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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS "What a glorious morning for America"
YEARBOOK
2008 - 2009
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON
BOX 233 LEXINGTON, MA 02420-0003
(781) 861-0123 www.lwvlexington.org
LEAGUE OF
WHERE TO WRITE, CALL, OR EMAIL
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN 781-862-0500 x208 Norman Cohen, Chair 781-862-3098
George Burnell 718-862-2023 Peter Kelley 781-861-1546Jeanne Krieger* 781-862-7730Hank Manz 781-863-1733
MODERATOR
*Margery M. Battin 781-862-3639
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Helen Cohen, Chair* 781-862-1279Rodney Cole 781-863-2670Margaret Coppe* 781-861-1279
Thomas Diaz 781-862-6177Ravinder Sakhuja 718-861-6797
COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS
State Senator Elect Ken Donnelly (D)
(4th Middlesex, Lex. Pcts. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7)
State Senator Susan Fargo (D) (3rd Middlesex Distr., Lex. Pcts. 3, 8, 9)
Room 504, State House, Boston MA 02133 617-722-1572 [email protected]
State Representative Jay R. Kaufman*
(15th Middlesex Dist. Pcts. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)Room 156, State House, Boston MA 02133617-722-2240
State Representative Thomas Stanley
(9th Middlesex Dist. Pcts. 2, 3, 4) Room 38, State House, Boston MA 02133
617-722-2470 [email protected]
Gov. Deval Patrick
Governor's Office Room 360, State House, Boston MA 02133 617-725-4005 - [email protected]
OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
WHERE TO WRITE, CALL, OR EMAIL
3098
2023 1546 7730 1733
3639
1279 2670 1279
6177 6797
(D)
(4th Middlesex, Lex. Pcts. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7)
(3rd Middlesex Distr., Lex. Pcts. 3, 8, 9)
Room 504, State House, Boston MA 02133
State Representative Jay R. Kaufman* (D)
(15th Middlesex Dist. Pcts. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) Room 156, State House, Boston MA 02133
State Representative Thomas Stanley (D)
Room 38, State House, Boston MA 02133
Room 360, State House, Boston MA 02133
UNITED STATES
President Elect Barack Obama
President George W. Bush
The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania AveWashington, DC 20500 202-456-1414 –
[email protected] Senator Edward M. Kennedy
317 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 202-224-4543 [Local office 617
http://kennedy.senate.gov/senator/contact.cfm
Senator John F. Kerry (D) 304 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
202-224-2742 [Local office 617http://kerry.senate.gov/low/contact_email.html
Congressman Edward J. Markey
2108 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-2107 202-225-2836 E-mail from: http://markey.house.gov/
[Local office 781-396-2900]
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
LWV OF THE UNITED STATES
Ms. Mary G. Wilson, President 1730 M Street NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20036-4508 202-429-1965 - [email protected](Home page: www.lwv.org)
LWV OF MASSACHUSETTS
Diane Jeffery, President 133 Portland Street, Boston, MA 02114617-523-2999 - LWVMAa@LWVMA
(Home page: www.LWVMAa.org VOTER INFORMATION PHONE
617-723-1421 or 1-800-882
*Lexington LWV member
k Obama
President George W. Bush
The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D)
317 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington,
4543 [Local office 617-565-3170]
http://kennedy.senate.gov/senator/contact.cfm
(D) e Office Building, Washington,
2742 [Local office 617-565-8519] http://kerry.senate.gov/low/contact_email.html
Congressman Edward J. Markey (D) (7th Distr.)
