LHS Project listening sessions: see LHS coffee chats with Joe
It is my honor to serve Lexington on the Select Board since 2013.
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
One tap mobile:
+16465588656,,623099257#
Or Dial in by phone:
+1 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 623 099 257
Latest BLOG entries
- 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: * Tuesday 9/10 @ 6:30-8:00pm – small community room in the new Police Department lobby * Saturday 9/14 @ 4:00-5:00PM – Emery Park benches. 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… 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
The Town has contracted with LDa Architecture & Interiors, LLP to prepare a report on the initial feasibility of constructing housing on three Town-owned parcels. This study is funded by a state budget earmark of $200,000 to investigate the feasibility of entering into a public-private partnership with a developer to build much-needed housing, including affordable… Read More » - Composting and Waste Reduction
Lexington staff are hosting two events in May as part of the Town’s efforts to reduce waste. Curbside Compost Pilot Launch Event – May 16 @ 6:00 PM The Town of Lexington is happy to announce the launch of a curbside composting pilot program. The program will allow 2,000 Lexington households to sign up for… Read More » - How to Protect our Trees
Is Lexington doing enough to protect its tree canopy? This video shared by the Lexington Climate Action Network outlines concerns for tree canopy loss. What are your reactions – are there approaches we should be pursuing to better protect our trees? This year’s Town Meeting will be considering one way of strengthening our protections –… Read More » - Open Letter Regarding the Effects of Housing Expansion on School Enrollment
To: Planning Board and Planning DirectorFrom: Joe Pato and Rod Cole, members of the LPS Enrollment Working Group As the community considers proposed zoning amendments to comply with the new multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities in the Zoning Act (MGL Chapter 40A Section 3A), some residents have raised concerns about the potential effects on… Read More » - Reduce Waste and Trash Costs
Image designed by macrovector / Freepik How to properly dispose of waste is everyone’s challenge. The costs for town provided waste hauling and disposal for waste (up 21%) and recycling (up 28%) are jumping and creating difficulties for the Town’s budget. To manage about a $1 Million increase in these costs, fees are being considered… Read More »
