Natick Report

Since 2020: More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

Natick swears in newly elected officials, transfers the moderator’s gavel

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The Natick Select Board on Wednesday held what traditionally has become its shortest meeting of the year, during which newly elected town officials are sworn in.

This year’s meeting, clocking in at under a half hour, had an infrequent twist: Outgoing moderator Frank Foss handed over the gavel used at Town Meeting to incoming moderator Jeff Alderson. The hand-off was darn quick too: Don’t blink at the 16:30 mark of the Pegasus recording… Hopefully Alderson won’t need to bang the gavel too often.

Foss shared some history on past moderators, including his own debut after tying with his opponent at the polls and being appointed for a gig he would wind up serving in for 18 years through subsequent elections. Select Board members shared parting thoughts on Foss’s service to the town.

Select Board members Kathryn Coughlin and Bruce Evans, victorious on Election Day this week, retained their seats.

Others, including those elected to the School Committee, the Board of Health, the Planning Board, and as constables, were sworn in to their offices by Town Clerk Andrew Ghobrial.

The Select Board finished the meeting by voting on the body’s reorganization. Coughlin remains the chair, with Linda Wollschlager succeeding Evans as vice chair. Kristen Pope is the new board clerk.

During citizen speak near the start of the meeting, a resident thanked fellow residents for voting and urged the Board and town to keep in mind during its future decisions that while more than 4,600 votes were cast in favor of the override, more than 3,000 were cast against it.

newly elected town officials
Newly elected officials: Cathi Collins (School Committee), Todd Gillenwater (constable), Frank Foss (constable), Jeff Alderson (moderator), Kathryn Coughlin (Select Board), Jaymin Patel (School Committee), Elise Gorseth (School Committee), Alan Cloutier (Planning Board), Bruce Evans (Select Board), Don Breda (Board of Health). Photos courtesy of Town of Natick.

 

Town Clerk Andrew Ghobrial (far left) swears in elected officials

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Natick 2025 town election guide: $7M override question; contested races; where to vote

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Natick’s Annual Town Election will take place on Tuesday, March 25, with polls open for in-person voting from 7am-8pm.

Natick Town Hall
Natick Town Hall

A look at the ballot

Sample ballots for each of Natick’s 10 precincts are online.

Sample ballots include candidates for all elected offices, and the exact wording of the Budget Override ballot question.

Natick’s races

 

Select Board
For 3 years; vote for not more than 2

Kathryn M. Coughlin (candidate for re-election)
Bruce T. Evans (candidate for re-election)
Kathryn L. Kelly

Coughlin wants to focus on Natick’s financial challenges; increasing affordable housing stock; addressing inefficiencies in Natick’s form of government; increasing economic development by simplifying zoning bylaws and hearing processes; attracting and retaining more diverse citizen participation on boards and committees; engaging voters in elections; and supporting aging residents.

Evans has laid out a 5-point plan he’d like to tackle: fiscal sustainability, which he says can be achieved in part by balancing revenue and expenses via the $7 mil. override; housing affordability through new development; environmental sustainability; inclusivity “by attracting businesses to Natick, thereby boosting commercial tax revenue and economic growth”; and communication and transparency.

Kelly’s campaign pillars include avoiding a tax burden; spending oversight and fiscal conservation rather than tax overrides; concern about school costs as they relate to enrollment; addressing affordable housing—”Natick meets the 10% affordable housing requirement, why do we need to add more if it negatively impacts the budget?”; and questioning why American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were used to hire a Head of DEI and Head of Communications for the town.

School Committee

For 3 years; vote for not more than 3

Cathi Collins (candidate for re-election)
Elise Gorseth (candidate for re-election)
Donna M. McKenzie
Jaymin A. Patel

Collins is running on a platform of  responsible financial stewardship so that the Natick Public Schools has the resources it needs; ensuring equitable access to opportunity for all students, faculty and staff of Natick Public Schools so every individual is seen, valued, and secure; defining annual and 5-year strategic and educational goals and policies to substantively improve student outcomes; and approving an evidence-based curriculum for teaching foundational literacy skills.

