Meet Waltham City Council Candidate Paul Katz

WALTHAM, MA — Local elections in Waltham are less than a month away, and Patch is determined to help residents get to know their candidates for council, mayor and school committee.

Patch has sent candidate questionnaires to each of the candidates that will appear on the ballot in a contested race for each of those three positions.

In this candidate profile, learn more about City Council candidate Paul Katz and his reasons for seeking election:

Name

Paul Katz

How old will you be as of Election Day?

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://KatzWard7.org

What city or town do you live in?

Waltham

What office are you seeking?

City Councilor, Ward 7

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Education.

B.A. Economics, Brandeis University

What is your occupation?

Sr. Marketing Manager, 35 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Yes

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Currently Waltham City Councilor, Ward 7

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I have always been passionate about the issues that impact our City and the neighborhoods in our Ward.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is often issues related to development and growth, and what I intend to do about it is continue with a focused approach to mitigating traffic impact and scrutinize every special permit.

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

I can only speak on my credentials: in my first term, I have been an advocate for every resident. My approach is moderate, fair, and sensible. I abide by my 5 core values: If you say you are going to do something, do it, and do it well; Act honestly and speak truthfully; Take responsibility and admit when you are wrong; Appreciate other points of view; Have the courage to do the right thing even when it is difficult

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

My intention is to continue to advocate for residents of Ward 7. That, in my opinion, is what a Ward Councilor is elected to do.

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

18+ new requests before the traffic commission; Addressed 30+ agenda items before the traffic commission; After 7 years of empty promises and no progress I have sucessfully initiated a West End Traffic Study and completed the first request: a July 2023 neighborhood meeting inviting 300 households; I have held/participated in 15+ neighborhood, Ward, and City meetings; I put the brakes on a proposed lab and garage complex in our Ward until promised and needed road improvements are in place; I stood up against two proposed dispensaries that abutted our residences; I continue work with the building, law, and health departments to crack down on illegal rooming houses and clean up rental properties; but most important, I advocate for residents and facilitate issues brought to me.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be honest. Your reputation is your most important asset.