Letters Submitted to the Local Newspapers
Read more about why people throughout Lexington are supporting Matthew
Matthew Cohen endorsement
I first met Matthew Cohen last year when he was running for the state legislature. I was impressed with his background, especially his advanced degrees in political science and his experience working as a legislative aide at the Statehouse. With this background plus his deep roots in Lexington, his curiosity and energy, his desire to make a meaningful contribution to the community, I believe Matthew is an exceptional candidate for Selectman in Lexington.
— Mary Burnell, Town Meeting member, Precinct 7
https://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20190130/letter-to-editor-of-lexington-minuteman-matthew-cohen-endorsement
Endorsing Matthew Cohen
My name is Rob Green, and I am the President of the Lexington Firefighters, Local 1491. I am writing to endorse Matt Cohen for Selectman on behalf of your Lexington Firefighters.
As the father of a young family, Matt has a first-hand view of the growth that Lexington is experiencing and has the vision and leadership to find the immediate and long-term solutions needed to ensure that the Lexington continues to be a great place to live and work. Matt understands that a growing community has a responsibility to continue to provide excellent public services that Lexington residents deserve.
Matt recognizes the pivotal role that firefighters play in a community, and he understands the commitment needed to provide excellent Fire and Emergency Medical Services to the residents of Lexington. In addition to appreciating the importance of excellent public safety services, Matt has taken the time to understand the needs of the firefighters that are in the streets of Lexington every day. His drive to learn about the long-term health effects that plague our profession and what steps we can take to reduce that risk is a testament to his leadership ability.
Matt's experience in politics and government has developed his pragmatic approach to governance. He will be a thoughtful policy-maker, who will ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. Matt Cohen will be an immediate asset to an already highly productive Board of Selectman.
I urge you to join your Lexington Firefighters, Local 1491 and Vote for Matt Cohen for Selectman on March 4th.
Sincerely,
Rob W. Green
President
Lexington Firefighters, Local 1491
Support for Matthew Cohen
We are writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for the Board of Selectmen. We’ve known Matt for over seven years because he and his wife, Juliana, live just around the block from us and have young children approximately the same ages as ours.
We are supporting Matt (who grew up in Lexington) because of his clear passion for public service and his embrace of many of the values that we think make Lexington one of the best places to raise a family in Massachusetts. Matt’s commitment to education, inclusion, and – perhaps most importantly – truly listening to his constituents and their concerns demonstrates to us that Matt is well-positioned to succeed as a Selectman. During the campaign, we’ve personally seen Matt “hitting the road” at almost every hour (weekday and weekend) to connect with Lexington citizens, and listen to their concerns. His tireless work on the campaign trial is indicative of his work ethic and desire to serve Lexington.
Matt pairs this clear desire to serve his community with political experience at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as a PhD in political science. In our personal interactions with Matt, we’ve always been struck by his thoughtfulness and understanding of the issues affecting Lexington, including the need for fiscal responsibility, which will be necessary to maintain Lexington as such a great place to raise a young family. Simply put, Matt has the tool box and desire to make a lasting and positive impact as a member of the Board of Selectmen.
Sincerely,
Breton and Katherine Quick
19 Independence Avenue
Endorsement of Matthew Cohen
My name is Dahua Pan, a resident of Lexington for eight years, and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for selectman.
Matthew was born and raised in Lexington and now has a working family with one child in the Lexington Public School system and a second child currently in preschool. With great interests in servicing the public, Matthew has obtained extensive education (a doctorate in political sciences) and substantial experience at the local, state and federal level of government (he has worked for the Lexington’s town government and as a research and budget director at the Massachusetts Statehouse).
Matthew has impressed me as someone who has both personal experience and clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges Lexington is facing, from environmental protection, to school enrollment, to taxes, to diversity/inclusion/equity. As a member of the young generation which is directly impacted by government policies, he will also bring unique perspectives to these issues.
