Election 2025: Town Meeting Member Profiles: Precinct 7

This article is a part of the Burlington Buzz Election 2025 Series, in which we profile each candidate for election. This year's election is on April 5, 2025, and our mission is to make it easy for all registered voters to vote by ensuring the community has access to information about the candidates and issues on the ballot. ELECTION CORNER

Paul Shvartsman

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

I've lived in Burlington for over 40 years, I've Coached at BHS for over 20 year and now work in the Treasures office. I believe I can continue help and give back to the town.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

I want to give back to the town and help it grow and improve.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?

Listen to my constituents and hear out their thoughts and opinions.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

I have 2. The 3 major projects and how to best pay for them and keeping a steady commercial base in town.

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

I have a unique perspective coaching and spending a lot of time at BHS as well as working in the Treasurers office and Town Hall. I will use that knowledge to make my voice heard on these issues.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

We should lean on the experts and use the advice we get from them to make informed decisions. We should try to save money when possible but also understand that these projects are very necessary.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

I don't see this as a huge Burlington issue. Burlington is a desirable town therefore property values have increased.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

I always respond to emails and take phone calls whenever a constitute calls. I'm not hard to find if someone wants to discuss an issue.

Neal Lespasio

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

I’ve had the honor of serving on Town Meeting for the past year, and that experience has been incredibly inspiring. Over the last 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of calling Burlington my home and witnessing its dynamic growth and the many opportunities it offers. This deep-rooted connection to our town motivates me to continue serving, ensuring that every resident’s voice is heard and that we work together to shape a vibrant, forward-looking community. It would be a true honor to continue as your Town Meeting member.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

I want to serve on Town Meeting because I truly believe in the power of local governance to make a positive impact in our community. Over the past year serving on Town Meeting, I’ve seen firsthand how collaborative decision-making can address our town’s challenges and harness its opportunities. Having called Burlington home for more than 20 years, I've watched our town evolve, and I’m inspired by its growth and potential. I’m passionate about ensuring every resident's voice is heard and about building on our shared successes to create a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?

My charge as a Town Meeting Member in my precinct is to serve as a dedicated and impartial voice for all residents. I see my role as threefold:

Listening and Representation: I’m committed to listening deeply to the concerns and aspirations of our community. It’s essential that every voice is heard and that the diversity of opinions in our precinct is reflected in the decisions we make.

Facilitating Thoughtful Dialogue: I aim to foster an environment where open, respectful discussion leads to well-informed decisions. This means encouraging transparency, collaboration, and an inclusive approach to every issue we tackle.

Advocating for Our Community: Drawing on my personal connection to Burlington and my experience on Town Meeting, I will work diligently to ensure that our shared values guide our policies and actions. Whether addressing immediate challenges or planning for our town's future, my goal is to secure a vibrant, thriving community for everyone.

In essence, my charge is to be a trustworthy steward of your interests, ensuring that our precinct’s voice plays a meaningful role in shaping the future of Burlington.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

I see three critical priorities for Burlington, and I believe Town Meeting can address them through thoughtful, community-focused approaches:

Sustainable Development and Smart Growth:
Burlington is experiencing exciting growth, and it’s essential to balance new development with preserving our community’s character. I’d work to ensure that any new projects are planned with sustainable practices in mind—promoting affordable housing, investing in necessary infrastructure, and protecting our town’s unique heritage. Town Meeting can hold public hearings and collaborate with planning experts to guide decisions that benefit all residents.

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparent Governance:
Responsible budgeting is the backbone of a thriving community. I’ll prioritize a careful review of our financial decisions, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely. By advocating for regular audits and clear reporting, Town Meeting can maintain public trust and ensure that our investments truly enhance Burlington’s long-term vitality.

Enhanced Community Engagement and Quality of Life:
Every resident deserves to feel heard and valued. I’m committed to fostering an environment of open dialogue—whether that means regular town forums, better communication channels, or community advisory groups. By actively engaging residents in the decision-making process, Town Meeting can better address issues ranging from public safety to education and recreation, ensuring Burlington remains a welcoming and vibrant place to live.

These priorities reflect my vision for a Burlington that respects its past while confidently planning for the future, always with the community’s best interests at heart.

