Alicia Bowman
2021 Candidate for Councilor at Large, Ward 6
Campaign Website: https://aliciabowman.org
Biographical statementI am a 25 year Newton resident, with an MBA, many years as a management consultant and 15 years as a community advocate. I co-founded Safe Routes to School, was President of Bike Netwon and founder of Tour de Newton. I am on Land Use, Public Safety and council rep to the Climate Action Plan group.
Questions and Answers
Question 1: What in your background prepares you to be effective in the political office you are seeking?
The experience I brought to the City Council when I was elected two years ago allowed me to hit the ground running. I am open-minded to solutions, I look to best practices and I have faith that positive change is possible. I have built strong relationships with residents and City officials. I have demonstrated when I see a problem or a need, I will step up to help fix it. In my first term, I have done just that, working to have bike stores declared essential businesses, supporting restaurants with outdoor dining, and working as a member of the Climate Action Plan Implementation Team. I am a leader with a proven track record.
Question 2: If you're elected, what will be your first priority? Why? How will you address your priority?
I will continue to work to increase the city’s focus on Climate Action.
As the Council appointee to the Climate Action Plan Implementation Group, I will be working to require all new construction and significantly renovated construction to be 100% electric. I will also be working to reduce GHG emissions from our largest buildings modeled on Boston’s BERDO 2.0 (Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance). I will work closely with fellow councilors and the business community to get this done. I will also continue to work on providing better options to driving and begin work on electrifying intra-Newton transit.
Question 3: Please explain what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you. Why these are important to Newton?
Diversity is bringing together people from many backgrounds and experiences. Equity is everyone having the same opportunity to achieve and live a good life. Inclusion is the process of making everyone feel welcome.
Many people in our community are calling on Newton to do more. BIPOC residents, people with disabilities, those struggling financially, and many others. We are a stronger community when people feel valued and safe and where these principles are guiding our decisions.