Maria Scibelli Greenberg
2021 Candidate for Ward Councilor, Ward 1
Campaign Website: https://www.mariavoiceforward1.com/
Biographical statementBorn to working-class Italian immigrant parents who raised me with strong cultural traditions and values Full time registered cardiac sonographer at NW Hospital. With husband Mark we raised four children who have all attended Newton public schools. I live and work in Newton and care about its future
Questions and Answers
Question 1: What in your background prepares you to be effective in the political office you are seeking?
My professional life as a healthcare provider has prepared me to be an effective Ward Councilor. As a cardiac sonographer I care for my patients, listen to their heart-health concerns and symptoms, collaborate with cardiologists and continue to educate myself on the latest standards of care all to ensure that a patient receives the most accurate diagnosis. I excel at this. These are the same skills I use to listen to the concerns of residents. I collaborate with them, city departments and my fellow Councilors and educate myself on the issue all to arrive at the best solution or plan. Just as I care for my patients I care for my community.
Question 2: If you're elected, what will be your first priority? Why? How will you address your priority?
Excellence in education is a source of great pride here in Newton. That is why one of my top priorities when I’m re-elected is to ensure that the new Lincoln Eliot elementary school is a premier school for the children of Ward 1 and for future generations of children to come. As we go through the design and planning of this building and the adjacent playground, I will oversee the details of this project and make certain that the needs and wants of the families and staff of Lincoln Eliot are addressed to be sure we have a first-rate elementary school for Ward 1.
Question 3: How will you make your decision to vote on a proposal that positively affects Newton overall but seems less so for all or part of your ward?
As a Ward Councilor my priority is to represent the 11,300 residents of Ward 1. They know they can turn to me to be their voice on the City Council. If there’s something that will negatively affect the Ward it will negatively affect the City. When there is a proposal before the City Council that may be controversial in my Ward, I will collaborate with my constituents to be sure that their particular issues and concerns are addressed in that proposal. I’ll work hard so that it’s understood what the benefits are and mitigate the negative impacts on the Ward. In that way we can arrive at a compromise where both the Ward and the City will benefit