Ward 2 Aldermen Race Grows to Four Candidates

Long-time resident Eve Tapper has thrown her hat in the ring for the Ward Alderman of Ward 2 seat to be elected in November, making her the fourth candidate to withdraw nomination papers run for the seat.

In addition to Tapper, Jack Leader has pulled nomination papers, Emily Norton announced her candidacy about a month ago, and, Lia Fahey made her announcement about a week ago. 

The most recent entrant, Tapper, resigned her position as chief planner in Newton's Planning and Development Department in order to pursue the seat on the Board of Aldermen.

According to a press release, Tapper's priorities as an alderman would include providing "strong representation" as major changes take place in Newtonville, such as the reconstruction of the Cabot School.

With two children in the Newton Public School system, Tapper said in her announcement, she is particularly committeed to supporting the school system as it seeks to "maintain and improve the quality of education students receive."

Tapper's campaign co-chairs are Brooke Lipsitt, Ward 2 resident and former president of the Newton Board of Aldermen, and Jonathan Yeo, current Ward 2 School Committee representative.

Assuming all four individuals submit their paperwork and pursue candidacy, there will be a primary on Sept. 17 to decide the two candidates who will vie for the seat in the Nov. 5 general election. 

Nomination papers must be signed by the required number of voters, 50 for a Ward Aldermen candidate, and returned to the Election Commission by Tuesday, July 30.