Newton Patch Candidate: Andrea Kelley, Ward 3 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 3 where the two incumbents and a new face 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.

Andrea Kelley, 66, is one of the incumbents defending her seat against fellow incumbent Jim Cote and newcomer Pamela Wright. Two seats, three people running. Kelley is finishing up her first term as City Councilor at-large from Ward 3. She's held positions on Newton Housing Partnership, various Joint Advisory Planning Groups, and the Design Review Committee.

She and her husband, Bill, moved to the city in 1979. They raised three children, all of whom have since grown up. Now Kelleys have their first grand baby, Michael who is almost 2.

After she got her A.B. from Bard College, she went on to get her masters in landscape architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. And she went on to use that degree. She's been a landscape designer and site planner for the past three decades.

Kelley took some time to answer our questions. We have not edited her responses.

Read this, too: 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 our (city, schools, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Climate change. Environmental sustainability is connected to almost everything else: transportation, housing, traffic, schools, development. I look at every issue with an eye to how to improve the climate impact, from small everyday choices like saying no to a straw, consuming and driving less, to larger ramifications such as adopting the Citizens Climate Action Plan, getting away from fossil fuels to 100% renewables, embracing Passive House standards for new construction, smart growth development, thermal heat pumps, electric vehicles, solar and wind power.

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

I am a multi-issue and collaborative candidate, which are necessary attributes given the contentious and wide range of matters that come before the City Council.

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

Candidate left blank

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Maintaining our infrastructure: roads, sidewalks, water/sewer and utilities. Providing education and support for families with a loved one struggling with mental health and substance use issues. Enhancing Newton's open and green spaces.

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

I'm an effective member of the Land Use and Public Facilities committees. With a previous background as Open Space Coordinator, PTO and Newton League of Women Voters, I bring a commitment and knowledge of our open spaces, public school system as well as a multi-issue, consensus and study based approach.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Unsolicited advice is criticism in disguise.

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

I love reading, cooking, friends and family. Corny but true.

Your public social media info (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

www.andreakelley.org andreakelley4newton (instagram) @kelley4newton (twitter), Andrea Kelley Newton City Council, At-Large from Ward 3 (fb)

My favorite aspect of this city is...

Its diversity.

What's your take on the development projects across the city?

"NO" is not a plan. Change happens and we need to think ahead and plan for it, help shape it. We need more housing options and commercial development so mixed use, village-centered development that addresses climate change is a pro-active effort. Transportation and traffic mitigation measures are crucial.

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
• Rick Lipof Is Running Unopposed
• Mark Laredo- unopposed
• Becky Grossman, At-Large Ward 7

More candidate profiles:

• Kathryn Winters - Ward 5
• Bill Humphrey - Ward 5
• Rena Getz - Ward 5 (write in)
• Andreae Downs - At Large Ward 5
• Deb Crossly - At Large Ward 5
• Brenda Noel, Ward 6
• Vicki Danberg - At Large Ward 6
• Emily Norton (Incumbent)- Ward 2
• Bryan Barash - Ward 2
• Jake Auchincloss(Incumbent) - At Large Ward 2
• Susan Albright (Incumbent) - At Large Ward 2
• Tarik Lucas -At Large Ward 2
• Jennifer Bentley, At Large Ward 2
• Ruth Goldman - School Committee
• Kathleen Shields - School Committee
• Bridget Ray-Canada -School Committee

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.

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