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

In my role as Town Meeting Member, I plan to be a proactive force for progress by directly influencing how we approach Burlington's key challenges:

Driving Sustainable Development: I will ensure that every development decision is made with long-term community benefits in mind. This means actively scrutinizing new proposals, advocating for smart growth that preserves our town’s character, and promoting sustainable practices that balance progress with quality of life.

Promoting Fiscal Responsibility: I will work to uphold rigorous standards of transparency and accountability in our budgeting process. By engaging with financial oversight and supporting clear reporting, I aim to ensure that our fiscal decisions strengthen Burlington’s foundation for future growth.

Enhancing Community Engagement: I’m committed to amplifying the voices of our residents. Through hosting community forums, establishing open channels of communication, and actively soliciting feedback, I will ensure that every decision in Town Meeting reflects the needs and values of our community.

By blending my experience, commitment, and active participation, I will work to create policies and decisions that foster a vibrant, sustainable, and fiscally sound Burlington.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

Rigorous Oversight: We need to carefully scrutinize each project through comprehensive fiscal analyses and cost-benefit evaluations. It’s essential to understand how each decision will affect tax bills over the long term.

Transparent Public Engagement: Town Meeting should host open forums and public hearings where residents can ask questions, express concerns, and provide input. This ensures that every perspective is considered before any decisions are made.

Accountability and Long-Term Planning: Our responsibility is to safeguard the financial well-being of our community. We must ensure that any increases in tax bills are justified by real, tangible benefits—such as improved infrastructure, services, or public amenities—that enhance Burlington’s quality of life.

By combining thorough analysis with active community involvement, Town Meeting can make informed decisions that balance growth with fiscal responsibility, protecting residents’ interests for decades to come.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

Burlington has made important strides in addressing housing challenges. For example, I believe the town has worked to streamline permitting processes and has supported initiatives that encourage mixed-income development. These steps have helped to lay a foundation for responsible growth and have contributed to a more dynamic housing market.

However, despite these efforts, Burlington still faces challenges. The persistent low inventory and high prices indicate that more must be done to boost affordable housing options. We need to explore innovative zoning reforms, incentivize developers to include affordable units in their projects, and strengthen public-private partnerships to increase overall housing supply. In my role as Town Meeting Member, I would push for deeper community engagement to ensure that our housing policies are both forward-thinking and inclusive, safeguarding Burlington’s future as a vibrant and accessible community for all residents.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

Leveraging Community Partnerships: I’ll work with local organizations and neighborhood leaders who already engage with residents, helping to collect feedback from a broader audience. I will solicit feedback via digital outreach such as emails, surveys, and local polls.

Dave Van Camp

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

I have been a Burlington resident for over 30 years, moving here with my wife in January 1993. We’ve raised our two sons here and, as citizens of Precinct 7, we continue to have a front-row seat to Burlington’s 21st Century transformation.

I’ve been a member of Town Meeting since 2012. I’m running for election in 2025 for the same reason that I accepted the role a dozen years ago – it’s a chance to act, not simply complain. I love the fact that Representative Town Meeting is democracy in its original and purest form. It is where the People’s business is done. As a Town Meeting Member I can help shape the present and future for my family, for my neighbors, and for the Town as a whole. I’m asking for the people’s support to continue doing so on their behalf.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

I want to continue to serve as a Town Meeting Member (TMM) for Precinct 7 because I see tremendous challenges and opportunities literally on our doorsteps. Our future is within earshot. Precinct 7 is, and will continue to be, the engine that drives Burlington’s economy. It also bears a disproportionate share of its burdens in the form of traffic, building density, pollution, and lack of access. There continues to be much work to be done.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?

As a TMM I see my role as a voice for my neighbors and constituents speaking (sometimes forcefully) to the Town Administration and Town Departments to address the needs of the precinct and the town. I also recognize my opportunity to help residents in Precinct 7 access and take advantage of services that are available to them.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

A) ROI = QoL Return On Investment = Quality of Life. Each of us pay our taxes and fees to the Town. We each have a right to expect the best possible return on that investment in the form a good quality of life. As budget approvers, Town Meeting members are obliged to guard the Peoples money and put it to best possible use. In the challenging times before us, we need to sharpen the budget pencils and demand a tangible return.

