Chelmsford Select Board Candidate Profile: Latosha Dixon

This is one in an occasional series looking at local candidates running in the Chelmsford town election on April 6. Today we profile Latosha Denise Dixon who is running for one of two seats open on the Planning Board, which is a three-year position. She will face off against incumbent George Dixon (no relation) and challengers Mark Carota and April Danielson for one of two seats.

CHELMSFORD, MA — Latosha Dixon, 45, the vice-chairperson for the town's Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion Committee is making a run for a seat on the Chelmsford Select Board in the upcoming elections April 6.

Dixon got her bachelors in Biology from Georgia Southern University and her Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Affairs from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dixon moved to the town three years ago with her 12-year-old son from Lowell. She moved to the commonwealth from Georgia 23 years ago.

Dixon said she has worked for the same pharmaceutical company as an analytical chemist for the past 20 years.

The following are responses Dixon gave to questions Patch posed to all candidates running in the race:

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe this is the appropriate time for me to serve within my community.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Public health is the single most pressing issue because it impacts other areas of our lives. I intend to listen to the Chelmsford residents' concerns. Then I will work collectively with our municipal groups and our elected State Officials to address the issues.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

There are two open seats for the Chelmsford Select Board. Each candidate brings different experiences and talents. My strongest skill sets are as follows: a collaborative spirit, project management skills, and willingness to research to learn more about issues and potential solutions.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

The candidate did not respond to this question.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Chelmsford local officials have done a good job responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Health offered as many vaccination clinics as possible. They also coordinated with Lowell General to ensure Chelmsford residents can continue to receive vaccines, when more are available. This is a more convenient than driving to one of the larger clinics (i.e., Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park).

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I'm currently serving as the vice chairperson of the Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DREIC), a committee created by the current Select Board, to address the social injustice movement of 2020. In this position, I've had the opportunity to meet fellow residents truly committed to educating ourselves and the committee about the pandemic within a pandemic (i.e, discrimination, hatred, and disparities).

Two other areas that are important to me are education and small businesses. Both are critical to our community. Children are our future and their education should be a priority. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy and they need our support.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I've lead multiple teams and successfully met timelines and deliverables.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

There are two choices:
1. You can stand on the sidelines and watch.
2. You can be courageous and take action.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was taught strong values such treat people with respect, work diligently, and be kind. My professional career has taught me problem-solving skills and how to work in a regulated environment. I will use my skills to serve the Chelmsford community.

Campaign website

www.vote4latosha.com

Check out Chelmsford TV's interview with her;