Newton Candidate Profile: Holly Ryan For City Council

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

Here, we learn more about Holly Ryan, who is an incumbent running for reelection to the City Council in Ward 8. Ryan is seeking a third term and will be facing challenger Stephen Farrell.

Ryan is retired after working in human services for 24 years. She also has served as the City of Newton LGBTQ liaison and human rights commissioner.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Name

Holly Ryan

How old will you be as of Election Day?

71

Campaign website

https://www.holly-ryan.org/

What city or town do you live in?

Newton

What office are you seeking?

City councilor

District

Ward 8

Party affiliation

Democratic

Education

High school diploma in Newton

Occupation

Retired from human services after 24 years

Family

Adult daughter and son, both Newton Schools graduates

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Appointed City of Newton LGBTQ liaison and human rights commissioner

Why are you seeking this office?

As my second term on the Newton City Council nears completion, I am proud to announce that I am seeking a third term to continue serving you. I grew up in Ward 8, raised my children here, and have always been a voice for this community. As Newton changes, you can be certain I will make well-informed, thoughtful decisions so that our city remains the place we know and love.

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

Fixing the roads. I work closely with city staff on pothole calls and paving projects in Ward 8. But we also need to commit more resources to this.

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

I'm committed to my constituents and connected to my community in Ward 8. I understand how to get things done in city government.

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

I am committed to truly affordable housing, green space protection and flood resilience, and traffic congestion mitigation. I also want Newton to support its teachers, students and parents better.

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

I have had four years in this office so far, and I have been an effective local legislator and constituent services manager in that role. It is also my full-time job because I am retired otherwise.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Our former Congressman Barney Frank taught me how to build and maintain coalitions over time so that if we don't win everything in one term, we can come back and win in the future.

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

I support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our schools, community, and government.