I am writing to encourage my fellow Lexington residents to vote to re-elect Jill Hai to the Select Board on March 5.
For those who are avid viewers of the Monday night Select Board meetings (on-site, on-line, or on Channel 37), you already know much of this, but for others it’s important to consider the range of issues covered by the Board on any given night and throughout the year and the experience that Jill brings to these decisions. The Board continuously reviews proposals to deliver new projects and improved services to the town while staying within the bounds of the Town budget to avoid tax overrides (Jill served on the Capital Expenditures Committee for 5 years - Chair for 4 years). The Board regularly drops into executive session to review and approve the dozen union contracts that cover Town staff (Jill’s career was as a labor attorney and HR Director). Issues involving zoning and new developments are often raised (Jill served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Safe Routes to School, and Sidewalk Committee). Importantly, Jill served as the President of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), representing and advocating for issues critical to all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Clearly, she is well respected by her peers across Massachusetts.
When it comes to sustainability issues, Jill will raise questions related to how the Town will pay the up-front costs for initiatives (acknowledging the long-term operational benefits) and whether the proposal will add unplanned hours of work for Town staff (as a Board Member should). Proponents of those initiatives (like myself) have to make the case for the proposal (as we should). That said, Jill has been a reliable vote for these efforts. A quick review of recent efforts (and Jill’s votes) include: Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Building Demonstration Program (Yes), Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code (Yes), funding for Curbside Composting (Yes), Zero Waste Plan (Yes), Resilient Lexington Climate Action & Resilience Plan (Yes), opposition to the private jet hangars expansion at Hanscom (Yes), updates to the Tree Bylaw (Yes, multiple times) . . . and the list goes on.
Jill brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership across a range of important issues in our town. With the new high school and other issues poised to test our ability to meet those challenges while remaining fiscally responsible, it is important to ensure that Jill’s experience remains on the Select Board.
Todd Rhodes
Marrett Road
Treasurer, Jill Hai for Lexington
This Letter originally appeared in The Lexington Observer on February 9, 2024