Gorseth would like to serve the community; make Natick schools strong; ensure effective governance and student-focused policies; and address financial challenges.

McKenzie voices strong concern for students, looking to ensure inclusive policies and practices that will support all students, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, physical ability, or sexual orientation; support mental health and wellness, especially for historically marginalized groups who may face additional challenges; and collaborate with the community to educate kind and thoughtful citizens.

Patel says he would welcome the opportunity to work on updating Memorial and the town’s other aging elementary schools; prioritize pre-K and after-school programs; strengthen programs for English Language Learners (ELL) and special education students; focus on inclusive educational policies that support diversity and equity; and enhance community engagement to make sure that every voice is heard and valued in the decision-making process.

Candidates for office, uncontested races

Planning Board (5 years, uncontested)—Alan T. Cloutier

Recreation & Parks Commission (3 years, uncontested)—David W. Ordway (candidate for re-election); Jessica A. Ordway (candidate for re-election)

Recreation & Parks Commission (1 year)—no candidate is on the ballot

Board of Assessors (3 years, uncontested)—Paul B. Griesmer (candidate for re-election)

Board of Health (3 years, uncontested)—Donald J. Breda (candidate for re-election)

Housing Authority (5 years)—No candidate is listed

Constable, (3 years, uncontested)—Kevin Francis Flynn (candidate for re-election; Todd Gillenwater (candidate for re-election); Paul M. Gorman (canidate for re-election); Frank W. Foss

Town Moderator (3 years, uncontested)—Jeffrey A. Alderson

Town Meeting members

Varies by precinct. See your precinct’s sample ballot here.

Ballot override question—vote YES or NO

Shall the Town of Natick be allowed to assess an additional $7,000,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the operating and capital budgets of the Town and of the Public Schools for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025?

How to vote

Most who chose to vote by mail have sent in their ballots. Track your ballot here.

If you have not sent in your Vote by Mail ballot, you may drop it in the secure box located to the left of the front door of Town Hall by 8pm on Tuesday, March 25.

Voters who have received a Vote by Mail ballot may change their mind and vote in-person only if they have not returned their ballot. Only the first ballot submitted will be counted. Voters may not drop off their Vote by Mail ballot at the polls.

To vote in person at the polls, Natick’s 10 precincts have four locations. Where you vote is based on which precinct you live in.

Don’t know which precinct you’re in? Here’s how to find out.

If you have any voting-related questions, don’t hesitate to call the Town Clerk’s office at 508-647-6432.

Precinct locations in Natick

  • Precinct 1: Kennedy Middle School, 165 Mill St.
  • Precinct 2: Kennedy Middle School, 165 Mill St.
  • Precinct 3: Kennedy Middle School, 165 Mill St.
  • Precinct 4: Morse Institute Library, 13 East Central St.
  • Precinct 5: Wilson Middle School, 22 Rutledge Rd.
  • Precinct 6: Wilson Middle School, 22 Rutledge Rd.
  • Precinct 7: Community Senior Center, 117 East Central St.
  • Precinct 8: Community Senior Center, 117 East Central St.
  • Precinct 9: Community Senior Center, 117 East Central St.
  • Precinct 10: Community Senior Center, 117 East Central St.

Looking ahead

Spring Annual Town Meeting kicks off on April 22 at 7:30pm, at Kennedy Middle School, 165 Mill St.

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In case you’re cramming for Natick override vote

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Natick officials have handled what must be approximately 7 million questions about the proposed $7M operational override that voters are being asked to weigh in on for the March 25 election. Another two dozen-plus questions were fielded during the FY26 Budget Override Public Forum held on March 12, with Town Administrator Jamie Errickson, Natick Public Schools Superintendent Melissa Spash, Natick Select Board Chair Kathryn Coughlin, and School Committee members Elise Gorseth and Catherine Brunell on the front line.

