Newton Patch Candidate: James Cote​, Councilor At Large Ward 3

NEWTON, MA — There will be several contested races in this fall's election, including for councilor at large, which is a citywide vote. Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

There are contested races for the at-large city council seats in wards 2, 3, 5 and 6. In each of those races there are three people running for two spots.

James Cote, 63, who was elected in 2013 is running to keep his seat, as is Andrea Kelley. The new face vying for an at-large seat from Ward 3 is Pamela Wright.

Cote moved to Newton in 2007. He and his wife Albie, who is on the Governor's Latino Advisory Commission and is the chair of Children's Hospital's Milagros para Ninos) have 10 children together between the ages of 34 and 20. They also have six grand children, the oldest is 8.

Cote joined the Marines out of high school, served for 20 years, attaining the rank of First Sergeant. He also got his associates degree at Fisher College, a bachelors at Worcester State University and his MBA at Mary Washington. For the past 28 years he's been a financial adviser at Concord Wealth Management.

He took some time to answer some questions Patch sent to all candidates. His answers have not been edited.

Read this, too: Newton Election Calendar 2019: What To Know About Election
Got something to say about this election? Submit a Letter To The Editor. Here's how.

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.
The Budget is the most pressing issue, and I will work to cut old programs and create new revenue: Everything in the city starts and ends with the budget to address the needs of the residents. Serving on the Finance Committee for the past 2 years, I've learned that revenue shortfalls are coming, and it's my goal to find revenue where we can. Examples are to increase fees on Developers that by nature of their work tie up the City Staff for extended periods, encourage commercial development, and redevelopment by researching locations, and ownership, and then showcasing our benefits, review policy of corporate donors for Parks and Recreation, and the Schools.

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

Known as the "Forest Gump" on the City Council my personal, businesses, and family experiences provides the resident with a well rounded and "life" experienced candidate. My vision of the City is that I believe in people, and businesses and that they aren't evil and greedy based on their occupation. I challenge those who choose to make up scare stories about Development and I differ greatly with our opponent who's backed by the anti-development PAC, and the neighborhood group, Right Size Newton. As one of two incumbent City Councilors in our election, I firmly believe you are better served by keeping us in office!

I offer the residents my years of experience, and common sense approach to government. I work hard and my ability to resolve constituent issues is unmatched!!

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?

As an incumbent, and a relatively junior one, with only 6 years on the Council, my to do list focuses on Council Leadership. In 2018 we turned over 7 City Councilors, this year already 3 have retired, the result is that at a minimum, 10 of the 24 City Councilors sitting this coming January 1st will be very junior. As a mid-range Councilor at 3 times, my return to the Council is important to speeding up effectiveness. We must continue to develop as city leaders to improve our results for those that we represent. Some Council challengers, only recognize those with their views and call their constituents "voters." My goal is to keep these one issue negative candidates off the ballot and encourage those with a vision to seek office.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:
My whole goal of serving, and seeking re-election is to continue my long tradition of Community Service, which started when I joined the Marines out of high school. What defines my campaign is that I believe as residents of the city we are all truly equal, serving an important role in our individual am community quality of life. My campaign is all about focusing on the quality of life, and keeping the City of Newton affordable for everyone.

What accomplishments would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have delivered in two key areas over the past 6 years. First, on the Council I'm known as a collaborator that has no fear of doing what I feel is right. My agenda varies by the issue in front of us, and my record reflects that over my 3 terms I have I worked with every Councilor based on the issue at hand, with no concerns of previous disagreements. I believe that we are all on the Council for the people and work to that end. Second, my years of experience, in getting things done, and most importantly knowing and respecting those that do the work, allows me to offer a high level of constituent services that are of great benefit to the residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...
Two parts: Treat others as you would want to be treated. Don't fail due to lack of effort!!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My mother and father were blue collar, had 8 kids, and built the sense in the 8 of us that we must offer our skills and services to better the community in whatever way we can!! I represent everyone, and will work to represent and defend those who count on City Leadership for their needs in education, safety, recreation, government and overall quality of life.

Your public social media info (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
@jimcoteward3 Facebook @cote4newton

My favorite aspect of this city is...
The city is perfectly located outside of Boston providing us with endless options for quality of life, education, and work; and internally the city hosts a great diversity of individuals, ideas, and reminds me everyday of the make-up of America!!

What's your take on all the development projects across the city?
Development and construction are always a very personal issue to residents and has to be addressed as such. On one hand the City of Newton is fortunate to be in a location that attracts Developer money, allowing us options on how to better our city; while on the other hand the high cost of property in Newton makes project advocates come in with bigger projects than we may desire. I'm skilled in negotiations and I feel that I will work for the best package for the residents.

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
• Got A Newton Election Related Letter To The Editor?

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
• Andrea Kelley - At Large Ward 3
• Ruth Goldman - School Committee
• Kathleen Shields - School Committee
• Bridget Ray-Canada -School Committee
• Alex Koifman - School Committee
• Galina Rosenblit - School Committee