Heather Hamilton Is Running For Brookline Select Board: Profile

BROOKLINE, MA — With less than two weeks before Annual Town Election, Brookline voters are beginning to cast ballots by mail for Select Board members and Town Meeting members.

In March, the Select Board voted to postpone the municipal election from May 5 to June 9. Town Meeting is also being rescheduled from May 19 - 21 to June 23 - 25, and may include an option for Town Meeting members to participate and vote remotely.

There are three people running for two openings on the Select Board, including current board member Heather Hamilton who is running to keep her seat. Eric Hyett and Town Meeting member John VanScoyoc are vying for the seat left empty by Select Board Member Ben Franco.

Hamilton, who holds two masters — one in transportation policy and one in public administration —comes to the board as a project manager with more than 10 years experience under belt. She's the only one in her family involved in politics and lives in Brookline with her rescue cats Georgette, who is 15, and Ricoh, 14.

Patch sent the same questions to all three candidates, here's what Hamilton had to say:

Campaign website

https://heatherhamilton.org/

Why are you seeking elective office?

I run because I realize I have a unique background when it comes to working for state and other government agencies in the Transportation sector that lends itself well to what issues we are facing in Brookline. I have also come to love the experience. I am constantly learning about how policies affect people and how we can do better.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Affordability is the pressing issue facing Brookline. I have been working on a number of efforts to address this problem: I chaired the Kent Street Senior Affordable Housing Committee that will hopefully put new housing on top of a municipally owned lot next to Brookline Village T stop. I also chaired the Land Bank Study Committee that will be recommending passage of the Community Preservation Act in order to fund more affordable housing. Because of my background in transportation, I am working on a number of initiatives that could impact housing and affordability. We live in a highly desirable location and there isn't enough housing stock to keep pace with demand. We can build more while maintaining precious open space. I don't believe it is an either/or.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My background, my gender, and my age. I have two masters; one in Transportation Policy and the other in Public Administration which is invaluable training for the office of Select Board. I understand the budgeting process and how government works. I understand jurisdiction and how you can affect change at your level. Unfortunately, it is rare to see young women at the decision-making table, however, that is changing. It is important to have different voices in the chorus to advocate for policies that will benefit groups that aren't always engaged in the traditional sense.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I am not a challenger

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Aside from affordability, my other priorities include:
Diversity & Inclusion: committed to creating a community of inclusion
Voted for Sanctuary City status, recruited new voices for our Boards and Commissions, foster a dialogue of how Brookline can become a more inclusive community
Economic Development: understands diversifying our tax base increases affordability
Education: believes public education is the key to a healthy democracy
Chaired the Build Brookline's Future Campaign for Driscoll in 2019
Transportation: advocate for complete streets policies, accessibility, and pilot programs
Sustainability: passionate about reducing our use of fossil fuels to zero by 2050
Co-petitioned warrant articles related to electrifying town fleet, street lighting, and fossil fuel free buildings

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I currently chair the Kent Street Senior Affordable Housing Committee that will hopefully result in a new development next to the Brookline Village MBTA stop on the D line. It is one of my proudest accomplishments while serving on the Select Board. I truly understand how to get community buy in from abutters, how complicated it is to build subsidized housing, and the tradeoffs that need to be made.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I used to have a temper. One day, I started asking myself a question whenever I was tempted to get mad: "Will this negatively affect my life a year from now?" It's a pretty high bar to reach. Puts many things into perspective and quickly diffuses the anger.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I feel grateful to this community for believing in me and allowing me to serve. I learn so much and feel a great sense of purpose.

Read more:

• Brookline Town Elections, Town Meeting Postponed
• Select Board Reduces Voting Hours For Town Elections Amid COVID-19
• Brookline Moves Several Polling Places Ahead Of June Elections
• VanScoyoc To Run For Brookline Select Board
• Letter To The Editor: Why I'm Running For Select Board

Watch Brookline CAN's candidate forum here:

And here, State Rep. Tommy Vitolo interviewed all three candidates here's his interview with Hamilton:

Also: Check out the Brookline League of Women Voters' VOTERS GUIDE and LWV forum: