Table of Contents
Preferred contact method:
megan.n.bill@gmail.com
What experiences and perspectives would you contribute to Town Meeting?
I have been a resident of Winchester for over 12 years, an active Town Meeting Member and former member of the Town Finance Committee, and a volunteer at Ambrose, McCall, and Winchester High School. I have two children in Winchester schools. I also work full-time at a startup in Boston.
What are two or three issues facing Winchester that you think are most important and what are your positions on them?
Winchester needs a sustainable budget solution that does not require extra funds from an override every five or so years. The important work started by the State of the Town Committee should continue to identify and vet new sources of revenue to fund the budget and to support education, capital projects, and new initiatives.
A few years ago, there was a Communications Study Committee that proposed new ways to improve the flow of information in Winchester. A few of their suggestions have been implemented and communication has improved, but what more can be done to reach a wider audience? I was shocked that many of my neighbors didn't know about the recent override discussions. What more can be done to help get the word out?
What is a special challenge in your precinct that might not be faced in other precincts?
I live near the Packer-Ellis Tennis Courts, which are a wonderful asset for the town, as not many places have clay tennis courts available to the public. These courts need repairs, though, as many are flooded after a good storm and the railing near the spectator area has deteriorated, making it unsafe. Although a $150K study was recently funded by Town Meeting to look at potential solutions to improving the courts, none of this money went to immediate repairs. It is also unclear how to fund the $10M+ solution proposed by the study. This example speaks to the larger issue in Winchester of how to preserve buildings, parks, and tennis courts and how to ensure that adequate funding is allocated to capital repair and maintenance.
Why should voters elect you to represent them?
I believe that our best representatives ask questions and keep residents informed. In my last term as a Town Meeting Member, I have advocated for clearer bylaws, for information to be shared with Town Meeting and the general public earlier, and for more transparent financial information. I will continue to be an active Town Meeting Member if reelected.
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