House Office Building, 2107
http://markey.house.gov/
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
LWV OF THE UNITED STATES
, President 1730 M Street NW, Suite 1000
4508 [email protected]
)
LWV OF MASSACHUSETTS
ton, MA 02114 LWVMAa.org
a.org)
VOTER INFORMATION PHONE
882-1649
PAGE 1
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
LWVL BOARD AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS President
Deb Mauger* [email protected] 38 Liberty Ave. 781-861-7697
Vice-Presidents
Budget/Finance Melodee Wagen#
154 Pleasant St.
781-861-8285
Observer Corps
Marjorie Daggett#
9 Burroughs Rd.
781-862-1651
Voters Service Peg Bradley *
48 Bellflower St.
781-862-0581
Secretary
Jinx Crouch* [email protected] 2 Grant Pl. 781-652-0604
Treasurer
Setha Olson# [email protected] 3 Brigham Rd. 781-862-3096
PROGRAM/ACTION
Aging Issues Barbara Ciampa+
1010 Waltham St.
781-861-8433
Conversations
Nancy Adler*
22 Village Cr.
781-861-6069
Education Jessie Steigerwald#
143 Cedar St
781-254-2525
Environmental Issues
Ingrid Klimoff+
75 Reed St.
781-862-1112
First Fridays Vacant
Health Martha Wood+
51 Gleason Rd.
781-862-0645
Housing Issues Betsey Weiss#
8 Dover Ln.
781-863-5602
Lex Media Mary Ann Stewart*
781-862-2178
ORGANIZATION
Bulletin Judy Otto*
38A Worthen Rd. #1
781-538-5674
Membership Wendy Manz#
14 Ellison Rd. 781-863-1733
Print Media
Pat Costello# [email protected]
9 Preston Rd. 781-862-6435
Webmaster Gretchen Reisig+
10 Morris St. 781-652-8169
OFF BOARD PORTFOLIO
Hanscom Issues
Margaret Coppe
[email protected] 12 Barrymeade Dr. 781-862-2637
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Wendy Manz, chair+ [email protected] 14 Ellison Rd. 781-863-1733
Sandra Shaw* [email protected] 51 Wachusett Dr. 781-862-4415
Jessie Steigerwald + [email protected] 143 Cedar St. 781-254-2525
Judith Uhrig* [email protected] 89 Potter Pond 781-861-0388
Betsy Whitman+ [email protected] 1010 Waltham St. 781-862-8510
* = Elected through 2010 # = Elected through May 2009 + = Appointed Page 2
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
ALL ABOUT THE LEAGUE
PURPOSE AND POLICY
The League of Women Voters is a "grass-roots”, non-partisan organization dedicated to the principles
of self-government established in the Constitution of the United States. The League works to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.
Through its program, the League gives sustained attention to and takes concerted action on issues chosen by the members. Through its Voters Service, the League provides non-partisan, factual information on the structure and functions of government and of the political parties, and on voting procedures, election issues, and candidates.
PRINCIPLES
The League of Women Voters believes:
• In representative government and the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the
United States.
• Democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and
requires that governmental bodies protect the citizens' rights to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.
• Every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; every person should have access to free
public education, which provides equal opportunity for all; and no person or group should suffer
legal, economic, or administrative discrimination.
• Efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among different agencies and levels of
government. • Responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; government should
maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation; promote the conservation and
development of natural resources in the public interest; share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare; promote a sound economy; and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.
• Cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems; the development of international organizations and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
• Membership in the League is open to all U.S. citizens who are 18 years of age or older and who subscribe to the League's purpose and policies. Non-citizens may hold associate membership in
the League. • Upon joining the League of Women Voters of Lexington, members are automatically enrolled in
the Massachusetts League (LWVMA) and the United States League (LWVUS).
• Dues are $55.00 annually, payable in September, except that dues shall be $35.00 for those
persons over 65 or under 21 years of age, or full-time students. Additional household members may join at the reduced rate of $25.00.
• Dues and members' contributions provide funds for about half of the Lexington League's
budget. The League also raises funds through community support of our annual Finance Drive and other fundraising activities.
BYLAWS
Copies of the bylaws of the League of Women Voters of Lexington, of Massachusetts, and of the United States may be obtained from your League President.
NONPARTISANSHIP POLICY
The League is a political organization in the sense that it takes positions on certain issues and works to obtain support for those positions. The organization is nonpartisan in that it does not support or oppose political parties or candidates.
