Becky Grossman
2021 Candidate for Councilor at Large, Ward 7
Campaign Website: https://www.beckyfornewton.com
Biographical statementBecky is a mom of two elementary students and an at-large member of the City Council who chairs the Finance Committee. Before joining the Council, Becky served as an Asst. District Attorney for Middlesex County. She received her undergrad degree in economics at Cornell and J.D./M.B.A from Harvard.
Questions and Answers
Question 1: What in your background prepares you to be effective in the political office you are seeking?
My combined background in public service, law, and business has taught me how to solve complex problems, use data to inform responsible decision-making, and hone the analytical and managerial skills that inform my work as Finance Chair. But perhaps most importantly, my role as a mother to two young children prepares me the most. I see the world through the lens of all our kids’ futures. Will they have a livable planet to inhabit? Will we have built out the infrastructure to support beautiful, vibrant village centers and open spaces that our kids want to come back to? This long-term view grounds my perspective.
Question 2: If you're elected, what will be your first priority? Why? How will you address your priority?
Combating the climate crisis is my first priority. We’re hurtling toward a future where the realities of climate change will overshadow everything else. Our planet is in peril and thus, every decision we make must be looked at through this lens. Actions I’m committed to include continuing to use municipal assets to install clean power generation technology, installing EV charging infrastructure, utilizing zoning and the special permit process to push developers to build increasingly energy efficient buildings, investing heavily in open space, and implementing recycling and composting in our schools, among others.
Question 3: Please explain what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you. Why these are important to Newton?
Diversity, equity and inclusion means acknowledging that systemic racism is real and present throughout our country, including here in Newton. It means learning from and speaking honestly about our past failures to ensure that we make the necessary changes in our present and future to welcome and lift up all people. It means reexamining our hiring practices to ensure we’re hiring a diverse workforce at every level of municipal government. It means continuing to educate ourselves as to our biases and blind spots and to confront them head on. We are a better, stronger city when we build a future that welcomes, works for, and supports all.