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Dear Sudbury residents,
I am writing to enthusiastically endorse Radha Gargeya and Lisa Kouchakdjian for the Select Board. Local governance is not easy. Select Board members must thoroughly understand issues, engage with constituents, and keep informed of state laws and regulations that impact local governance. Local leaders must collaborate to successfully navigate administrative, development, fiscal, infrastructure, public health and safety, and other challenges. Radha and Lisa are well prepared to serve the diverse needs and priorities of Sudbury residents, be stewards of our assets and infrastructure, ensure high quality services, and continue to foster an environment in which our families and neighbors can thrive.
Leadership requires energy, curiosity, accountability, respect, and commitment to engage in good faith. Both Radha and Lisa have demonstrated a deep commitment to collaboration, transparency, a sustainable operating budget, and responsible governance.
I served with Radha on the Lincoln Sudbury Regional School Committee. In fact, Radha’s leadership in making the LS solar canopy a reality was a factor in our move to Sudbury. We were so impressed to see an innovative parking lot and loved that LS greets students with innovation daily, even before they enter the building. In 2015, the solar canopy was “the first of its kind at a Massachusetts high school”. It continues to generate more than $100,000 per year in energy costs and offsets 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. That is quite a legacy for a School Committee member.
When I joined the committee, Radha was among the few members who fully understood regional finances and how they differed from single-town districts. He generously and repeatedly explained budgeting processes, funding methods, statutory assessments, and the roles of member towns in contributing to the budget. This was important because at least one long-term member continued to use committee time to debate the regional contributions without recognition or understanding that this is state law. Local leaders must focus on the pressing issues in their purview and not waste precious time.
Lisa was among the first people I met in Sudbury. She has always been unwavering in her commitment to helping residents flourish and is generous with her time and skills. When LS needed to update the entire policy manual, she guided me as Chair of the Policy Committee, as she had just led the work for SPS. Her support resulted in a fully revised, updated, and digitized Policy manual for the district. We are lucky that Lisa combines her legal background with her commitment to diversity, accessibility, and accountability, to further the work of SEPAC, the Commission on Disability, the Sudbury School Committee, and Select Board. Her endless energy and contributions to policy and professional development, capital planning, recreation facilities, and public safety help our town and residents thrive.
I know firsthand that our town and schools suffer when we have candidates who are divisive, disrespectful, and ego driven. Sudbury deserves leaders who work respectfully with all town administrators and staff, who accurately convey fiscal matters in meetings and campaign videos, and who always attend meetings prepared, mastering the details of key issues. We need leaders like Radha and Lisa who work energetically for the entire community, demonstrate humility, compassion, and attention to detail across topics and challenges. I urge you to support candidates who embody the values of collaboration and integrity and cast your vote Radha Gargeya and Lisa Kouchakdjian.
Dr. Candace Miller, Sudbury.