Political Activities -- Members
The League encourages members to be involved in political activities. A member may support or oppose candidates or issues. In so doing, s/he may not identify her/himself as a League member or
use the name of the League publicly except in support of a League position. The positions of the League are arrived at through a consensus process in which all members have an opportunity to participate.
Political Activities -- Board Members
In order to avoid public confusion of Board members' activities with those of the League, each local
League formulates specific guidelines regarding the political activities of Board members. These guidelines are set by the Lexington Board at its September meeting and are available to any interested member. In general, the Lexington Board has restricted the partisan activities of
“critical” Board members -- President(s), Voters Service chair -- during their terms in office.
BOARD MEETINGS
League business is conducted at Board meetings. The Board usually meets during the first week of the month, in the evening (see Calendar and monthly Bulletin). All members are welcome to attend Board meetings.
PAGE 4
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
VOTERS SERVICE
Probably the most widely recognized element in the total League program, Voters Service provides citizens with non-partisan information on registration, voting procedures and particular issues appearing on the ballot. Members of the Voters Service committee help to organize, publicize and present Candidates' Nights,
prepare and tabulate candidates' questionnaires, conduct Mock Town Meetings in the schools, and undertake projects designed to educate and involve citizens in government.
PUBLICATIONS
Each member of the Lexington League receives the monthly Bulletin, which provides up-to-date information concerning local League activities. In addition, each member receives The National Voter (from LWVUS) and The Massachusetts Voter (from LWVMA).
STUDY – AGREEMENT -- ACTION
The League Program consists of issues chosen by members for concerted study and action. The process of choosing a program includes discussion and recommendations by members; a proposed program based on those recommendations; consideration of the proposed program by the members, and final adoption of a program by the members at the Annual Meeting, or by their
representatives at LWVMA and LWVUS conventions.
WORKSHOPS/UNITS/CONSENSUS
Small groups open to all members are formed for each program item. Study workshops do in-depth research and may present information to members at units: one or more small-group discussions. If there is more than one, the same materials are presented at all. At these meetings, consensus may be
formulated-- a "meeting of the minds", a sense of the meeting. When such consensus is put into words and approved at the Annual Meeting or at a State or National convention, it becomes a League position.
Concurrence is another decision-making technique of the League. It is the act of agreeing with, or concurring with, a position adopted by another League or by the State or National League.
Only after a position has been reached may the League take action. Members of action workshops
may implement League positions through activities such as lobbying and public education.
Action units may consist of one or more meetings to update the League membership and to act on
positions.
The League closely follows national and state legislation pertaining to its program. Each year the membership votes either to continue support of a position or to drop it. If it is dropped, no further
action may be taken by the League. If it is continued, it remains a support position and the League may act on it.
PAGE 5
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
LEAGUE PROGRAMS
League Program is the result of study and consensus by its members. At each level of League, its broad philosophy of government is expressed in its Principles. These serve as a guide for program selection and action.
The entire Local League Program is set forth in this Yearbook, as are statements in brief of the State Program and the National Program. The President and Board members of the Lexington League have copies of the full explanation of State and National programs. Please ask to see them.
NATIONAL PROGRAM 2006-2008
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
Promote an open governmental system that is representative, accountable, and responsive.
VOTING RIGHT
Citizen’s Right to Vote. Protect the right of all citizens to vote; encourage all citizens to vote.
DC Self-Government and Full Voting Representation. Secure for the citizens of the District of
Columbia the rights of self-government and full voting representation in both houses of Congress.
ELECTION PROCESS Apportionment. Support apportionment of congressional districts and elected legislative bodies at
all levels of government based substantially on population. Campaign Finance. Improve methods of financing political campaigns in order to ensure the public’s right to know, combat corruption and undue influence, enable candidates to compete more
equitably for public office and promote citizen participation in the political process. Selection of the President. Promote the election of the President and Vice-President by direct popular vote and work to abolish the Electoral College. Support uniform national voting qualifications and procedures for presidential elections. Support efforts to provide voters with
sufficient information about candidates.
