Newton Candidate Profile: Becky Grossman, At-Large Ward 7

NEWTON, MA — There will be several contested races in this fall's election, including for school committee, for at-large council seats and for ward councilors. Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Becky Grossman, 39, has been the city councilor at-large for ward 7 since since 2017. She and Marc Laredo are running unopposed to keep their seats.

Grossman and her husband, Ben, moved to Newton in 2010 where they've raising their two kids, Madeleine, 8, and Jack, 5.

Though she is the only one in her family who works for the City of Newton, members of her extended family have been active for years in public service and civic affairs at the local, state and national level, including her father-in-law.

Grossman, an attorney, graduated with a bachelors in economics from Cornell University and then went on to Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School.

She took a minute to answer a list of question we sent her. Here's what she said. Her answers have not been edited.

Previously: Newton Election Calendar 2019: What To Know About Election

Are you running for office in Newton? Contact Jenna Fisher at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Newton Patch.

The single most pressing issue facing Newton is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Climate change, and I will continue working with my colleagues to take actions on the city level to combat it. I'm hopeful we'll have an agreed-upon Climate Action Plan to guide us.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am fortunate to serve alongside great colleagues on the City Council and dedicated people throughout our Newton schools and government, all united in concern and affection for this community. As a City Councilor, I will work to continue to ensure that Newton remains a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family, educate children, and retire.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I’d like to strengthen our crossing guard program and make a more robust plan for our kids to be able to walk and bike to school safely.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I will continue working on critical issues like school improvements, combating climate change, and transportation and infrastructure challenges.

What accomplishments would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a current City Councilor, I'd cite the work I've done this term, and my ability to work with my colleagues in a collegial, collaborative, and compassionate way.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

There is a Jewish teaching that roughly translates as follows: “It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either.” To me, it’s critical that we tackle big challenging issues like climate change in order to leave our city and our country better for the next generation.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I look at each issue that comes before the city through the lens of improving the quality of life for our current residents and those to come in future generations — safeguarding the future for our youngest residents to our oldest.

Your social media info (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

Twitter: @BeckyWGrossman; Instagram: rebeccawgrossman

My favorite aspect of this city is...

Its people. We love being part of such a warm, welcoming and engaged community.

What's your take on all the development happening in the city?

Responsible development means transit-oriented, mixed-use projects that enhance our village centers, create affordable housing opportunities, grow Newton’s tax base, and preserve green space. When development is done right, we’ll create more amenities and opportunities for residents.

More on Newton Elections:

• Newton Election Calendar 2019: What To Know About Election
• Ward 5 Residents To Head To The Polls Sept. 10
• Humphrey, Winters Win Preliminary Election In Newton's Ward 5
• Rick Lipof Is Running Unopposed
• Marc Laredo Has No Challenger

More candidate profiles:

• Kathryn Winters - Ward 5
• Bill Humphrey - Ward 5
• Rena Getz - Ward 5 (write in)
• Andreae Downs - At Large Ward 5
• Deb Crossly - At Large Ward 5
• Brenda Noel, Ward 6 City Councilor
• Vicki Danberg - At Large Ward 6
• Emily Norton (Incumbent)- Ward 2
• Bryan Barash - Ward 2
• Jake Auchincloss(Incumbent) - At Large Ward 2
• Susan Albright (Incumbent) - At Large Ward 2
• Tarik Lucas -At Large Ward 2
• Ruth Goldman - School Committee

Are you running for office in Newton? Contact Jenna Fisher at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Newton Patch.