Matthew also has a true interest in knowing what the residents of Lexington want for the future of our town. Matthew has knocked on roughly 10,000 doors and spoken with thousands of residents to hear the concerns and ideas. He is also committed to continuing to listen to the residents if he is elected.
I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen for his passion, experience and new ideas. With his services and the residents’ joint efforts, we can ensure that Lexington remains a great place to live and continues to become even better.
-Dahua Pan, Balfour Street
https://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20190215/letter-to-editor-endorsement-of-matthew-cohen
Support for Matthew Cohen
My name is Amy Garbis and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for selectman. I am a 20-year resident of Lexington and an engaged citizen.
I first met Matthew and his family when his first child was a baby. I am supporting him because he is committed to helping all the citizens of Lexington enjoy smart growth of the town; he also cares deeply about the environment and diversity of our town.
Matthew grew up here and knows this town well. He has extensive political experience at the local, state and federal levels that will make him effective. His studies in political science will help him navigate the role of selectman, and his work in government has given him a clear understanding of the importance of careful attention to policy making and budgeting money wisely. Matthew wants to hear from you about what your concerns are so that he can be sure your needs, and everyone’s needs, are met.
I support Matthew because of his stance on transportation, environment and sensible development.
I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
— Amy Garbis, Ballard Terrace
Matthew Cohen for Selectman seat
Please join us on March 4 in voting for Matthew Cohen for the one-year Selectman seat. We met Matthew over this past summer and were instantly impressed by his long track record of success in government, his policy knowledge, and his educational background. Matthew shares the values of our community, including placing a high priority on diversity. He wants to make sure all voices are heard and respected in Lexington.
Matthew takes the time to talk with people and really learn what their needs are. He has sat down with both of us and other members of the Chinese community to make sure that he understands what we hope to see in Lexington. Matthew has offered to work to help get more minority candidates elected to town offices to ensure a truly representative community.
If we want to have all voices in Lexington heard, our values upheld, and bring in a new generation of leadership, we need to elect Matthew Cohen to the Board of Selectmen on March 4. He understands our needs, cares about everyone in the district, and has the knowledge and background to get the job done.
-Jane Chen Albemarle Avenue; and Mingzhu Liu, Downing Road
https://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20190215/letter-to-editor-matthew-cohen-for-selectman-seat
Matthew Cohen for selectman
My name is Jodia Finnagan and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for selectman.
I have gotten to know Matthew well from attending Lexington School Committee meetings and then later he and his family became personal friends of mine. I am supporting him because he stood up and was heard on issues of discipline disparities in both the schools and penal systems.
Matthew grew up here and he has the extensive political experience at the local, state and federal levels that will make him a valued asset to us all. Matthew has the education, including a doctorate in political science, to be effective as well.
Matthew’s work in government has given him a clear understanding of the importance of careful attention to careful policy making and/or budgeting/spending money wisely.
Matthew wants to hear from you about what your concerns are so that he can be sure your needs, and everyone’s needs, are met. I’ve seen him at diverse events (ABCL and LexPride events, just to name a few) and he is genuinely trying to hear everyone openly.
I support Matthew because of his stance on equality, diversity and equity. I applaud his wide range of friendships, his spirit to listen to us all and the will to serve us all.
I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
— Jodia Finnagan, Keeler Farm Way
Matthew Cohen endorsement
My name is Daniel Overton and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. I am a senior at Lexington High School, a peer mentor, and a co-president of the LHS Gender and Sexuality Alliance.
I first met Matthew at events around town, particularly those promoting diversity and acceptance in our community. I have gotten to know him well after having many lengthy conversations about civil rights and how to best support LGBTQ+ residents.