Other forums have included one hosted by Yes for Natick on Feb. 25, plus those hosted by the town on Feb. 11 and Jan. 21. The town has collected resources on its website, and features a running list of questions and answers submitted between December and February.

override breakdown

The latest forum included in-person and online questions about town and school financials. Town officials and elected representatives patiently answered questions,  including from those who were clearly angry about Natick’s predicament.

One basic question was about how much of the overall budget the override would represent (about 3.5% to 4% of the roughly $200M proposed budget).

People also wanted to know why school employee headcount has been on the rise even as student headcount has stayed pretty flat. The answer, Brunell said, is that student needs have increased. “Kids have a different level of need in our society and in Natick,” she said, pointing to the need for more occupational, speech, and physical therapists, for example.

Students on individualized educational programs typically are pulled into small groups that require additional school personnel to handle, Spash said.

To that point, one attendee asked why a few dozen interventionists’ jobs are on the block if the override doesn’t pass, and Spash described the agonizing decision involved in this (interventionists cater to students who based on data are shown to be behind). Basically, the schools when pressed would rather do without them than the teachers who work with larger groups of students throughout the day, though acknowledge the lack of interventionists could affect teacher retention. “I’m very worried about the outcomes for our students if our interventionists are reduced, but also the impact on our teachers… it will be a higher workload for them,” Spash said.

In response to questions about town personnel, as attendees sought to determine whether Natick could cut back, Errickson touted the effort of IT and economic development leaders to do more with less by reshuffling and refocusing. He said the director of equity, inclusion & outreach position is paid for using one-time COVID-19 funds through the end of the year, and the future of that role will be assessed outside the override discussion.

Funding for road work, which is paid for through local, state and federal resources, also came up in questions submitted online and by a member of the audience. Errickson said there should be no immediate impact since resources are already targeted for this year. But going forward without the override, the amount the town has to spend on road work would likely shrink from about $3.5M a year to around $1M.

Members of the public also wanted to know why the town’s expenses are rising so fast, say faster than the rate of inflation, and Coughlin explained some of the differences between the consumer price index and what the town is really dealing with. Natick and other communities have been hit with unfunded mandates from the state regarding vehicle upgrades, for example, she said. Errickson pointed to rising healthcare costs for employees, as well as the expense of hiring in a competitive job market that includes public and private sector employers. The school system faces similar economic challenges.

One attendee questioned the town’s use of one-time COVID funds, and wondered why residents should trust the town to spend override monies wisely. Errickson said the town received about $10.4M in American Rescue Plan Act funds during the pandemic, and spent most of it to offset lost revenue as a result of things like people not staying in local hotels or eating out at restaurants. Other things, like PFAS removal (water cleanup), also popped up.

The School Committee’s Brunell made a plea for members of the public to trust local officials or hold them accountable by voting them out (or by running for office). “This is Natick and everything is transparent,” she said. “You can come (to meet people), you can call them, you can email them.” Brunell said she figured many in attendance had already decided on how they would vote on the override, but hoped that she and others had shifted some views that night.

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Natick Town Election 2025: Meet the School Committee candidates

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The Town of Natick depends on the active participation of its citizens in governance of the Town. Natick voters on Tuesday, March 25, will cast their ballots for candidates including those running for School Committee, a contested race.

The Natick School Committee is an elected town-wide board. Among other things, it approves Natick’s school budget, appoints the Superintendent, and establishes educational goals and policies for Natick’s schools as a whole.

There are four candidates running for three 3-year seats on the School Committee:

Natick Report invited candidates to inform voters about their priorities for the Town of Natick (we received responses from three of the candidates). Candidate interviews appear in this post in the order in which their names appear on the ballot.

Cathi Collins, Natick School Committee candidate

Cathi Collins

 

Natick Report: Please introduce yourself to Natick Report’s readers.

Cathi Collins: I have served six years on the Natick School Committee (SC) and twelve years on the Finance Committee (FinCom) and I remain deeply committed to the Natick Public Schools and the town of Natick.

