Time is flying and we're four weeks away from the general election! I very much feel like a duck - calm and collected above the water, paddling like mad under the water. As a voter, it can sometimes feel confusing and overwhelming to stay informed about the candidates and issues. I know I've felt that way before. Listed below are events and opportunities to learn about the candidates between now and November 7 (or earlier, if you vote early). Unless otherwise noted, I plan to participate in all events for Councillors At-Large. |
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Candidate Information A group compiled information about the election and candidates across all the races. Included is general election information, upcoming events, and candidate information (websites, social media, interviews, statements). This is an immense amount of work and an incredible resource for the community. Thank you! | | |
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Playground Meet & Greets Most city events are held on week nights. That is often a really hard time for parents and caregivers. So a few other candidates who are parents and I are coming to playgrounds across Waltham to try to connect with residents who might not be able to make the other events. The other candidates are Carolina Lara and Tammy Wong-Bigelow (both running for School Committee) and Colleen Bradley-MacArthur (re-election for Councillor At-Large) |
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You do not need to have kids or bring kids to attend these playground events. It's just a chance to have some informal conversations at a time that might work better for many, me included! Campaigning with young kids is a balancing act - I had a kid with me at both events last weekend. This weekend we'll be at: |
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Candidate Forum The Waltham Land Trust is hosting their Green Possibilities candidate forum on conservation and environment issues. There are three planned events. All are virtual and recordings will be posted. -Wednesday, 10/11 7-8p: At-Large Councillor -Thursday, 10/12 7-8p: Contested Wards -Monday, 10/30 7-8p: Mayoral | | |
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Candidate Forum The League of Women Voters of Waltham and WATCH-CDC are hosting three in-person candidate forums. All will be held at Government Center (119 School St). -Tuesday, 10/17 at 7p: At Large Councillors -Thursday, 10/19 at 7p: School Committee -Thursday, 10/26 at 7p: Mayoral | | |
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Candidate Meet and Greet The Waltham Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Waltham Partnership are hosting an in-person Candidate Meet and Greet at Tempo Bistro (474 Moody St). This was sent to all candidates for mayor, Council, and School Committee. -Wednesday, Oct 25 5:30-7:30p | | |
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Other Updates and Information Questionnaires I completed a questionnaire for 11th grade students for a civics project in their history class. They asked some great questions! I completed the Waltham Inclusive Neighborhoods (WIN) questionnaire on housing. My answers, along with the answers from the nine other candidates who responded, are posted on their website here. WIN based many of their questions on the findings of the City Council Ad-Hoc Committee on Affordable Housing's Report from 2020. As I canvas across the city, I hear people share very strong ideas about housing. I know where my values lie, but how to go about achieving them in a thoughtful and intentional way that brings everyone along is an evolving process. I am learning *a lot* about housing policy and thinking a lot about how it will play out in Waltham (and how it intersects with climate policy, transportation policy, health policy...). We are undeniably in a housing crisis and we must address it, through thoughtful planning and a lot of community engagement. Working through this questionnaire also reinforced the need for a Master Plan and robust planning department to execute the plan. Although we may not always agree on specific points, I am always open and receptive to feedback. I'd love to hear from anyone on this.
Endorsement Status Greater Boston Labor Council - received Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus - received Sierra Club (Massachusetts chapter) - received SEIU Local 509 - received Environmental League of Massachusetts - not received (no feedback given; no one in Waltham earned their endorsement)
Get Involved Reach out here! |
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