Two seats out of five are open (three- year terms)
The Select Board serves as the chief executive board of the Town, and as such, oversees all matters affecting the interest and welfare of the community. The Board exercises the authority vested in the Town not specifically assigned by law to any other board or office.
Q1. What is your track record on environmental sustainability, including any related interests, experience, or initiatives
A1.
Colette Aufranc-
Work as a member of the Select Board:
When I joined the Select Board, just a few short months ago, I was delighted to be assigned the liaison role to the Mobility Committee. As the Select Board's representative on the Mobility Committee I have worked on the following:
Other Initiatives
Like many people, I have become more and more concerned about the environment and want to take concrete steps in my own life to live more sustainably. Luckily, I met the leaders of Sustainable Wellesley very early in the formation of the organization and have been supporting their efforts ever since. In 2018 I became the treasurer for Sustainable Wellesley and held that position until September of 2020, when I was elected to the Select Board. At that time I transitioned the position to the new treasurer, whom I introduced to Sustainable Wellesley’s leadership team. In addition to my role as treasurer from 2018 - 2020, I worked with the Wellesley Police Department to raise funds for and install a bike pump and rack station outside the Police Department. I also worked closely with Sustainable Wellesley leadership to help build a new website for the organization.
As treasurer of Sprague PTO (2010-12), I helped build budgets supporting many green schools initiatives, including the purchase of coffee mugs for use at PTO meetings, the establishment of the Sprague Garden, the installation of a permanent playground shade structure and tree planting. While treasurer of the Central Council of PTOs (2011-2015), I helped get the word out through all PTO treasurers in town to encourage participation in the incredibly successful “Power to Choose” campaign. As co-president at WHS PTSO (2018-19), I encouraged committees to use sustainable resources available from Wellesley Green Schools, including reusable banquet supplies.
Personal choices:
The choices my family and I make in the daily management of our lives include a focus on sustainability. We chose to live in a central location in town so we could walk to our everyday activities. I walked or cycled to elementary school with my children. My son continues to walk to school almost every day and my daughter took public transportation to her middle/high school in Boston. We walk into town for the shops, the library, restaurants - everything. I usually walk to the grocery store with my reusable bags! When we renovated our house in 2003, we took down one invasive tree and planted 50 arborvitaes in our very small (.06 acre) lot. I have an arborist inspect our two large shade trees every year, our landscaper was happy to stop using a blower and to leave grass clippings on our lawn. We do not use pesticides or fertilizers on our lawn. I use soap nuts for a good deal of our laundry and woolen balls in our dryer. My political campaign uses biodegradable lawn signs. We have a hybrid vehicle and I recently downsized my minivan to a mini. We conducted a home energy audit several years ago, replaced old windows with more energy efficient ones, were evaluated for solar energy, signed up for the food waste program the day it was launched and, more recently, the “Shave the Peak” program. We have programmable thermostats set at levels recommended for sustainable living. We have reduced our meat consumption and increased vegetarian meals.
In our family life, the outdoors holds a very special place for us. Hiking has always been a favorite family activity, starting with weekend walks around lake Waban when our children were very young and continuing to this day. We have walked or run every town trail together and make hiking and walking a centerpiece of every vacation we take together. My son is an avid catch and release fisher, my husband and daughter are committed runners and frequent cyclists, I walk on town trails several times a week.
Environmental protection is a strong value in my family. I have been aware of environmental concerns as far back as I can remember. As a child in Lincoln, MA, I sorted recyclables for the family and lived with a father who said “Put on a sweater,” whenever I mentioned the house was cold. The practice of “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints” was inculcated into me on our weekly hikes in the White Mountains and I attended overnight nature camp where I learned to respect everything in the natural world around me.
Ann-Mara Lanza-
In Wellesley, our home architect balked when I explained how much room I needed in my kitchen for recycling.
We are happy users of the RDF, so that we can ensure that we participate fully in the Town’s recycling program. And over the years we have made a game out minimizing the amount of our refuse that goes to landfill.
