Waltham Councilor Diane LeBlanc Announces She Will Run For Mayor

WALTHAM, MA — It's official: City Councilor Diane LeBlanc announced she will run for mayor, at a campaign fundraiser Thursday night at a packed American Legion. She is the first city councilor to officially announce a plan to run against Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, who has served as mayor for the past 16 years.

"While I haven’t always agreed with the mayor, especially over taking the Stigmatine property, I have respected her as our mayor and supported her on most matters - and I am truly grateful for her service to our city," said LeBlanc. "But after 16 years – it is time for a fresh start for Waltham’s future."

LeBlanc thanked her supporters, touched on her experience working for the federal government and spoke about the challenges that face Waltham, including building the new high school, police station and fire station.

But, she said, although those are top of mind, there are many more issues to address including the opioid crisis in the city, homebound senior needs, and ways to attract and retain small businesses.

"As your mayor, I will deliver on city government that is accessible, accountable – and that works for you," she said.

The room was filled with friends, family and supporters who described her as a woman of integrity and as someone with follow through.

"She's a go-getter," said Patti Strom who has known LeBlanc since high school. "When you ask her to do something she gets it done."

Catherine Namaganda who lives on the Waltham/Watertown border said she's impressed with LeBlanc's involvement with different communities, such as the Ugandan diaspora here. Namaganda said it says something that LeBlanc has attended everything from happy church openings to somber memorials and demonstrations related to the political situation in Uganda.

"The things that affect us as people, affect the community as well. When a leader comes out with us, we feel like we belong to this community," said Namaganda.

Others said that's LeBlanc.

"She loves Waltham more than anyone I know," said Patty Nickelson, who was wearing a LeBlanc for mayor t-shirt.

Gina Quinn said she reached out to LeBlanc for help when a situation arose at Waltham Housing where she was living, and again when her son was having issues with bullying at school.

"She was my advocate," said Quinn. "That's what we need. We need someone who won't just say something and not follow through, but someone who actually backs it up. Diane LeBlanc is, I think, what Waltham needs."

Craig Russell said he liked the breadth of LeBlanc's experience.

"I think she's done a wonderful job on the council. Maybe it's time for a change," he said.

LeBlanc worked for nearly four decades for the federal government. She served as a Regional Administrator of a federal agency and as an executive and leader in the federal community at large. She was first elected to the city council in 2010. In 2015 she quit her job to run for mayor, but when McCarthy decided to run after all, LeBlanc said she supported her.

When the mayor announced she would run again, there was nothing yet posted to the city website about the November election where the office of mayor, the entire Waltham City Council and several Waltham School Committee member slots will be on the ballot. But the documents one needs to get and fill out from city hall to indicate an intention to run won't be available til May 1.

Four years ago, City Councilor and State Rep. Tom Stanley ran against the mayor and lost. This year, following McCarthy's announcement he criticized the reason she gave for changing her mind and told Patch he was considering running again.

Councilors at large Carlos Vidal, Randy LeBlanc, and Kathleen McMenimen all told Patch they planned to seek reelection as councilors but had no intention of challenging the mayor.

RELATED:

• Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy Announces She Will Run
• Possible Challenge To McCarthy's Run For Waltham Mayor
• Councilor Diane LeBlanc Hints At Run For Mayor

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).