To the editor and to Wellesley voters:
With this letter, I announce my candidacy for re-election to the Wellesley Planning Board, and I ask for your vote on March 4.
My wife and I moved to Wellesley nearly 29 years ago, drawn by the unique combination of strong schools and charming character. Ensuring Wellesley maintains this vibrancy while adapting to the changing times will not be easy, but it is my commitment and my goal. I believe experience and passion to do the hard work make me a good choice for the Planning Board for the next five years. As Planning Board member for the last five years and Planning Chair for the last two, I have brought even-handed leadership and a commitment to fair and fact-based explorations of potential projects, often amid highly emotional discussions.
A collaborative approach will be crucial for the future work of the Planning Board. Having achieved 40B affordability compliance and MBTA Communities zoning compliance, the next five years will be less straightforward, as Wellesley balances infrastructure, economic development and character in order to maintain a vibrant and diverse Town. Wellesley needs Planning Board members committed to listening, give-and-take dialogues and patience—so that a broad set of stakeholders are part of “figuring it out”.
I believe strongly in finding housing solutions that address multiple needs in Wellesley:
- Additional and diverse downsize/retirement options for existing homeowners
- More “starter” homes to enable young families to move into town
- Mid-priced housing options for those who work for our Town or work in our local businesses
- Continuously staying ahead of mandated affordable housing levels
At the same time, Wellesley has several initiatives that will need to be addressed in the coming years:
- Stewardship of MBTA Communities projects and implementation of the Strategic Housing Plan
- Barton Road/Cedar Street refurbishment/redevelopment
- Retirement and senior housing options
- A plan for the North 40
It will take significant dialogue to find consensus solutions that respect a property owner’s rights, maintain neighborhood character, improve infrastructure, and keep the Town economically strong. I know I can help the Planning Board tackle these challenges with vision, leadership, clarity of thought, and civility. Wellesley is an amazing place, and together we can work to grow its strength and its appeal for the next generation.
Election Day is March 4, and I ask for your support to re-elect me, Tom Taylor, to your Planning Board. It would be my honor to continue to serve Wellesley as a volunteer member for the next 5 years.
Thank you
Tom
About Tom Taylor:
- 5 years on Wellesley Planning Board, including the most recent 2 years as Chair
- 28+ year resident
- 2 grown children educated in Wellesley Public Schools
- Consultant and start-up executive (retired)
- Wellesley soccer and softball coach (also retired)
- Active throughout the community; including church Trustee, Natick Community Farm Board Member and Treasurer, President of local alumni club (UVa Club of Boston)
- Wellesley Connects mentor at Wellesley High School
- Engineering bachelor’s degree (UVa) and MBA (Northwestern/Kellogg)
