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Four years ago, my family chose Sudbury for its values of inclusion, equity, and collaboration. In our previous town, I fought tirelessly for accessible playgrounds, only to face resistance and even hostility. That experience made me realize just how crucial local elections are in shaping the values of a community. It also made me question whether that town was the right place for my family—I wanted my children to grow up in a community where everyone is valued and welcomed.
During the pandemic, I closely followed school committee meetings in several towns, including many of our peer districts. One thing became clear—students with IEPs and 504 plans were often overlooked. But in Sudbury, Lisa Kouchakdjian, then a member of the SPS School Committee, consistently asked, “This is great work, but what about the students with IEPs?” Her unwavering commitment to inclusion during a time of crisis convinced me that Sudbury was the right place for my family. If the voters had chosen a leader like Lisa, then inclusion and the well-being of all neighbors must be a priority in this town. So, we moved.
As we approach the upcoming election, it’s essential that we continue to elect leaders who prioritize inclusion, collaboration, and equity. That’s why I am proud to endorse:
- Lisa Kouchakdjian and Radha Gargeya for the Select Board
- Charles Morton and John (Jack) Ryan for the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee
Collaboration is the foundation of strong leadership. It’s not enough for elected officials to focus solely on their own committees—they must work across boards, engage with the community, and seek out diverse perspectives. These candidates understand that true progress comes from shared goals, mutual respect, and open dialogue.
But leadership is also about empowerment. We need leaders who uplift others, mentor new voices, and create space for everyone to contribute. The strongest communities are built not just by decision-makers, but by those who inspire others to lead.
Sudbury’s staff, volunteers, and administrators work hard every day to make this town a place we’re proud to call home. We need leaders who value those efforts, amplify every voice, and make decisions that reflect our collective vision.
Serving as an elected or appointed official is not easy. The political landscape can be challenging, and it’s all too tempting to cater to the loudest voices. That’s why, when I vote, I look for leaders who govern with empathy, integrity, respect, and collaboration.
It took just one school committee member’s dedication to inclusion to inspire my family to move to Sudbury. At the time, I had never met Lisa, nor could I have imagined that we would later work together on the Commission on Disability. Now, after speaking with Lisa, Radha, Charles, and Jack, I have no doubt that they will not only inspire and unite our community but also take action to move Sudbury forward.
Please join me in supporting these exceptional candidates to ensure that our town remains strong, united, and forward-thinking.
Mark your calendars and vote on March 31st—your voice matters!
I am an elected member of the Sudbury School Committee and also an appointed member of the Commission on Disability; however, I am writing this letter in my personal capacity as a Sudbury resident. My views are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Sudbury School Committee, Sudbury Public Schools, Commission on Disability, or the Town of Sudbury.