I am running because our Town’s budget will continue to face challenges as we recover from the pandemic and the growing population and needs of our community. I am eager to ensure that we continue to invest in our public schools, libraries, sustainability initiatives and public works.

Years ago there was an article in the newspaper lamenting the fact that there were so few Precinct 1 Town Meeting members. I thought I should give it a try.

The short answer is: I love public service and the town of Natick. If elected to a 3rd term as a Town Meeting member, I would build on my current experience in town government to continue contributing to our town's welfare in several ways. My special focus of interest has been the senior community in Natick, but I am also a strong supporter of our public schools, the town's sustainability efforts, and the Cochituate Rail Trail and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

I have a true desire to serve our town and citizenry. The town has grown and developed tremendously over the years, the successful leadership from our current Superintendent of Schools is exciting and look forward to the future. Being apart of working downtown, I've gotten to know and observe the care and concerns they have. Advocated with and for neighbors to resolve difficulties in a building project has given me respect for the nuances of the Zoning and Planning Board processes. Continue to educate myself by watching Pegasus broadcasts of most boards and will go back and rewatch a board meeting to understand the why.

I’m running to promote progressive values, transparency, and a more responsive government. Social justice should be at the center of every decision we make as a town. Among other things, this means maintaining and building on our strong public school system, increasing affordable housing, and creating the infrastructure to ensure equitable access to sustainable transportation options. I also think there are tangible steps we can take to make our government more open and accessible to working people.

In our 14 years in Natick my family has benefitted from the work of so many neighbors who have volunteered their time and energy to run our representative government. Now it is my turn. Since we moved to Natick our family has grown from two to four and we have created strong ties in the community. I volunteer often to support the Johnson PTO and school activities including volunteering weekly to do Pool Testing at Wilson Middle School. I was active in the Natick Garden Club and Board for several years and ran the Club’s booth at Natick Earth Day. I have been on the Board of the Natick Special Ed Parent Advisory Committee for four years and many kids know me as “Dani the Gardener” from my business Little Sprout Gardens. I am grateful to live in such a vibrant and engaged town and want to help the town thrive. You can count on me to pay attention, do my homework and actively participate as a representative for Precinct 8.

Town Meeting is central to our form of government, where we all have access to important debates and decisions. I am seeking re-election because I have helpful experience and perspectives, and want to continue serving our community and my fellow TM members.

At most Town Meetings over the last 15 or so years there are initiatives on which I have worked on in a supporting or leading capacity, and I think it is valuable to be able to debate and offer motions and amendments.

For example, this Spring I am working speed limit legislation (also as a member of the Transportation Advisory Committee) and a revolving fund to support maintenance and enhancements to the Cochituate Rail Trail (as Chair of the CRT Advisory Committee), among other articles on the warrant.

If you are thinking of bringing forward an initiative to TM (or in some other venue) I am available to discuss how to make things happen in local government. I bring institutional memory to local government, while respecting the constant change and flow of new people, concerns and ideas.

I seek to continue to represent Precinct 10 at Town Meeting, where I have served since 2000. I’ve worked to protect open space through acquisition of land, transfer of Town-owned land to the Conservation Commission, and development of cluster zoning provisions that set aside portions of new developments as open space. I also strongly support new zoning that promotes the Natick 2030+ vision of a lively downtown with residences, businesses, restaurants and arts within a walkable distance. Likewise, I endorse the Natick 2030+ proposals to ensure a variety of housing types for all demographic and income levels.

At a time where folks are passionate about key issues such as diversity, inclusion, and antiracism, it's more important than ever to ensure our representative democracy allows all voices to be heard. If elected, I will represent the values and needs of all Precinct 6 constituents with empathy and understanding.

My professional career has focused on various roles supporting individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and a strong sense of home, health, community and purpose. I am very aware of the protective factors a community can offer to all, but especially youth and young adults. I want to take my combined knowledge of program administration, community engagement, and public policy to the next level as a member of my local government. I look forward to participating in decision-making that balances Natick's growth with preserving its spirit.

Good question! In the Fall, I found out that I had been "written in" as a Town Meeting candidate, and was therefore eligible to serve due to unexpected vacancies. I have long been a proponent of refraining from wearing too many hats, and encouraging new people to serve, but the timing was such that Fall Annual Town Meeting was scheduled to begin shortly, and it was likely that the seat would remain vacant if I didn't serve. So, I did, and I enjoyed the experience very much. As a member of the Select Board, I attend Town Meeting anyway, and I was slated to speak to Town Meeting members about a number of Articles on the Warrant. It was very rewarding to serve as a Town Meeting member as it allowed me to approach certain decisions from a somewhat different perspective. I was so impressed with how the Moderator, the Town Clerk, and so many others adjusted to the 'virtual' process and worked through the people's business in a professional and productive manner. I know so many people in Precinct 9 and I take time to know and understand all the matters before Town Meeting and how they will impact the lives of people in 'my' Precinct as well as the Town as a whole. This time around, I reached out to a few people in my precinct to encourage them to serve, but unfortunately did not have any luck, so I decided to run for election to Town Meeting - my first time doing so. If elected, I'll be prepared and engaged and do my best to represent the best interests of the people I serve. It's a privilege to serve and I'm humbled by the opportunity every day.

My family moved to Natick in 2014, and I became a Town Meeting Member in 2015. I ran for Town Meeting so that I could be an active member and make a difference in our community. As a mom to a wonderful autistic child, I am particularly passionate about our schools and keeping them strong for all of our learners. I also have a strong interest in sustainability initiatives and community economic development.