B) Access. Town Meeting needs to continue to work to enable Burlington citizens – and visitors to Burlington businesses – to have easy and safe access to everything that Burlington has to offer. A comprehensive and coherent transportation strategy is crucial to providing such access. Such a strategy must include walkability, expanded bike lanes, traffic management and calming, reliable mass transit, and safe routes to schools. As a member of the Town Meeting Transportation Committee, I helped identify these needs years ago. We need to act on our recommendations.

C) Legacy. What kind of a town do we want to leave to our kids? Simply put, as the legislative branch of town government, Town Meeting has the responsibility to speak up and shape the future. We have some difficult decisions to make. Now. No more kicking the can down the road.

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

If the people of Precinct 7 vote to return me to Town Meeting, I will continue to be engaged on their behalf not only in the formal Town Meetings, but also in the important work of TMM committees and conversations with various Town Boards.

I plan to continue to be a voice on behalf of Precinct 7 regarding the various economic development activities now in play – like the Burlington Mall Road plan and the evolving transportation plan.

I will continue to advocate for intelligent development and will actively resist treating Precinct 7 as the dumping ground for any and all commercial development in pursuit of commercial tax dollars. Residents in Precinct 7 will do our share, but we deserve a good quality of life as much as any other Burlington resident. I’ll continue to stay on that point.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

Town Meeting needs to continue to be the faithful steward of the people’s money. We approve the budgets. We need to take that obligation seriously and be more than a rubber stamp.

The most pressing case is the effort to build a new High School. The potential bill - and proposed debt exclusion to fund it – is in our laps. The numbers are scary. We need to be asking some pointed and painful questions before we sign off. In my opinion, we need to drastically improve our public outreach on this question.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

Burlington has already taken strides to making housing more available. Witness the recent votes to comply with the MBTA Communities Act and the vote to revise the Burlington Mall rezoning. However, more is needed. Recent initiatives to support mixed retail and residential development are a start, but they are not sufficient.

Town Meeting and the Town Administration need to start being creative to create incentives to break the cycle of knocking down small houses and replacing them with million-dollar mansions that first-time buyers cannot afford. We will not be able to maintain our standing as an attractive commercial destination if we cannot also provide affordable, accessible living spaces for the employees of the companies that we want to attract and retain.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

Contact me by email. Send me your ideas. Let me know what you need.

Cynthia H Kazanjian

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

I am seeking re-election for Precinct #7. Have been a Town Meeting member for 3 years. Having worked for the Town of Burlington for 5 years as the Director of Nutrition Services, I inherited a large financial deficit. Understanding the importance of offering solid, quality Nutrition and operating a program with positive financial results, my staff and I were able to leave the department in positive financial standing. My sense of commitment to the Town of Burlington grows stronger as my involvement continues. I understand the importance of "writing in black ink" vs red ink.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

Town Meeting makes very important decisions, many effect the future of the Town of Burlington. The upcoming renovations of the schools and the re-building of the Police Department has tax implications for it's residents and particularly the students who will be impacted by our decisions.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?

My charge is to assure that we make prudent decisions that do not have a negative impact on the quality of life, experience, pride as residents.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

Biggest priorities are:
the strengthening of our School buildings,
the Police department re-build
Town's growth via rezoning of land that could help to increase further revenues and provide affordable housing.

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

I will continue my further understanding of the above issues and consider voting for or against projects that have Burlington's best interests in mind.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

Our role is to protect the Tax Payer as best as possible, making informed decisions on expenditures and not granting frivolous requests.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

Prior to 2007, I observed that there was an influx of industry and opportunities for residents to consider coming to Burlington. Industry saw Burlington as a great location, for convenience, and reasonable tax rates and the same for residential property. Today, land values have increased to a point where property is unaffordable to many. The inflation rate is unrealistic based on original land values. People are choosing rentals but not purchasing property. Industrial real estate has a lot of available rental space. This is partially due to COVID, inflation, the way business is conducted (i.e. work being done remotely) Burlington also needs to look at the quality of education and our standing not only as compared to other towns in Massachusetts but nationally. Burlington expenditures per student is large but our educational excellence is lower by comparison of other towns ie. Lexington, Winchester, Arlington.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

It is my duty to represent the residents in my district without bias. Residents make their wishes known to Town Meeting Members via direct conversation, email etc.

