Newton Candidate Profile: Doris Ann Sweet For City Council

NEWTON, MA — With the Newton Municipal Election scheduled for Nov. 7, Patch is profiling the candidates.

Here, we learn more about Doris Ann Sweet, who is running for ward councilor representing Ward 4 on the Newton City Council. She is running against Randall Steven Block. The seat currently is held by Christopher J. Markiewicz.

Sweet is retired after working for 46 years as an academic librarian. She has never held public office.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Name

Doris Ann Sweet

How old will you be as of Election Day?

79

Campaign website

https://sweetward4.com

What city or town do you live in?

Newton

What office are you seeking?

City Council

District

Ward 4

Please give us your party affiliation

Democrat

Education

BA in Comparative Lit and MA in U.S. History and in Library Science

Occupation

Retired (academic librarian for 46 years)

Family

Two daughters: Martha (Founder of Breadsong Bakery), Elizabeth (professor & assoc. dean at UMass Boston)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I want Newton to be a thriving city that can serve the needs of all its residents and remain a welcoming, inclusive community.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is _____ and this is what I intend to do about it.

Climate change — flooding, etc. in Newton. Collaborate with other councilors and environmentalists to follow up on current efforts and develop approaches for the future.

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

I am optimistic about the future; my opponent isn't. I am aspirational. He is oppositional. I'm a collaborative problem solver. He's an obstructionist. I want to manage (or shape) change. He wants to fight it.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Maintain strong infrastructure and support small businesses

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

40 plus years as a manager in libraries, participation in direct public services, including assisting researchers, faculty and students in identifying and gaining access to resources for their academic work.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen and ask questions.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Endorsed by Rep. Kay Kahn & 13 current city councilors