CITIZEN RIGHTS Citizen’s Right to Know/Citizen Participation.
Protect the citizen’s right to know and facilitate citizen participation in government decision making. Individual Liberties. Oppose major threats to basic constitutional rights.
Public Policy on Reproductive Choice
Protect the constitutional right of privacy of the individual to make reproductive choices.
CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY
Congress. Support responsive legislative processes characterized by accountability, representativeness, decision-making capability and effective performance.
The Presidency. Promote a dynamic balance of power between the executive and legislative branches within the framework set by the Constitution. PAGE 6
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Promote peace in an interdependent world by working cooperatively with
other nations and strengthening international organizations. United Nations
Support a strong, effective United Nations to promote international peace and
security and to address the social, economic, and humanitarian needs of all people.
Trade
Support U.S. trade policies that reduce trade barriers and expand international trade and
advance the achievement of humanitarian, environmental, and social goals.
U.S. Relations with Developing Countries
Promote U.S. policies that meet long-term social and economic needs of developing countries.
Arms Control
Reduce the risk of war through support of arms control measures.
Military Policy and Defense Spending
Work to limit reliance on military force. Examine defense spending in the context of total national
needs.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Promote an environment beneficial to life through the protection and wise management
of natural resources in the public interest.
Natural Resources
Promote the management of natural resources as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems.
Resource Management
Promote resource conservation, stewardship, and long-range planning, with the responsibility for managing natural resources shared by all levels of government.
Environmental Protection and Pollution Control
Preserve the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the ecosystem, with maximum protection of public health and the environment.
Air Quality. Promote measures to reduce pollution from mobile and stationary sources. Energy. Support environmentally sound policies that reduce energy growth rates, emphasize energy conservation and encourage the use of renewable resources. Land Use. Promote policies that manage land as a finite resource and that incorporate principles
of stewardship. Water Resources. Support measures to reduce pollution in order to protect surface water, groundwater, and drinking water. Waste Management. Promote policies to reduce the generation and promote the reuse and
recycling of solid and hazardous wastes. Nuclear Issues. Promote the maximum protection of public health and safety and the environment.
Public Participation
Promote public understanding and participation in decision making as essential elements of responsible and responsive management of our natural resources.
PAGE 7
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
Agricultural Policy Promote adequate supplies of food and fiber at reasonable prices to consumers and support economically viable farms, environmentally sound farm practices and
increased reliance on the free market.
SOCIAL POLICY
Secure equal rights and equal opportunity for all. Promote social and economic justice
and the health and safety of all Americans.
Equality of Opportunity
Equal Rights. Support ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and efforts to bring laws into compliance with the goals of the ERA. Education, Employment, Housing. Support equal access to education, employment, and housing.
Fiscal Policy
Tax Policy. Support adequate and flexible funding of federal government programs through an equitable tax system that is progressive overall and that relies primarily on a broad-based income
tax. Federal Deficit. Promote responsible deficit policies. Funding of Entitlements. Support a federal role in providing mandatory, universal, old age, survivors, disability, and health insurance.
Health Care
Promote a health care system for the United States that provides access to a basic level of quality care for all U.S. residents and controls health care costs.
Meeting Basic Human Needs
Support programs and policies to prevent or reduce poverty and to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families. Income Assistance. Support income assistance programs, based on need, that provide decent,
adequate standards for food, clothing, and shelter. Support Services. Provide for essential support services. Housing Supply. Support policies to provide a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family.
Child Care
Support programs and policies to expand the supply of affordable, quality childcare for all who need it.
Early Intervention for Children at Risk
Support policies and programs that promote the well-being, development, and safety of all children.
Violence Prevention
Support violence prevention programs in communities.
