Perry Grossman for Brookline Town Meeting Member for Precinct 5

We moved to Brookline primarily for the schools and for the economic opportunities in the Boston area. So, education and a strong economy are top concerns for me.

I worked in telecommunications, delivering innovative mobile and web services and earned my MBA in finance from Boston University while working at Orange-France Telecom. I have also had a long-standing concern about energy and environmental issues. I received my PhD in sociology from New York University where I wrote my dissertation on the linkage of trade and environmental issues in the Canada-US and North American Free Trade agreements. I have become increasingly alarmed about climate issues, both globally and locally.

I have followed town politics for years, raising issues of concern, including climate, biking, schools, parks, and housing issues in particular. So, I have made some small contributions over the years. In 2017, I identified and called in a gas leak on Kennard Road, by Lincoln School, to National Grid and the Town. I also raised the concern to other Lincoln parents who also called in the issue. That leak was promptly fixed.

In 2018, I called in a gas leak on Highland Road. National Grid investigated, but the leak remains. I strongly support the work that Mothers Out Front are doing on this issue; I was at the #fixbiggasleaks rally at the Ruffin Ridley School in October. My wife and I recently got an an induction range as part of a move to #ElectrifyEverything. I’m trying to figure out how I can move to an EV, despite the cost of digging a trench for a charger to where we park. Our condo has good solar access and hope to move forward with solar energy. I am pleased that Driscoll is getting a ground source heatpump. I hope that Pierce also has an environmentally sound renovation. I have been active in Brookline Climate Action (BAC) on green electricity issues and plan to continue to work on those issues, fitting with my background in energy-efficiency research and clean tech startups. I enjoy paddling and am on the Board of Advisors and a River Advocate for the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA).

Brookline has a strong reputation for its schools and we need to keep up the support for that. I have been deeply impressed by many of the teachers at Lincoln and BHS. I have contributed to Lincoln School as a volunteer for Pumpkinfest, class parent, field trip chaperone, guest lecturer, theater set construction assistant, and presenter at science night. I was also a substitute teacher in the Brookline schools and have served as a tutor.

The Brookline schools have provided both my older daughter, Ella, with the challenges and opportunities she needs, such as AP US History, School Within A School (SWS), restaurant experience, and a range of social justice initiatives. And they have also provided support for my youngest, Talia. I hope that Brookline can continue to invest in its teachers, specialists, and staff. Tali likes the school community, and enjoys the benefits of neighborhood schooling, in which she can walk, bike, or scoot to school. She and her friends can stop at the nice parks on the way home. And they are enjoying the Teen Center. I am thankful for the hard work that went into creating that and I am pleased to hear that some ARPA funds will be used for the Center. Brookline camps, sports, and parks are also great resources for Brookline kids. I am happy to have contributed, having served as a coach for Brookline Recreation Soccer and Brookline Youth Hockey.

On Housing, I support balancing the need for increased affordable housing along with the preservation of historic homes, town character, and green space. I would love to see synergies between housing, equity, and energy, and environmental issues, pursuing energy-efficiency, heat pumps, and green electricity including solar, etc. I also support increased resources and opportunities for political engagement for Brookline Housing Authority (BHA) residents.

Having biked over the years to work in Waltham, Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston, as well as through recreational biking, I have become a bike activist, trying to find safe and effective routes for myself and others. I am a member of the Brookline Bicycle Advisory (BAC) and the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Taskforce. I also want my kids and other kids to have safe biking options, so they can get to school and around town by themselves. One of the things I most enjoy is biking with Talia along the Muddy River to the Landmark Center/401 Park. That path provides great access to the city. I hope to see the Fenway multi-use path develop further access into Boston. I hope to see the bridle path move forward along Beacon Street.

I support progressive policies, including robust investment in public health and human services, and public safety. I want to see broader representation in political participation, community planning, inclusive design, and more.