At Town Meeting, I have spoken in favor of, and voted for, every environmental initiative, from the plastic bag ban to the recent resolution on climate change.
When the Take In or Leave It area was closed at the RDF due to a failed override vote, I was one of the early volunteers to get it back up and running.
As a young parent at the Schofield Elementary School, I was an Environmental Coordinator, leading environmental programming for the children.
We’ve participated in the renewable energy program of the Wellesley Light Plant since its inception. Additionally, our family was one of the first in Wellesley to own a Tesla, purchasing a Signature Series in 2012.
My work as a Library Trustee for the past 13 years has enabled me to support one of the departments in town whose basic mission champions “reduce, reuse, recycle.”
Libraries are all about limiting our personal consumption and waste. From traditional reading materials to our newer “library of things”, the Wellesley Free Library allows residents to borrow items instead of purchasing them.
We have also worked with FMD to efficiently manage our HVAC system and install LED light bulbs in the garage and stairwells.
We are currently installing a new roof, which will allow for future installation of solar panels, enabling the WFL to be a solar showpiece for the community.
Odessa Sanchez-
I was a proud Camp Fire girl growing up in Newton Massachusetts. Camp Fire USA was founded in 1910, believing girls deserved the outdoor learning experiences that boys had. My mother was my group's leader and I earned the highest award ( WOHELO Medallion) and got a lot out of the program. I still live by the CAMP FIRE LAW: Worship God, Seek Beauty, Give Service, Pursue Knowledge, Be trustworthy, Hold on to health, Glorify work, Be happy! Today as a mother and wife, I take private actions like reusing, recycling, and repurposing. I also cultivate my own garden and join community sustainable groups to share more ideas and activities towards this goal. I take walks and utilize the MWRTA bus and MBTA services to get in and around Wellesley. I enjoy the beauty of our bountiful landscapes and walking paths.
I want to point out that for some families forced to live modestly- certain sustainable lifestyle methods are not a choice. I am most proud of an initiative that I spearheaded in my community called " Barton Rd Community Fridge Project ". We are committed to have the Fridge fully running this Spring 2021. Right now I am distributing donations on my own with the help of generous contributors. Volunteers are welcome to contact me for sign up opportunities.
Q2. How do you see sustainability and climate change as factors in the development of policy for the Town of Wellesley?
A2.
Colette Aufranc-
I see sustainability and climate change as critical factors in any and all policy development. It is simply a constant we have to have in our minds as we enter into these discussions to bring sustainable policies and actions into practice.
Although we are not a large municipality there is strong support from our residents, Town Meeting and the town government to develop policies that support sustainability. We are fortunate as a town to have the Sustainable Energy Committee working towards the development of a Climate Action Plan. This plan will help lay the roadmap for actions we can take and policies we can develop to reach our goals in addressing climate change. In balancing the limited resources we have as a town, we need to keep asking if the policies we develop lead to actions that result in the best value for our expended assets - whether that be staff time or dollars spent.
Ann-Mara Lanza-
There are many issues facing our community and our world. We need to consider the climate impact of projects in town, both municipal and private development. But, it isn’t all about reaching goals that we set for Wellesley. We need to also consider how Wellesley can be part of the regional plan for addressing climate change. Wellesley has a housing affordability challenge. I believe that we need to find ways to create housing options for seniors, young families and the town’s workforce. The lack of affordable housing options in Wellesley is a regional climate issue, as we require our workforce to drive long distances to reach their jobs in our schools, police force, fire department, local shops, and our homes. Also with a regional focus, we need to create housing options near train stations and within walking distance of our retail areas that will reduce residents’ reliance on cars by limiting both driving commutes to Boston and driving trips to the Mall.
I would also like to see us consider our role in environmental justice: How can we open up Wellesley to allow less fortunate people to experience healthier lives in our “Tree City?” Our society has relegated people of color to housing in areas with high levels of pollution, resulting in increased rates of asthma and lower educational outcomes. We have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families by creating affordable housing in an area with cleaner air and green open space.
