Waltham Patch Candidate Profile: Caren Dunn, Ward 2 City Council

WALTHAM, MA — There will be several contested races in this fall's election, including for at-large city council seats, which is a citywide vote. Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Every two years the entire 15-member council is up for reelection. There are six at-large seats and eight running. Then there are nine ward councilor seats open and of those, there are contested races in Ward 1, where Councilor Dan Romard is not running again, and in Ward 2, as Councilor Bill Fowler steps off the council. There are also races in Ward 3, 6, 7 and 9.

Caren Dunn, 53, is running for the Ward 2 seat on the city council. She faces off against Bill Hanley.

Dunn moved to Waltham in 2016 from Los Angeles with her husband Jim Simeone. She attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and now has some 25 years of experience as a video producer.

Dunn took a moment recently to answer the questions Patch sent to candidates. Her answers have not been edited.

Read this, too: Waltham's Biggest Issue, According To City Council Candidates

Waltham 2019 Local Elections: Candidates, Polling Location, Hours

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

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

The most pressing issue is the construction of a new Waltham High School.

If elected, my job will be to serve as a resource and protector of the ward residents.
We will need to inform each abutter at every stage of development, to record current conditions in their homes, and to respond quickly to requests for assistance.

There will be noise, vibrations, dust, dislodging of the underground rat population and trespassing issues. It’s imperative that we manage the extra traffic that is going to choke off Lexington Street and the surrounding side roads that will become cut-throughs. And we’ll need to ensure that there is ample green space set aside for the education and enjoyment of both the students and the citizens of Waltham.

We cannot forget the folks who will be personally dealing with the disruptions for the next 5 years. I’ll fight for the respect our neighborhoods deserve.

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

I’ll bring a unique coast-to-coast and international perspective to the city council. I’ve experienced our close-knit Ward 2 neighborhood, the city of Los Angeles, and study abroad in Great Britain. I say, “bloom where you are planted.”

I’ve worked across the country, with a diverse workforce, and have successfully tackled tough issues head on. In business, as in government, there is always a new challenge to solve. My philosophy is to “Get Things Dunn” and move to the next issue.

I’ve also learned strong communication and conflict resolution skills as a trained mediator, which will help me to navigate a political body of 15 members.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? If you're an incumbent, what is still on your to-do list?

I would never say that anyone who holds a public position has failed. The council position is time consuming, requires research and preparation, and also relies on the votes of 14 other people. There is no magic wand and no shortcuts. I would hope to build upon the work of my predecessors.

I want to work on improving our residential streets and public roads including: sidewalks, crosswalks, and safer options for our children to get to and from school.
I would like to preserve and expand the open space in our city-to maintain our trails, to complete the MCRT and to help Waltham to be walker and bike friendly.

Finally, I think that Waltham can benefit from increased and better public transportation in addition to more downtown parking so we can keep that area vibrant and profitable.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

• Preserving and expanding open space.
• Preserving buildings and sites of historical significance.
• Researching new and creative ways to assure affordable housing.
• Ensuring our seniors, veterans and students have access to the best available services.
• Distributing tax dollars wisely and fairly to service the needs of the entire community.

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

In my career, I have to jump into a client’s business and pick it apart so we can bring up ideas and dialogue to help them advertise and to grow. I’ve learned how to access information, boil it down to a few salient points and put an action plan into place.

This unique experience qualifies me to anticipate and minimize risks from an overall business, financial and compliance perspective.

My extensive work with budgets make me an expert in smart spending. I never waste money or resources and I will never waste the city’s budget. I will know where every dime is being spent.
I’m committed to bringing these skills to City Council.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...
This too shall pass.

There is always another fire to put out and I cannot dwell on past decisions or the decisions or actions of others.

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

Due to my role as a video producer and manager of others, I’ve gained extensive experience in budgeting time, money and resources. I’ve learned to multi-task when necessary, to prioritize, and to make sound decisions while managing workflow. In my deadline-driven profession, you have to be able to let go of the past in order to approach the future.

I’ll come prepared with my homework done. I will carefully consider each issue from all angles and never make knee jerk party-driven decisions.

As a homeowner, I'm invested in the big picture vision for the city and I wish to play an active role. I looked at what the needs were in our city- and those needs aligned with my values.
I feel as though my strong work ethic, sense of fairness and respect for others will help strengthen our community. I have the time to commit and the experience to bring significant value to the position.

I will be visible, accessible and responsive.

Your public social media info (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

Facebook

My favorite aspect of this city is...
Our people and our open spaces.

Waltham provides the perfect mix of urban opportunity and quiet suburban life with many wonderful open spaces like Hardy Pond and Prospect Hill.

Waltham is also well situated for both access to the major highways around the city and we are at a reasonable distance from public transportation depots.

We are fortunate to live within commuting distance to Boston while also enjoying equally strong career opportunities right at home due to the many local companies established here.
The city is a great mix of longtime and multi-generational residents along with recent transplants: a diverse population--all warmly welcomed. Our real estate values are holding strong.

What's your take on all the development projects across the city?
Growth is important to a city’s well-being but it has to be well planned and considerate of our neighborhoods. Let’s encourage smart development but not at the sacrifice of the work of those who have come before us. We must put current residents and infrastructure first.

As councilor I will navigate the construction and management of new key municipal buildings and acquisitions: including the High School, Police Headquarters, Fire Department, The Field Station and Fernald. In addition, there are apartment complexes being contemplated that will have an effect on both traffic and school enrollment. This must be managed properly to fulfill our commitment to 40B housing while not over burdening the roads and municipality.

More Patch coverage:

Waltham Mayoral Candidates McCarthy, LeBlanc Face Off In Debate

Waltham's Biggest Issue, According To City Council Candidates
Waltham 2019 Local Elections: Candidates, Polling Location, Hours

Waltham Candidate Profiles

• Heather May - Ward 2 (eliminated during preliminary)
• William Hanley - Ward 2
• George Darcy -Ward 3
• Sean Durkee - Ward 6
• Robert Logan - Ward 9
• Jonathan Paz - Ward 9
• Colleen Bradley-MacArthur - At Large City Council
• Tom Stanley, At Large City Council
• Steve Lydon - At Large
• Randy Leblanc - At Large
• Marisa Diamond - School Committee
• John Graceffa - School Committee
• Margaret Donnelly - School Committee
• Jeannette McCarthy- Mayor
• Diane LeBlanc- Mayor

League of Women's voter guide:

Waltham Voter Guide