A note from Joe

Community dialog opportunity: see Monthly Community Forum with Joe

An image of Joe

It is my honor to serve Lexington on the Select Board since 2013.

The coming few years are full of challenges. We have an excellent new Town Manager who is learning how Lexington is unique, we are preparing to redevelop LHS, we are addressing how to accommodate multi-family residential development and its related population growth. Representing Lexington residents to develop collaborative solutions to these challenges is part of what I find rewarding about serving on the Select Board. This is why I will seek re-election in March 2025. I ask for your support and invite you to endorse my candidacy.

As a Member of the Board, I represent and work for the people of Lexington. I cherish Lexington’s diversity. I strive to engage all residents, to tap into the skills and talents of our entire community – both to make better policies and to create a sense of belonging and inclusion.


Working on hard problems is what I love to do. I strive to develop consensus, to engage all respectfully and equally, and to make sure all are welcomed.  

– Joe

As your Select Board Member, my priorities are to pursue: wise fiscal policy, environmental sustainability, and public safety for all. In pursuing these priorities, my approach is to avoid assumptions, dig for facts, and clarify – in a transparent manner – the issues for our community. Working on hard problems toward sustainable solutions is what I love to do. I believe in aligning support by stating a clear, open case and finding common interests collaboratively. I search for the value in every idea, and I value respectful closure when it’s time to move forward.

I would love to hear from you. Please contact me.

I hold my office hours as virtual meetings. To schedule a phone or online zoom meeting, please contact the Select Board’s office staff at selectboard@lexingtonma.gov or call the office at 781-698-4580

To join my weekly casual office hours from 2-3pm on Wednesdays, which were normally held at the Community Center, use the contact information below:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/623099257

One tap mobile:
+16465588656,,623099257#

Or Dial in by phone:
        +1 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 623 099 257

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Latest BLOG entries

  • Monthly Community Forum with Joe
    On the third Saturday of each month, I will hold a forum in the community room of the new police station. I’ll provide a brief update on my perspective on what has happened in Town over the past month and then invite a dialog for the rest of the hour. Come join me, stay informed,… Read More »
  • LHS Project Community Forum #8
    Wednesday, October 30, 6:30pm-8:30pmWould you like to learn more about the new Lexington High School building project? Join us for a Community Forum Tuesday, November 21, 6:30–8:30pm. Meeting will include a welcome and introduction by Dr. Julie Hackett, project overview, preliminary schedule, next steps, and Q&A. See project website: www.lhsproject.lexingtonma.org Join us in person: Cary… Read More »
  • LHS Project Community Forum #7
    Come to the next community forum on the LHS Project. This session will be focused on the ballpark cost estimates and how they compare to other recent high school projects. Preview a video outlining these cost comparisons.
  • Early Voting Begins (2024 Mass Primary)
    Early voting for the Massachusetts State Primary begins on Saturday, August 24. Early voting sessions will be held at the Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Ave.
  • Coffee chats with Joe regarding the Lexington High School Project
    Next Sessions: I will be scheduling additional sessions later in the year As a member of the School Building Committee, I am keen to hear from residents about their questions, hopes, and concerns about the LHS project. I’ll be holding a series of drop-in coffee chats over the next few weeks in addition to my… Read More »
  • LHS Building Project Community Design Workshop Thursday, June 6
    This workshop is your next opportunity to participate in the design process for the new Lexington High School Building Project. This design workshop is a chance to share your thoughts about the proposed project and hear from Town and LPS officials about the steps ahead. Thursday, June 6, 2024 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM LHS… Read More »
  • LHS Building Project Public Survey
    The Town seeks public input on potential Lexington High School building directions. At the May 2, 2024, Community Forum Meeting #4, the project team presented 18 conceptual massing studies for the Lexington High School Project (https://tinyurl.com/LHSProjectMay2024). The School Building Committee has created a survey to seek community feedback on the options under consideration and general… Read More »
  • Town Manager Search Screening Committee
    The Select Board seeks a cross-section of community members to apply for the Town Manager search screening committee. This group will work with a search firm selected by the Board to screen initial candidates and submit a list of finalists to the Board in mid-August. The Board expects the new Town Manager to begin service… Read More »
  • LHS Building Project
    Attend the March 6, 2024 Community Meeting – online or in person at Battin Hall in the Cary Memorial Building at 6:30 PM. Online access info for the Zoom session will be available at https://lhsproject.lexingtonma.org How much do you know about the LHS building project? Visit the project web site to learn about why we… Read More »
  • Lexington High School Building Project Community Forum 11/21
    Would you like to learn more about the new Lexington High School building project? Join us for a Community Forum Tuesday, November 21, 6:30–8:30pm Join us in person: Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington, MA Or participate virtually via Zoom Meeting will include a welcome and introductions by Dr. Julie Hackett, project overview, preliminary… Read More »
  • Lexington Center Workshop — The Journey Forward
    Join us on November 17 and 18 for a unique event bringing together residents, business owners, and other community stakeholders to discuss and identify implementable priorities for the future of Lexington Center. Help Plan the Future of Lexington Center In September 2022, the Planning Board adopted LexingtonNEXT — the Comprehensive Plan, which includes a plan for Lexington’s economic vitality… Read More »
  • Testimony on H.3775 at the hearing of the Joint Committee on Housing
    H.3775 An Act reorganizing the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, Inc Joseph Pato, Lexington Select Board Chair6/26/2023 Greetings I stand before you to convey the unanimous and enthusiastic support of the Select Board for this petition. A petition authorized by a 97% favorable vote at Town Meeting. Lexington has a long and proud history of stepping… Read More »
  • Lexington Initiates Housing Feasibility Study on Town-Owned Land
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  • Composting and Waste Reduction
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  • How to Protect our Trees
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