As a young transgender man, little means more to me than receiving support from candidates and elected officials in my community. Matthew has shown nothing but respect for my identity and the LGBTQ+ community; he has demonstrated his support by coming to events such as Transgender Day of Remembrance and the Unity Event that occurred after an incident of homophobia at LHS. Matthew asks my opinion about issues confronting the town, showing that he wants to hear all voices to in order to best represent all residents of Lexington. I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
-Daniel Overton, Emerson Gardens
https://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20190215/letter-to-editor-matthew-cohen-endorsement
Endorsing Matthew Cohen
My name is Bill Sweeney and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. As a 20+ year resident, father of two daughters who have gone through the schools here in Lexington, coach, neighbor and friend I'd like to tell you why I wanted to write and ask you to support Matthew as well.
I had a rare opportunity to get to know Matthew personally on the campaign trail this summer. I saw how he handled every question at every debate, his interactions with people and his obvious concern and care for the community we all call home. I can say unreservedly he will be a thoughtful steward of our property taxes and has the right budget experience to navigate Lexington through the new high school project which is right on the horizon. I know he will walk the difficult line between not compromising on our having a first-class facility for our children and making sure we do not spend one dollar more than is necessary.
Matthew has an excellent command of all the issues confronting us. From making sure we have affordable housing for our seniors and they can stay in their homes to making sure we stay a leader in providing special education or his commitment to a sustainable Lexington through our building codes he is on the right side of every issue we hold dear.
So please, I sincerely urge you to join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
-William (Bill) Sweeney, 9 Underwood Avenue
Endorsement of Matthew Cohen
Matthew Cohen has earned my support for the Board of Selectmen. I have lived in Lexington for 27 years; all of my children went through the Lexington school system. I know that Matthew has the extensive experience in government and academic training to be highly successful in making sure Lexington continues to be a great community. Matthew has worked at all levels of government, including his first job, which was here in Lexington for the town manager’s office. He additionally holds three degrees in political science, including a doctorate. He knows how to get things done, build successful policies and find solutions and consensus.
Matthew has the right values to serve our community. He is the only candidate who has spent the last year going door-to-door to talk with residents in Lexington, because he wants to hear and understand what people need and want. He regularly attends events in town to learn what is on people’s minds and share what he knows. Matthew listens, learns and will stand for all of us.
Protecting the environment is an important issue to me, and it is to Matthew as well. He wants Lexington to be a world leader in environmental policies and protection. Among other things, he will push to make sure all new construction meets the highest environmental standards and to require all new vehicles purchased by the town of Lexington are electric. In addition, if we want a candidate who will fight to maintain outstanding schools and services while also understanding the difficulty many families face in staying in their homes, Matthew is the right candidate for this office. He has extensive experience building budgets that both fund programs and spend taxpayer dollars wisely.
I hope you will join me in voting for Matthew Cohen on March 4.
— Doreen Grossman, Elena Road
Matthew Cohen for Selectman
My name is Xi Sun and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. I am a Lexington resident since 2007. I am a full time dentist, a small business owner, a mom to two young children and a first generation immigrant.
I’ve gotten to known Matthew as a neighbor and friend since we settled in the town.
I am supporting him because Matthew understands the issues I care about as a Lexington town resident. He is the only candidate who is a parent to school aged children in our public school systems. Matthew brings a voice and perspective that is lacking on the board right now.
Matthew has advanced education in the political field, including a PhD in political science that will help make him an effective leader. Matthew’s extensive work experience in the local, state and federal governments has given him a clear understanding of the importance of careful attention to policy making, budgeting, and spending money wisely.
Matthew is always willing to listen and eager to hear from you about what your concerns are so that he can be sure your needs, and everyone’s needs, are met.
I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
-Xi Sun, Robbins Road
https://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20190201/letters-to-editor-of-lexington-minuteman-resident-endorses-matthew-cohen-for-bos
Support for Matthew Cohen
My name is Victorien Ndounou and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. I am resident of Lexington with school aged children and with a vested interest in making sure that this town lives up to the aspiration of all its residents.
I have gotten to know Matthew well from his days as candidate for State Representative. I am supporting him because he is truly committed to the betterment of all Lexingtonians and because of his willingness to listen and bring people together. Having young children and being a working father like myself, Matthew understands issues related to Schools, inclusion and diversity in representation. I believe he will fight for those principles if elected.
