On February 3, 2020, members attended the Public Strategies Committee’s virtual breakfast to hear from an esteemed panel of CREW Boston members that are active in their local government.  The panel was moderated by Jean Delios, the Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Reading, and our panelists included Liz Berthelette, Research Director with Newmark, Kathleen O’Donnell, Esq., a real estate lawyer practicing in Milton, and Susan Murphy, Esq., an attorney with Dain, Torpy, LeRay, Wiest & Garner, P.C.  The panelists described how they first became involved in local government, which included stories of connections made through youth sports programs and neighborly conversations while shoveling snow.  

Each of the panelists described the benefits of participation in local government, including valuable experience with public speaking, more active involvement in their community as a whole and have a voice in what/how things are accomplished, and a chance to give back to the communities they care about.  The panelists also provided some practical advice for CREW members who need to interact with local government, stressing the importance of understanding and respecting the role of local government staff, and being mindful that communications over all platforms are part of the public record.  The conversation included a great discussion with the audience, culminating with panel members articulating the powerful role that CREW Boston has played in their careers