Christina Lin
Letter to the Editor, Lex Observer
February 28

Vineeta embodies the bold and revolutionary spirit that defines our town while offering a fresh 21st-century lens

On Monday, March 3rd, I’ll be voting for Vineeta Kumar because I believe she will bring valuable new skills and analytical insight to the Select Board. Many of you have already read the many testimonials praising her abilities, and I feel no different.
Here are some other reasons I’m supporting Vineeta:
For our young girls and women: I want them to see how a woman can lead with strength and confidence, without compromising on poise and grace.For my sons: They grew up enjoying Vineeta’s delicious curries and rasam, and I want them to understand what it means to serve as a Select Board member—taking on the responsibility of caring for the whole community.For her leadership: Vineeta is someone who leads with an open heart and mind, always working to empower others and build a sense of agency within the community.For Lexington’s future: She embodies the bold and revolutionary spirit that defines our town while offering a fresh 21st-century lens.
I am proud to vote for Vineeta Kumar, and I encourage you to join me in supporting her for Select Board.

Christina Lin

Jay Kaufman
Letter to the editor: Vineeta Kumar’s “exceptional leadership” for Select Board

Vineeta has not just been actively engaged—she has proven and been recognized for her exceptional leadership skill.
Not just a Town Meeting member, she also served on the TMMA board and was elected chair by her peers. Not just a Lexington Education Foundation board member, she served as chair of the high school PTO.
Vineeta really knows the issues and the people that make Lexington special, and she brings decades of experience in the world of business and finance. When we elect her, her partners on the Select Board and all of us will be the beneficiaries of her exceptional knowledge, experience, skills, leadership, and grace.
Jay Kaufman
Former State Representative

Rep. Ciccolo endorses Vineeta KumarThe Lexington ObserverDecember 18, 2024

Norman Cohen
Former Town Counsel
Former Select Board Member

Sophia Ho endorses Vineeta Kumar
The Lexington Observer
January 6, 2025

Wendy Manz: Vineeta Kumar has the professional and community experience for Select Board 
The Lexington Observer
January 12, 2025

Vineeta’s experience and thoughtful approach will bring a fresh perspective to the governance of our community

Vineeta Kumar is an exemplary leader, committed to Lexington, and a good friend. I’ve known her and worked with her for years in a variety of capacities and have always been impressed with her passionate and thoughtful approach to problem solving.

I have seen Vineeta demonstrate her commitment towards the townʻs success in her role as a Town Meeting Member over three terms. In particular, her leadership on TMMA during the pandemic stands out to me. Through skillful listening and empathy, she helped maintain close working relationships to enable a smooth continuation of business. Integral to Vineeta’s approach is centering inclusion and equity to advance civic engagement in town.

In addition, her extensive experience in corporate leadership gives her the ability to analyze complex scenarios, which is an important skill for a Select Board member to possess. Vineeta not only weighs options strategically, she works to get the job done, rolling up her sleeves to ensure that whatever project she is working on results in a successful outcome.

She has a warm, and pleasant demeanor and is just good fun as a collaborator on any team in which she is involved.  Vineeta’s experience and thoughtful approach will bring a fresh perspective to the governance of our community.  I am delighted that Vineeta is running for Select Board. She will make an ideal member of the Board and I enthusiastically endorse her.

Representative Michelle Ciccolo
State Representative, 15th Middlesex District

Lexington has had a long tradition of cooperation between the school side and the municipal side when it comes to allocating town resources.  Vineeta Kumar is extremely well qualified to keep this tradition alive.  Her resume of civic participation is outstanding.  As a member of the Board of the Lexington Education Foundation, Past President of the Lexington High School PTO and chair of the Town Meeting Members Association in 2021-2023, Vineeta was a leader and consensus builder.  Her ability to collaborate with fellow members, along with her professional expertise in business and finance, will make her an effective member of the Select Board.  As a former Select Board member, I am pleased to vote for Vineeta and encourage others to do the same.

Norman CohenFormer Town CounselFormer Member of the Select Board (12 years)

Vineeta invest time to understand and value all perspectives of an issue

I am delighted to endorse Vineeta Kumar for a Select Board seat. As an immigrant myself, I connect with Vineeta on a different level. Both of us, like many other immigrants, have gone through shared experiences — the journey of learning a different culture while preserving the pride in your own, the quest to find similarities in value systems and the delight when you do find them, the fear of being perceived as less or different, to finding the confidence that you are as equal as anybody else and the sense of belonging that it brings, working hard to earn a seat at the table — we have both lived these experiences, albeit in different decades.
We are so fortunate that  our home town, Lexington, gave us  the opportunity to fulfill our desire to serve. During her first run for TMM, Vineeta spoke about the concept of unity in our diversity, which caught my attention and I’ve followed her journey since then. Vineeta started dedicating her time to the community while juggling a demanding career and raising her son. The fact that she has an impressive track record of service in the town is a testament to her commitment. I value her analytical and collaborative approach to problem solving and consider them highly desirable traits for Select Board. I have also seen Vineeta invest time to understand and value all perspectives of an issue in order to appreciate the full scope of the community’s concerns. She is practical in her approach and works objectively to find solutions. These skills are critical in light of the decisions we face as a town.
I find Vineeta’s passion for service and desire to focus her energy on Lexington commendable. Her skills in combination with her insights as an immigrant present a fresh and unique opportunity to add to the Select Board. And I strongly endorse Vineeta and invite others to join me.
Sophia Ho, in Lexington since 1965