Matthew grew up here and he knows the town and understands the issues we are facing. He has the background in government to address those issues and move our town forward. Join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
-Victorien Ndounou
Endorsement of Matthew Cohen
Matthew Cohen is a fourth generation Lexingtonian, a husband, a father and a friend to many. He is also a man that cares deeply about people, the issues that affect them, and the community of Lexington as a whole. Matthew is running for Selectman on Monday, March 4 and if elected I know that he will fight every day to make a difference in people’s lives.
Matthew believes that the future of Lexington is very bright but that to continue on this path we must fund our schools, our first responders, and most importantly care for our senior citizens living on fixed incomes. He believes that we must revitalize commerce in Lexington Center, and reduce the tax burden on residents by carefully and responsibly expanding our commercial tax base. He’s also knows that this expansion cannot come at the cost of the character of our beautiful town. Thoughtful planning is critical to the next generation of Lexingtonians, he knows this because his two beautiful children are amongst them.
Please join me in voting for Matthew Cohen for Selectman on Monday, March 4.
-Paul Campbell, Woburn Street
https://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20190215/letter-to-editor-endorsement-of-matthew-cohen/1
Endorsement for Matthew Cohen
My name is Adam Weinstein, and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. As a long time Massachusetts resident, I know the impact that local town leadership can have in our day to day quality of life. I have known Matt for more than a decade, and I believe he will use his experience in local and state government as well as his political science education for the betterment of Lexington residents. Matt was born and raised in Lexington, and has been raising a family of his own here for the last nine years. He brings this perspective, as well as someone well versed in the ways of Beacon Hill, to our town government. He is also willing to listen to a diverse range of opinions while advocating forcefully for the issues he is passionate about.I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
- Adam Weinstein
Matthew Cohen for Selectman
My name is Dost Ongur and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. I am a psychiatrist and researcher at McLean Hospital and have lived in Lexington with my family for seven and a half years.
I have gotten to know Matthew well over the past few years through many conversations about world affairs, challenges facing society in general and our local community in particular. I am supporting him because I have found Matthew to be a kind and thoughtful person, dedicated to improving life for everyone in our community, and a voice for reasoned debate.
Matthew grew up here, and has two young children, and therefore represents a voice that is currently not on the board. He will make sure more of our citizens have a representative on the board. He also has a doctorate in political science and extensive political experience at the local, state, and federal levels that will make him effective. Matthew’s work in government to date has given him a clear understanding of the importance of careful attention to policy making and budgeting.
In conclusion, I believe Matthew Cohen is an excellent candidate for the Board of Selectmen. I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew.
— Dost Ongur, Buckman Drive
https://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20190207/letters-to-editor-of-lexington-minuteman-resident-endorses-cohen-for-selectman
Support of Matthew Cohen for Selectman
I am writing in support for Matthew Cohen as selectman in the upcoming town election. I have known Matt for close to a year now and continue to be impressed by his commitment to engaging with voters and hearing their concerns. He has always campaigned on a grass roots level in order to support the needs of the voters and not those of special interests.
Matt will work diligently on behalf of anyone who reaches out to him with their concerns, to help provide for a safe community. He also has a particular interest is ensuring that those who struggle most have their voices heard and needs met. I urge anyone to contact Matt before the election and get to know him, as he will surely make time for you.
As a voter I feel my elected officials need to be able to engage with their constituents, and this is ever increasingly not the case. Now is the time for us to take an interest in our local races, to question how our leaders are funded and who they answer to, and to care that not just the few are represented, but everybody. Matt will ensure that the issues that matter most to the voters will be addressed.
— Joanna Binner, Shade Street
https://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20190215/letter-to-editor-support-of-matthew-cohen-for-selectman
Endorsing Matthew Cohen for Selectman
My name is Eileen Vote and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. I am a native who has lived in Lexington almost my whole life (graduated LHS in 1986) and am now raising a daughter here.