Gun Control
Protect the health and safety of citizens through limiting the accessibility and regulating the
ownership of handguns and semi-automatic weapons. Support regulation of firearms for consumer safety. Urban Policy
Promote the economic health of cities and improve the quality of urban life. PAGE 8
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
Death Penalty The LWVUS supports the abolition of the death penalty.
Whatever the issue, the League believes that efficient and economical government
requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibilities, adequate
financing, coordination among levels of government, effective enforcement and well
defined channels for citizen input and review.
ISSUE PRIORITIES
• Tax Policy • Campaign Finance Reform • Civil Liberties
• DC Voting Rights • Election Administration • Ethics and Lobbying Reform • Global Climate Change
• Health Care Reform
AT THE 2008 LWVUS CONVENTION • The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that all powers of the U.S.
government should be exercised within the constitutional framework of a balance among the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
• The LWVUS Board recommended to adopt a Health Care program to educate members and
communities in order to be better prepared to do health care advocacy as needed. • Adopted "a Multi-Level Education and Advocacy Campaign to promote solutions to global
climate change" as an amendment to the proposed program.
New LWVUS Immigration Position On April 2, 2008 the LWVUS announced its new position on Immigration, having reached consensus. “After a lengthy and comprehensive study of this complex issue by our grassroots members,” said national League president Mary G. Wilson, “the League’s position calls for a path to citizenship for current unauthorized immigrants”. “As part of overall immigration reform, the League supports a system for unauthorized immigrants already in the country to earn legal status, including citizenship, by paying taxes, learning English, studying civics and meeting other relevant criteria,” Wilson stated. “We oppose deportations of current unauthorized immigrants who have no history of serious criminal activity,” she said.
Other elements of the League’s position include support for increased enforcement personnel at borders, more effective tracking of individuals who enter the U.S., and significant fines and penalties for employers who hire unauthorized workers. Furthermore, the League will champion due process for all persons, including the right to a fair hearing, right to counsel, right of appeal, and right to humane treatment. The League position sets criteria for legal admission to the U.S., including family reunification of spouses or minor children; economic, business and employment needs in the U.S.; political persecution or humanitarian crises; and studying in the U.S. The League will use this recently adopted position to guide its advocacy work on federal legislation introduced on this very important public policy issue.
PAGE 9
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
STATE PROGRAM 2007-2009
GOVERNMENT
COUNTY GOVERNMENT/REGIONAL PLANNING: An effective state government. An intermediate level of government to solve regional problems (either
through a revised county structure or an emerging regionalism). Regional planning on a statewide basis. High visibility for county and/or regional government. Home rule for counties. COURTS:
A judicial system that provides equal justice for all through effective, modern administration, qualified judicial personnel, a strengthened probation service, and procedures and practices that ensure due process of law.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH:
An effective state government. A strong executive branch with lines of authority and responsibility clearly defined.
FISCAL POLICY: Support a state and local tax structure that will have an equitable impact on taxpayers and adequately support state services with consideration of the effect on the state economy. Distribution of state aid in
a manner that will equalize municipal resources. A comprehensive state budget system that will provide a basis for the evaluation of the cost and effectiveness of current state programs and long-range capital expenditures. Up-to-date, uniform, and accurate property valuation. Efficient
management of the revenue collection systems.
HOME RULE: An effective state government. Home rule for Massachusetts cities and towns in local matters.
LEGISLATURE: An effective state government. A strong and highly visible legislative branch that is districted on the
basis of population into contiguous, compact, single-member districts by an appointed, bipartisan commission, and that maintains its traditional role as a democratic forum.
PUBLIC PERSONNEL:
Support a public personnel system based upon merit principles and enlightened practices.
NATURAL RESOURCES Promote an environment beneficial to life through the protection and wise
management of natural resources in the public interest by recognizing the interrelationship of air quality, energy, land use, waste management, and water resources.
SOCIAL POLICY
Promote social and economic justice, secure equal rights for all, and combat discrimination and
poverty. CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT:
The prevention of child abuse and neglect. The protection and care of children experiencing abuse and neglect. PAGE 10
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
CORRECTIONS: A sound corrections system for the rehabilitation of the adult and juvenile offender.