Odessa Sanchez-
All decisions should consider the climate and environmental factors to guide them in policy discussions. The goal should be to have the town research any proposal carefully and always use the resources we have at our disposal responsibly. Climate change is affecting everyone but it's been known that it affects lower income communities the most. A recent study shows emissions have increased and public housing located near highways and railroads suffer the brunt of it. We need to ensure the health of our disenfranchised community by finding improvements in the area of outdoor activities, ventilation of units, proper nutrition, and transportation options to stay active and maintain connectedness.
Q3. As you know, Town Meeting passed the Select Board’s Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in October 2020. How do you envision this urgent resolution being carried out in the months ahead? What additional actions will you champion to ensure that the Town meets its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
A3
Colette Aufranc-
I envision each board and department including sustainability in their discussions of everyday agendas and work plans. By simply asking the question “what are the environmental impacts of these actions?” a more thoughtful, directed and effective conversation can take place. Measuring the impact of our policies will also be crucial in determining which are most effective. Going forward, Select Board budget write ups will call out department actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We will be aggregating the impact in the budget book this year.
My most significant liaison role as Select Board member to date has been with the Mobility Committee. Currently, the primary focus of this committee is to develop a Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP) to encourage alternative modes of transport and assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to developing the SMP, I have been working with the MWRTA to help facilitate a micro transit pilot program in Wellesley. I have also worked with the Trails Committee to advocate for connectivity between the existing trails on site at William Street and the surrounding trails network. One of the reasons I hope to remain on the Select Board is to continue this important work. It takes perseverance and many small steps, as well as some big wins, to move forward in addressing climate change.
Ann-Mara Lanza-
I was a vocal supporter of this article at Town Meeting. It is important we recognize, as a community, that we are in a climate emergency and that all projects in town are evaluated for climate impact. Wellesley has been the national example for our recycling program. We could lead in other areas. Specifically, I believe that the Town needs to have a coordinated plan for solar energy. I’d like to see research on the options for a solar farm at the high school, RDF, or another location in town, which I posit would be the most cost effect way to implement solar. Community solar generation is also valuable when you consider that not all residents have the opportunity to install their own solar panels, perhaps because they rent or, as in our case, they don't have a roof that is solar capable. (We have too many trees!) As a Trustee, I supported that the new roof on the Wellesley Free Library be designed to take solar panels, because solar panels on the roof of the library would be a prominent example for the community. Beyond solar, I would support a town effort to encourage EV charging stations throughout town. Additionally, I would like us to reduce the need for daily automobile usage by considering ways of increasing housing density near our commuter rail stations and providing free, electric buses for the schools (with coordinated efforts to change driving habits of families).
Odessa Sanchez-
I fully agree with the Select Board's resolution and I'm hopeful it will acquire the goals it champions. I envision establishing a new organization called, "Wellesley Climate Corps" or perhaps "Green Guards" to name a few, why not create educational programs to get students involved in activities that both educate and develop actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? One thing that could be improved is our lack of bike paths and public transportation. The resolution should focus on supporting small groups to start initiatives that move Wellesley forward. We could make Wellesley a more bike- friendly town.We should be an example for other towns to follow.
Q4. Given that the Select Board is responsible for making appointments to several important town committees, what will you do to ensure that at least some members of these committees will bring an understanding of environmental issues to Town matters under consideration?
A4
Colette Aufranc-
The Select Board appoints members to a wide range of important town boards and committees. In making appointments it is critical for the Select Board to weigh many factors - technical expertise, relevant experience, fit for the role, representation of different populations, and demonstrated understanding of the issues that are important to our town - environmental and sustainability matters included. We encourage people of all backgrounds and experiences to consider volunteering their time. In my experience to date we have been fortunate to have a broad selection of incredibly well qualified and balanced candidates. Going forward, I will thoughtfully consider the makeup of any committee or board to ensure it is composed of a well-qualified and balanced team who are concerned with all matters of great importance to our residents, including environmental and sustainability issues.