I met Matthew through his father, a colleague at McLean Hospital. I greatly admire Matthew’s passion for helping others and interest in bringing people together. I believe that Matthew has a gift for bridging the gap among different types of people and ideas and I feel that his is the sort of personality we need on our Board of Selectman — especially in view of the exciting changing demographic here in Lexington.
As many of your readers may know, Matthew, along with an education that is particularly relevant (Ph.D. in political science) has extensive political experience at the local, state, and federal levels. His work in government has given him a clear understanding of the importance of careful attention to policy making and budgeting/spending money wisely. There is no doubt he has a strong background to be successful in this position.
Matthew is incredibly motivated to succeed and has made a huge effort to get to know so many of us in Lexington in the past few years to really understand our goals and concerns.
Each time I talk with him I feel that he has really analyzed issues and considered ways to improve things in a thoughtful way. He has the temperament to deal with sometimes complex emotions and divergent views which we all know happen as part of the process.
I hope that all of you will strongly consider supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen and have the opportunity to appreciate all he can do for the people of Lexington.
-Eileen Vote, Downing Road
https://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20190215/letter-to-editor-endorsing-matthew-cohen-for-selectman
Support for Matthew Cohen
On Monday March 4th, Lexington will return 2 current Selectmen to office and choose between candidates for a third position. I will vote for Matthew Cohen, for the one-year slot, and I hope you will join me.
Matthew has extensive experience in local and state government, especially with budgets and projects. He also has a breadth of training in policy design and assessment from leading area schools. His practical successes are complemented by great ideas listed on his website (http://matthewcohen4lexington.com). These ideas will improve our revenues and restrain unnecessary expenses, while enhancing the quality of numerous aspects of local life. For example, Matthew supports giving Lexington the option to form its own municipal electric utility, and will work effectively with the Legislature to make it happen.
Matthew, a life-long Lexingtonian with two young children in our schools, is passionately devoted to Lexington and has worked with our committees and cultural associations. He is of a generation that has matured to middle age, but which is not yet represented on our Board. His experiences, skills and ideas will be a valuable complement to those of the existing membership.
Please vote for this outstanding candidate on Monday March 4th.
Patrick Mehr, 31 Woodcliffe Rd
Endorsement for Matthew Cohen
My name is Jessica Malafeew and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Board of Selectmen. My husband and I have lived in Lexington for 20 years and raised our two girls who attended Lexington Public Schools.
Matthew’s commitment to Lexington’s community is clear as a lifelong resident who is now raising his family here. I am supporting him because of his extensive political experience at the local, state, and federal levels, his education, including a PhD in political science and his understanding of local issues affecting Lexington residents.
Matthew’s work in government has given him a clear understanding of the importance of policy making and fiscal responsibility; a key to reducing the tax burden in our town by boosting economic development. Matthew’s inclusionary message, eagerness to communicate with residents, and passion for public service is exactly what our community needs.
Matthew wants to hear from you about your concerns so that he can be sure constituents’ needs are met. Join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
Sincerely,
- Jessica Malafeew, 34 Rawson Ave
Support for Matthew Cohen for Selectman
My name is Melinda Deramo and I am writing this letter to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. I met Matthew while walking through Lexington Center when I moved here this past fall. Working at Lincoln Laboratory for the past seven years I have always enjoyed coming to the Center.
I am originally from the small town of Mercer, Pennsylvania and I feel lucky to have found a similarly safe, quaint town with the history of Lexington. Now that I am a resident here I am getting more involved and interested in how best to serve our community.
I didn’t have to spend much time with Matthew to see an openness and willingness to work for people with the patience and focus necessary to achieve long term goals. His mental drive and attention is evident with his advanced degrees and accomplishments in government and political science. His community knowledge, government experience and particular skills in efficient budgeting with the passion for his community tells me Matthew will create effective solutions for the issues Lexington faces.
Growing up in the community Matthew knows well what Lexington is, to maintain what is here, and seeing his young family I know he makes decisions with the next generations in mind for Lexington to prosper for a long time.
