BURLINGTON WEATHER

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The following responses were submitted by candidates for Precinct 7 Town Meeting seats. Responses are published as submitted with very light editing for grammar and spelling.

See all precincts in our Election Corner.

Candidates for six 3-year seats

Joseph Busa

Tell voters a little about your background.
I was born and raised in Burlington. I graduated from Burlington High School in 1999. I was accepted into the local 537 Pipefitters, where I've been a proud member for 18 years. My wife and I have two children, Joey and Tessa, whom we're fortunate enough to raise in this wonderful town.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting, or why are you seeking re-election?
I believe my construction background provides valuable insights into the numerous challenges this town will encounter in the coming years regarding infrastructure and growth.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?
Zoning Bylaws

Aging Infrastructure

I will also be leading the charge to implement a time limit for town meeting members to speak during our meetings. A significant amount of time is wasted on irrelevant comments and opinions that hinder the progress for the people who elected us to get work done!!

What do you see as the three biggest issues facing Burlington right now and how should Town Meeting address them?
The tax burden on residents — responsible spending is the only way.

Aging infrastructure — I believe with my background I can offer some solutions not yet considered.

Responsible growth — how much more growth can the town handle?

The high school debt exclusion vote failed last fall. What do you think happens next and what role should Town Meeting play?
Go back to the drawing board. There are many other options available that could be considered. During these meetings, focus on facts and numbers and stay on topic.

Burlington has significant capital needs — including a new high school — at a time when many residents are feeling the pressure of rising costs. How will you weigh those competing realities when voting on major expenditures?
This is a constant challenge I encounter at my job. We face the risk of incurring significant upfront costs to replace a building or continue patching up the problem and hoping for the best. However, relying solely on hope can often lead to more expensive solutions in the long run. I intend to present these issues at the town meeting so that we can base our discussion on concrete, real-life facts.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?
I have always found open dialogue is best for working out challenges.

Betsey Hughes

Tell voters a little about your background.
I have lived in Burlington since 2015 and have represented the residents of Precinct 7 on Town Meeting since 2016. I am mostly retired from a career leading Human Resources for a number of companies and managing operations and product development for others. After retiring from my corporate role, I have consulted with companies on organizational strategy and design, executive coaching, compensation and employee relations.

Since joining Town Meeting I have been both Vice Chair and Chair of the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee, where I co-developed the recently adopted Town Center Signage Zoning Guidelines, and introduced a Bylaw to address accountability for Town Meeting Member absences. I currently Chair the Burlington Government Review Committee. I am on the Board of the Friends of Mary Cummings Park and am President of the Board for Holly Glen Condominium Trust.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting, or why are you seeking re-election?
Burlington is a wonderful place to live and I want to help in whatever way I can to keep it that way. I have worked very hard to represent the interests of both the residents of Precinct 7 and the Town and would like the opportunity to continue to do so.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?
I believe that it is my job to represent the best interests of both Precinct 7 and the Town. I encourage and welcome input on all issues that we face as a Town and have done my best to represent those views in my role on Town Meeting.

What do you see as the three biggest issues facing Burlington right now and how should Town Meeting address them?
The three largest issues that we face are:

  1. Financial — Cultivating an environment that will help us to sustain and improve our commercial base that in turn subsidizes the residential tax rate.
  2. Education — Supporting the creation of a reasonable plan for the construction of a new high school balancing the needs of both our taxpayers and our students.
  3. Structure — Assuring that the size and structure of our Town government is appropriate for the needs of its constituents now and in the future. Balancing the financial realities we face with the priorities of our residents. Keeping in mind the goal of providing timely and accurate responses to Burlington constituents' issues while maintaining our "small town feel" and easy access to Town representatives and employees.

The high school debt exclusion vote failed last fall. What do you think happens next and what role should Town Meeting play?
It is incumbent upon the School Committee and Administration to develop a proposal that will result in the State's support for this project. Repeated failure to do this is unacceptable. As Town Meeting Representatives we should continue to exercise our voice on this issue until this deficiency is addressed.

Burlington has significant capital needs — including a new high school — at a time when many residents are feeling the pressure of rising costs. How will you weigh those competing realities when voting on major expenditures?
As a Town Meeting Member it is important to balance the long term and short term needs of the Town and our residents. Critical parts of our infrastructure and resulting capital expenses should be planned for strategically, staged over time and not be considered in isolation. We first need to be sure that expenditures are necessary and no other options are available. Once that is determined we need a timetable to address them. We cannot just push these important decisions down the road as that eventually will make it more difficult and expensive for all of us.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?
Over the years I have developed a contact list for Precinct 7 which I use to stay in touch with residents on issues. Additionally I welcome calls and notes from residents asking questions or voicing their thoughts on any topic.