Anthony Salamone

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

I grew up in Burlington (class of '97) and have lived here most of my life, with brief stints in Somerville and Boston. My wife Sarah and I purchased my childhood home on Peach Orchard Rd back in 2007. We lived in that home until 2017 when we built our new home on Sunnyside Ave. We purchased the home my grandfather built back in the 1950s, which was likely one of the first on the hillside of Winnmere. Our family of six resides here (15yo boy, 10yo boy/girl twins, and 8yo girl) and the move and decision to build was the best choice we could have made. That's the short version, but even shorter; my family is my world. I want nothing but the best for all of them, and being of town meeting may be a bit of that selfishness showing through.

I’m a longtime IT professional, currently working as an IT Analyst for a large biotech company (Becton Dickinson). I’m coming up on 25 years with them next spring. I’ve had many roles with over the years from rolling out hardware, application design, and project management. I’ve done some private IT consulting over the years and also operate a small business on the side.

I'm running for re-election as I am someone who likes to be part of the process. I feel that local government is where you can have the most impact and get nearly instant return on the effort you are willing to put in.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

Serving on town meeting offers a level of engagement with the community that you can't find in many other places. People have strong opinions on many issues in town, but they're just strong opinions until someone hears them and helps them to act. I take pride in having a say (vote) in many critical issues that are brought before our town

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?

It's my role to listen to, seek the opinion of, and engage with other members of my precinct. As town meeting members, we're the voting members of our precinct who can control many of the tough decisions our town has to make. It's my job to be present for the precinct, and represent the community's interests at town meeting.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

New schools have been the obvious hot button topic for the past few years, with the high school being a major focus right now. Working to understand the options available to us to ensure we're making the best decision, for the town as a whole, moving forward. Especially when there is a large financial impact associated with it.

I also think the role of our Economic Development office needs to continue to be supported. The forward thinking of this team and the role it plays in shaping Burlington's future from a higher level is critical to the success of our town

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

You're only going to get out what you put in as town meeting member. If you're happy with the information you're getting regarding schools, and good to vote based on that, great. But it's okay to ask for more too. That's the beauty of having a large body of town meeting members. The general discourse that takes place on important town issues is often pretty colorful. It's my job to engage, whether by speaking up (important!) but also listening (more important!) to what every has to say, before casting an educated vote.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

Town meeting members should always review the info given to them, and be prepared to debate it if needed. They should engage members in their precinct to see where they fall on the issue(s) as well. For high budget items, such as these building projects, you need to carefully look a the tax impact and what that looks like to members of our community. We also need to consider that sometimes the shiniest and brightest option (new school for example) does not always equal the BEST overall solution. A less glamorous (refit/reno/combo) may meet our needs as well. We have to ensure we're exploring all options when it comes to such large projects.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

I mentioned above, and I will echo here again, I'm always impressed with the foresight of our Economic Development Office. The mixed used zoning proposal which was passed at our last town meeting is a great example of something I believe Burlington has done right. Fill in areas that are pavement today with housing in shops that will continue to breathe life into our commercial spaces at the same time. The type of expansion in the areas proposed helps us address housing, while preserving the neighborhood feelings that we've all grown accustomed to in other areas of town. If anything, I think the area designated could have been a little larger, but I think it's a great start and am excited to see this come to fruition in the decades to come.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

I'll be here, to listen and engage at any time. I poke around the various Facebook user groups. I often reach out to people who have brought up issues on those various pages and connected them with the right people/departments. I'm active in the community, our children are engaged in all sorts of activities through the rec department and local sports organizations. I volunteer to coach baseball and hockey in town. I have a good connection with the people of this town and I am out there, approachable.

Keri Riley

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

I have lived in Burlington for over 50 years and my mother was a Town Meeting Member for 20+ years also. I am running for re-election because Burlington has somewhat lost it's way. We have Porsche dealerships, a billion dollar Trauma II hospital, the fanciest steakhouses, hotels, the Mall, and our schools and public buildings are in shambles.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

To be a voice for the people. Growing up here, the kids were prioritized. They are not at the forefront any longer. I want to get that back.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?