The major responsibilities of a School Committee member are:
1) Hiring and evaluating the Superintendent (we have hired an interim and a new permanent Superintendent);
2) Setting policies for the district (I have served on the Policy subcommittee since 2021);
3) Budget (I serve on the new Budget subcommittee and previously spent 11 of my 12 years as chair of the FinCom’s Education and Learning subcommittee);
4) We are the employer of record for all employees working in NPS (I have been a member for all but one negotiation subcommittees since I joined the committee in March 2019)

Natick Report: If elected, what do you most look forward to working on as a Committee member?

In no particular order, my priorities include working with my colleagues to::
1) Continue on-boarding the Superintendent;
2) Enhance continuous responsible financial stewardship so that the Natick Public Schools has the resources necessary to address the needs of all students while simultaneously controlling
the rate at which the NPS budget grows;
3) Ensure equitable access to opportunity for all students, faculty and staff of Natick Public Schools so every individual is seen, valued, and secure;
4) Define annual and 5-year strategic and educational goals and policies to substantively improve student outcomes at all levels and demonstrate our responsibility and commitment to students, faculty, staff and families;
5) Approve an evidence-based curriculum for teaching foundational literacy skills.

Natick Report: How should voters reach you if they want more information?

Cathi Collins: cathicollinsfornatick@gmail.com

Elise Gorseth

 

Elise Gorseth is a candidate for the Natick School Committee.

Donna McKenzie, Natick candidate

Dr. Donna McKenzie

 

Natick Report: Please introduce yourself to Natick Report‘s readers.

Dr. Donna McKenzie: I am running for a third term on the school committee, because the needs are urgent: a disappearing Department of Education (DOE), groups of students erased by executive orders, limited financial resources that demand judicious and creative budget approaches, and children who deserve every ounce of our confidence and belief in their abilities to succeed. There is no time to equivocate about any of this. We need to act boldly, wisely, and promptly. I think of every.child in NPS as if they were my own and as a lifelong educator and community servant, I can help our schools grow them into thoughtful, engaged citizens.

I have the experience and skills necessary to make our schools better. The success of our schools continues to be the degree to which we help the most vulnerable to achieve. According to a recent DOE report, MA is failing students that need extra support. We rank first in the country for most students, but alongside Texas for students who need additional help. Not acceptable.

You need a SC member with strong values. Events can’t always be predicted but values undergird smart decision making. I have zero tolerance for racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, ableism, Asian hate, and any other form of hate that may emerge. Our students learn best when they feel safe and feel they belong. Kindness and civility matter to me.

I have been a Town Meeting Member for over a decade, a member of the Charter and Bylaw Review Committee, a member of the advisory committee for the Natick Service Council, a founding member of Black Lives Belong, and a member of EcoNatick,  I have taught at Cornell and Fordham and served as a college chaplain, most recently at Babson,  I think of myself as a lifelong learner and am determined to leave the world and the Natick schools better than I found them. I am a person for whom serving others and changing the world in whatever ways I can matters.

Natick Report: If elected, what do you most look forward to working on as a School Committee member?

Dr. Donna McKenzie: I look forward to championing inclusive policies to help students feel safe and that they belong so they can achieve.  I want to ensure that Natick’s schools actively support ALL students, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, physical ability, or sexual orientation by strengthening all our policies and practices. I will work to  create comprehensive policies and training to combat hate, while promoting culturally responsive education that supports mental health and wellness, especially for historically marginalized groups who may face additional challenges. I will accomplish all of this through brave collaboration with the community—parents, teachers, students, and Natick residents.I believe that when we stand up for all students, we build a stronger, more inclusive future that includes kind and thoughtful citizens.

Vote for me to ensure that Natick’s schools remain a place where every child has the opportunity to succeed. I will not disappoint.

Natick Report: How should voters reach you if they want more information:

Dr. Donna McKenzie: You can reach me at: dr.donnammckenzie@gmail.com

Jaymin Patel, Natick election 2025

Jaymin Patel

 

Natick Report: Please introduce yourself to Natick Report’s readers.

