JOHN ZHIQIANG ZHAO

JOHN ZHIQIANG ZHAO

Name: John Zhiqiang Zhao
Address: 10 Cooke Road 
Precinct: 5
e-mail addressjohnzhaolex [at] gmail.commichaelschanbacherlexpb [at] gmail.com (
)
phone number: 781-862-9888

Community Activities

  • Volunteering at Lexington’s Interfaith Food Pantry weekly since 2017, ensuring food security for neighbors in need.
  • Serving on Council on Aging since 2018 and currently co-chair. Successfully campaigned for the senior parking permit program, and contributed to Lexington being designated as an age-friendly community by AARP.
  • Member of the Housing Partnership Board and COA liaison since 2021, advocating for affordable housing in Lexington.
  • Participated in the Residential Exemption Policy Study Committee in 2019, conducting a study on reducing the residential property tax burden to help residents stay in their homes.

The School Building Committee has approved a plan, “Bloom” for the new high school and building on the current playing fields in the Center. Do you support this decision? If not, what would you propose as an alternative?

The current high school building is outdated, too small, and its systems are well past their lifespan. We need to rebuild Lexington High School quickly and with minimal disruption. Acting promptly will help us secure state funds, rebates, and avoid future increases in construction costs. This project is a significant investment, and I am concerned about the property tax impact on seniors and already burdened households. Strong budget oversight is crucial to control costs and minimize tax impact. While I hope the town continues to explore cost-saving measures, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has approved only the Bloom plan. Other options are currently not viable and could end up being more expensive. Given the circumstances, I support the Bloom plan and remain open to any feasible cost reduction opportunities.