Newton Candidate Profile: Rick Lipof Is Running Unopposed

NEWTON, MA — There will be several contested races in this fall's election, but the at-large seat for Ward 8 is not one of them. Still, Rick Lipof, who has occupied that seat for the past 18 years, and is running this November unopposed, took a moment to answer a few questions ahead of the election.

Lipof, 53, was born in Newton then went away to get his bachelors from the University of Wisconsin. He came back and he and his wife Janice have raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Sydney in the city. He works as a real estate consultant. Fun fact: He's not the only politician in his family. His sister, Cheryl Lappin, is the ward councilor from Ward 8.

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

Development and Zoning reform and as Vice Chair of Land Use I intend to help shepherd a new zoning code that is easily understood by all parties and work to ensure the most reasonable developments possible as our city continues to evolve.

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

I am running unopposed.

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?

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Creating a more sustainable city, Improving our road conditions and traffic signals, upgrading our transit stops, improving schools and supporting police and fire.

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

Worked collaboratively to save the Edison land, saving 20 acres of open space. Fought successfully to deny Super Stop and Shop to come to Needham Street.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

It's all about balance, in everything we do.

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

Past Chair of Real property Re-use, Vice Chair of Finance, Chair of Public Safety, presently Vice Chair of Land use. A lot of experience brought to the job. I love our city and it brings me great joy to play a part in guiding its future.

My favorite aspect of this city is...

Collection of 13 villages makes Newton feel like a town and not an urban city.

What's your take on the recent uptick in development?

Growth and change is inevitable. We must do our homework on each development and make them the best for Newton. Small and yes, large developments have their place as long as we are diligent. We need to balance the need for smaller units and more affordable housing with traffic concerns.

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

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.