Ann-Mara Lanza-
The Select Board is responsible for appointing volunteers to, at least, 13 boards. Some of these boards, such as the Sustainable Energy Commission and the Municipal Light Plant are, naturally, boards that need members who bring a strong understanding of environmental issues. Other boards, such as the Board of Registrars of Voters, have a very different focus. I plan to carefully consider each board appointment. I believe that members of all boards should understand the values of our community and make decisions that support those values. The community dialog, as part of the process to create Wellesley’s Unified Plan, identified the following as our values: conservation and sustainability, diversity, sense of community, town character, excellence in service delivery, education (schools, library, recreational and COA), healthy life styles, connectivity with transportation choices, town asset management, business-friendly, collaboration, best-practice implementation, democratic government and citizen participation, and transparency. Town volunteers should understand and support all of these values.
Odessa Sanchez-
Choosing good people to serve on important committees is a responsibility that I feel should be taken very seriously. For any organization to be successful you need to seek leadership roles for a variety of purposes. Since the Climate Change resolution has passed, I believe all committees will be mindful of environmental issues when making any decision. A person with specialized knowledge about a subject might not necessarily be the best choice for the goal of having a collective knowledge-based group. An appointee should have excellent communication skills, be organized, have an expansive understanding of the committee's mission, and a strong ability and willingness to work with others.
The Select Board serves as the chief executive board of the Town, and as such, oversees all matters affecting the interest and welfare of the community. The Board exercises the authority vested in the Town not specifically assigned by law to any other board or office.
Q1. What is your track record on environmental sustainability, including any related interests, experience, or initiatives
A1.
Colette Aufranc-
Work as a member of the Select Board:
When I joined the Select Board, just a few short months ago, I was delighted to be assigned the liaison role to the Mobility Committee. As the Select Board's representative on the Mobility Committee I have worked on the following:
- MBTA Advisory Board representative for Wellesley
- Advocating for continued Commuter Rail service and Mass Pike capacity during the Allston-I90 multimodal project
- Advocating for greater public outreach and more responsive rebuilding of service by the MBTA as part of their "Forging Ahead" plan
- Advocating for a quicker and more nimble reopening plan for MBTA services
- MWRTA Advisory Board representative for Wellesley
- Working with the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) on a "micro transit" pilot for local ride shares as an alternative to fixed route bus service
- Sustainable Mobility Visioning Plan
- Worked with the Mobility Committee to issue a request for proposal to create a Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP) for Wellesley. The plan will address ways to increase the use of alternative modes of transport in Wellesley, lessen reliance on single occupancy vehicles, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Worked with a subset of the Mobility Committee to review proposal responses, interview candidates and select a consultant
- Engaged in working sessions to help build the SMP
- Worked with town staff to write grants for covered bicycle stands at Wellesley Middle School and improved traffic crossing signalizations to make walking and biking more attractive options for our students and residents.
Other Initiatives
- Advocating with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to expand trail connectivity between Wellesley Office Park and the nearby Quinobequin Trail and Hemlock Gorge. As a future site of 350 residential units, connectivity is critical.
- Attending "Safe Routes to School" conferences and working closely with the School Committee representative on mobility issues in order to move forward sustainable initiatives surrounding arrival and dismissal traffic.
Like many people, I have become more and more concerned about the environment and want to take concrete steps in my own life to live more sustainably. Luckily, I met the leaders of Sustainable Wellesley very early in the formation of the organization and have been supporting their efforts ever since. In 2018 I became the treasurer for Sustainable Wellesley and held that position until September of 2020, when I was elected to the Select Board. At that time I transitioned the position to the new treasurer, whom I introduced to Sustainable Wellesley’s leadership team. In addition to my role as treasurer from 2018 - 2020, I worked with the Wellesley Police Department to raise funds for and install a bike pump and rack station outside the Police Department. I also worked closely with Sustainable Wellesley leadership to help build a new website for the organization.
