
Kenneth Largess
For Select Board
Housing and Development

Wellesley has a proud tradition of thoughtful planning and a deep appreciation for its character. As we look to the future, I believe we must embrace intelligent development—growth that reflects our values, meets our needs, and maintains the essence of what makes our community special.
Intelligent development means being strategic about where and how we grow. It’s about prioritizing projects that enhance our town, fit seamlessly into our neighborhoods, and address real needs—not overreaching or allowing unchecked development that could fundamentally alter the character of our community.
We should be proactive in ensuring that new housing aligns with our town’s identity and long-term goals.
We need to be honest with ourselves: Wellesley is unlikely ever to be a truly affordable community in the way many envision. Our history, location, schools, and desirability naturally come with a higher cost of living. Rather than chasing an unattainable ideal, we should focus on pragmatic solutions that reflect the reality of our town.
While Massachusetts may be facing a housing crisis, it’s important to understand that Wellesley alone cannot solve it. Our responsibility is to contribute in a way that makes sense for our town—not to take on the entire burden. We must ensure that our actions are impactful locally and reflective of our community’s capacity.
My vision for Wellesley is one of thoughtful progress: a community that grows responsibly, remains true to its character, and meets the needs of its residents—particularly our seniors, who have given so much to this town. I believe we can achieve this by focusing on intelligent development, addressing real needs, and maintaining a clear-eyed view of our role in the broader housing landscape.
Wellesley Schools

The strength of a community is often measured by the quality of its schools. In Wellesley, our schools are not just institutions for education; they are the foundation of our Town’s identity, pride,
and future. Exceptional schools attract families, foster a sense of community, and prepare the next generation to lead lives of purpose and meaning. They are central to the fabric and character of Wellesley, shaping both the individual success of our children and the collective vibrancy of our Town. While the School Committee has primary responsibility for overseeing the schools, the Select Board plays an important role as well, particularly in ensuring that schools have the funding necessary to fulfill their mission.
Wellesley has all the ingredients needed to have the best public schools in America. Achieving this goal requires a steadfast commitment to providing the resources our schools need today, while also making strategic investments to ensure excellence for future generations. These investments should center on the core mission of educating our children in academic fundamentals and supporting their growth into happy, healthy, and contributing members of society. Every dollar should be spent with
thoughtful consideration of its impact on teaching, learning, student well-being, and delivering a best-in-class, research-backed curriculum to all students.
By staying focused on what matters most, Wellesley can lead the nation in providing a world-class education that prepares our children for success in life. I am committed to working toward this vision and ensuring that our schools remain a source of pride for our community, while respecting the responsibility we owe to our taxpayers.
Fiscal Responsibility and Property Tax Relief

I believe in a fiscally responsible approach to governing Wellesley—funding what is necessary to run the Town effectively while making thoughtful, strategic investments in our future. With the average single-family tax bill in Wellesley hovering around $19,000—the 6th highest in Massachusetts—we must ensure that every dollar spent delivers exceptional value to our residents.
For example, a current proposal to improve the facilities at Morses Pond is projected to cost over $9 million. These facilities are only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and serve an average of 100 visitors per day. While the existing facilities are long overdue for an upgrade, it’s worth asking whether the scale and cost of this project align with the needs of the community. Could a more modest renovation achieve the same goals at a fraction of the cost? These are the types of questions we must ask to ensure we are managing resources responsibly and prioritizing what matters most.
Every expenditure comes directly from the pockets of Wellesley taxpayers, and it is our duty as elected officials to weigh each decision with the same care and diligence we apply to our own
finances. I strongly believe Wellesley can explore opportunities for property tax relief without compromising the quality of the services the Town provides.
By focusing on efficiency, transparency, and accountability, we can sustain the services and infrastructure that make our community thrive while respecting the financial sacrifices of our
residents. Fiscal responsibility is not just about balancing budgets—it’s about ensuring that our investments reflect the trust our residents place in us and align with the high standards Wellesley deserves.
Sustainability

Wellesley has long valued environmental stewardship and responsible resource management. As we look to the future, I believe we must embrace sustainability in a way that balances our needs, ensures long-term resilience, and makes a measurable impact.
Sustainability should be practical, thoughtful, and integrated into our daily decisions; it should not an abstract ideal or an all-or-nothing proposition. We should focus on initiatives that are both effective and achievable by leveraging smart policies and community engagement to make
meaningful progress.
We must recognize that while climate change and environmental challenges are global issues, our responsibility is to act in ways that make sense for Wellesley. This means investing in energy efficiency, protecting natural resources, and promoting responsible development—all while
ensuring that our efforts are realistic and financially sustainable.
At the same time, we need to be pragmatic. Sustainability should not come at the cost of financial stability or burdensome mandates. Instead of one-size-fits-all policies, we should pursue balanced, practical solutions that benefit the community as a whole.
By taking a measured, results-driven approach, Wellesley can continue to lead in sustainability while ensuring that our efforts are both impactful and enduring.
Improving Communication in Wellesley

Effective communication between Wellesley’s government and its residents is essential to fostering civic engagement, building trust, and ensuring that decisions reflect the community’s values and priorities.
When residents are informed and included, they are more likely to engage meaningfully and contribute diverse perspectives to key discussions on housing, education, and the Town’s financial priorities. Clear and accessible communication empowers residents to engage in critical debates, such as those surrounding intelligent development, ensuring that proposals align with the Town’s character and long-term goals.
Without effective communication, misinformation can spread, trust can erode, and residents may feel disengaged or excluded from the decision-making process.
One group that seems particularly underrepresented in Wellesley’s civic conversations is younger families. These families may find it challenging to engage with traditional methods of communication, such as printed materials or in-person meetings.
To address this, we should focus on adopting platforms and strategies that align with how residents consume information today. I am committed to enhancing the Town’s communication strategies to ensure that every voice is heard and every resident feels connected to Wellesley’s future.