Newton Candidate Profile: Marc Laredo At Large Councilor Ward 7

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

Marc Laredo, 59, is running unopposed for re-election to his councilor at large seat in Ward 7, which he's had since 2012. Laredo grew up in Newton and then he and his wife Roberta moved back in 1991. Together they raised three children who all attended Newton Public Schools. Joshua is 29, Matthew is 26, and Emma is 14 and a freshman at Newton North. In 2009 Laredo sat as a member of the Newton School Committee. Before that, from 1987 to 1990 he was the Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Bureau at the Attorney General's office.

Laredo got his bachelors from Cornell University and went on to get his law degree at University of Pennsylvania Law School. He's been an attorney for nearly 35 years.

He took a minute to answer a list of question we sent him. 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.

How we handle development and the issues associated with it such as transportation, traffic, parking, improvement of our streets and sidewalks, and commitment to open space.

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

I do not have an opponent in this election

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? Incumbents, what's still on your to-do list?

I am and will continue to be a strong supporter of our public schools, improvements to our streets, sidewalks and other infrastructure, and efforts to address climate change.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

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

As President of the City Council, I have encouraged open discussion and vigorous debate, welcomed different opinions on the matters before us, and tried to treat all of our residents with dignity and respect.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

I have had lots of good advice given to me over the years! Generally, it comes down to being appreciative of good health and a happy family and that giving back to one's community is good not only for the community but yourself.

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

I have been privileged to serve the residents of Newton and look forward to continuing my work on the City Council.

My favorite aspect of this city is...

There are so many aspects of this city that I like that I cannot pick just one - they include our great public schools, our tree-lined streets and village centers, and the strong sense of community that we have.

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

We cannot remain stagnant and responsible development is good and appropriate for our city. At the same time, we must carefully and thoughtfully scrutinize proposed projects and changes to our zoning code.

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

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
• Jake Auchincloss (Incumbent) - At Large Ward 2
• Rick Lipof Is Running Unopposed
• Ruth Goldman, School Commitee

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.