Candidate Profile: Kerstin JD Lochrie For Woburn Alderman Ward 6

WOBURN, MA — Woburn will have a number of contested races in the Nov. 2 municipal election, including a two-candidate open race for the Ward 6 City Council seat

That seat is currently held by Council President Edward Tedesco, who is not running for re-election.

Woburn Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Kerstin Lochrie is one of the two candidates running for Ward 6 alderman, facing Lou DiMambro.

Lochrie has a background of at-risk populations including children, seniors and veterans, she said.

Are you running for office in Woburn? Contact Christopher Huffaker at chris.huffaker@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Woburn Patch.

Previously on Patch: Woburn Election 2021: Mayor, Council, School Committee Candidates

Kerstin J.D. Lochrie

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Position Sought

Alderman, Ward 6

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Peter (Spouse) Brandon, Samantha, Jacob, Daniel, Tucker (children). Most are WMHS graduates

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Spouse is an Avon HS Math Teacher

Education

Dual undergrad degrees in English and communications. Masters in Business Administration.

Occupation

Strong background in working with at-risk populations including children, seniors and veterans - 25 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

President of the Board of Directors for Woburn Council of Social Concern — 2 terms.

Campaign website

Lochrie for City Council

Why are you seeking elective office?

Like many of my neighbors, I have suffered as a result of the building in this section of the city: I have cracks in my ceiling and foundation and I've had problems with rodents. Not only do I understand what issues my constituents face, but I am and will continue to be a voice for those to ensure that their issues are addressed.

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

The single most pressing issue facing this Ward is the constant building. I may not be able to stop the building at The Ledges Site but I can work to make sure that those affected by the damage are adequately compensated AND I will work to create more open space with walking trails, a splash pad and places to play.

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

I bring to this position a solid understanding of the issues facing my Ward. I have children who have gone through the schools. I have worked with the Council of Social Concern, have been a Cub Scout leader and am a part of both the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary.

I am active in my church and have worked in soup kitchens. My opponent states that he is against cronyism (appointing people to a position without having the qualifications) and yet his main qualification for Ward Alderman is that he is a third-generation resident of the city.

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

I am not a challenger because the incumbent is stepping down but the residents of the Ward feel that no one is listening to them and advocating for them.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Woburn had a high positivity rate at the beginning of the quarantine. Many called for restricted access to places where people walk frequently or congregate but their concerns were never addressed.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The New Boston St Bridge will allegedly mitigate much of the traffic in North Woburn but the city nonetheless struggles with a lack of access to much of the city save for driving. My goal is to introduce an intra-city shuttle to encourage residents not to drive locally and thus, reduce the traffic congestion. Additionally, I will work to free up land and turn it into more open space.

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

Throughout my career I have served in many different capacities. I've owned two businesses and served on the boards of several not-for-profits. While managing hotels and a shelter, I learned the delicate balance of negotiation; how to advocate for my constituents while not losing sight of the limitations of governmental and local statues.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Seek first to understand and then to be understood

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

I try hard to make the best decision possible for those whom I represent. Sometimes it goes against what everyone else is voting for, but if it's right for the people and what they want then I vote for them. The people I am representing are voting for me because I will do the right thing for them.

I can also walk on stilts and ride a unicycle.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.