Jaymin Patel: Hey there! I’m Jaymin Patel, and I’ve proudly called Natick my home for over 20 years. My family and I immigrated from India to the United States in February 2001, seeking better opportunities and education. We found both here in Natick. My parents started a small business, and I began my freshman year at Natick High School in 2004. The education I received here enabled me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from UMass Amherst, eventually leading to a Master’s in Bioethics from Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Today, I’m a local business owner, homeowner, and parent of a 3-year-old who just started preschool in Natick. This community has been instrumental in shaping who I am, and my achievements are a testament to the exceptional education I received. I am deeply committed to the future of our schools because I understand how crucial education is in shaping the opportunities available to our children.

I am running for the Natick School Committee because I believe every child deserves a learning environment free from politics, misinformation, and discrimination, where they can truly reach their potential and enjoy the learning process. My wife, Kosha, and I have chosen to raise our daughter here because we want the same for her.

I am confident that my unique background and experience will bring a fresh perspective to the School Committee. My academic background in Philosophy and ethics has equipped me with critical thinking skills, the ability to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives, and a deep understanding of ethical principles. These skills are essential for making informed and balanced decisions that prioritize the well-being of our students and community.

Furthermore, my training in adaptive negotiation and conflict resolution has honed my ability to navigate challenging situations, mediate conflicts, and find common ground. This is particularly valuable in a school committee role, where collaboration and consensus-building are key to addressing diverse viewpoints and ensuring that the needs of all stakeholders are met.

I aim to bring a thoughtful and collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making. I plan to engage the community and make informed decisions that support our students and maximize their potential. I want to ensure that our schools are places of growth and opportunity for every student while being mindful of our resources and the needs of the broader community.

Natick Report: If elected, what do you most look forward to working on as a Committee member?

Jaymin Patel: If elected, I am most excited about the opportunity to work on updating Memorial and our other aging elementary schools in years to come. I am eager to be part of the process of building a new elementary school that meets the needs of our growing community while being environmentally responsible and budget conscious. This is our opportunity to think about the future and address the needs of our students and our community for decades to come. I believe that by investing in modern, sustainable facilities, we can create a learning environment that fosters growth, creativity, and success for all students.

While I don’t have a set agenda, I also hope to prioritize our pre-K and after-school programs. The lack of space for every family that wants to participate in pre-K creates genuine struggles for many in our community. We should explore all opportunities to make these programs available to all Natick residents and strive to keep this at the forefront of the school committee’s and administration’s attention.

Most importantly, I recognize the wealth of knowledge and experience that our current school committee members possess. I sincerely look forward to learning from them, leveraging their insights, and carrying the torch onward. By collaborating with these dedicated individuals, I aim to build on their successes and ensure that our schools continue to provide exceptional opportunities for every student.

Natick Report: How should voters reach you if they want more information?

Jaymin Patel: For more information about me or my campaign, please visit my website, www.SelectPatel.com You may also email me directly at Patel4SchoolCommittee@gmail.com If you prefer to meet in person, I will be holding out yard signs the next couple Saturday mornings down by the common, please feel free to come introduce yourself. I look forward to hearing from you, and I ask for your vote for Natick School Committee on March 25. Thank you.

Natick Town Election 2025—meet the Select Board candidates

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Natick Town election 2025: Meet the Select Board candidates

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The Town of Natick depends on the active participation of its citizens in governance of the Town. Natick voters on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, will cast their ballots for candidates including those running for Select Board, a contested race.

The Select Board serves as the chief executive board of the Town and, as such, is vested with all the municipal authority not specifically retained by the Town’s legislative body, Town Meeting.

There are three candidates running for two open 3-year seats on the Select Board:

Natick Report invited candidates to inform voters about their priorities for the Town of Natick. Candidate interviews appear in the order in which their names appear on the ballot.