To protect what made Burlington so exceptional in the first place. Natural resources and the community. I was passionate about the Winn View Heights project and lobbied the state. Putting a switchback road in the middle of homes on Mountain Road is just insanity.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

1.) The schools and curriculum. Burlington has kicked the can down the way for so long, it can no longer be ignored. Town Meeting can make sure that this stays on the agenda,2.) The vacancies. The tax revenue is declining an we need to come up with other ways to fill up the leasing space. 3.) A Dick's Sporting Goods in the Mall. (I will personally petition them)

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

I will speak up and lobby for the issues at the forefront.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

Town Meeting should act like the Legislative Branch and vote on these projects.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

Burlington has done right by diversifying their portfolio of affordable senior housing in various locations in town. Even with this, there is still a trend of overpriced $1-2.5 million dollar homes. Our children are priced out already.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

Emails, social media and Teams calls.

Adriane Callahan

This candidate did not provide a profile to Burlington Buzz.

Candidates for 1-year seats

Mark Smukler

Tell voters a little about your background and why you're deciding to run for Town Meeting (or why you're running for re-election).

My name is Mark Smukler and I want to be a Town Meeting member representing Precinct 7. My wife Jan and I have lived at 24 Seven Springs Lane, Apt 104 for over 6 years, having moved here to be close to family when we retired. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I went to school at Pittsburgh and Wisconsin in Communications. Most of my career was at Public TV and radio stations managing news and community programming. I want to help keep Burlington a great place to live and work.

Why do you want to serve on Town Meeting?

I like living in Burlington and want to be involved in the community and contribute to its future. A friend that I worked with, who has been an active part of the Burlington community, encouraged me to consider becoming a Town Meeting Member. I was appointed to fill an open position for the January Town Meeting and want to continue to serve.

What do you see as your charge as a Town Meeting Member in your precinct?

As someone new to Town Meeting, I need to first listen and learn, and then to represent the people here. I think representing Precinct 7 is a special responsibility because of how important it is to Burlington in continuing to be both a family-friendly and business-friendly community.

What do you see as the three biggest priorities for Burlington and how should Town Meeting address them?

1. Achieving and maintaining excellent schools. Great communities have great schools.
2. Maintaining the tax base in order to afford quality schools and public services. We are challenged by the changing nature of how we work and how we shop. We are also challenged to avoid easy solutions that will damage Burlington’s character and future.
3. Implementing affordable housing initiatives. Burlington, like many Massachusetts communities, has to figure out how to have more and different kinds of affordable housing while maintaining the qualities that make the town special.
Town Meeting should be the forum that takes on the challenges of change, represents the views and interests of all the people of Burlington, and then navigates the difficult choices we have to make together.

How will you impact these important issues in your role as Town Meeting Member?

I need to listen and learn, both to the people in the Precinct and to others involved in Town governance. I will get involved in committee work – which is where many initiatives get their start.

There are a number of building projects on the town's agenda that will impact tax bills for residents for decades to come. What do you think should be Town Meeting's role in the decision making process?

I’m in the earliest stage of learning how our Town governance works, but I think the role of Town Meeting is to listen to the community, engage through the committee structure, advise, propose, discuss, balance conflicting interests, and ultimately decide.

Low inventory and high prices have resulted in a nationwide housing crisis whose impacts can be felt in Burlington. What do you think Burlington has done right, and what does the town still lack, to address this issue?

Burlington has succeeded in creating a real mix of housing. It has embraced planning to develop new housing options in apartment and condo homes. It has had less success planning how current residential neighborhoods and local commercial areas might best evolve and change.

How will you solicit input from your constituents?

It is my responsibility to also represent the interests of people whose home address includes an apartment or unit number - they are underrepresented in the Town Meeting and many are long-term residents. I will make myself available at meetings and events, on various communication platforms and social media, and by putting my email out there – mark.smukler@gmail.com. People will speak when they know somebody is listening, and I’m going to try to let people know that I am.

Joseph Busa

This candidate did not provide a profile to Burlington Buzz.