As treasurer of Sprague PTO (2010-12), I helped build budgets supporting many green schools initiatives, including the purchase of coffee mugs for use at PTO meetings, the establishment of the Sprague Garden, the installation of a permanent playground shade structure and tree planting. While treasurer of the Central Council of PTOs (2011-2015), I helped get the word out through all PTO treasurers in town to encourage participation in the incredibly successful “Power to Choose” campaign. As co-president at WHS PTSO (2018-19), I encouraged committees to use sustainable resources available from Wellesley Green Schools, including reusable banquet supplies.
Personal choices:
The choices my family and I make in the daily management of our lives include a focus on sustainability. We chose to live in a central location in town so we could walk to our everyday activities. I walked or cycled to elementary school with my children. My son continues to walk to school almost every day and my daughter took public transportation to her middle/high school in Boston. We walk into town for the shops, the library, restaurants - everything. I usually walk to the grocery store with my reusable bags! When we renovated our house in 2003, we took down one invasive tree and planted 50 arborvitaes in our very small (.06 acre) lot. I have an arborist inspect our two large shade trees every year, our landscaper was happy to stop using a blower and to leave grass clippings on our lawn. We do not use pesticides or fertilizers on our lawn. I use soap nuts for a good deal of our laundry and woolen balls in our dryer. My political campaign uses biodegradable lawn signs. We have a hybrid vehicle and I recently downsized my minivan to a mini. We conducted a home energy audit several years ago, replaced old windows with more energy efficient ones, were evaluated for solar energy, signed up for the food waste program the day it was launched and, more recently, the “Shave the Peak” program. We have programmable thermostats set at levels recommended for sustainable living. We have reduced our meat consumption and increased vegetarian meals.
In our family life, the outdoors holds a very special place for us. Hiking has always been a favorite family activity, starting with weekend walks around lake Waban when our children were very young and continuing to this day. We have walked or run every town trail together and make hiking and walking a centerpiece of every vacation we take together. My son is an avid catch and release fisher, my husband and daughter are committed runners and frequent cyclists, I walk on town trails several times a week.
Environmental protection is a strong value in my family. I have been aware of environmental concerns as far back as I can remember. As a child in Lincoln, MA, I sorted recyclables for the family and lived with a father who said “Put on a sweater,” whenever I mentioned the house was cold. The practice of “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints” was inculcated into me on our weekly hikes in the White Mountains and I attended overnight nature camp where I learned to respect everything in the natural world around me.
Ann-Mara Lanza-
In Wellesley, our home architect balked when I explained how much room I needed in my kitchen for recycling.
We are happy users of the RDF, so that we can ensure that we participate fully in the Town’s recycling program. And over the years we have made a game out minimizing the amount of our refuse that goes to landfill.
At Town Meeting, I have spoken in favor of, and voted for, every environmental initiative, from the plastic bag ban to the recent resolution on climate change.
When the Take In or Leave It area was closed at the RDF due to a failed override vote, I was one of the early volunteers to get it back up and running.
As a young parent at the Schofield Elementary School, I was an Environmental Coordinator, leading environmental programming for the children.
We’ve participated in the renewable energy program of the Wellesley Light Plant since its inception. Additionally, our family was one of the first in Wellesley to own a Tesla, purchasing a Signature Series in 2012.
My work as a Library Trustee for the past 13 years has enabled me to support one of the departments in town whose basic mission champions “reduce, reuse, recycle.”
Libraries are all about limiting our personal consumption and waste. From traditional reading materials to our newer “library of things”, the Wellesley Free Library allows residents to borrow items instead of purchasing them.
We have also worked with FMD to efficiently manage our HVAC system and install LED light bulbs in the garage and stairwells.
We are currently installing a new roof, which will allow for future installation of solar panels, enabling the WFL to be a solar showpiece for the community.
