Hello Lincoln, It is with much enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for the Select Board for a three-year term beginning in March.
Reflecting on the past five and a half years as vice-chair of the School Building Committee (SBC), I cherish the time I've spent building relationships with my fellow committee members and residents in our community. The many conversations I've had in our community spaces or just walking the trails together have shaped my understanding of Lincoln's history and culture, as well as concerns for its future and the challenges ahead. This process has made me a better listener, collaborator and communicator. And it's the same dedication and commitment to inclusiveness, transparency and thoughtful leadership that have characterized my work on the SBC that I hope to bring to every aspect of my role on the Select Board. My family moved to Lincoln over a decade ago. It's when my daughters were enrolled at preschool at Lincoln Nursery School and kindergarten at the Lincoln School that we first walked the trails behind the deCordova and fell in love with Lincoln's natural beauty. It's also when I began to appreciate the town's commitment to its long-held traditions and core values, and I recognized the need to contribute to that history of stewardship. I chose volunteer opportunities that blended my skills of thoughtful questioning, data analysis and unwavering effort with a strong sense of teamwork. Over the years, that has included Lincoln School's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Chair, a board member for the Friends of the Lincoln Library, lead organizer of a community-wide kickball tournament, and as a contributor of the Citizen's Petition that recently renamed the Board of Selectmen to the Select Board. As vice-chair of the SBC, I have spent a great deal of time in front of our town's many boards and committees. These meetings have given me a tremendous respect for the exceptional level of volunteerism as well as a first-hand view into how our town is run and managed by our talented town staff. And as an SBC Outreach subcommittee member, I did everything I could to ensure that residents felt engaged with the decision-making process and informed of progress every step of the way. Our 200+ blog and LincolnTalk posts, videos, the SBC website, multiple mailings and handouts are a testament to the level of transparency we tried to achieve. The skills and expertise gained through a business career in supply chain management, process engineering, and market development have, without a doubt, been an asset throughout my many volunteer roles. Looking ahead, I am eager to share my experiences and knowledge as a crucial phase of the Community Center building project begins. It is a humbling process that requires tireless effort but also a tremendous opportunity to listen and learn from a great cross section of our residents. The town of Lincoln is also at an interesting crossroads with respect to the recent housing choice legislation for MBTA communities and the need for expanded housing options. It is a conversation that requires full community engagement as we reflect on what we value and decide on what zoning changes we will support. We are also at an inflection point when discussing next steps for the revitalization of Lincoln Station, transportation policy and the work of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Climate Action Plan and diversity and equity initiatives to name a few. Because these initiatives touch every part of our lives, they require broad based discussions from residents including those who serve on our many Town boards and committees. I look forward to contributing to these efforts and building consensus for the long term benefit of Lincoln. Also, in the coming weeks (just when it's getting really cold again!), you will see me at the Transfer Station and in front of Donelan's to meet and hear from you. In addition to those two locations, I'll look for additional opportunities to meet in person and discuss what's on your mind. More to come.... Finally, as I announce my candidacy, I would like to express my thanks to Jonathan Dwyer for his many years of service to the community, including his six years on the Select Board, and I respectfully ask for your support at the town election on Monday, March 27th. Sincerely, Kim Bodnar 11 Fox Run Road
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