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The Governed
Welcome back!
There’s a lot to get to this week, a bunch of local and state election developments, and a TON of events coming up, so let’s just get moving.
Here’s what we have for you this week:
February 13 Edition
Let’s get into it!
Residents Invited to Shape Future of Conservation and Recreation at 2026 Town Forum
NEWS
By Sudbury Weekly
The Town of Sudbury is preparing to update its Open Space & Recreation Plan, a critical roadmap that will determine how the community prioritizes land preservation, natural resource protection, and recreational development for the coming years. To kick off this process, the town will host a virtual Town Forum on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The forum, scheduled from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, aims to inform residents about the “what, why, and when” of the updated plan. Town officials emphasize that resident input is a crucial component of the process, as the final document will guide decisions on everything from protecting the town’s water supply and wildlife habitats to developing new trail connections and recreational fields.
L-S Superintendent Gets New Contract
NEWS
By Kevin LaHaise
Andrew Stephens will be sticking around as Superintendent/Principal at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (LSRHS). During the February 10 meeting of the LSRHS school committee, Vice Chair Cathie Bitter made an announcement about the new contract.
Rogue Rail Trail Snow Plower Has A Blast Following Winter Storm
NEWS
By Kevin LaHaise
The people of Sudbury are not responsible for plowing the sidewalks outside their homes — that’s a task handled by the Department of Public Works these days. But such conveniences deprive hearty New Englanders of the opportunity to perform snow removal at municipal scale… all by themselves.
In what can only be described as a Budweiser “Real Men of Genius” commercial come to life, an unknown individual appears to have plowed significant lengths of Sudbury’s two rail trails following a recent snow storm.
Is it a feat of strength? An act of defiance? Or just a resident who misses summer afternoons perched upon a ride-on lawn mower with a cooler full of giggle juice, fully charged AirPods and an epic Guns N’ Roses playlist queued up?
Sewataro Operator, Scott Brody, Honored With National Award from American Camp Association
NEWS
By Kevin LaHaise
The American Camp Association (ACA) has announced that Scott Brody, operator of Sudbury’s Camp Sewataro, is the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award — the highest honor bestowed by the national organization.
The award, which recognizes a lifetime of leadership and service to the camp industry and the ACA, was officially announced by the ACA on February 2. Brody will be formally recognized later this month at the ACA National Conference in San Diego.
For Sudbury residents, Brody is recognized as the operator of Camp Sewataro, which runs on the Liberty Ledge property on Haynes Road. The town purchased the property in 2019 and licensed the camp operation and land management responsibilities to Brody.
Ravi Simon Announces Run for State Rep — 13th Middlesex District
NEWS
By Kevin LaHaise
Ravi Simon, the current Chair of the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee and a longtime legislative aide, officially launched his campaign today for State Representative in the 13th Middlesex District.
Simon’s announcement follows the decision by incumbent State Rep. Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury) not to seek re-election in 2026. Gentile, who has represented the district since 2015, immediately endorsed Simon as his preferred successor.
“No one is better prepared than Ravi to take on the responsibilities of this office,” Rep. Gentile said. “In Ravi, the district has the opportunity to elect a thoughtful, energetic leader who will be ready on day one.”
Gentile Will Not Seek Reelection to MA House
NEWS
By Kevin LaHaise
Carmine Gentile, Sudbury’s representative in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, announced on February 10 that he will not seek reelection for a seventh term.
In a brief X post, Gentile told constituents “I have enjoyed representing the people of the 13th Middlesex District these past 11 years and look forward to the year ahead and a race to the finish in January 2027. I will not seek a 7th term. This year continues to provide challenges and great satisfaction.”
L-S Athletics: Weekly Review
NEWS
By the L-S Athletics Department
Chamber Invites Parade Theme Submissions From Community
NEWS
By Kevin LaHaise
While the summer of 2026 may seem a long way off, the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce is already gearing up for a celebration of historic proportions. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Chamber has officially opened a community-wide call for theme ideas for the 2026 July 4th Parade.
The upcoming “Semiquincentennial” marks two and a half centuries since 1776, and local organizers are looking for a theme that reflects the town’s deep revolutionary roots while celebrating its modern community spirit.
Events!
Opinion
Town Census, Mail Voting, Poll Workers
NEWS
By the League of Women Voters of Sudbury
Residents’ responses to Sudbury’s municipal census are due now, and a form sent with that census mailing will let registered voters apply for mail ballots. Sudbury also needs poll workers for this year’s elections.
The Town Clerk recently mailed the annual municipal census form to all Sudbury households. Under Massachusetts law, failure to return this census form can put all registered voters in a household on the inactive voter roll. If that happens, voters can still vote in the next election, but will have to sign an affidavit and show proof of residency at the polls before they can vote.
Parting Thoughts
This week the Healey administration announced the rollout of a ChatGPT-based AI assistant to employees in the executive branch. Massachusetts is apparently the “first state to adopt the technology for the entire executive branch.”
As odd as it is to observe a state government making a big splash out of an information technology procurement decision, they’re telling us a story about the future of government.
It’s only a matter of time before “automation” gobbles up government functions in the name of “efficiency”. But how much of government can, or should, be automated? Where’s the line between self-government and surrendering ourselves to the machines?
In the context of artificial intelligence adoption, how can we make sure, and be sure, that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”?
Onward!