I support Mark Sandeen for the Board of Selectmen because of the exceptional skill set he will bring to that position. This is a man who seeks information from those with knowledge and experience, weighs it carefully, and with an engaging manner finds a way to weave it collaboratively into solutions that are universally accepted. That is the kind of thoughtful leadership that moves everyone forward.

I have had the pleasure of seeing this skill in action, when, as liaison to the Sustainable Lexington Committee, I witnessed Mark assume leadership of what had been a somewhat dysfunctional effort and mold it into the effective and productive committee it is today. The record of accomplishments is well known: installing solar arrays that are generating 45% of the Town’s municipal electricity demand and $600,000 a year in revenue, establishing a Community Choice program for 100% renewable electricity saving 10,000 residents over $2.3 million, initiating a pilot program to find and fix our largest natural gas leaks, and adopting healthier and more resilient building design standards. But the real story of bringing these projects to reality is how Mark was able to focus the ambitions of a variety of stakeholders on practical applications of emerging technologies and to forge consensus among the competing interests to implement the projects.

During the years I was liaison to the committee, and the years since, the Sustainable Lexington Committee has progressed smoothly precisely because of Mark’s capable leadership. A prime responsibility of the Board of Selectmen is to set policy. Mark has demonstrated the wisdom and judgement to do that task well. Please join me in voting for Mark Sandeen for Selectmen. For more information about Mark, go to https://marksandeen.com.

— George Burnell

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