Come March 2nd,the Indian American community in Lexington will be a well informed voter in their town elections mainly due to the initiative and efforts of Puran and Kamlesh Dang and Narain and Vidya Bhatia. The Dangs hosted a Sunday breakfast at their lovely home recently to facilitate an open discussion and participation in the political process. Five selectman candidates, including incumbents Leo McSweeney and Jeanne Krieger, and challengers Patrick Mehr, Richard Pagett, and John Rossi are vying for two seats on the board. Incumbent Sherry Gordon is attempting to regain one of two open seats on the School Committee in a race against newcomers Tom Diaz, Olga Guttag, and Iang Jeon.

Puran Dang first welcomed the candidates and introduced them formally. He also introduced the Indian American Community of Lexington to them. “I am a longtime resident here and I moved here precisely for its schools and its community and so have many of us present here “he said. "It is important that we engage people and make them feel a part of the community decision making because of the similar values that we all uphold.” Selectman candidates had the opportunity to speak first, and were asked to introduce themselves before answering questions from audience members. Issues ranged from support for the override, bundled or segmented, Hanscom air base relocation, affordable housing, schools and budget shortfalls, public safety, early retirement program and other town services. The candidates used their time to offer their own programs of success and highlight the importance of delivering quality services in a cost effective manner. The school committee members also spoke passionately on their involvement in schools and what they hope to work for in this challenging environment.

Narain Bhatia moderated the Q&A session with a comment that you don’t deserve to get what you want if you do not vote. He hoped that everyone present will exercise their right to vote. Sunil Singhal asked the candidates to provide a broad framework on what distinguished one from the other. Papiya Banerjee questioned the 2 1/2 proposition and its impact on the override. Poonam Ahluwalia asked the candidate what curriculum would be adoped so that the children would be prepared for the future and in facing global challenges. Vanita Shastri wanted to know what steps would be taken in the search for a new principal for LHS and Superintendent of schools. Vidya Bhatia asked the candidates to make the citizens more aware on override information. Puran Dang thanked Sudha Balasuryan, Geeta Kannan, Madhu Nene,Sunil Singhal and the Banerjee's for helping in getting the word out to the residents of the town.

With the March 2 election looming, various groups and organizations are taking steps to inform their respective constituencies about local candidates. The turnout of the Indian American community here was impressive with more than 40 people attending and inviting a final jocular remark to the candidates from Narain Bhatia “ if any of the candidates here have won by more than 40 votes on March 2nd,you know now where you got them from, “he concluded, amongst applause from all present.

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