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[This article is syndicated in partnership with The Forum, the student newspaper of Lincoln-Sudbury.]
Radha Gargeya Runs for Select Board: “The town has given us so much that I feel it is our obligation to give something back.”
Radha Gargeya has lived in Sudbury for 28 years and has dedicated much of his time to serving the community including serving on the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee for twelve years. He was Chair for four years and Vice Chair for three. He is heading into the election with a three-part plan for our town.
First, he wants to focus on fiscal responsibility. As a member of multiple negotiation subcommittees, such as the Sudbury Budget Working Group and Budget Tasks Committee and the Joint Finance and Capital Liaisons, he has worked extensively on town budgets. He wants to be sure that Sudbury is prepared for the future and noted that, “In a government, you should not be surprised.” If elected, Gargeya would like to assist with the creation of fiscally responsible policies for operational budgets and long-term capital budgets. Gargeya has fulfilled many budget and finance-related positions and he is familiar with the responsibilities.
Second, Gargeya will work to improve “quality of life” in Sudbury. At the drop-in event, he expressed his love for the outdoors and preservation in our town. He is a former member of the Sudbury Walkway Committee and helped with the advancement of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Because of his prior experience, Gargeya would like to continue to prioritize the open space in Sudbury. A driving factor for Gargeya’s wish to preserve the nature of Sudbury is his love for the history of our town. As a current chair of the Sudbury 250 Committee (a group that meets to discuss the historical events of Sudbury, as well as celebrate 250 years since becoming a town), Gargeya enjoys learning more about the history of the land that comprises Sudbury. “As a Select Board candidate, I strongly believe that Sudbury must remain a leader in sustainability, accessibility, and regional connectivity…completing these projects and ensuring access for all will create a healthier, more connected, and more sustainable community for generations to come.” Gargeya seeks to continue this environmental work which he started many years ago in Sudbury.
Third, Gargeya would like to see more solar energy usage in Sudbury. During his years as chairman of the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee, Gargeya oversaw the creation of “Solar LS.” This project completed the solar canopies in the LS parking lot in 2015. These solar panels “have already saved LS a million dollars,” Gargeya stated about the idea of making the environment of our town more eco-friendly. Gargeya is focused on projects like this that aid both the environment and economics of our town. With his prior experience, Gargeya wishes to assist with more plans and policies for the future environmental state of Sudbury.
On top of his goals, Gargeya intends to make it clear that “everyone in town no matter who they are should feel valued, cherished and respected.” He added that “inclusion is an inviolable principle” and aims for community members to feel safe and welcome in our town. “I also believe the Select Board has an obligation to actively foster a sense of belonging and to stand up to hate in all its forms.” Gargeya is quite passionate about the idea of promoting an inclusive Sudbury.
Gargeya has a clear vision of what the future of our town should represent. He believes in government organization, preserving Sudbury, and including and accepting all. Gargeya has a variety of experience on past committees and subcommittees as well as volunteer services. For more information about Gargeya’s candidacy visit his website at radhaforsudbury.com. Eligible Sudbury voters can go to the polls on Monday, March 31st from 7am-8pm.