Vineeta Kumar has the professional and community experience for Select Board

Like many Lexington residents, I feel great pride in our town, not least because of the large contributions of concern, hard work and high-level expertise made by so many neighbors and friends over the years.  We are extremely fortunate to have such a reservoir of community commitment and professional skill available to us, which only expands as we welcome residents from all parts of the world, geographically and professionally.  

I am proud to support Vineeta Kumar in her campaign for a position on the Lexington Select Board. With nearly 30 years of experience as a financial and management consultant, she specializes in capital markets business development and advising clients on financial and management strategies. In 2018, her expertise and dedication to civic work earned her recognition as one of India New England News‘s “20 Outstanding Women.”

Lexingtonians like their Select Board candidates to have “paid their dues” in previous community experience, and Vineeta has certainly done so.  Vineeta joined the Board of the Lexington Education Foundation in 2016 and served as LHS PTO President from 2019-2021. She ran for Town Meeting in 2017 and was elected Chair of the Town Meeting Members Association 2021-2023.  She has made a point of encouraging civic engagement, particularly among the Indian community, and served as President of the Indian Americans Getting Involved Group (IGIG) from 2020-2022.  

In a period of very large projected capital expenditures, and continuing needs for housing, infrastructure and town services, Vineeta’s professional expertise will be invaluable to Lexington and the Select Board as it faces difficult short and long-term decisions.  But aside from her professional qualifications, I would like to highlight something equally important about her. In all her community work, Vineeta has reached out to others for input and cooperation, and she has made friends and allies among volunteers, town staff and residents.  She is calm, thoughtful, reasonable, and receptive to others’ ideas and concerns.  She has the sine qua non to be a member of the Select Board and of town government generally: She works well with others.  Please join me in supporting Vineeta Kumar for Select Board.

Wendy ManzTown Meeting Member, Precinct 4

Letter to the editor: Vineeta's dedication to the community Lexington Observer
February 27, 2025
Charles Lamb, Town Meeting Member Precinct 4

Andy Friedlich
Letter to the editor: Vineeta Kumar is unfazed in the face of unexpected challenges
Lex Observer
February 24, 2025

Vineeta has an objective focus on delivering solutions that serve the community

I am supporting Vineeta Kumar because she embodies the leadership qualities that Lexington needs from its Select Board. This is a role that requires leadership that can navigate complex challenges while uniting the community. Vineeta’s deep commitment to public service, her ability to make informed decisions, and her focus on bringing all perspectives into the discussion will ensure that our shared values and priorities guide her leadership.
Vineeta’s extensive finance and banking management consulting experience uniquely positions her to tackle the complexities of key issues facing the Town. These include the new LHS building project and the broad implications of the MBTA Communities zoning – just two of many issues that face the Town. She can assess challenges from the big picture down to the smallest details. I have personally witnessed her dive into the details on multiple issues, asking the right questions and arriving at thoughtful, well-informed conclusions. She approaches each problem with an unwavering, objective focus on delivering solutions that serve the community.
I also appreciate Vineeta as an independent thinker who evaluates situations from multiple angles, balancing both data and people. She understands the limitations of data but recognizes the invaluable insights it provides when analyzed within the proper context. Equally adept at understanding people, Vineeta respects all viewpoints, respecting the wisdom and guidance of professional experts to the unique and valuable perspectives of community members, and seeing them all as essential in shaping her decision-making.
Whether collaborating with community members, peers, industry professionals, or policy experts, Vineeta excels at distilling complex information into creative, sustainable solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. She demonstrated this ability as a leader of the Town Meeting Members Association during the pandemic, finding a viable solution for Town Meeting at a time when there were no precedents to guide us.
These are lofty accolades that I do not say glibly; they are facts based on my personal experience with Vineeta. She will lead with understanding, compassion, and vision, ensuring our community moves forward together. On Monday, March 3rd, I urge you to vote for Vineeta Kumar for Select Board. 