DAY CARE: A coordinated state policy for quality day care for the children of Massachusetts with adequate funding for implementation by the responsible state agencies.
EDUCATION:
LWVMA has acted under the LWVUS position supporting equal access to education. State positions in education address: statewide standards, equal opportunity, fiscal autonomy, school committee/teacher
relationships, higher education. HANDGUN CONTROL:
Support elimination of the private possession of handguns and assault weapons. HEALTH CARE: Support an affordable health care system that provides equal access to quality health care for all.
LEGALIZED CASINO GAMBLING: Oppose establishment of legalized casino gambling in Massachusetts.
REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE: Support freedom of individuals to make informed reproductive decisions.
TRANSPORTATION: Support a statewide public transportation service, accessible to all, that provides access to jobs, housing and services, while creating minimum disruption of the environment; public monies allocated flexibly to meet public transportation needs.
LWVMA STUDIES 2005-2008
1) Affordable Housing: To evaluate legislation, regulations, and programs in Massachusetts to determine their effectiveness in providing affordable housing and propose a new position
through consensus or concurrence. 2) Fiscal Policy Update: In light
of the Mass. economic downturn and the funding strain on local
schools and services, the LWVMA Fiscal Policy will be reviewed in parallel with the broader question of what can be done to prevent funding problems in the future. Areas of investigation may include healthcare,
pensions, unfunded mandates, Proposition 2 ½, etc.
PAGE 11
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
LOCAL PROGRAM 2007-2008
I. DEFINITION OF LOCAL PROGRAM
Local program consists of: � Such current local governmental issues as the membership shall
choose for concerted study and action; and � Those positions on local governmental issues to which the League
of Women Voters of Lexington has given sustained attention and on which it may continue to act.
II. POSITIONS
1. FISCAL POLICY
� Support the use of overrides of Proposition 2 1/2 or debt exclusion as appropriate
responses to increasing costs of town government and public education (1988). � Promote measures to improve Lexington's long-range financial planning (1978).
� Support disclosure of financial position of Enterprise Funds (1997).
2. NATURAL RESOURCES
2.1 Air • Support efforts to identify those factors within Lexington which impact air quality,
including acid rain (1980).
2.2 Conservation
� Promote alternatives to pesticides (i.e., Integrated Pest Management) (1980). � Promote the development of a pesticide policy by the town which would initially address town
use, including both land and buildings (i.e. schools) (1990) � Promote public education and dissemination of information about pesticides and their
alternatives (1990). � Support measures to designate, preserve, and protect wetland areas and brooks (1972).
2.32.32.32.3 Land Use
• Promote land use planning for the entire town (1980).
2.42.42.42.4 Energy � Support conservation of energy in the community (1980).
2.52.52.52.5 Waste
� Support a household hazardous waste collection at least once a year as a municipal service to residents, in cooperation with the town (1983).
� Promote citizen education about the safe disposal of household hazardous waste (1982). � Continue to promote recycling (1980).
2.62.62.62.6 Water
• Support water conservation in Lexington (1980).
PAGE 12
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
3. RECREATION
� Support measures to implement a long-range recreational program consistent with the needs of Lexington (1980).
4. REGIONAL PLANNING
� Oppose extension of Hanscom Field into a major airport (1988). � Support maintenance of 1973 level of general aviation activity at Hanscom Field (1988). � Support Lexington's participation in the solution of problems associated with Hanscom
Field (1978). 5. SOCIAL POLICY
5.1 Day Care
� Support the extended day care program in the Lexington Public Schools (1984).
� Support appropriate zoning regulations which do not unduly restrict family day care centers in Lexington (1984).
5.2 Education � Support the implementation of all Chapter 766 (special education) programs in which Lexington
students are involved, particularly through improved communication among parents, teachers, and students (1980).