Jonathan Sachs

Tell voters a little about your background.
Semi retired graphics person, founder of Burlington Sculpture Park, Town Meeting over 10 years, on the board of Friends of Mary Cummings Park.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting, or why are you seeking re-election?
Lots of important issues that affect our town's future.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?
Vote for what makes sense for Burlington.

What do you see as the three biggest issues facing Burlington right now and how should Town Meeting address them?
Funding high school renovation, keeping commercial tax base strong, cost of housing. We need a realistic high school plan, active work on the somewhat empty office parks, we need a town generated program for affordable housing to keep our elder residents here.

The high school debt exclusion vote failed last fall. What do you think happens next and what role should Town Meeting play?
We need a revised and realistic plan. Town Meeting can and should advise.

Burlington has significant capital needs — including a new high school — at a time when many residents are feeling the pressure of rising costs. How will you weigh those competing realities when voting on major expenditures?
With great difficulty.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?
Good question. I have considered having a Precinct 7 meeting to talk to our voters.

Mark Smukler

Tell voters a little about your background.
My wife Jan and I have lived in beautiful Seven Springs for almost 8 years. We love it here — so close to everything we need in a special setting. We moved here to be close to family when we retired. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I went to school at Pittsburgh and Wisconsin in Communications. Most of my career was at Public Television and Public Radio stations managing news, community and arts programming.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting, or why are you seeking re-election?
A friend that I worked with, who has been an active part of the Burlington community, encouraged me to become Town Meeting Member. I've served on Town Meeting since January, 2025 and have been a member of the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee (ZBRC) since June. It has been rewarding to get to know both the citizens and professionals that serve the Town of Burlington. Town Meeting membership is not a huge commitment and you can contribute as much time and energy as you want. I enjoy doing my part to help Burlington continue to be a great place to live and work and encourage others to get involved.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?
I think representing Precinct 7 is a special responsibility because of how important this precinct is to Burlington's budget. A lot of the businesses in town are in this precinct, and business accounts for about 2/3rds of the revenue to fund the town and the schools. This keeps our residential taxes relatively low and allows the town to maintain a high level of service. Keeping Precinct 7 both business and resident friendly is crucial to the quality of life we enjoy. Also, many of the new zoning initiatives are in Precinct 7 and that's why I find my work on ZBRC rewarding.

What do you see as the three biggest issues facing Burlington right now and how should Town Meeting address them?

  1. Achieving and maintaining excellent schools. Great communities have great schools. Town Meeting will be dealing with the future of Burlington High School in the coming year.
  2. Maintaining the tax base in a changing world of work and shopping while maintaining Burlington's character into the future. Town Meeting has been working along with other parts of Town Government and the business community in several initiatives to create desirable live/work environments.
  3. Implementing affordable housing initiatives. Burlington, like many Massachusetts communities, continues to figure out how to have more and different kinds of affordable housing while maintaining the qualities that make the town special. Town Meeting has approved a new apartment on Middlesex as part of the Commonwealth's initiative. Others are in the works. Town Meeting has also passed new zoning to allow development in current underused parking in and around the mall.

The high school debt exclusion vote failed last fall. What do you think happens next and what role should Town Meeting play?
This was a very contentious issue last year with both sides wanting what is best for Burlington. I think there's been a conscious effort for school and town leadership to work quietly to develop plans while things are allowed to cool down. Solutions will emerge that will come to Town Meeting to discuss, potentially amend, and to approve.

Burlington has significant capital needs — including a new high school — at a time when many residents are feeling the pressure of rising costs. How will you weigh those competing realities when voting on major expenditures?
In the short run I think Town Meeting has to become more deliberate and budget conscious during the May budget process, as well as all year long. There are needs as well as threats that need to be continually balanced. We will need to be conscious of the tax burden of all our residents and businesses while working to address the very real needs of the community. We also need to be open that Burlington's future will likely be different than its past and present and develop plans to realize that future success.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?
While I represent everyone in Precinct 7, I take a special responsibility to represent the interests of people whose home address includes an apartment or unit number — they are underrepresented in the Town Meeting and many are long-term residents. I will make myself available at meetings and events, on various communication platforms, and by putting my email out there — mark.smukler@gmail.com. People will speak when they know somebody is listening, and I'm going to try to let people know that I am.

David Webb

No response was received.

Note: With Jack Kelly's candidacy for the Planning Board, there will be an open three-year seat.

Candidates for one 2-year seat

Note: There are no candidates for this one-year seat, leaving one open seat.

