2021 Preliminary Election: Candidate for Mayor
Biographical statement: I am a lifelong resident of the City of Newton and a graduate of Newton schools. After high school I attended Johnson and Wales University for my undergraduate studies and earned a juris doctorate from New England Law Boston and passed the bar exam. I am currently a practicing attorney with a long
Questions and Answers
Question 1: How would you balance the commercial need for stronger village centers with the concerns voiced by some residents for increased density, and how would you accomplish that?
I feel that the need to keep our village centers commercially vibrant is far more important to the residents of Newton than increasing density. Without these businesses the residents of Newton would be forced to leave the city for all of their needs. To keep these village centers strong, people have to be able to get to them. I would stop the removal of parking and the narrowing of the roadways, allowing residents to be able to travel, then park once in the village centers.
Question 2: What is your vision for the Newton Police Department and how would/does your budget support your vision?
I envision a strong and fully staffed police department under Chief Carmichael. Continuing to keep our city safe being their main objective, I believe that they are doing a wonderful job. My budget would honor the current contract for our police personnel and I would work to keep the money needed to train our officers and supply them with the latest equipment that they need to do their jobs.
The police officers have enough on their plate without having to worry about being defunded or losing their qualified immunity.
Question 3: What policies would you put in place to reduce residential and city solid waste and carbon emissions?
My plans for the solid waste would be to continue with our current recycling program.
Carbon reduction would be achieved through keeping our roads flowing so that cars are not sitting in bottlenecks idling. I would return the parking to the Village Centers so that people don’t have to drive around looking for parking.