About Us

Brookline for Responsible Government is a coalition of Brookline residents committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and ethical local governance. We support critical-thinking candidates whose decision-making is driven by thorough, thoughtful and ethical deliberations. We endeavor to make Brookline a welcoming environment for all. We support policies that prioritize the public interest, advocate for fair and just legislation, and encourage civic engagement to ensure a government that truly serves its people. We believe that responsible government includes standing up against hatred and bigotry in all its forms, both explicit and implicit, against all people.

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Budget and Fiscal Sustainability

Brookline is currently spending at a rate that exceeds its recurring revenue growth. As a result, financial projections indicate the need for an override approximately every three years to maintain current service levels. This pattern is not sustainable over the long term and places increasing pressure on residents. While we are not taking a position on the May 2026 election on town override, we do believe a long term plan is needed. 

We believe Brookline must develop and commit to a comprehensive, long-term financial strategy aimed at structural balance rather than short-term fixes. While we are not taking a position on the upcoming override, we strongly believe the Town should:

• Conduct a thorough audit of municipal spending to identify efficiencies and cost controls.

• Implement multi-year financial forecasting tied to strategic priorities.

• Develop a clear revenue growth strategy to reduce reliance on repeated overrides.

One critical component of long-term stability is expanding the commercial tax base. Compared to neighboring municipalities, Brookline has relatively limited commercial development. Encouraging thoughtful commercial growth—particularly in appropriate transit-oriented areas—would generate new revenue streams and help alleviate the tax burden currently carried primarily by homeowners and renters.

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Affordability

Brookline’s affordability challenges reflect broader trends across Massachusetts, but local policy decisions play a significant role in shaping outcomes.

The current development pattern tends to increase ultra-luxury housing on one end and income-restricted units on the other. While both segments serve important purposes, this dynamic can unintentionally squeeze middle-income families—particularly working professionals, municipal employees, and young families—out of the community.

We support policies that expand workforce housing opportunities and promote a more balanced housing portfolio. A healthy town requires economic diversity, including middle-class families who contribute to schools, local businesses, and civic life.

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School System Excellence

Brookline’s public schools are central to the Town’s identity and long-term vitality. Maintaining a high-performing, well-resourced school system is essential not only for students, but for the broader community.

We strongly believe in preserving academic excellence while fostering an environment where all students—regardless of learning style, background, or ability—can thrive. Every student is unique, and Brookline must continue offering diverse academic pathways and support systems that enable each child to reach their full potential.

Strong schools require fiscal responsibility, strategic investment, and a commitment to both rigor and equity.

 

Inclusion

To us, inclusion means more than a slogan—it means actively listening to diverse perspectives, engaging in civil discourse, and making decisions grounded in data and long-term community interests rather than short-term emotion.

The spirit of leadership we value is pragmatic, transparent, and accountable. Good governance requires balancing competing viewpoints while maintaining focus on facts, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of the entire community.

Brookline’s future depends on steady, thoughtful leadership that prioritizes long-term stability, economic balance, educational excellence, and respectful civic engagement.

 

Steering Committee:

Sassan Zelkha (President), TMM P14, Public Library Trustee
Ruvi Kitov (Treasurer), TMM P6
Yana Shechterman
Harold Simansky, TMM P9