A little bit about me
Giving back ...
Getting things done
For nearly 20 years, I've had the privilege to serve our community and get to know our people. I am what you might call a "serial volunteer"—doing everything from clearing invasive plants to chairing board meetings.
When a need arises that I can help solve, I jump in. Like now.
WHAT I BRING:
The skills we need in an effective Moderator
THE REQUIRED CORE COMPETENCIES FOR MODERATOR HAVE BEEN MY KEY STRENGTHS FOR 35+ YEARS.
I am running for Moderator because I believe deeply in community service and civic engagement.
I was raised with the values of involvement, responsibility, and helping others, and I have carried those principles with me throughout my life. Over the years, I have worked to give back to the communities where I live and work.
In Belmont, I have served on Town Meeting (18 years), the Select Board, Warrant Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Community Preservation Committee, Capital Budget Committee, and liaison for the Library Board of Trustees, as well as a volunteer for many Belmont non-profits.
For 32 years, I have been the principal attorney and founder of Adam Dash and Associates, specializing in zoning, business law, and commercial real estate projects.
In Somerville, where my law practice is located, I have served the community through my involvement with the Somerville Homeless Coalition (4 years as president; 20 years on the board), the Somerville Chamber of Commerce (4 years as president, 30 years on the board), and numerous affordable housing initiatives.
As a parent, I raised two daughters who benefited greatly from Belmont’s schools and community institutions. Seeing firsthand the impact of our town and school services has reinforced my belief in the importance of paying it forward.
I am a graduate of Framingham North High School, Brandeis University, and The George Washington University Law School.
Serving as Moderator is an opportunity to continue to serve our community.
LEADING LARGE, COMPLEX MEETINGS:
Chaired large, complex forums on sensitive topics for the Belmont Select Board and my professional clients in Somerville
PLANNING TOWN MEETING:
Strategized two years of complex legislative sessions of Town Meeting as chair of the Select Board
LEGAL RULINGS:
Worked for 35+ years as an attorney specializing in complex zoning, real estate, and contracts
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:
Made 300+ appointments, recruited candidates of all backgrounds, and reformed the appointment process during six years on the Select Board
BUDGETS AND ZONING:
18 years analyzing and leading budget and zoning decisions on Town Meeting, the Select Board, Warrant Committee, and Zoning Board of Appeals