"I'm excited to work with the community to achieve solutions to our most pressing issues — solutions that protect both our environment and our budgets, and that serve as catalysts for a healthier, more connected, more vibrant and more inclusive community."
Cindy Arens
Learn more about my Vision & Experience
My Vision for Lexington's Future: Sustainable, Affordable, Resilient
I am thrilled to be a candidate for Select Board. Lexington is a wonderful place to live, with a rich history, outstanding schools, great services, and talented and engaged residents. But like every town in the Greater Boston area, we face headwinds in the years ahead, including the effects of climate change and a desperate need for housing. I'm running for Select Board to help forge a path that preserves the best of what Lexington is while making the changes we need to be a more livable, vibrant, affordable community for all.
I’m a consensus builder with a proven track record of achievement. With strong data-driven and analytical skills, I also make sure to listen with compassion and a commitment to understand others' positions.
Here are some of my priorities for a future that is better for all of us on many levels:
Climate Action for Health & Resilience
Prioritize robust climate action initiatives that pay for themselves
Invest in renewable energy, storage & carbon-neutral infrastructure
Improve quality of life, health, resilience, productivity and fiscal outlook
Healthier, Connected Community
Promote enhanced, integrated public health and social services
Increase transportation opportunities, especially those who need it most
Foster programs that engage and empower our businesses
Work to increase government effectiveness by integrating synergies and expertise across town boards, committees, departments and community organizations
Attainable Housing for All
Continue to address housing diversity & affordability, there is still much to do
Collaborate and remove barriers for quality, cost-effective housing for all residents
Create inclusive neighborhoods, meeting diverse resident needs and building resilience
I’m ready to roll-up my sleeves, work together, and get results. My experience collaborating and building consensus on complex issues, at the local and state level, has prepared me well. Let’s pave the way for a future with solutions that not only protect our environment and our budgets but also serve as a catalyst for a healthier, more connected, and more inclusive community. I am eager to collaborate with each one of you to continue to improve a town we can all be proud to call home. I humbly ask for your support, your ideas, and your trust as we head toward a brighter tomorrow for everyone in Lexington.
EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Chair of Sustainable Lexington Committee, since 2022, Member since 2019
Lexington Waste Reduction Task Force Member, since 2020
HeatSmart Energy Advisor, since 2023
Participated in Lincoln Field Turf Working Group, 2023
Housing Partnership Board Liaison, since 2022
MAPC Metro Boston Climate Action Plan participant, 2023
Lexington High School Project Focus Groups, 2023-4
Founding Member of Lexington Clean Heat Alliance
Passed Clean Heat fossil fuel free new construction (2021) and Sustainable Hartwell (2022) bylaws
Advocated and collaborated with state agencies and legislative committees to improve and enable energy efficiency and decarbonization policies.
Speaker and consultant for other municipalities and regional advocacy groups, including ZeroCarbonMA and the Massachusetts Building Electrification Accelerator
Bowman Elementary PTA and Clarke Middle School PTO (2015-2022)
Started and expanded Green Teams
Executive Board Member
Clarke PTO Co-President (2021-2022)
Core member of the LPS Green Teams
Passed the straw/stirrer/polystyrene reduction bylaws at 2019 Town Meeting
Led community presentations and forums related to recycling, composting and waste reduction. (2018 - 2021)
Town Meeting Member, since 2020
AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer, federal and state income tax preparation (2016 - 2021)
Minuteman Senior Services Money Manager Volunteer, since 2015
Big Sister (2015 - 2019)
Informal consultant with LexHAB, since 2021
Engaged MassSave and LEAN program representatives to maximize state and federal incentives for improving housing units
Worked to lower residents' utility bills
Consulted on solar and heat pump installations
Lexington resident since 2009, with two children attending LPS schools (2009 - 2026)
VOTE !
Tuesday March 5, 2024 - 7 AM to 8 PM
Early Voting February 24-March 1