Waltham Patch Candidate Profile: George Darcy, Council Ward 3

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.

George A. Darcy III, 57, is being challenged by Paul Tracey for his Ward 3 seat on the council.

Darcy tells Patch he was born and raised in Waltham. He has his bachelors in computer engineering from Boston University and has been a software consultant. In 2004 he joined the council for Ward 3 and has been there ever since.

He took some time to answer questions Patch sent to all candidates. His 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.
Traffic. I will advocate to install adaptive traffic signals for the 4 major intersections along Trapelo Road (Smith, Lexington, Forest, Waverley Oaks). I also wish to restore 4 full vehicular lanes on Lexington Street by creating dedicated bike lanes adjacent to the roadway.

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

I am a strong supporter of the new high school at the location recommended by the Waltham School Committee and the Waltham School Building Committee at 554 Lexington Street. I am also in favor of protecting and preserving the 58-acre UMASS Field Station on Beaver Street.

If you're an incumbent, what is still on your to-do list?

• Installing new sidewalks on Lincoln Street and Smith Street.
• Opening the northern portion of the Fernald for public recreation.
• Resurfacing more public and private roadways throughout Ward 3.
• Implementing the Hardy Pond Conservation Area CPA project.
• Restoring 4 full vehicular lanes on Lexington Street by creating separate dedicated bike lanes.
• Installing adaptive traffic signals for the 4 major intersections along Trapelo Road.
• Increasing public transportation options at Trapelo Road and Lexington Street.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Most importantly – addressing my constituents’ concerns and securing the best outcomes for Ward 3.

What accomplishments would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
• Supporting three newly renovated playgrounds in Ward 3 – Graverson Playground, Elsie Turner Field and Hillcroft Playground ($4.4M).
• Advocating for one mile of new sidewalks along Trapelo Road from Smith Street to Lexington Street to increase pedestrian safety ($2.5M).
• Strongly supporting the recommendations of the Waltham School Committee with respect to the new high school project.
• Co-sponsoring 8 acquisitions of open space in North Waltham, totaling 274 acres.
• Sponsoring 6 land re-zonings to Conservation/Recreation in North Waltham, totaling 114 acres.
• Fighting for the preservation of the beautiful 58-acre UMASS Field Station at 240 Beaver Street.
• Ensuring safe access to public buildings for seniors and people with disabilities.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Measure twice and cut once.

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

Candidate left this blank

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

FACEBOOK: @Ge.Darcy TWITTER: gdarcy3

My favorite aspect of this city is..

The wonderful people of Waltham.

What's your take on all the development projects across the city?
I have consistently voted against all of the dense luxury apartment complexes voted in by my peers on the City Council.

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
• Sean Durkee - Ward 6
• Robert Logan - Ward 9
• Jonathan Paz - Ward 9
• Colleen Bradley-MacArthur - At Large City Council
• Tom Stanley, At Large
• 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