Odessa Sanchez-
I was a proud Camp Fire girl growing up in Newton Massachusetts. Camp Fire USA was founded in 1910, believing girls deserved the outdoor learning experiences that boys had. My mother was my group's leader and I earned the highest award ( WOHELO Medallion) and got a lot out of the program. I still live by the CAMP FIRE LAW: Worship God, Seek Beauty, Give Service, Pursue Knowledge, Be trustworthy, Hold on to health, Glorify work, Be happy! Today as a mother and wife, I take private actions like reusing, recycling, and repurposing. I also cultivate my own garden and join community sustainable groups to share more ideas and activities towards this goal. I take walks and utilize the MWRTA bus and MBTA services to get in and around Wellesley. I enjoy the beauty of our bountiful landscapes and walking paths.
I want to point out that for some families forced to live modestly- certain sustainable lifestyle methods are not a choice. I am most proud of an initiative that I spearheaded in my community called " Barton Rd Community Fridge Project ". We are committed to have the Fridge fully running this Spring 2021. Right now I am distributing donations on my own with the help of generous contributors. Volunteers are welcome to contact me for sign up opportunities.
Q2. How do you see sustainability and climate change as factors in the development of policy for the Town of Wellesley?
A2.
Colette Aufranc-
I see sustainability and climate change as critical factors in any and all policy development. It is simply a constant we have to have in our minds as we enter into these discussions to bring sustainable policies and actions into practice.
Although we are not a large municipality there is strong support from our residents, Town Meeting and the town government to develop policies that support sustainability. We are fortunate as a town to have the Sustainable Energy Committee working towards the development of a Climate Action Plan. This plan will help lay the roadmap for actions we can take and policies we can develop to reach our goals in addressing climate change. In balancing the limited resources we have as a town, we need to keep asking if the policies we develop lead to actions that result in the best value for our expended assets - whether that be staff time or dollars spent.
Ann-Mara Lanza-
There are many issues facing our community and our world. We need to consider the climate impact of projects in town, both municipal and private development. But, it isn’t all about reaching goals that we set for Wellesley. We need to also consider how Wellesley can be part of the regional plan for addressing climate change. Wellesley has a housing affordability challenge. I believe that we need to find ways to create housing options for seniors, young families and the town’s workforce. The lack of affordable housing options in Wellesley is a regional climate issue, as we require our workforce to drive long distances to reach their jobs in our schools, police force, fire department, local shops, and our homes. Also with a regional focus, we need to create housing options near train stations and within walking distance of our retail areas that will reduce residents’ reliance on cars by limiting both driving commutes to Boston and driving trips to the Mall.
I would also like to see us consider our role in environmental justice: How can we open up Wellesley to allow less fortunate people to experience healthier lives in our “Tree City?” Our society has relegated people of color to housing in areas with high levels of pollution, resulting in increased rates of asthma and lower educational outcomes. We have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families by creating affordable housing in an area with cleaner air and green open space.
Odessa Sanchez-
All decisions should consider the climate and environmental factors to guide them in policy discussions. The goal should be to have the town research any proposal carefully and always use the resources we have at our disposal responsibly. Climate change is affecting everyone but it's been known that it affects lower income communities the most. A recent study shows emissions have increased and public housing located near highways and railroads suffer the brunt of it. We need to ensure the health of our disenfranchised community by finding improvements in the area of outdoor activities, ventilation of units, proper nutrition, and transportation options to stay active and maintain connectedness.
Q3. As you know, Town Meeting passed the Select Board’s Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in October 2020. How do you envision this urgent resolution being carried out in the months ahead? What additional actions will you champion to ensure that the Town meets its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
A3
Colette Aufranc-
I envision each board and department including sustainability in their discussions of everyday agendas and work plans. By simply asking the question “what are the environmental impacts of these actions?” a more thoughtful, directed and effective conversation can take place. Measuring the impact of our policies will also be crucial in determining which are most effective. Going forward, Select Board budget write ups will call out department actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We will be aggregating the impact in the budget book this year.
