To the editor:
Eight years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Alexis Leahy through our volunteer work together in Townscape, a small NPO in town that is dedicated to fostering community involvement. My children were very young at the time, and I recall feeling gratitude whenever I met other like-minded women, mothers in town who I could trust and engage in discussion. Alexis quickly became one of those women in my life, and I have had the opportunity to build a friendship with her, work alongside her in the community, and discuss community relations and town priorities. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to cast my vote for Alexis in the upcoming Select Board election on April 9.
Alexis will bring a combination of community experience, volunteerism, and leadership to a seat on the Select Board. Alexis earned a master’s degree in public policy and has worked as a corporate leader in the finance industry for close to two decades. As a working mother, she has found a way to work full time in a successful, progressive career while also being incredibly committed to the community of Lynnfield – serving as townscape treasurer for eight years, on the Finance Committee for two years, as Elementary PTO president for two years, elementary PTO treasurer for two years, and cheer coach for two years. Alexis understands what it means to serve varying communities — whether it is the personal work she has done with a Boston-based organization helping survivors of domestic violence, or the professional work she has done with the state government or Federal Reserve. When she raises her hand, she is prepared for the ask and understands the assignment.
Alexis is confident, intelligent, thoughtful, and not afraid to ask hard questions. She listens, recognizes differing perspectives, and understands the importance of collaboration, discussion, and effective decision-making. We are fortunate to live in a small, close-knit community where people care about one another. My husband and I moved to Lynnfield because this type of environment was important for us and the future of our family, and Alexis shares this same drive. She genuinely cares about the community where her daughters are growing up, she wants to make a difference, and she is passionate about ensuring town government continues to make effective decisions for Lynnfield. Alexis voted in favor of a new, improved public-safety building for the town last year. It is important to her that our police, fire, and first responders have the resources and personnel they need and the recognition they deserve. She is fiscally responsible and practical when it comes to our town’s financial condition.
I am of the belief that new leadership, in any capacity, does not undermine the accomplishments of predecessors. We can recognize, and even celebrate, past wins and past efforts, while making way for progress. Change is not always easy; the unknown is not always easy. We need to move forward and make room for new ideas and fresh perspectives. As the world around us continues to evolve and change, so does our town. The conflicts and decision-making of the past do not necessarily represent the issues presented to us now. Our town government should be representative of our community, and the Lynnfield community is fortunate to have so many amazing women – mothers, working professionals, teachers, first responders, grandmothers – all talented in their own right. It has been 20 years since we have had a female member on the Select Board. I recall a few years back, being so impressed with a young woman in town who urged the board to change the title from Selectmen to Select Board, paving the way for future women in the community who may want to raise her hand to be part of the board. And here we are today, presented with the opportunity to cast a vote for a woman – not just because she is a woman, but because Alexis is a highly qualified, dedicated, hardworking individual who is committed to representing the community of Lynnfield. I have no doubt she will be an exemplary addition to our current Select Board and will complement the commitment and passion of Mr. Dalton and Mr. Crawford. I have always admired how Alexis consistently stays true to herself, even in difficult situations, and am confident she will stay true to Lynnfield. I am proud to cast my vote for Alexis Leahy on April 9 and hope you will join me.
Jessica Incerto