� Monitor Lexington's participation in the Minuteman Regional High School (1980, 2000). � Support the implementation of Chapter 622 (anti-discrimination) in Lexington schools (1978).
� Support heterogeneous grouping at Lexington High School in some subjects in some grades. Any further implementation of heterogeneous grouping would be sup-ported only if adequate funding were avail-able to maintain small class size, to develop appropriate curricula, to purchase
appropriate instructional materials and assessment tools, to provide professional staff development, and to educate the community about the practices employed. (1994)
� Promote high standards of education through support of: � Programs in human development and human relations, including a program in sex education
appropriate to all age levels (1973). � Programs to meet equally the educational needs of all children residing in Lexington or
attending Lexington Public Schools (1970).
� Educational, organizational, and operational policies of the Lexington Public Schools that are consistent with League goals and positions (1969).
5.3 Housing
• Support efforts to provide housing in Lexington for an economically diverse population through: • Promotion of affordable housing • Development of low/moderate income housing through use of tax title lots and zoning
changes consistent with sound planning • Planning for heterogeneous residential development • Participation of the Lexington Housing Authority in state and federal programs (1969,1982)
• Support local measures designed to meet metropolitan housing needs (1969).
PAGE 13
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
5.4 Human Services
� Continue to support delivery of and education about human services in Lexington
(1982). � Support efforts toward strengthening and coordinating human services in Lexington
(1976).
5.5 Library
� Support the high standard of our current library and the need for equal access for all populations.
� Support current library policies (e.g. access for all populations, diversity of resources, and retention of state accreditation).
� Support reciprocal borrowing while seeking equitable reimbursement for service provided to non-residents.
� Support funding for library that is adequate to maintain current high level of services.
� Support cost effective alternative revenue sources that do not jeopardize free access to "basic" library services (1992).
5.6 Urban Responsibility
� Support the responsibility of Lexington to share in the solution of problems within the
core city (1968).
5.7 Youth
� Support programs to meet the needs of youth in Lexington; support interaction among
the courts, police, and youth agencies (1976).
5.8 Senior Citizens
� Promote and support programs to increase the well-being of Lexington seniors, including programs that serve as a clearinghouse for resources available to seniors.
� Support Town-funded programs that identify and, where feasible, fill gaps in services and resources for seniors and their caregivers.
� Promote and support coordination among agencies within the Town and the region serving Lexington seniors and their caregivers.
� Promote programs to increase awareness of services available to seniors and their caregivers. (2008)
6. TOWN GOVERNMENT � Support the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law (1983).
� Support cooperation and effective functioning of town committees and boards through their mandates, responsibilities, and relationships with each other (1980).
� Support adequate and timely public announcement of appointments to be made to town boards and positions (1975).
� Oppose dual office holding on major boards (1975).
7. TRAFFIC SAFETY AT SCHOOL SITES
� Support implementation of improvements in school crossings (1986). � Support implementation of improvements in bus safety (1986).
� Support traffic safety education programs for students and adults (1986).
PAGE 14
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTON, MA
8. DIVERSITY
The League of Women Voters of Lexington affirms its commitment to reflect the diversity in our community. The League acknowledges that pluralism and diverse perspectives are necessary for responsible and representative decision-making, as well as
fundamental to the values the League upholds.
In both its principles and practices, the League of Women Voters will promote inclusion: there shall be no barrier based on race, ethnicity, national origin, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or
age in leadership, staffing, member-ship, or participation in any League-sponsored activity. (1998)
III. 2008-2009 LOCAL STUDY Youth Services
• To evaluate the services needs of Lexington’s youths and to determine if these services are available and what are the gaps in needed services, including but not limited to the areas of health, nutrition, and physical activity,
transportation, public safety, and emergency services, and how these gaps should be filled.
IV. 2008-2009 ACTION PRIORITIES
Water Conservation
1. Provide information relating to water use via the LWV Bulletin and web site, Conversations programs, and other means, 2. Encourage local efforts to reduce the use of water,
3. Encourage local efforts to reduce the use of bottled water.
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