Waltham Candidate Profile: Jeannette McCarthy Runs For Mayor

WALTHAM, MA — Waltham will have several contested races in this fall's election, including one that will thin the field of mayoral candidates from three to two. Waltham Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Jeannette Amanda McCarthy,66, is the current mayor and one of three candidates running for mayor. If she wins, she will surpass former Mayor Arthur Clark in terms of years served in the position. The top vote-getter in the preliminary election on Sept. 17 will move on to compete in the general election on Nov. 5.

McCarthy, a lifelong resident of Waltham, went through the Waltham Public School system, attending Hardy Elementary School, North Junior High School and graduated from Waltham High in 1971. She went on to get her bachelors in Biology from Boston College, then she got her law degree from Suffolk University Law School and got her masters from Northeastern University in criminal justice.

She's been mayor since 2004. Before that she was a city councilor from 2002 to 2000. She's also been on the School Committee (1986-1991), she's been city solicitor and assistant city solicitor and staff attorney.

Previously: Waltham Elections 2019: Here's Who Is Running

Are you running for office in Waltham? Contact Jenna Fisher at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Waltham Patch.

The single most pressing issue facing our city is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing the City of Waltham is over development and its impact on our infrastructure and traffic. With regard to infrastructure, we will continue to do DEP mandated sewer projects throughout the City and implement recommendations from the City's Traffic Master Plan. With regard to over development, I will continue to testify before appropriate boards concerning the detrimental impact of these projects and veto them when able to.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates for mayor?

The key difference between myself and other candidates is that I cannot and will not do anything for votes. Every day I make decisions solely for the people of Waltham, and not to benefit me politically or personally. Developers and their representatives know that the City is not for sale while I am Mayor. They can't wait to see me gone, because they know I work for you!

In what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

No answer.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

The Education Plan (which the state asked the Superintendent for permission to use as the model) for the Waltham High School, including 14 career, technical and vocational programs will provide all students with 21st century skills to be able to get a job, support their families and be a contributing member of society.

Implementation of the creative solutions to keep highway commuting traffic out of the neighborhoods, remains a priority and is pending.

National Grid still needs to replace and fix huge numbers of gas lines in the City. Not only is this a public health issue, it impacts when the City can do sewer and water work and repave streets. This is a short and long term priority!

We will continue to address other quality of life issues for all residents, including housing, food, open space and recreation, reuse of the Fernald site without overdeveloping it, acquisition of the UMASS sustainable farm, and other city capital projects

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

I have 31 years experience serving the city in various capacities. As city attorney and mayor, I have handled numerous complex matters including a major oil spill, the largest bankruptcy case in the city's history, negotiated in part and sued in part the state with regard to funding for Waltham's 8 new school program, sex abuse matters and acquisition of several parcels of land, among others.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My father told me, "Be careful what you wish for."

My favorite aspect of this city is...

Its diverse people.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been blessed to be mayor of the city.

Previous profiles:

• Melissa Downes - Mayor
• Robert Logan - Ward 9 Councilor
• Heather May - Ward 2 Councilor

More on Waltham Elections:

• Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy Announces She Will Run
• Possible Challenge To McCarthy's Run For Waltham Mayor
• Councilor Diane LeBlanc Hints At Run For Mayor
• Waltham Councilor Diane LeBlanc Announces She Will Run
• Waltham Election Calendar: What To Know About Election Season
• Column: Why I'm Running For City Waltham City Councilor At Large
• Don Desrochers Announces Campaign for City Council Seat

Are you running for office in Waltham? Contact Jenna Fisher at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Waltham Patch.