Election 2025: Town Meeting Member Profiles: Precinct 3

This article is a part of the Burlington Buzz Election 2025 Series, in which we profile each candidate for election. This year's election is on April 5, 2025, and our mission is to make it easy for all registered voters to vote by ensuring the community has access to information about the candidates and issues on the ballot. ELECTION CORNER

Christopher Hartling

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

55 year resident, Burlington public Schools educated, over 20 years TMM, Select Board for 6 years, 2 years chairman. Served on Ways & Means, Council on aging advisory board, and Boards of Directors for Burlington Baseball/Softball and Burlington Pow Warner. I am a Civilian Police Dispatcher, I live with my wife and two children and my Mother in law is also a property owner/taxpayer. 40+ year member of St Veronica Parish.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

I enjoy having input on how our town government runs. My experience gives me insight and perspective that can be useful in decision making and also to other members. I also have a good relationship with decision makers in our government so I am comfortable asking questions and doing necessary research when it is called for.

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

To be open minded, to ask relevant questions, to help newer/inexperienced members, and to vote items/issues on their own merit. Most importantly to give my neighbors a voice at Town Meeting.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

Invest in infrastructure, improve our public school performance to keep local kids in Public schools, partner with The State/Commonwealth on a transportation center collaboration aimed at making Burlington a transportation HUB so as to generate revenue to ease the tax burden on residents and businesses.

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

Present creative ideas when appropriate, offer feedback when asked, ask pointed questions when more information is needed in order to vote on an item.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

Town meeting's role should be to truly understand how other residents feel about their tax bills. Our demographics are different than what they were when I was a kid but there is still a wide range of people at different income levels that pay taxes. Nobody should ever be forced out of their home or commercial property because of an untenable tax bill. For example, YES a new High School would potentially make my home more marketable but this should not drive my decision regarding how much we should spend to build it. Town meeting members should vote in accordance with what makes sense for ALL and not simply for what they themselves can afford or tolerate when it comes to property taxes.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

Accessory Dwelling Units will help with this, an open minded and available building department should be willing/able to work with homeowners who pursue this type of enhancement.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

I am available by email and I am responsive when contacted. Since I started on Town Meeting over 20 years ago I have always made it a point to discuss relevant town issues with my peers/friends/neighbors. I believe that conversation is the best way to discuss issues and to learn how others feel. I've discussed town issues at ballgames, in stores and when out for a walk around town.

Sharon Lore

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

I've worked in the Semi Conductor Industry as a Pricing Analyst for over three decades. Being a single mom with four children and two grandsons.
Which has had its challenges as well as an incredible amount of pride and joy. I'm extremely active with my church community. I deeply care about ALL people. My goal is to continue working as a TMM and roll up my sleeves to understand and resolve the issues within Burlington. Also to celebrate and preserve the growth for many generations to come.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

To continue my journey as being a voice for Burlington. Helping our community grow and thrive with an analytical and commonsense approach.

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

Precinct 3 has a tremendous amount of growth potential. Commercial and Residential space are interwoven. Maintaining a reasonable balance of both is necessary. However, we need to ensure that we protect the charm and quaintness of our neighborhoods. Grow our commercial space with guidelines and creativity.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

Transparency, Taxes and Community.

Transparency.... Making sure the entire community is aware of any significant changes in Burlington via mailings. Local media outlets, notifications at Town Hall and Senior Center.

Taxes.... We are very fortunate to have a modest tax base. Moving forward we need to watch our spending and have Ways and Means create a timeline chart which clearly outlines the next one, five and ten year capital expenditures. Along with the projected cost to the Burlington tax payers.

Community...... Making sure that our aging population can afford to maintain their homes with dignity and respect. Making sure our students have the academic and social tools to soar into adulthood. Making sure are neighborhoods remain affordable, safe and clean. Consistently, publicizing community resources and networks.

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

Most importantly, researching and understanding the entire issues. Engaging with the community for their invaluable input. Lastly, advocating based on facts and input from my constituents, various committees and professionals.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

We play a critical role in decision making, as it's a major component as a TMM. We're the VOICE of our community. TMM needs to collaborate and press for reasonable solutions.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

Burlington TMM has recently passed several rezoning warrents for multi dwelling units with commercial space. They've also created and approved a bylaw for Accesory Dwelling Units.

We still need to work on finding a viable solution for affordable housing.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

I'll prefer knocking on my constituents doors. Face to face conversations.
Emailing is also a great way to send and receive input.

Martha Simon

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

I raised my children here and I was a teacher for 38 years. 10 years ago, I was on Town Meeting, and then I was on the Burlington School Committee for 9 years. I want to continue working to help and improve Burlington.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

I want to continue to help and improve Burlington.

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

To be a voice for my constituents and to advocate for what's best for Burlington.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

Support for the schools, continue to provide our excellent town services, and help Burlington adapt to climate change. Town Meeting has been a strong supporter of the schools and Town services in the budget. Town Meeting can take a more active role in climate resilience.

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

I will educate myself on the issues and actively participate in Town meetings.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

Town Meeting should support future planning in our building projects.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

The recent zoning changes are a good start to addressing these issues in Burlington.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

I will encourage my constituents to contact me with their concerns.

Sean Connors

This candidate did not provide a profile to Burlington Buzz.

Brian Pupa

This candidate did not provide a profile to Burlington Buzz.

William McCarthy

This candidate did not provide a profile to Burlington Buzz.

Steven Morin

This candidate did not provide a profile to Burlington Buzz.