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ODESSA
SANCHEZ
for
SELECT BOARD

Proven Leader,
Dedicated Changemaker

Official Statement from Odessa:

First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout this campaign. Whether you cast a vote, spread the word, or offered words of encouragement, your belief in me and in the vision I have for Wellesley means more than I can express.

While the results were not what we hoped for, I remain steadfast in my commitment to this town and to the values that led me to run in the first place. Wellesley is my home, and I will always fight to ensure that every voice is heard, every resident is represented, and every opportunity is accessible to all.

To Largess, congratulations on your election to the Select Board. I truly hope for success in leading our town forward.

As for me, this is not the end—it is simply another step on the journey. I will continue to serve, to listen, and to advocate for the changes we need. And yes, I will be back next year, ready to stand before you once again with the same dedication, heart, and determination.

Thank you, Wellesley. The work continues.

With gratitude,

Odessa

I'm happy to hear from you,

Odessa Sanchez

Precinct E Town Meeting Member

Wellesley Housing Authority Board-Chair

Wellesley Historical Commission

MW Commission on the Status of Women - Chair

Donna Ticchi

" I believe that our Select Board would benefit from another change over the next three years, and that is the change that Odessa Sanchez would bring..."

Svea and Scott Fraser

"She is a champion of the rights of all and especially the most vulnerable in our town..."

Swellesley Report

Search the blogs for how Odessa responds to the questions voters are asking!https://theswellesleyreport.com/2025/02/meet-the-2025-candidates-for-wellesley-select-board/

Odessa Sanchez
Wellesley Select Board Candidate

Dear Friends,

I am asking for all Wellesley voters to

show up this March and Elect me to the Select Board.

The strength in my candidacy is my astonishing track record of dedicated service, involved responsiveness to constitute needs and a history of

community advocacy in Wellesley for the last 16 years. For example, I'm proud of my work as Chair of the Wellesley Housing Authority Board, Town Meeting Member, Historical Commission member, League of Women Voters Wellesley- Nomination Committee, D.E.I. Taskforce member, Wellesley Women's Initiatives Committee, Wellesley Civil Discourse Participant, and many other contributions to strive to improve the quality of life for all in Wellesley.

I always work hard to contribute to positive progress in town through my service and I am not finished yet. If I am elected, you can be certain that, I will continue to seek ways to improve our community each day.

In fulfilling this mission, I'm committed to the following priorities:

Engaging with residents to include neighborhood feedback on any zoning or housing options.
Advocating for our most vulnerable citizens and encourage fair, open-minded solutions to new and age old challenges.
Addressing major development and growth issues, such as promoting safe and smart zoning and the preservation of our historic properties.
Guarding the interests of our youth population, protecting their safety and well-being. Promoting active lifestyles through fitness and mentorship
Assisting business growth and economic development with innovative strategies that include sectors of community that are often overlooked or disadvantaged.
Improving the town's mobility and transportation landscape, including making Wellesley even more " walkable" and address bike issues.
Celebrating our town treasures, the dedicated men, women and families who represent our Veterans community.
Support budget and policy initiatives that support our schools without neglecting the impact to our age strong and general population.
Advocating and offering recommendations regarding policies that will improve access to opportunities and equality for girls and women in our town as well as statewide.

My message of local government lacking diversity in Leadership, is not a criticism, it's a welcomed challenge. I feel confident the voters in town believe that a town cannot be truly 'welcoming' while leadership roles are eluded from being held by people of diverse ethnicities.

Once again thank you all, and remember all of the candidates that really speak to your vision of making Wellesley a better community, and then help them succeed in those efforts.

I am excited to run for office and I ask for your vote and support on
Tuesday, March 4th.

Odessa Sanchez

Assistant Teacher /Cheer Coach

Wellesley Housing Authority Board-Chair

Precinct E Town Meeting Member

Wellesley Historical Commission

Town D.E.I. Taskforce

League of Women Voters Wellesley-Nomination Comm

Massachusetts Commission on The Status of Women-Legislative Chair

Start Video at 8.29

FINANCIAL COMMon SENSE

One of the primary responsibilities of the Select Board is to oversee the town budget. I would bring financial common sense to the board, as I have direct experience volunteering on multiple boards that collaborate with each other and the Select Board to present a balanced budget to the town each year. Wellesley has many resources, and we are fortunate with our revenues. Taxpayers want responsible elected officials who avoid overspending for the future of Wellesley & understand the compromises necessary to make sound decisions today.

HOUSING EQUALITY

I am the Chair of the Wellesley Housing Authority Board, and appointed to the town's D.E.I. Taskforce. I work with families who have experienced housing instability. Housing is at the intersection of everything I care about in Wellesley. From the environment, to transportation, to equity. The town has a legal obligation to be fair with housing and there were recent laws that the State introduced to cities and towns regarding MBTA Communities' Compliance. As a housing advocate, and a supporter of policy, I believe new housing should be developed, but I also feel housing options can be strategically spread throughout town, and not just concentrated solely in a small business zoned district. Abutter input is a part of fair and equitable housing conversations.

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINeSSES and non profits

Our small business community is alive and thriving, evident by the increase of new business openings. I see a future for Wellesley to create a vibrant Downtown area, of which would be visited widely, and business districts that boom with energy, with pedestrian-friendly traffic patterns and designated resting spots. Town government should make sure businesses have the tools to not only survive but also surpass imaginations. I also support the many non-profits and youth originations in town, who partner with businesses and make the town more accessible to all.

ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY and keeping wellesley safe

I am committed to being an active member of the Wellesley Community, which is indicated by my years of participation as an elected, appointed, and volunteer committee member. I am also known for being an outspoken advocate for protecting the rights and wellness of our community. I am tuned in to the needs of our neighbors, and I'm ready to listen and help make determinations that benefit the people, and not just to serve myself.