Mayor Spicer Nominates 3 To Framingham Disability Commission

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FRAMINGHAM – Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer has decided not re-appoint the founder of the Framingham Disability Commission.

Current Chair Ricky Finlay and Vice Chair Karen Dempsey Foran, both residents of District 2, re-applied for a 3-year term.

The Mayor chose to re-appoint Finlay but not Dempsey, who has served on the Commission since 2002, when she co-founded it.

The Mayor nominated today, July 23, Finlay and District 4 resident Meghan Todd for the two 3-year seats, and District 4 resident Tyler Terrasi for a 2-year term to end on June 20, 2022.

Finlay is a former member of the School Committee and on a number of city and town committees, wrote the Mayor in an email to the City Council this afternoon, July 23.

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“Todd of District 4 is a new resident of Framingham who identifies as an LGBQT woman with a disability,” wrote the Mayor.

“My family and I purchased a home and moved to Framingham about a year and a half ago. I am looking for a way to become involved in our city and community. I am a mom, a wife, an active member of the LGBTQ community, I work in higher education administration, and I am legally blind,” wrote Todd in her application

“My disability is central to my daily experiences as a citizen of Framingham, and I would very much like to contribute my unique perspective as a means of improving our community in relation to access and equity, as well as contributing to potential initiatives that shift our community’s dialogue around disability away from the idea of acceptance and towards identity, civil rights, diversity and inclusion. This is work that I am committed to in my personal and professional life and would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute as an active and interested citizen of Framingham,” said Todd, who has worked at Wellesley College since 2008.

I believe as an LGBTQ-identified woman with a disability, I have a unique perspective to contribute. I am curious to explore my interests and any new opportunities in local government. I think a seat on the Disability Commission would serve as the perfect opportunity for this new exploration,” wrote Todd.

“Tyler Terrasi of District 4 currently works as a transportation coordinator for the Metrowest Regional Transit Authority. Being blind, he understands the importance of universal accessibility within neighborhoods and communities,” wrote the Mayor.

“I am totally blind, and understand the importance of universal accessibility within neighborhoods and communities. I have been an advocate for people with disabilities for many years, through a variety of internships and volunteer opportunities. I currently work as a transportation coordinator in the MWRTA Call Center, and serve as a board member with the MetroWest Center for Independent Living,” wrote Terrasi.

The Framingham City Council has 30 days to approve or reject the nominations.

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Graphic courtesy of the City of Framingham