Biographical information

I am a dedicated member of the community and currently work as a hospital service technician at Milford Regional Medical Center, where I have developed a strong appreciation for service, teamwork and helping others. Through my work in healthcare, I understand the importance of reliability, communication, and supporting the needs of people from all backgrounds.

In addition to my professional experience, I have volunteered with nonprofit organizations and community efforts, which has strengthened my commitment to public service and giving back to the community. I believe that strong public institutions help create opportunities for learning, connection and growth for residents of all ages.

How long have you lived in Mendon?

I am a lifelong resident of Mendon. My family moved to Mendon in the 1920s.

Why did you decide to run for reelection?

I decided to run for reelection because I believe our library continues to play an essential role in the community, and I want to continue supporting its growth and success. During my time serving as library trustee, I have appreciated the opportunity to help maintain a welcoming and accessible space for residents of all ages.

What professional or volunteer experience will you bring to this role?

In my professional role as a hospital service technician at Milford Regional Medical Center, I have gained valuable experience in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and serving the needs of others in a fast-paced environment. Working in healthcare has taught me the importance of responsibility, organization and treating everyone with respect and compassion.

In addition to my professional experience, I have volunteered with nonprofit organizations and community initiatives, which has strengthened my commitment to public service and community engagement. Through both my work and volunteer efforts, I have developed the ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds and contribute positively to team goals.

I believe these experiences will help me serve effectively as a library trustee by supporting the library’s mission, listening to community needs, and helping ensure the library remains a welcoming and valuable resource for all residents.

Please describe other activities you’ve been involved with in Mendon or elsewhere, including any other elected or appointed positions.

I have not held other elected or appointed positions, but I am eager to continue learning, serving and growing through my role as library trustee, and to build on my involvement in the community through this position.

What values guide your public service?

My public service is guided by a commitment to integrity, accountabilit0, and respect for all members of the community. I believe public institutions should be transparent, responsible and focused on serving the needs of residents in a fair and thoughtful way.

I also value collaboration and open communication. I think the best decisions are made when different perspectives are heard and considered, and when community members feel they have a voice in the process.

How do you make decisions when there’s no perfect option?

When there is no perfect option, I focus on making the most responsible and practical decision based on the information available, while keeping the community’s best interests at the center.

I start by gathering input and listening to different perspectives, including staff, fellow trustees and community members. I try to understand the trade-offs of each option and how they would impact different groups, especially those who rely most on library services.

What do you see as the core mission of our library?

The core mission of our library is to provide free and equitable access to information, education and resources that support lifelong learning for everyone in the community.

A public library is more than a place for books — it is a welcoming space where people of all ages can learn, explore ideas, access technology, and connect with programs and services that enrich their lives. It plays a vital role in supporting students, job seekers, families, and anyone seeking knowledge or opportunity.

Just as importantly, the library serves as a community hub where people can come together in an inclusive and respectful environment. As a library trustee, I see the mission as ensuring the library remains accessible, responsive to community needs, and strong in its commitment to learning, connection and service for all residents.

How should the library evolve to meet Mendon’s needs over the next five to 10 years?

Over the next five to 10 years, I believe the library should continue evolving as both a traditional learning resource and a modern community hub that adapts to changing needs.

As technology continues to advance, the library should expand access to digital resources, improve technology lending programs, and ensure residents have the tools and support needed for online learning, job searching and everyday tasks. At the same time, it’s important to maintain strong print collections and quiet spaces for reading and study.

The library should also continue to grow as a place for community connection by offering programs for all ages — children, teens, adults and seniors — that support education, creativity and engagement. This could include workshops, literacy programs, cultural events and partnerships with local organizations.

Accessibility should remain a priority, ensuring that services and programs are inclusive and easy to access for all residents. As a library trustee, I would support thoughtful, sustainable growth that keeps the library responsive to community needs while preserving its role as a welcoming, trusted public space.

How should the library handle challenges to books?

Libraries should handle challenges to books through a clear, transparent and respectful review process that balances community concerns with the fundamental mission of providing free and equitable access to information.

When a book is challenged, it’s important that the library follows its established policy, which typically includes a formal review by qualified staff or a review committee. Decisions should be guided by professional standards in librarianship, not individual preferences, and should consider the work as a whole rather than isolated passages.

At the same time, community members should always feel heard and respected in the process. People should have a clear way to express concerns, and those concerns should be acknowledged thoughtfully and seriously.

Ultimately, the library’s role is not to restrict access based on differing viewpoints, but to provide a broad and diverse collection that supports intellectual freedom, learning and informed decision-making for all residents.

What types of programs or services do you believe the library should expand?

I believe the library should continue expanding programs and services that reflect the evolving needs of the community, while staying true to its core mission of access, learning and connection.

One key area is technology support and digital literacy. Expanding programs that help residents build computer skills, navigate online services, and use digital tools confidently can benefit people of all ages, especially seniors, students and job seekers.

I also think there is value in growing intergenerational and family programs — activities that bring different age groups together, support early literacy and create shared learning experiences. Programs for children and teens that encourage reading, creativity and exploration are especially important for building lifelong learning habits.

In addition, I would support continued growth in community partnerships, such as collaborating with local schools, nonprofits and organizations to offer workshops, cultural events and informational sessions.

Mendon Commons sent questionnaires to each of the 13 candidates running for town office in the May 19 election. We are publishing the responses through May 18.