 

Kathryn Coughlin, Natick Select Board candidate
Kathryn Coughlin

Kathryn Coughlin

 

Natick Report: Please introduce yourself to Natick Report’s readers.

Kathryn Coughlin: My name is Kathryn Coughlin, and I am running for re-election to one of two open seats on Natick’s Select Board. My husband, Shomo De, and I live in West Natick, along with my 89-year-old mother-in-law and our two dogs, Muddy and Truman.

Over the past three years on the Select Board, Natick has been faced with a number of complex and intractable challenges: an increasing lack of affordable housing; a structural budget deficit; and the potential financial liabilities and the environmental impact of a failing dam, among others. In making decisions on these and other issues before the Board, I have undertaken extensive research, and listened to residents, staff and subject matter experts, to ensure that my vote yielded the best decision for all the residents of Natick.

Finally, if you’ve followed town politics in the last three years, you’ll know that I do not shirk from difficult decisions. Whether the question is removal of a beloved dam and spillway or affordable housing, it’s important for those seeking a seat on the Select Board to tackle these topics and engage in thoughtful deliberations.

Before my tenure on the Select Board, I served as an appointed member of the Natick Zoning Board of Appeals and an elected Town Meeting Member. Through these experiences, I witnessed the challenges facing residents and small businesses in our community. I hope to earn your vote so I can continue work on behalf of you and our neighbors in town.

Natick Report: If elected, what do you most look forward to working on as a Board member?

Kathryn Coughlin: In my next three-year term, I would like to focus on increasing our stock of affordable housing, ensuring the future financial strength of our town, developing policies to attract and retain our businesses, and develop additional resources for the elderly neighbors, many of whom are house-rich and cash-poor. You can read about these and other priorities at kathrynfornatick.org. You can also sign up to volunteer, for a lawn sign or other opportunities to support my candidacy. I humbly ask for one of your two votes on March 25, 2025.

Natick Report: How should voters reach you if they want more information?

kathryn.coughlin@gmail.com

 

Bruce Evans, Natick

Bruce Evans

 

Natick Report: Please introduce yourself to Natick Report’s readers.

Bruce Evans: Hello, I’m Bruce Evans. Three years ago, I ran for the Natick Select Board to apply my expertise for Natick’s benefit, and now I’m running for a second term. I’d like to share a few personal things about myself. My wife Terri and I moved to Natick in 1995. We volunteer for Morse Institute Library book sales and TCAN, and I coach youth basketball and baseball. We love the warm, welcoming community that’s Natick and are very happy that we made Natick our home.

Fifteen years ago, the Moderator appointed me to the Finance Committee, where I used my professional knowledge of finance and project management. During my 12 years on FinCom, I reviewed Town and School budgets in depth and evaluated all other issues that come before Town Meeting. I served as Clerk for six years and helped write the Recommendation Book for Town Meeting members. I’m also a long-standing (15 years) Town Meeting member myself.

During my first term on the Select Board, I collaborated with other Board members to address issues like keeping our water supply safe from dangerous chemicals, hiring an exceptional Fire Chief, and evaluating ways for the Natick Mall to reinvent itself. I always rely on facts and strive to serve the entire community. As I finish my first term, I’ve accomplished much but see more work ahead. That’s why I’m running for a second term to continue serving Natick.

Natick Report: If elected, what do you most look forward to working on as a Committee member?

Bruce Evans: Five priorities form the basis of what I will work hard to accomplish if re-elected to the Select Board.

Fiscal Sustainability: I’m committed to fiscal sustainability and will continue to work with the Town Administrator to enhance service efficiency without increasing costs. We must continue delivering the services that taxpayers need and expect. A key strategy to accomplishing this is attracting more businesses to Natick, as they provide tax revenue while placing fewer demands on town resources, particularly the school system. In addition, I voted to place a $7 million operational override on the ballot, reducing it from $8 million to balance the town’s service needs with financial responsibility. You might wonder—how does asking people to increase their taxes correspond to fiscal sustainability? Proposition 2 ½ limits how much communities can increase property taxes without approval of the voters, while costs for many expenses such as health insurance for employees, heavy duty equipment, and unfunded mandates from the state have risen drastically. Natick has been dealing with this imbalance by using one-time funds, but it’s time to balance our revenue and expenses and put our community on a much better financial footing. The proposed override will do just that and if it passes and I am re-elected, I will make every effort to ensure that Natick’s financial well-being is strengthened and sustained.

