Table of Contents
Preferred contact method:
mbettencourt@winchester.us
What experiences and perspectives would you contribute to Town Meeting?
I have been a Town Meeting member since 2014 and a Select Board member since 2015. In that time, my perspective has been informed by establishing a deep connection with residents from all over town. I hear when residents want better service delivery, more investment in our schools, and increased value and support from our continually more connected community. As the needs of residents, of all ages and backgrounds, evolve, so does my work. I have extensive legislative experience before Town Meeting and have learned to find efficiencies in our government to pursue policy objectives that improve the lives of all residents.
What are two or three issues facing Winchester that you think are most important and what are your positions on them?
I think affordability is a significant issue for our community. I believe there is a direct cause and effect between rising costs and decreased enrollment in our schools--it's getting too expensive for many young families to move into the community, and a struggle for our existing residents to stay. While we run lean as a town, I believe we can work harder to strike a strategic balance between our commitment to services and rising costs.
Secondly, supporting our seniors' needs must remain robust. Our Council on Aging is a phenomenal resource for the entire community, but our support for our seniors looks different from what it did years ago and requires more of our attention and resources. It's about rides to medical appointments and events at the Jenks Center and Wright Locke Farm, thoughtful programming and outreach, and support for mental health and physical well-being, to name a few.
What is a special challenge in your precinct that might not be faced in other precincts?
I think the aging infrastructure on the West Side needs our attention. Many of the private roads built in the 1970's are deteriorating rapidly, and taxpayers don't benefit from the Town maintaining them. This creates safety issues for young learners walking between their homes, schools, and athletic fields, as well as for pedestrians and vehicle operators. I believe we need to create a pathway for the private roads to be evaluated, improved and taken back by the Town for ongoing maintenance.
Why should voters elect you to represent them?
I believe my long history of engagement and accomplishment will benefit residents. I work hard to bring stakeholders together and get results. I led the effort to successfully adopt the Community Preservation Act this past year, which will help support priority projects for residents while receiving state financial support. Additionally, I spearheaded efforts to develop affordable housing opportunities throughout the community to meet our state-mandated obligations and redevelop blighted properties throughout town. I will continue to support our schools with common-sense investment and work with all residents to build a better Winchester. I believe there is no problem, no matter how small or large, that is too big to tackle; if it is important to residents, it is important to me.
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