Candidate Profile: Kevin Meaney For Woburn Alderman Ward 1

WOBURN, MA — Woburn will have a number of contested races in the Nov. 2 municipal election, including a two-candidate race for the Ward 1 City Council seat.

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

Kevin Meaney is challenging incumbent Joanne Campbell for the Ward 1 seat.

Meaney is the chief probation officer for the Framingham/Natick District Court.

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

Kevin Meaney

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Position Sought

Ward one alderman

Party Affiliation

Independent

Family

Wife Carla and daughters Skyler 15 and Hanna 13

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Woburn High 1986, Plymouth State BS in Public Management

Occupation

29 years in probation. 24 as a probation officer in Woburn District, last 5 years as chief probation officer for Framingham/Natick court.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Member of Woburn Conservation Commission for the 8 years.

Campaign website

kevinmeaneyforwardone@gmail.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to be more involved in the future of our city and want to make sure we keep clean, affordable and safe for the next generation.

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

Traffic on Cambridge and S. Bedford. I intend to work with state to conduct a traffic study. Also maintenance of Horn Pond. Make sure we take care of our most valuable natural resource

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

Ability to lead. As a probation officer I deal with People on a daily basis and now as chief I am accountable to make the tough decisions. I am also involved in the city and currently I am a member of the Conservation Commission.

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

Being a city councilor means you represent your Ward and are a presence in the community and I just haven't seen that the last six years

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

I think the Mayor has done a tremendous job. Free testing is available weekly and scheduling for vaccination is super simple, and the numbers reflect that.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I want to keep the City clean safe and affordable for the next generation

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

24 years I worked in Woburn District Court and was a part of many community projects. Like the HEAT Program. The program was one of the first of its kind in educating the youth about the dangers of substance abuse. I have also continued to serve as a member of the Conservation Commission as well as the Historical District Commission.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat others as you would expect to be treated

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

Woburn is my home. I was born and raised here and it is where my wife and I decided to raise our family. And I am committed to keeping Woburn clean, affordable and safe for the next generation.

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