After a working career path more serpentine than most, Peter Bruce seeks to apply his varied experience as a City Councilor in Newton. Mr. Bruce’s career extends from political science professor at Holy Cross, to public opinion researcher, to taxicab driver in Newton. He is running to be the 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.)
Mr. Bruce has been active in community affairs including a six-year stint on the Newtonville Area Council, with three years as president of the Council. The Council’s activities during this time included a public opinion survey of over 2000 Newton residents completed in 2018 and covering views on the upcoming (at that time) Washington Street development. He feels that many years of working with local individuals and groups developed his listening skills and gave him a strong base of knowledge to help represent Ward 2.
Regarding the Village Center Zoning Redesign, version 2.0, proposal, Mr. Bruce has been outspoken in his opposition. He favors more limits to building size in village centers than in is proposed in version 2.0. Based on his analysis, he contends that much of the recent large development has added gentrification rather than diversity to Newtonville.
He favors projects with more affordable housing, such as the development of the West Newton Armory, and said that market rents for two-bedroom units in most of the new developments in Newtonville are priced well out of reach of the median Newtonville resident. These views connect with Mr. Bruce’s views on what makes a healthy village center: a feeling of community, independent businesses, a relaxed atmosphere, cultural activities, good local media, and a diverse population.
Along with zoning and development, Mr. Bruce’s priorities include improving traffic flow, paying careful attention to which locations can benefit from “road diets”to improve driving conditions, and which locations likely will not. He emphasizes the need for Newton to take strong action on climate change, such as adding more charging stations. He supports the current city climate action plan. Related to recent the deluge, he stated the need for the City administration to establish a post specifically responsible for flood control.
Peter Bruce believes that his community activities, work experience, and values make him a strong candidate for the Newton City Council, representing Ward 2.
