Pam Wright

Questions and Answers

Question 1: What in your background prepares you to be effective in the political office you are seeking?

I believe that my humble, working-class upbringing allows me to understand how it feels to struggle, as many residents in Newton do. I truly listen to people, an important quality for a councilor.

I also bring a wealth of experience from my technical and professional background as an engineer and project manager, and, as the only engineer on the city council, I bring a new perspective to the table. I take an analytical and detailed approach to solving our problems. Facts and data matter. And I analyze every angle to best understand the implications of the solutions we come to, and how they will affect all our residents.

Question 2: If you're elected, what will be your first priority? Why? How will you address your priority?

While campaigning, I’m listening to the residents and hearing their concerns on Zoning redesign. They want a vibrant, inclusive Newton, that incorporates our climate action initiatives. That is their priority, as well as mine. Why? These two are amongst the pillars to a sustainable future. I will tackle these issues as I always have as a member of the council – by advocating for responsible development, with a plan for traffic, infrastructure, and schools. Further, I will continue to press for changes on zoning and special permits to further our climate action initiatives.

Question 3: Please explain what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you. Why these are important to Newton?

The three words have differing meanings, but in totality they are about community. One people working together for a common good, but whose individual voices matter and are heard. We must ensure these voices are welcome here, and that they can afford to stay and feel they are a part of Newton.

There’s a fourth word: Progress. We’ve made some but need to make much more. So, on affordable housing for example, where true solutions will go a long way to ensuring these goals, I pledge to continue to work to increase the percentage of affordable units in large projects. Words matter. They’re important. But actions matter more.