Charles Lamb
Town Meeting Member Precinct 4

Vineeta Kumar: Unfazed in the face of unexpected challenges

Having worked closely with Vineeta on the Town Meeting Member Association (TMMA) Executive Committee, I was so delighted when we sat over coffee, and she said she was running for Select Board.Vineeta was a key member of the TMMA Executive Committee, initially elected as Treasurer and later elected Chair. In her role as Chair, she set the monthly agendas for Executive Committee meetings and worked closely with the Town staff to prepare for both Special and Annual Town Meetings. During her tenure, Vineeta shepherded us through the early stages of the pandemic, when all Town Meeting processes had to transition to remote formats. Accomplishments I fondly recall are:

Adapted TMMA Information Sessions: Streamlined traditional TMMA Information Sessions into efficient Question and Clarification Sessions, ensuring they were more respectful of attendees' time while preserving the integrity and productivity of the discussions.Nimble Decision Maker: With the sudden cancellation of the TMMA Bus Tour due to pandemic restrictions, proactively organized virtual and in-person open houses, allowing members to safely view sites listed on the warrant, ensuring continued transparency and engagement. Collaborative And Effective Team Player: Worked closely with the Town Staff to design and distribute surveys assessing Town Meeting Member preferences, contributing to the successful planning and execution of a virtual Town Meeting in response to pandemic challenges. DEI Training: Initiated and facilitated the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training session during the pandemic as part of the TMMA Connect program, demonstrating leadership and commitment to fostering inclusivity within the organization during a critical time. Her problem-solving skills were clearly evident during the pandemic, where she tackled the challenge head-on and re-configured everything to get the job done. Equally importantly, her well-organized, thoughtful, and respectful approach in every meeting and initiative did not go unnoticed. As a management consultant myself, I appreciate and value the skills Vineeta brings with her from her extensive stint in the financial sector—skills that will be an asset to the Select Board. Having already seen Vineeta distinguish herself through her commitment to Lexington, and with my complete trust in her, I encourage you to join me in supporting Vineeta Kumar for Select Board Andy FriedlichPct. 5 Town Meeting MemberChair Emeritus, TMMA

Letter to the editor: Vineeta Kumar’s “unwavering commitment to our community”
February 25, 2025
-Melanie Thompson, Town Meeting Member Precinct 5

Vineeta has incredible patience and leadership, always focused on collaboration
I am pleased to support Vineeta Kumar for the Lexington Select Board. Having worked alongside her several times, including on the Town Manager Search Screening Committee, I have witnessed firsthand her exceptional leadership abilities and unwavering commitment to our community.
Vineeta is the kind of leader who listens carefully, brings people together, and makes sure every voice is heard. As Chair of the Town Meeting Members Association (TMMA), she’s shown incredible patience and leadership, always focused on collaboration and finding solutions that work for everyone.Lexington is facing a few big challenges, such as housing and the new LHS high school project, and I can’t think of anyone better than Vineeta to guide us through these crucial decisions. Vineeta's strategic planning ability and focus on excellence will be invaluable. She has the vision, financial knowledge and determination to ensure these projects meet the needs for all our students, families and members of the town.
I admire Vineeta’s commitment to inclusion and diversity. She truly believes that everyone in our town’s opinion matters and she encourages open dialogue and mutual respect. Her kindness and openness inspire trust and make her a leader who will bring people together to make meaningful progress.I hope you will join me in supporting Vineeta for the Select Board. Her dedication to the town and thoughtful decision making will make her an invaluable asset for Lexington’s future.
Melanie ThompsonTown Meeting Member Precinct 5

Letter to the editor: Kumar and Pato for Select Board
Lex Observer
February 26, 2025

Lexington is fortunate to have so many residents with high-level experience in management, finance, future-thinking, data analysis and organizational efficiency. But anyone who has worked in an organization knows that being smart is only as good as a person’s ability to cultivate collaboration and produce actual results.
Two current candidates for Select Board have proven that they have ample analytical skills and experience to contribute solutions for complex problems, and also have the crucial personal and leadership skills to be effective.
Vineeta Kumar has had a 30-year career as a management consultant, guiding large multinational companies through transformational change in financial performance and operational efficiency. In Lexington, she has devoted her efforts to encouraging citizen engagement in town government and prioritizing community. Vineeta is an active Town Meeting Member and former Chair of the Town Meeting Members Association. She has served on the board of the Lexington Education Foundation, as president of the LHS PTO, and was appointed to the recent Town Manager Search Committee. Vineeta was the driving force behind LEF’s Unplugged program which created events and activities to provide Lexington students with alternatives to social media and video games.
Joe Pato has had a long career as a Distinguished Technologist at Hewlett-Packard and a visiting scientist at MIT. In his 12 years on the Select Board, he has tackled problems directly by spearheading important sustainability initiatives, guiding efforts to put enforcement teeth into the town’s noise bylaw and creating a town-wide listening tour regarding law enforcement. Joe’s technological contributions and uncompensated donation of his time, skills, and labor have served to make Lexington’s town government more transparent, inclusive, and accessible to all residents of Lexington.  
Joe and Vineeta are the best candidates running for Select Board this year. I encourage Lexington voters to consider the importance of their skills, priorities and abilities—including the people skills that make them successful leaders—and join me in voting for them both.

Vicki Blier
Town Meeting Member Precinct 9