusetts Special Commission of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

I look forward to supporting civic Lincoln as a library trustee by working collaboratively with other trustees, library staff, town departments, and organizations to manage our iconic New England library building and grounds that anchor Lincoln’s Historical District. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

Ray Shepard
37 Beaver Pond Rd., Lincoln

“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.

(Editor’s note: Nancy Marshall is a former L-S School Committee member.)

To the editor:

I write this letter today as a private citizen. This year’s race for Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee is contested, with three candidates, including Cara Endyke-Doran, the current chair, running for one of the two open positions. Lincoln’s vote for Cara this year is extremely critical in ensuring a balance of views on the committee, long-lens institutional perspective in School Committee deliberations, and a focus on how Lincoln and Sudbury can best support our regional high school. Please mark your calendars to attend the upcoming candidates’ forum here in Lincoln in the newly renovated Donaldson Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16 and remember to vote on Monday, March 28 in the Reed (Brooks) gym at Lincoln School. 

I am formally endorsing Cara Endyke-Doran for re-election to the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee. Cara has worked in the international public health sector for many years; she has a dual master’s degree in public health and nursing. She is also the parent of four children, two of whom have graduated from L-S and two who are/will be students there.

Cara has leaned into both her professional credentials and her own parenting experiences throughout the Covid pandemic. Her calm and attentive leadership has shepherded the LSSC and the district through these last two years with grounded information and clear communication to constituents. Cara’s hard work and commitment have helped L-S to continue educating our high schoolers, to support more acute social and emotional needs arising from the pandemic, and to keep students and staff as protected from the virus as possible. Cara led the Covid-19 Testing Subcommittee at the onset of the pandemic during her very first year on the committee. Through her strong advocacy, L-S was one of the first schools in the state to offer Covid-19 testing to all its students and staff.

The L-S School Committee has accomplished a great deal over the past three years, hiring an excellent Director of Finance and Operations in Kirsteen Patterson, reviewing and revising the complete School Committee policy manual, and considering new and amended L-S curricula in an increasingly global and mindful context. This year, the School Committee successfully negotiated a new three-year collective bargaining agreement that considers what is fair in the context of annual budgeting alongside the talents of our terrific L-S faculty and staff. In this late/post-Covid environment, where teachers and school administrators across the U.S. are leaving their jobs permanently in droves, striking a relational and equitable balance and reinforcing the quality of teaching and commitment of time to our students is vital. 

And there is always more to do. Cara’s continued, committed leadership, given her initiative and accrued understanding of process and knowledge of School Committee governance, will be an asset for both towns.

Cara is committed to Lincoln-Sudbury and has ensured the committee is operating in the best interest of our students, staff, parents, and broader communities. She has respectfully listened and taken into account the sometimes widely differing perspectives from the three communities of Lincoln, Sudbury, and Boston, as well as our commonalities, in shaping how we understand and appreciate L-S day-to-day.

Sincerely,

Nancy Marshall 
Beaver Pond Road

“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.