Candidates for one 1-year seat

Neal Lespasio

Tell voters a little about your background.
I've lived in Burlington for over 20 years with my wife and am proud to call it home. I've spent my entire career working in facilities environments, where I've been responsible for infrastructure, long-term planning, budgeting, and maintaining complex operations. Given my professional background in facilities and long-term infrastructure planning, I understand how important it is to invest wisely while managing costs responsibly.

Growing up in a military family, I lived in many locations across the United States and overseas. That experience gave me a strong appreciation for community, public service, and responsible stewardship of resources — values I carry with me in my work and in serving Burlington.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting, or why are you seeking re-election?
I'm seeking re-election because I believe the work we're doing matters and I want to continue contributing to thoughtful, responsible decision-making for our town. During my time on Town Meeting, I've worked to stay informed, engage constructively in debate, and consider both the financial and long-term impacts of our votes.

There are still important issues ahead — including budgeting, infrastructure planning, and maintaining strong community services — and I'd like to continue helping ensure that decisions are made carefully, transparently, and in the best interest of all residents.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?
As a Town Meeting Member representing my precinct in Burlington, I see my role as being an informed and responsible voice for my neighbors. My charge is to carefully review proposals, ask thoughtful questions, and weigh both the financial and long-term impacts of every vote.

I believe we must continue supporting strong schools while being mindful of the tax burden on residents. With ongoing development in Burlington, Town Meeting plays an important role in ensuring growth is balanced, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the character and future of our community. Just as importantly, I aim to be accessible and responsive to the people I represent.

What do you see as the three biggest issues facing Burlington right now and how should Town Meeting address them?
First, our schools are central to the strength of our community. Town Meeting must ensure they are adequately funded while carefully reviewing budgets to maintain efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Second, Burlington continues to experience commercial and residential development. Town Meeting should ensure growth is balanced, aligned with our infrastructure capacity, and consistent with the character of the town, while leveraging commercial revenue to support residents.

Third, we must remain mindful of the tax burden. That means responsible financial planning, thoughtful capital investments, and maintaining strong reserves so we can meet future needs without unexpected strain on taxpayers.

The high school debt exclusion vote failed last fall. What do you think happens next and what role should Town Meeting play?
The failure of the high school debt exclusion vote signals that many residents had concerns — whether about cost, timing, scope, or tax impact. I think the next step is to carefully reassess the proposal, understand clearly why it didn't pass, and determine whether adjustments can be made to address those concerns while still meeting the long-term needs of our students.

Burlington has significant capital needs — including a new high school — at a time when many residents are feeling the pressure of rising costs. How will you weigh those competing realities when voting on major expenditures?
When voting on major expenditures, I would focus on necessity, long-term value, and tax impact. If a project is essential — like ensuring a safe and effective high school — we have a responsibility to address it.

At the same time, we must be mindful of affordability by carefully reviewing scope, pursuing outside funding, and planning responsibly. The goal is to make necessary investments while protecting residents from unsustainable tax increases.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?
I plan to be accessible and proactive in seeking input from my constituents — through email, phone, community events, and direct conversations with neighbors.

Jami Weber

Tell voters a little about your background.
Hello, my name is Jami Weber, and I have been a precinct seven resident of Burlington since 2018. I have been active on local committees in town, currently, I serve on the wellness committee for the school department. I have been active on PTOs at both the middle and elementary school level. I also taught and volunteered for Religious Education, and I am very passionate about our community.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting, or why are you seeking re-election?
I'm running for Town Meeting to help support thoughtful, responsible, and transparent decision making in our community.

Town Meeting plays a vital role in shaping Burlington from budgets and schools to infrastructure and local priorities. I believe these decisions are strongest when they reflect a wide range of voices and perspectives and encourage community involvement.

I'm also hoping to encourage more neighbors to get involved. Whether it's attending meetings, asking questions, or considering serving, community participation makes a real difference. We truly need some new voices and perspectives.

If you care about where our town is headed, I'd love to connect and hear your thoughts.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?
Fiscal responsibility, prioritizing town projects, budgeting, improving infrastructure, help keep our community affordable for all residents.

What do you see as the three biggest issues facing Burlington right now and how should Town Meeting address them?
New school, retaining commercial real estate, overrides

The high school debt exclusion vote failed last fall. What do you think happens next and what role should Town Meeting play?
A better developed plan and cost which is responsible and meets needs of our community.

Burlington has significant capital needs — including a new high school — at a time when many residents are feeling the pressure of rising costs. How will you weigh those competing realities when voting on major expenditures?
Voting respectfully and responsibly reflecting the values and community which I represent.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?
Opening dialogues and education about current community issues.

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