Chris Steele Announces Run for Newton Ward 5 Alderman-at-Large Seat

Waban resident and current Economic Development Commission Chair Chris Steele announced today his candidacy Ward 5 alderman-at-large.

Steele has served on the city's Economic Development Commission since 2009 and held roles as both chair and vice chair, according to a press release issued Monday afternoon. He is also one of the organizers behind the Waban Area Council, one of the founding members of Newton Villages and leads the Newton League of Women Voters municipal finance committee. 

“I’m seeking election to make sure Newton continues to invest in our future. We need to make sure we support education and infrastructure so that these can keep pace with our needs. And we need to do so that keeps Newton affordable to our diverse population. I have the experience and the drive to make sure we do so,” Steele said in the press release. 

Steele, who grew up in Harrington Park, New Jersey, is a managing partner and part owner of Investment Consulting Associates, a global location advisory and economic development firm. He has a degree in psychology from Rutgers University and a master's degree in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the press release said.

In addition to his work at Investment Consulting Associates, Steele also managed location advisory services during his 11-year tenure at Ernst & Young and taught as a visiting professor at both UMass Boston and UMass Dartmouth, the press release said.

Steele and his wife, Emily, moved to Newton 10 years ago. They have a son, Simon, who attends Brown Middle School and a daughter, Caitlin, who attends Angier Elementary. 

Ward 5 is currently represented by Alderman-at-Large Deb Crossley, Alderman-at-Large Brian Yates and Ward Alderman John Rice. 

According to Steele's press release, local activist Rob Gifford as well as former Newton Living Magazine and Newton Villages Co-Founder John Sisson are serving as Steele’s campaign co-chairs.

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