Affordability: Natick needs more affordable housing, both new and existing. I’ve supported mixed-use developments including the Stonegate St. Patrick’s property, and the 5 Auburn Street project, which adds 32 affordable units witha 70% preference for local residents and town employees. In my next term, I intend to work on creating additional incentives for builders to prioritize affordable housing and not exclusively luxury homes, while also looking for and advancing other options to keep Natick affordable for those on fixed incomes.

Environmental Sustainability: I’m committed to advancing Natick’s environmental sustainability. So far I’ve worked to protect our water supply, voted to remove the spillway to restore the Charles River to its natural state, and supported policies like the Specialized Building Stretch Code and a zero-emission vehicle policy. If re-elected, I will continue collaborating with state and federal legislators to defend Natick’s climate initiatives against policy setbacks and working closely with Natick’s NetZero committee and Sustainability Director to develop and implement new programs that focus on environmental sustainability.

Building a Thriving, Inclusive Community: I’m dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive community by attracting businesses to Natick, thereby boosting commercial tax revenue and economic growth. I just attended ABI-Labs' latest building opening which supports biotech innovation and incubation of biotech startups. I’ve collaborated with Natick Mall to enhance its contributions through attractions like Bosse Pickleball and PuttShack. In addition, the 2020 census indicates how diverse the population of Natick has become. During my second term, I will continue working with the Community & Economic Development Office to attract and retain businesses, and with town administration to ensure that we include all residents in our planning for services and community activities.

Communication and Transparency: Communication and transparency are essential to achieving our goals. Serving on the Select Board has highlighted the need to better inform residents about local government. We launched Natick 101 to introduce town departments and their roles and are expanding outreach beyond the town website, such as mailing senior citizens information on tax reduction and deferral programs. Moving forward, I think we can improve the effectiveness of our outreach to our residents and I’ll work with Town Administration on this. For example, we’ve discussed including an update from the Town Administration in quarterly tax bills. I’ll also continue meeting with residents to hear and address their concerns.

Natick Report: How should voters reach you if they want more information?

Bruce Evans: For more information about me, my community involvement, my accomplishments, and my priorities, please visit brucefornatick.org. To ask me any questions or raise issues, please contact me at brucefornatick@gmail.com or call me at 978-996-4023. I ask for one of your two votes for Select Board on March 25. Thank you.

Natick Select Board candidate, Kathryn Kelly

Kathryn Kelly

 

Natick Report: Please introduce yourself to Natick Report’s readers.

Kathryn Kelly: I am a seasoned corporate communications professional with over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, working with some of the world’s most influential brands, including Yahoo, Meta, Roku, and Databricks. Sixteen years ago, I founded a successful consulting practice, where I partner with emerging technology startups in artificial intelligence (AI), climate tech, and consumer tech to build brand awareness and establish executive thought leadership.

I was born and raised in Natick and my family has been part of this community for over 70 years. After three decades in Silicon Valley, I returned to Natick in 2020 with my family. As a registered Independent, I am committed to thoughtful, nonpartisan engagement in the issues that shape our community. I believe we need a balanced board of opinions to represent all Natick residents.

Natick Report: If elected, what do you most look forward to working on as a Board member?

Kathryn Kelly: I am passionate about contributing to the growth and revitalization of downtown Natick, transforming it into a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife. With 30 years of experience in business and marketing, I look forward to applying my expertise to support town initiatives with strategic, innovative, and impactful insights.

Natick Report: How should voters reach you if they want more information?

Kathryn Kelly: https://kathrynkelly4selectboard.com

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