Susan moved to Watertown shortly after she graduated from college. She prizes the strength of the community in Watertown and the diversity of her neighbors.  “I am very proud to call Watertown home."

Before elected as Town Councilor-at-Large, Susan had already contributed decades of community service to Watertown. As an active member of Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety, Susan spearheaded efforts to hold the Army accountable for environmental restoration at the Watertown Arsenal. Previous to Susan’s involvement, the Army did not seem much concerned with the environmental effect of its activities.  At the time, an Army official was widely quoted for saying, “We are in the business of defending America, not the environment.”  Susan is proud of her part in changing that position by demonstrating that citizens can work cooperatively with public officials when their input is taken seriously.  She became a national spokesperson on constructive citizen involvement in environmental remediation projects. She often says, “To change the world, you have to start somewhere.”

In Susan’s professional life, she is a clinical social worker who provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families, with offices in Watertown and Belmont.  She is also a trained mediator and uses her professional experience listening and collaborating to help develop win-win solutions to problems in Watertown. Susan’s two adult children, Sam and Rebecca, are a source of great pride and inspiration to her.

As Town Councilor-at-Large, Susan serves as Chair of the Department of Public Works subcommittee and is a member of the Planning and Economic Development and intergovernmental relations committees. Susan believes in town government that is fiscally responsible, delivers effective services and fosters community spirit. She has worked to promote greater government transparency, long-range planning, excellent schools, energy efficiency, safe and pleasant roads and sidewalks, and attractive public spaces.  She wants Watertown to be as fine a community for her children’s and grandchildren’s families as it has been for her.