My most significant liaison role as Select Board member to date has been with the Mobility Committee. Currently, the primary focus of this committee is to develop a Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP) to encourage alternative modes of transport and assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to developing the SMP, I have been working with the MWRTA to help facilitate a micro transit pilot program in Wellesley. I have also worked with the Trails Committee to advocate for connectivity between the existing trails on site at William Street and the surrounding trails network. One of the reasons I hope to remain on the Select Board is to continue this important work. It takes perseverance and many small steps, as well as some big wins, to move forward in addressing climate change.
Ann-Mara Lanza-
I was a vocal supporter of this article at Town Meeting. It is important we recognize, as a community, that we are in a climate emergency and that all projects in town are evaluated for climate impact. Wellesley has been the national example for our recycling program. We could lead in other areas. Specifically, I believe that the Town needs to have a coordinated plan for solar energy. I’d like to see research on the options for a solar farm at the high school, RDF, or another location in town, which I posit would be the most cost effect way to implement solar. Community solar generation is also valuable when you consider that not all residents have the opportunity to install their own solar panels, perhaps because they rent or, as in our case, they don't have a roof that is solar capable. (We have too many trees!) As a Trustee, I supported that the new roof on the Wellesley Free Library be designed to take solar panels, because solar panels on the roof of the library would be a prominent example for the community. Beyond solar, I would support a town effort to encourage EV charging stations throughout town. Additionally, I would like us to reduce the need for daily automobile usage by considering ways of increasing housing density near our commuter rail stations and providing free, electric buses for the schools (with coordinated efforts to change driving habits of families).
Odessa Sanchez-
I fully agree with the Select Board's resolution and I'm hopeful it will acquire the goals it champions. I envision establishing a new organization called, "Wellesley Climate Corps" or perhaps "Green Guards" to name a few, why not create educational programs to get students involved in activities that both educate and develop actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? One thing that could be improved is our lack of bike paths and public transportation. The resolution should focus on supporting small groups to start initiatives that move Wellesley forward. We could make Wellesley a more bike- friendly town.We should be an example for other towns to follow.
Q4. Given that the Select Board is responsible for making appointments to several important town committees, what will you do to ensure that at least some members of these committees will bring an understanding of environmental issues to Town matters under consideration?
A4
Colette Aufranc-
The Select Board appoints members to a wide range of important town boards and committees. In making appointments it is critical for the Select Board to weigh many factors - technical expertise, relevant experience, fit for the role, representation of different populations, and demonstrated understanding of the issues that are important to our town - environmental and sustainability matters included. We encourage people of all backgrounds and experiences to consider volunteering their time. In my experience to date we have been fortunate to have a broad selection of incredibly well qualified and balanced candidates. Going forward, I will thoughtfully consider the makeup of any committee or board to ensure it is composed of a well-qualified and balanced team who are concerned with all matters of great importance to our residents, including environmental and sustainability issues.
Ann-Mara Lanza-
The Select Board is responsible for appointing volunteers to, at least, 13 boards. Some of these boards, such as the Sustainable Energy Commission and the Municipal Light Plant are, naturally, boards that need members who bring a strong understanding of environmental issues. Other boards, such as the Board of Registrars of Voters, have a very different focus. I plan to carefully consider each board appointment. I believe that members of all boards should understand the values of our community and make decisions that support those values. The community dialog, as part of the process to create Wellesley’s Unified Plan, identified the following as our values: conservation and sustainability, diversity, sense of community, town character, excellence in service delivery, education (schools, library, recreational and COA), healthy life styles, connectivity with transportation choices, town asset management, business-friendly, collaboration, best-practice implementation, democratic government and citizen participation, and transparency. Town volunteers should understand and support all of these values.
Odessa Sanchez-
Choosing good people to serve on important committees is a responsibility that I feel should be taken very seriously. For any organization to be successful you need to seek leadership roles for a variety of purposes. Since the Climate Change resolution has passed, I believe all committees will be mindful of environmental issues when making any decision. A person with specialized knowledge about a subject might not necessarily be the best choice for the goal of having a collective knowledge-based group. An appointee should have excellent communication skills, be organized, have an expansive understanding of the committee's mission, and a strong ability and willingness to work with others.