Newton Candidate Profile: Jake Auchincloss, Ward 2 At Large

NEWTON, MA — The city will have several contested races in this fall's election, including one for at large city councilor from Ward 2 where four candidates -including the two incumbents - are vying for the two seats. Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Jake Auchincloss,31, was born in Newton and went through the Newton Public School system. He went off to get his bachelors at Harvard, and his MBA at MIT Sloan, spent some time in the Marines and moved back to town about four years ago with his wife Michelle.

He's a two-term city councilor filling the at-large seat for Ward 2. And notably, he was one of two councilors to vote against the city council's pay raise recently. He's also making a run for Rep. Joe Kennedy's seat in the 4th Congressional District.

Here in Newton, incumbent Susan Albright and Lucas Tarik and Jennifer Bentley are the other candidates hoping to take the at-large council seat for Ward 2.

Auchincloss took a few minutes to answer questions Patch has sent to all contested candidates. Here's what he said, his 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.

Transportation. I will continue to be the lead negotiator with developers on traffic-control measures for new projects and for advocating accelerated road repair, smarter traffic signals, and infrastructure for safer and more reliable walking, cycling, and transit.

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

I recognize that 'No' is not a plan. Change in the form of new development can be positive for the city, so long as experienced, capable, communicative city councilors are negotiating with developers for public amenities, infrastructure upgrades, traffic-control measures, and attractive design.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community? If you are an incumbent what's still on your to-do list?

The city needs a holistic transportation agenda, that syncs with (and impels) state priorities, to reduce traffic and improve walkability. We are still too ad hoc in our transportation planning.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Continued increased funding of post-employment health care liabilities; accelerated road repair; fair pay for teachers, now; better maintenance of parks and strict preservation of green space; continued progress towards carbon neutrality.

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

Endorsed by Progressive Newton and Livable Newton for leading from the front on housing, transportation, the environment, and immigration.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

From my mother, who raised three kids while pursuing a successful scientific career. When asked how, she says she only prioritized two things: her family, and the integrity of her research. She set priorities that she valued, she made clear those priorities to others, and then she lived them.

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

Traffic is a regional problem, and one city councilor in one city can't solve it. But I have deep experience in transportation in both the public and private sectors, and I am best equipped to help the city set and execute against a comprehensive agenda for transportation improvements.

Your social media info (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

@JakeAuch

My favorite aspect of this city is...

The acuity and civic engagement of its people. I've knocked doors in lots of places. Knocking doors in Newton is more fun.

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

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.

More candidate profiles:

• Kathryn Winters - Ward 5
• Bill Humphrey - Ward 5
• Andreae Downs - At Large Ward 5
• Deb Crossly - At Large Ward 5

• Emily Norton (Incumbent)- Ward 2
• Bryan Barash - Ward 2