Stephen Farrell
Newton City Council Ward 8
Why I’m Running
I have been successful in my life and career because I care about what I do; because I have always listened to colleagues and, for the past 24 years in Newton, carefully to my neighbors. I have developed the skills to think creatively, to organize effectively and to build consensus. These are the skills and life experiences that have prepared me to serve as your City Councilor.
I’m running because I believe that the residents of Newton’s Ward 8 are best served by a representative who is effective and responsive to issues critical to our neighborhood: over-development without commensurate and truly affordable housing, maintaining open spaces, traffic and safety, saving Newton’s Villages and historic preservation. I will be responsive to these interest, and I will effectively communicate them to City government.
Background
My volunteer and work experiences include serving as a community organizer in the Peace Corps in El Salvador, Central America; working to secure federal funding for innovative youth programs in government (City of Boston); and, in creating and managing fundraising offices for non-profit organizations (Massachusetts College of Art, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston).
Sarah and I moved to Newton in 1999. We live with our dog, Bandit, just behind the playing fields at Newton South. During these 24 years, I mobilized the Newton community to hold the developer of 29 Greenwood Street accountable for his wanton destruction of that 244-year-old local Landmark; I continue to advocate for greater safety, affordability and environmental concerns at the proposed luxury apartment building at 528 Boylston Street; I am deeply engaged working to change a new rezoning plan that targets Newton’s Village Centers; and, organized the restoration of Newton South’s playing fields.
My Commitment
I am committed to working as an independent advocate for the interests of our neighborhood, Ward 8. I will hold regular and convenient office hours and I will produce a community newsletter to keep you informed of relevant issues. I would model my work on the exemplary career of former Ward 8 Councilor Cheryl Lappin who was always present when requested and always made certain that our voices were heard.