Waltham Candidate Profile: Steve Lydon Runs For At-Large Seat

WALTHAM, MA — Waltham will have several contested races in this fall's election, including a grab for the at-large seat that Diane LeBlanc leaves as she runs for mayor. 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.

Technically, all six of the at-large seats are up for reelection and Steve Lydon, 55, is one of nine running for one them. But with incumbents Carlos Vidal, Tom Stanley, Kathleen McMenimen, Randy LeBlanc, and Paul Brasco running for reelection, it looks like he's mainly facing off against Colleen Bradley-MacArthur and Patrick O'Brien for the at-large councilor seat.

Lydon, a retired firefighter and a former union president, a musician and father of two, has lived in Waltham his whole life and is a product of Waltham public schools.

He's attended Mass Bay Community College, was trained in South Carolina as a Marine, attended the Marine Corps Institute, Minuteman Tech, both the Cambridge and Massachusetts Fire Academies, Northeastern, and Middlesex Community College.

He took some time to respond to several questions from Patch. His answers have not been edited.

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 development of apartment complexes being built in our neighborhoods have taxed our traffic issues and utilities. I don’t know what the immediate answer is; but would like to be involved with the planning and management of the growth of our city.

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

Every candidate has their own very good attributes to bring to the table.
However; my life long residency, knowledge of the city and our residents, my track record of common sense decisions regarding my career and life in general, and my love for Waltham would be an asset to our city council.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Blank.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

As Councillor-at-Large; I will be available to ward councillors to assist with their neighborhood issues. I will advocate for home owners, small business owners, special interest groups, and the employees of Waltham in regards to communications and understanding our city’s government.

By virtue of my experience and career as a Waltham Firefighter, I will keep a close eye on our public safety. Our Police Officers, Firefighters, 911 Operators and EMS employees are the guardians of our city. They should have the tools, training, and equipment to service our needs. They are our home town heroes and should be treated as such.

The education of our young citizens must also be a priority. Our education system should have the resources to ensure that all students can succeed and perhaps one day become the leaders in our community. I welcome the opportunity to assist our students, school committee, faculty, staff, and parents with changes as our city creates and maintains an educational system for the future.

I strongly believe the growth and development in our city should be reassessed at this time. Waltham’s traffic and utilities are already taxed to the extreme. Enough is enough. It’s time to step back and evaluate.

I always have, and always will root for small businesses, home owners, persons with disabilities, and veterans. I will always be a voice to represent what is right for every citizen and the city of Waltham.

Transparency is of the utmost importance to me and should be the norm within any form of government.

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

I have been connected with the inner workings of the city throughout my career as a Waltham Firefighter for 33 years.
I’ve been politically connected through union business, proactive lobbying, and my interests in the workings of the Waltham City Council, city departments and the Mayor’s office.
I have spent most of my adult life volunteering throughout the City of Waltham in many facets from community music programs, EMT volunteer time, developing and organizing safety programs for our high school seniors, and numerous coaching positions.
As a result of these experiences I have met many people and have made many great friends. I listen to everyone’s issues and concerns, therefore I have a good idea of how the people think, and what may be best for the city.

Warrendale Little League – Coach 11 years
Babe Ruth Baseball – Coach 6 years
Pop Warner Football – Coach 10 years
WHS – Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) – 30 years
WHS Prom - All Night Party – 27 years
Soft Touch Big Band – 10 years
Senior Citizens Movie Day - 8 years
Bedford VA Hospital Volunteer - 10 years

The best advice ever shared with me was ...
Always do the right thing. (My four older sisters)

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

I’ve been told that I’m a nice guy.

Your social media info (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

Facebook

My favorite aspect of this city is...

I love how Waltham has so many programs for our youth, seniors, and veterans. We also have the best public employees and public safety system bar none. I hope to keep it that way.

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

More Waltham Candidate Profiles

• Robert Logan - Ward 9 City Council
• Heather May - Ward 2 City Council
• Jeannette McCarthy- Mayor
• Colleen Bradley-MacArthur - At Large City Council