Government Accountability

I believe in continuous community engagement to ensure transparency in government. Through my leadership on the Republican Town Committee, I have worked to mobilize voter engagement, challenge financial decisions, and advocate for responsible governance without burdening taxpayers.

Key Accomplishments:

• Increased Voter Turnout: I successfully mobilized the community against a $6.8 million override, increasing voter turnout and raising awareness about fiscal responsibility.
• Fiscal Responsibility: I have consistently advocated for responsible budgeting in both school and town finances, ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely.
• Scrutiny for Accountability: I am committed to ongoing scrutiny of government decisions to ensure that officials are held accountable for their actions.

My Plan for Greater Accountability:

1. Budget Transparency - I will advocate for clearer, more accessible budget summaries so that residents can easily understand where taxpayer money is going. Right now, town budgets can be hundreds of pages long, making it difficult for citizens to fully grasp how their taxes are being spent. I will push for simple, easy-to-read summaries that break down key expenditures.

2. Forensic Audits - To ensure every dollar is spent wisely, I will support forensic audits of municipal and school budgets. This process will help identify inefficiencies, waste, and potential misuse of funds, ultimately restoring public trust in how our tax dollars are used.

3. Community Engagement in Decision-Making: I believe in increasing opportunities for public participation in decision-making. Town halls, forums, and surveys should be conducted regularly so residents have a voice in how funds are allocated and decisions are made. The more involved the public is, the more accountability there will be.

4. Support for Government Watchdog Organizations: I will work with and support independent watchdog organizations that monitor government spending and operations. These organizations play an essential role in ensuring that public officials are held accountable to their constituents.

5. Real-Time Reporting on Spending: I will push for the implementation of real-time tracking of state and municipal spending. Citizens should be able to access online platforms to see, in real time, how money is being spent—from major projects to smaller expenditures.

6. Strengthen Conflict-of-Interest Laws: To prevent conflicts of interest, I will advocate for stricter disclosure requirements for public officials. This includes ensuring that they disclose any financial or personal interests in decisions that affect the public.

These measures will ensure that the government operates more transparently and in the best interest of the people. Accountability isn’t just about reviewing decisions after they’ve been made—it’s about ensuring that the right decisions are made from the start. I’m committed to fostering an open, transparent, and responsible government for Needham and the district as a whole.