Meet Waltham Council Candidate Thomas Stanley

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 council candidate Randy Leblanc's reasons to seek election:

How old will you be as of Election Day?

59 years of age

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

www.tomstanley.org

What city or town do you live in?

Waltham

What office are you seeking?

Waltham City Councilor at-Large

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

At-Large Councilor

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

MPA, Public Administration, Suffolk University School of Management, 1992-1994BS, Business Business Management, Bentley College, 1984-1986

Associate's, Business Administration and Management, Massachusetts Bay Community College, 1982-1984

Waltham Public Schools

What is your occupation?

Legislator

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

Kim and I have been married for 22 years. We have raised two great young men, Ryan and Parker. We have a dog named Regan.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife Kim is Deputy Director of the Internal Special Audit Unit at the MA Office of the Inspector General.

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

Yes. Waltham City Council. Former President, Waltham City Council
State Representative, Chair, Joint Committee on Elder Affairs

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 am seeking re-election to continue making progress on issues important to the Waltham community and to work with residents, businesses and organizations to make Waltham a better place to live and to work.

Most Pressing Issue

There is not just one pressing issue facing my constituents. Waltham faces many important issues and concerns that impact the quality of life for every resident. Traffic, housing, schools, public safety, smart growth and economic development, senior services, open space and health care all require attention and action from city leaders. I lead the Commission that focused on Housing in Waltham and look forward to implementing many of its practical recommendations.

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

My experience, in-depth knowledge of critical issues, working relationships with local, state, federal and regional groups and organizations and proven ability to get things done make me a strong asset to the Waltham City Council.

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

I am running FOR re-election to the Waltham City Council. I am not running AGAINST any other candidate. I have a proven record on the Council. I listen and respect the opinions of others and always endeavor to be a voice of reason during difficult issue debates. I respond to constituent requests for help. My experience has taught me that working WITH others gets better results for Waltham.

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

I want to bring the knowledge I have gained through my leadership on state elder affairs issues to Waltham. I hope to bring regional and state advances in elder care, housing and health services to benefit Waltham seniors and veterans.

Additionally, as a longtime advocate for women’s health care access, I will continue to support every woman’s reproductive health decision making and access to affordable health care locally.

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

I have a proven record that includes:

• Lead efforts that secured $118 million in state funding for our new high school.
• Helped secure record state funding for Waltham's roads, sidewalks and bridges.
• Played pivotal role at state & local level to purchase & protect Fernald and UMass Farm properties. Strong supporter of the Rail Trail, playgrounds and open space preservation.
• Helped secure record high local aid and education funding for Waltham which pay for vital programs in city services, public safety, schools and elder services.
• Brought needed reforms to state's Veteran's and Long Term Care facilities which affect so many Waltham citizens.
• Responded to over a thousand requests every year from Waltham citizens, organizations and businesses in need of help with or information from the city and state.
• Sent out monthly -newsletters to keep citizens informed and conducts citizen surveys to gather their opinions and ideas.
• Used social media to post news and information about programs and subiects of concern or interest to Waltham citizens.
• Met with Waltham groups and individuals to discuss issues of local concern and encourages attendance at public forums to foster open dialogue in our community.

Professional Involvement

• Massachusetts Municipal Association Fiscal Policy Committee
• Waltham Democratic City Committee (past chairman)
• Waltham City Councillor-at-Large (1997-present)
• Former Waltham Council Finance Committee member
• Founded Waltham Council Long Term Debt Committee
• Mass. House (2001-present)
• MA Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, Chair
• Former long-time member of the Joint Ways & Means Committee.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

“Other people’s opinion of you is none of your business.”

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

I have been an active Waltham citizen and community participant for my whole life. I love Waltham and the people from every neighborhood, background and age who make it a great city.

Waltham Civic Involvement:

• Member, American Society for Public Administrators
• Former Coach, Basketball Plus Program
• Former Coach, Central Middle School Basketball
• Member, Friends of Waltham Family School
• Member, Friends of Waltham Library
• Member, Hardy Pond Association
• Former Coach, Little Nippers Baseball
• Member, Massachusetts Government Finance Officers Association
• Advisory Board Member, Reach Beyond Domestic Violence
• Former Board Member, Reagle Players
• Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Teacher, Saint Jude Church
• Member, Sons of Italy
• Member, The Fernald Reuse Committee
• Former Coach, Waltham Boys and Girls Club
• Advisory Board Member, Waltham Community Day Center
• Former Chair, Waltham Democratic City Committee
• Member, Waltham Family School Advisory Board
• Member, Waltham Lions Club
• Member, Waltham Partnership for Youth Board of Directors
• Former Coach, Waltham Police Athletic League
• Former Member, Waltham Public Library Planning Committee
• Former Member, Waltham Rotary Club
• Steering Committee Member, Waltham Safe and Healthy Schools
• Former Coach, Waltham Youth Basketball Association
• Former Coach, Waltham Youth Soccer
• Former Coach, Warrandale Little League
• Former Board Member, Warrendale Little League