Meet Waltham Council Candidate Paul Tracey

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.

Tracey has been involved in law enforcement locally for years and is now running for the Ward 3 council seat.

His campaign is centered around stronger representation for Ward 3, with Tracey stating that the ward deserves "stronger representation in dealing with major issues that impact the ward from variables outside the ward."

Find out what those variable are below:

Name

Paul Tracey

How old will you be as of Election Day?

58

What city or town do you live in?

Waltham

What office are you seeking?

Ward 3 City Council

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

City of Waltham Ward 3

Please give us your party affiliation.

Independent

Education.

Bachelors in Criminal Justice

What is your occupation?

Police Officer

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

Kristin (Wife) Danika (Daughter) Tyler (Son)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Crystal Philpott

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

No

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?

To solve problems, politicians solve problems

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

Preservation of open space at Fernald. Fernald has been closed off to the public for over 10 years. It should be opened for the public to see. Medfield State Hospital is a similarly closed institution, however, the grounds are open to the public, you cannot go into the buildings. Open Fernald to the public along with the gate to Mackerel Hill, Trapelo Rd.

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

Not much at all. We both will work to maintain a low tax rate for the residents. We both will work to preserve open space and we both will work to resolve our constituent's issues and or problems. The major difference is I am not a city hall insider. I have not been appointed to multiple boards or commissions, committees or panels. I am not beholden to anyone except the residents of Ward 3.

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

The current councillor elected to seek a citywide seat on the council so I'm not running against the previous incumbent.

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

Ward 3 needs stronger representation in dealing with major issues that impact the ward from variables outside the ward. Lexington's position to place a solar farm on the Waltham line. The major development in Lexington on the Waltham line specifically along Lexington St. The steel plates that have been covering Beaver Brook on the Waltham Belmont line for over two years now. Lexington's successful ability to prevent postal trucks from exiting 200 Smith St. directly onto Rt. 2, this was previously a matter that has since been resolved. It seems that in Ward 3, more influence is impacted from sources outside Waltham than in. The Solar farm issue only became a major issue AFTER the SJC decision came out. It should have been a front-burner issue before this matter was even in court.

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

Politics is solving people's problems. I've been solving problems as a municipal employee for 28 years. I drive the streets every day and evening. I hit the same potholes, see the same leaning and double telephone poles and street lights that are either not working or never shut off. So I send emails or make telephone calls to see if these matters can be solved. There are delicate balances because there are so many issues and matters that are in the works so sometimes it's just a matter of sending along the right information that a matter or issue is currently in discussion or due to be fixed.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen and let people speak. More often than not the longer you listen the more likely you are to hear to solution to the problem.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm not afraid to say that I am from Waltham and know the history very very well. I attended the schools and have been employed here most of my entire adult life. I did not move or come here with opinions or views to make Waltham a community it's not, like a Somerville or a Cambridge. Waltham is a very desirable community to live in and it needs elected representatives who are not afraid to represent the very people who live, work and contribute here on a daily basis, time and time again.