I was impressed with Matthew’s history of success taking on social injustice. When conflict keeps us from progress, he will serve as an inclusive force for this community. I’m excited to see this town progress with Matthew on the Board of Selectman.
-Melinda Deramo, 93 Grant St.
Matthew Cohen for Selectman
My name is Eileen Kahan and I’m writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. I’ve lived in our town for over 40 years and know how important it is to have approachable and responsive people in our town government. Matthew grew up here and has a PhD in political science. He has practical and extensive experience at the local (Town Manager’s Office and Tax Collector’s Office) and state levels (staff member for Senator Edward Kennedy’s Boston Office and Research and Budget Director, Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Mass. State House) that will contribute to his effectiveness in working on the issues effecting Lexington. His work in government has given him a clear understanding of the importance of crafting policies with care and spending money wisely. And, most importantly, Matthew listens and is passionate about our town. I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
-Eileen Kahan,M.D., 44 Hancock St.
Endorsing Matthew Cohen Selectman
We enthusiastically encourage you to vote for Matthew Cohen for the one-year open seat on the Board of Selectmen. We have gotten to know him very well over the past two years after we moved in next door to Matthew and his family. Our children quickly became best friends (they are fortuitously the same ages) and we did as well. We know Matthew has the right values, experience, and dedication to serve Lexington well.
Of importance to us, Matthew will provide the Board of Selectmen with new ideas and a new perspective. As parents of young children, we want someone on the Board who has children in elementary school and pre-school. Matthew is a strong proponent of the school system and will work with the School Committee to ensure our schools remain among the best in the world.
He is a lifelong resident, and four generations of his family have lived in Lexington. Matthew cares deeply about all our residents, regardless of background or how long they have lived here. Matthew understands the needs of our diverse residents. He wants to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely and work to make it easier for everyone, from families to senior citizens, to stay in Lexington.
Matthew has the experience to turn our values into reality. His first job was in the Lexington Town Manager’s Office, he served on the Lexington Human Services Committee, and worked over 7 years at the Massachusetts State House. We need someone with new ideas and the experience to turn ideas into action. Matthew is clearly that candidate.
Please join us in voting for Matthew Cohen on September 4th.
-Eugene and Winnie Pong, 33 Tower Road
Endorsement for Matthew Cohen
My name is Avram Baskin. I’ve lived in Lexington since 2008. I’m writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Board of Selectmen.
Matt is a lifelong Lexington resident and he has chosen to raise his family here. In addition to his personal commitment to Lexington, Matt has professional experience working in state government and a PhD in political science which will help to make him an effective Selectman.
I got t know Matt when he ran to succeed Jay Kaufman last fall. I started out supporting another candidate but quickly switched to supporting Matt. The other candidate I had been supporting did nothing to earn my vote — Matt did. I met him when he was going door-to-door in my neighborhood. I found Matt to be energetic and full of enthusiasm, enthusiasm which is carrying over to his campaign for Selectman.
Although Matt is not a single issue candidate, he is especially interested in using his position on the Board of Selectmen to take action to help Lexington’s independent, locally owned businesses.
I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew Cohen for Board of Selectman.
-Avram Baskin, 43 Carville Avenue
Support fo Matthew Cohen
My name is Lorri Kern and I am writing to endorse Matthew Cohen for Selectman. I am a local business owner who moved to Lexington 7 years ago and have had 2 kids go through the LPS.
I have gotten to know Matthew well during his run for State Representative and found that we have a lot of common ground on many important issues.
I am supporting him for several reasons, but most importantly because of his stance on the opioid epidemic. I like his ideas for solutions. I also think he has the experience at local, state and federal levels that will help him affect policy changes that are necessary for us as residents. Matthew grew up in Lexington and I believe he truly has our best interest at heart. I urge you to join me in supporting Matthew’s candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
- Lorri Kern, 2 Bushnell Drive
