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Hi Precinct 8 neighbors! My name is Kathryn Mostow and I've been a Winchester resident for almost 10 years, first as a renter in Precinct 6 and for the past 5+ years as a homeowner in Precinct 8.
My Bio
I’m a single parent of 2 kids - one who is a WHS Class of 2023 alum (and current UMass-Amherst student) and one who is a current WHS sophomore. I’m also a former high school teacher, worked for 10 years as a public health educator, and currently do health-related prevention and education work in higher ed. I also volunteer for the Community Dispute Settlement Center in Cambridge, where I received training in mediation this past Fall 2024.
I grew up in Colorado and love the outdoors, so you can find me almost daily walking in and around Horn Pond, or using the Tri-Community Greenway path to walk into town. I’m a songwriter and musician, and have enjoyed performing in Winchester’s annual Porchfest. I love reading (I ❤️ Bookends!), gardening, and travel. Around town, I volunteer at Wright-Locke Farm and enjoy supporting the local businesses - both old and new.
Why Town Meeting?
This is my first time running for Town Meeting, and I am running in part to represent families and individuals who, like me, are living in Winchester on a more modest or fixed income. It was incredibly challenging to find a place that I could afford here, and we need more options for a wider range of individuals and families – ADUs, multi-family housing (like mine), and mixed-use projects. At the town level, I will speak up for affordable housing, thoroughly evaluate affordable housing proposals, and work to create a more welcoming community for people across the economic spectrum in Winchester.
I’m also running because I care deeply about public education and the important role our schools play in our community – whether we have kids in the system or not. As a former classroom teacher and parent of a current high schooler, I am able to see educational issues from multiple perspectives – as an educator, parent, and taxpayer. I believe this ability to see more than one side of an issue will allow me to advocate for a variety of concerns related to our schools, including the school budget.
I also have a personal passion for the arts and their ability to create more vibrant communities. The ongoing RiverWalk exhibition and the new Shore Road sculpture park are just a few examples of how public art can enhance our community while also creating a “destination” for folks outside of Winchester.
Finally, I am running because I want to give back to our precinct and represent our collective concerns in town government. I am proud to call Precinct 8 "home" – and grateful that I was able to find my place here. I want more individuals and families to feel at “home” in our precinct and to feel their voice is being heard at the town level.
If Elected, What Can You Expect?
If elected, I look forward to learning about your concerns and your hopes for our precinct and our town. You can expect that I will reach out to you in a number of ways: by walking through the Precinct 8 neighborhoods to meet you and say hello; by asking for feedback via surveys, email, and social media; and by showing up at community events. My goal will be to work closely with all Precinct 8 town meeting members to effectively represent YOU to the best of my ability. Thank you for your consideration and your vote!
