1. What are your top 3 legislative priorities?
Bill Humphrey
Green New Deal for climate action (electrification, waste reduction, and flooding resilience), housing production (zoning) and affordability (expanded financing options), and public transit reliability (working with the T and Healy Administration to support more funding for deferred maintenance and staffing levels). These three issues are closely intertwined. My strategy for advancing legislation – based on not only my Council experience but also my three years of work lobbying for LGBTQ rights in the Delaware legislature – is always to combine working closely with advocacy and constituency organizations (to mobilize grassroots public pressure) and building relationships within the body to work in coalition with others. With how slow and opaque the legislature has been, especially on the Governor’s proposals, public groundswells and media attention seem like a key strategy.
Please check out my platform to learn more about the many other priorities I have: www.billhumphrey.org/issues-overview
Rick Lipof
Housing crisis/Transportation/Climate: All are connected. Affordability is most urgent, but the missing middle units for downsizing and our children to remain in district must be addressed. New units for businesses to attract employees, retain those who want to stay here and to promote less commuting. The MBTA will be a major focus. I would make it my goal to finally attain the funds to renovate our 3 commuter stations.
Education: A focus on education would be a top priority. Increasing Ch. 70 funds and attaining MSBA funds are a top priority. Working with our DC Delegation I would look for every dollar to support our schools with a keen focus on special education.
Fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate: Whether it’s the rise in antisemitic hate crimes or Asian hate incidences during the pandemic, I will stand with any segment of our community against hate and intolerance.
Alex Jablon
As a progressive Democrat and a YIMBY, the number one priority for me has to be addressing the housing and cost of living crisis in both Newton and Massachusetts as a whole. Removing barriers and increasing incentives for more affordable housing in order to increase supply has to be a top priority for any legislator. The second is fully funding our schools and our public transit. The last is providing more transparency and oversight in government. As an auditor by trade, I think this is an area I can make a large impact in, as I have spent my career managing large budgets and providing much needed oversight. This is one area Massachusetts is typically ranked amongst the bottom five states, and we can do better.
Amy Sangiolo
Addressing the Climate Crisis, Housing, and Improving Public Transportation