The local election will be April 9, 2022. In order to inform eligible voters and empower them with the information they need to both show up at the polls and make an educated decision once they get there, I’ll be profiling candidates for election. I complete these profiles by interviewing the candidates and then writing up our conversation in a conversational format, much like I have done with the local government profiles. Candidates are invited to review the profiles prior to publication to ensure I got the facts correct.
Other upcoming opportunities to learn more about your candidates:
- Burlington Equity Coalition Candidate Guide
- BCAT debates
- Democratic Town Committee Candidate Event
- IAB Candidate Event
This is one of three candidate profiles for the contested Board of Health (BoH) race. Click a name below to read about the other candidates.
Gayle moved to Burlington in 2001 and has been involved in the community ever since. She has volunteered with her children’s schools and sports teams and helped with fundraising for various events around town. She has also been a Town Meeting Member since 2019, and was eager for the opportunity to serve the town in a broader capacity.
Gayle works as a health educator in North Reading, a job which touches many areas where the Board of Health has purview. She also serves on the Community Impact Team (CIT) – Youth Substance Use Prevention in North Reading, and is excited to have the chance to bring this advocacy work to the community where she lives. As a Board of Health candidate, Gayle is excited for the opportunity to shape the experience of our youth with respect to public health.
Gayle’s Priorities for BoH
Short- and Medium-Term Priorities
As a Board of Health member, Gayle would collaborate with the rest of the Board to continue the great work they’re already doing. She would aim to help the Board achieve the goals they’ve set in each of their many areas of responsibility – including coming back to a new normal as concerns about COVID lessen.
She is particularly passionate about working with the Burlington Volunteer Reserve Corps. With her background in health education, she could possibly lend a hand in creating curriculum and helping to provide training to Corps members and other interested residents.
Long-Term Priorities
In the long-term, Gayle would like to help the Board of Health as they continue to collaborate with other Boards and Commissions to be sure there is a concerted approach for the future of the town. With all the biotech companies moving in, for example, the Board of Health will need to coordinate with the Planning Board and ensure things like hazardous waste removal are accounted for in plans for future development.
There is a lot of learning to do as a first-term Board of Health member, and Gayle says she’s up to the task. She is eager to be involved in shaping the health of the community for the future.
Other Priorities
Gayle sees mosquito control as something that needs to be addressed in our town. She’d like to work with the Board to figure out how to control the mosquito population without harming other aspects of the environment.
Closing thoughts
Gayle believes her perspective as a health educator will be a strong contribution to an already strong and effective Board of Health. She is energized by the constantly evolving state of public health and is eager to pass along this enthusiasm to other Burlington residents.
She’d like to encourage community members to join the BVRC’s work to protect and serve the town, promoting public health and helping individuals and families learn what they can do to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Gayle is excited at the opportunity to work with the current members, helping expand and continue the good work they already do to protect, promote, and prepare for public health issues.
Contact Gayle
Gayle can be reached in the following ways:
She will be having a meet and greet at DaMore Law on March 22, from 6-9 PM. Be sure to check Gayle’s Facebook page for more details about other upcoming events.
