David Micley wants to effect change on a local level and has placed constituent services at the center of his campaign for Ward 2 Councilor. (That seat, which is elected by the voters of Ward 2, is currently held by Emily Norton, who is not running for reelection. The Preliminary Election will be on September 12.)
With deep roots in Newton (he said his young children are fifth-generation Newtonians), Mr. Micley wants to improve the community and ensure that it continues to be a vibrant place to live. With this in mind, he says that as a candidate for Ward Councilor, constituent services is his focus. He wants to be a helpful resource to all the residents of Ward 2 to help resolve their day-to-day problems and concerns. Mr. Micley plans to work improving the local, basic services that only cities can provide.
Within Newton, Mr. Micley has served on the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters and as a Trustee for Newton’s Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund Previously, he served as a Town Meeting Member in Brookline in 2014-2015. His work experience includes private, public, and non-profit sectors, including stints in community organizing, teaching, fundraising, and investment management.
Along with constituent services, Mr. Micley’s priorities are the quality of streets, schools, and zoning. He says that Newton’s streets are in terrible condition and need focused attention via a significant increase in the City budget. He contends that good streets and sidewalks are an issue of safety and quality of life for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and that maintaining roads is a basic responsibility of the City.
While acknowledging that the City Councilors have limited authority over the schools, Mr. Micley plans to be a voice for strengthening Newton’s schools. He said that he is optimistic and excited about Dr. Anna Nolin, the new school superintendent.
Mr. Micley seeks a nuanced approach to zoning, stating that the City should meet the baseline state requirements according to the MBTA Communities Act but not go meaningfully beyond that. He believes greater emphasis should be placed on two-to-four unit buildings rather than large apartment buildings. Also, future multi-family housing should emphasize more condominiums (available for ownership) and fewer rental units, saying that condominiums help encourage young families and elderly folks looking to downsize who also value having the access to home ownership. Further, he said that the City should maintain its leverage with developers to expand green space and as a source of revenue to improve the roads.
While he has his own priorities. David Micley’s goal is to promote the priorities of Ward 2 residents and be a helpful resource on a day-to-day basis.
His campaign website is davidmicley.org.
