On Sunday afternoon, I was with the Brookline for Everyone team at Trader Joe’s for a few hours helping with to Get Out The Vote. Besides meeting a few new folks and other TM candidates in other precincts, it was great to hear firsthand what the concerns of the community were. Many people were excited to see the Brookline for Everyone table; they had been following the organization, and now had candidates to vote for on election day. More to come!
About Me
My wife and I have lived in Brookline for 4 years. We were in Coolidge Corner in 2020, and Brookline Village from 2021-2023. In May we purchased a unit in the Aspinwall Hill neighborhood, and we love it! The easy access to our favorite restaurants and truly multi-modal transportation makes it easy to do the things we love. We frequent Schick Park with our dog Skyy, and occasionally a foster dog as well. We love hiking, and spend time in Bar Harbor every summer. I am also a marathon runner, and have logged many miles throughout Brookline. We love this town and hope to raise a family here.
Vote May 7th
Runkle School Gymnasium
Why am I running?
Housing
I was inspired to run after Brookline came into meaningful compliance with the MBTA- Communities Act. I believe that we can make Brookline a more affordable and equitable place to live. Brookline is a charming town with robust social services; creating an inviting environment that welcomes new neighbors will only strengthen our community and the things we love about it. We can address issues like “look and feel” and affordability at the same time through creative solutions like ADUs and form-based zoning; and we can address the increased in social spending by incentivizing commercial growth.
Equity
Brookline’s history is steeped with injustices, the scars of which are still apparent today. We can make our town a more equitable place through investing in additional social services that will benefit all residents- the rising tide that lifts all boats. These can be funded through growing our commercial tax base; or through common-sense savings- such as having civilian details for construction work where state law allows. With open minds, we can right historical wrongs in a way everyone can agree on.
Climate
I work in the green energy industry; climate concerns are always top-of-mind for me. Reducing carbon emissions is inextricably linked to housing, as well as making Brookline more bike and pedestrian friendly. We can also take significant steps to green our municipal buildings; e.g. fitting Pierce school with geothermal energy in this year’s budget. Brookline’s parks are a point of pride in the town, and I will vote to keep our green spaces accessible and well-tended to for all who wish to enjoy them.
Transportation
There are areas of Brookline that are a pedestrian’s paradise; and there are other areas of Brookline that need some serious investment into bike and pedestrian safety. Brookline should be a place for multi-modal transportation, where cars are just one of many options to get around. Making an accessible, pedestrian-friendly town will help residents of all ages, and increase vital traffic to businesses. I am in favor of traffic calming at intersections with lots of bike/pedestrian traffic or with lots of commercial space; investing in our bike lanes and sidewalks for a safer community; and supporting the T and bus routes when applicable.
Endorsements
Your P12 Slate
I am running with a slate of other great candidates in our precinct! You can check out our joint campaign here. Make sure to vote for Andrew Macrae and Margaret Molloy on election day! We are driving for a Brookline that is affordable, inclusive, and green.
Tales from the Trail
Get in touch
571-245-4997
jonathantphillips1125@gmail.com
Jonathan Phillips for Precinct 12 