Northborough – Northborough will be holding its annual town election Tuesday, May 8. Three candidates – incumbent Leslie Harrison, and Kerri Martinek and Anthony Ziton – are vying for two seats on the Planning Board. Here in their own words the candidates explain why they are running.
Leslie Harrison
My husband and I moved to Northborough when we were starting a family 26 years ago and have lived here ever since. We have raised three children, all of whom graduated from the Northborough public school system.
After becoming concerned about rapid growth and development in town, my interest in preserving the character of Northborough through service in town government was piqued. I was appointed to the Open Space Committee in 2004, elected to the Planning Board in 2009, appointed to the Historic District Commission in 2015, and appointed as the Planning Board’s representative to the Community Preservation Committee in 2017. I continue to serve on all of these.
I have gained a wealth of experience during my 3 consecutive terms on the Planning Board, yet I am still able to offer fresh perspectives on issues. During my tenure, the Board has worked on critical issues for our town, including solar power, signs, duplexes, cell towers, medical and recreational marijuana, forming a Master Plan Committee, and countless development projects, including saving the Indian Meadows Golf Course from development.
My involvement with other town committees provides me with a unique, well-rounded scope of understanding of the issues confronting Northborough. I was a member of Citizens to Protect Northborough, which successfully led the charge for adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA). Through the Open Space Committee, the Schunder Field and other parcels in town have been permanently protected. Through the efforts of the Historic District Commission, White Cliffs has been saved from demolition and numerous historical markers and cemetery signs have been installed around town. As a member of the 39 West Main Street Ad-Hoc Study Committee, I was a proponent of the town keeping the property, soon to become the home of the Town Common. The Town Common project was initially met with resistance by various committees, yet I was a staunch supporter. I have a proven track record of standing up for the best interests of the community, even when those views might not be popular.
I look forward to continuing the work of the Planning Board to refine our current bylaws and to address other issues that confront us as a town. Keep a progressive, objective voice on the Planning Board. Vote for Leslie Harrison on May 8th. Experience matters.
Kerri Martinek
I live in Northborough with my husband and two children. I work as a marketing and communications strategist, helping small companies to grow their business. I’ve been a chair and member of multiple non-profit boards, with experience in governance, transparency and accountability. I have an active history in volunteering at our schools (PTO and NEF), youth sports (soccer, football and cheer), and community (Helping Hands Winter Drive). I’ve been a board member of Girls Inc., a member of Women’s Initiative of the United Way, Investing in Girls Alliance, and other non-profits that promote education and advocacy for women and children.
I’m running for Planning Board to bring fresh perspective and new energy to the team. My goal is to pursue smart growth and common-sense decisions that are made in the best interest of Northborough and the people that live here.
Issues come and go, the environment changes, people and businesses move in and out of town – but no matter how the topics change from where they are today, the evaluation criteria that I will apply to each and every decision will be the impact on: schools, quality of life, property values, local businesses, and town resources (municipal and environmental).
Like many others, I often drive through town wondering, “What is the plan for Northborough?” I think that I could bring both my experience in strategic planning, and my perspective as a resident with young children, to the Design Review or Master Plan Steering Committee.
I’m excited to come together with candidates for change, including Anthony Ziton, who want to contribute to that process and make Northborough the place where people want to raise their families, start a business, or enjoy retirement. I hope that you vote for the both of us on May 8th to help make that change.
Anthony Ziton
I have been a resident of Northborough for the past 20 years and live with my wife and two children (8 & 4). I am active in town and enjoy the many resources we have available- especially the Northborough trails. Having served on the Earth Works board for the past 9 years, I am ready to take that experience and become more active in structuring bylaws that promote smart growth. My career has been focused on sales and marketing and currently I am working with several international companies by providing local representation in North America. I am looking forward to the opportunity to combine these experiences to bring fresh perspective to the Planning Board
The reason I’m running for the Planning Board is because I truly care about preserving the charm and character of Northborough. I have been an active participant in Planning Board meetings for a variety of projects that have come before the Board and would like to use my experience to ensure we are following bylaws that promote smart growth in our town. I also want to be a part of maintaining our town’s character so that my children and family will continue to have a town they are proud to call home.
My primary focus if I am elected will be on the Master Plan. I invite any stakeholders in town who wish to ensure their voice be heard by attending these meetings with me. This committee is responsible for identifying the development and layout of our town for the future and will also structure bylaws going forward. The Northborough Downtown area is in need of rehabilitation and I want to ensure that my voice is heard for what it will look like going forward. If you have more questions, email me at [email protected] or visit my Facebook Campaign page. https://www.facebook.com/ElectAnthonyZiton/
I hope Kerri Martinek and I can count on your vote on May 8!
Three vie for two seats on Northborough’s Planning Board
Northborough – Northborough will be holding its annual town election Tuesday, May 8. Three candidates – incumbent Leslie Harrison, and Kerri Martinek and Anthony Ziton – are vying for two seats on the Planning Board. Here in their own words the candidates explain why they are running.
Leslie Harrison
My husband and I moved to Northborough when we were starting a family 26 years ago and have lived here ever since. We have raised three children, all of whom graduated from the Northborough public school system.
After becoming concerned about rapid growth and development in town, my interest in preserving the character of Northborough through service in town government was piqued. I was appointed to the Open Space Committee in 2004, elected to the Planning Board in 2009, appointed to the Historic District Commission in 2015, and appointed as the Planning Board’s representative to the Community Preservation Committee in 2017. I continue to serve on all of these.
I have gained a wealth of experience during my 3 consecutive terms on the Planning Board, yet I am still able to offer fresh perspectives on issues. During my tenure, the Board has worked on critical issues for our town, including solar power, signs, duplexes, cell towers, medical and recreational marijuana, forming a Master Plan Committee, and countless development projects, including saving the Indian Meadows Golf Course from development.
My involvement with other town committees provides me with a unique, well-rounded scope of understanding of the issues confronting Northborough. I was a member of Citizens to Protect Northborough, which successfully led the charge for adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA). Through the Open Space Committee, the Schunder Field and other parcels in town have been permanently protected. Through the efforts of the Historic District Commission, White Cliffs has been saved from demolition and numerous historical markers and cemetery signs have been installed around town. As a member of the 39 West Main Street Ad-Hoc Study Committee, I was a proponent of the town keeping the property, soon to become the home of the Town Common. The Town Common project was initially met with resistance by various committees, yet I was a staunch supporter. I have a proven track record of standing up for the best interests of the community, even when those views might not be popular.
I look forward to continuing the work of the Planning Board to refine our current bylaws and to address other issues that confront us as a town. Keep a progressive, objective voice on the Planning Board. Vote for Leslie Harrison on May 8th. Experience matters.
Kerri Martinek
I live in Northborough with my husband and two children. I work as a marketing and communications strategist, helping small companies to grow their business. I’ve been a chair and member of multiple non-profit boards, with experience in governance, transparency and accountability. I have an active history in volunteering at our schools (PTO and NEF), youth sports (soccer, football and cheer), and community (Helping Hands Winter Drive). I’ve been a board member of Girls Inc., a member of Women’s Initiative of the United Way, Investing in Girls Alliance, and other non-profits that promote education and advocacy for women and children.
I’m running for Planning Board to bring fresh perspective and new energy to the team. My goal is to pursue smart growth and common-sense decisions that are made in the best interest of Northborough and the people that live here.
Issues come and go, the environment changes, people and businesses move in and out of town – but no matter how the topics change from where they are today, the evaluation criteria that I will apply to each and every decision will be the impact on: schools, quality of life, property values, local businesses, and town resources (municipal and environmental).
Like many others, I often drive through town wondering, “What is the plan for Northborough?” I think that I could bring both my experience in strategic planning, and my perspective as a resident with young children, to the Design Review or Master Plan Steering Committee.
I’m excited to come together with candidates for change, including Anthony Ziton, who want to contribute to that process and make Northborough the place where people want to raise their families, start a business, or enjoy retirement. I hope that you vote for the both of us on May 8th to help make that change.
Anthony Ziton
I have been a resident of Northborough for the past 20 years and live with my wife and two children (8 & 4). I am active in town and enjoy the many resources we have available- especially the Northborough trails. Having served on the Earth Works board for the past 9 years, I am ready to take that experience and become more active in structuring bylaws that promote smart growth. My career has been focused on sales and marketing and currently I am working with several international companies by providing local representation in North America. I am looking forward to the opportunity to combine these experiences to bring fresh perspective to the Planning Board
The reason I’m running for the Planning Board is because I truly care about preserving the charm and character of Northborough. I have been an active participant in Planning Board meetings for a variety of projects that have come before the Board and would like to use my experience to ensure we are following bylaws that promote smart growth in our town. I also want to be a part of maintaining our town’s character so that my children and family will continue to have a town they are proud to call home.
My primary focus if I am elected will be on the Master Plan. I invite any stakeholders in town who wish to ensure their voice be heard by attending these meetings with me. This committee is responsible for identifying the development and layout of our town for the future and will also structure bylaws going forward. The Northborough Downtown area is in need of rehabilitation and I want to ensure that my voice is heard for what it will look like going forward. If you have more questions, email me at [email protected] or visit my Facebook Campaign page. https://www.facebook.com/ElectAnthonyZiton/
I hope Kerri Martinek and I can count on your vote on May 8!
