League of Women Voters and NewTV host 12th Middlesex candidates forum with Humphrey, Lipof, and Schwartz

For the third time in two weeks, the three Democratic candidates for the open 12th Middlesex House seat met to make their case to district voters. The three candidates — City Councilor Bill Humphrey, City Councilor Rick Lipof and former City Councilor Greg Schwartz — highlighted their experience and campaign themes. The forum, sponsored by the Newton and Brookline League of Women Voters and NewTV, was pre-recorded at the station on June 27 with no audience.

NewTV’s Newton News Director Jenn Adams moderated the hour-long program, asking questions submitted in advance by members of the Newton League of Women Voters. According to Sharyn Roberts — who leads the LWVN Voter Service program and coordinated the fora for both the 11th and 12th districts — the League solicited questions through its newsletter and website and from the Brookline League’s Executive Committee, Board, and Voter Service Committee.

Ms. Adams began by asking the candidates about their reasons for running, relevant experience, communication, and transparency. Each candidate was invited to introduce himself and his qualifications.

Bill Humphrey, who serves as Vice President of the Newton City Council’s Programs and Services Committee and sits on the Finance Committee, described himself as a media and campaign consultant. He said, “Massachusetts should be a Commonwealth for everyone and a beacon for the nation.” He counted among his accomplishments tree protection reform, the recent Electrification Ordinance for new and major renovation projects, and his ongoing support of the Green New Deal. Among his campaign priorities is greater transparency in voting on Beacon Hill. As a City Councilor, he said, he is grounded in his community and getting back to people. He communicates with constituents with a regular newsletter.

Rick Lipof, who has served on the Newton City Council for twenty-two-years, is on the Real Property Reuse and Finance Committee and was Vice Chair of the Council. He founded a real estate and property consultancy business, and he said that this long-term real estate appraisal business gives him an understanding of the needs of small businesses. Illustrating his commitment to preserving open space, Mr. Lipof offered the example of his role in protecting Kessler Woods, using CPA money to create a public-private partnership, and finding a partner to build affordable housing on the remaining property. If elected, he said he will focus on education, housing, the environment, and transportation. He noted that he has been vocal in his condemnation of antisemitism.

Greg Schwartz, who chaired the Land Use Committee when he was a Newton City Councilor, has been a primary care physician at Mass General/Brigham Hospital for twenty-five years. During his City Council career, he was involved in siting marijuana dispensaries, a controversial issue occasioning many zoning discussions. Dr. Schwartz said that his ability to listen to both sides of a conflict and arrive at an informed decision is an important strength. Rep. Balser has endorsed Dr. Schwartz, who promised to carry on her commitment to the environment, mental health, and housing issues. He noted that as a physician, he is committed to evidence-based solutions, and and as a lawyer, he understands the legal consequences of legislation. He has promised to apply his experience to developing oversight mechanisms to prevent a repeat of the Stewart Health Care crisis.

Ms. Adams asked about the Fair Share Amendment, passed in 2022 and known as the “Millionaire’s Tax.”

Mr. Humphrey noted that stabilizing revenue sources was a challenge, but the Fair Share Amendment allows for free school lunches and provides transportation repairs, thereby avoiding operational challenges.
Mr. Lipof also praised the tax as a way of stabilizing revenues, noting that some people were scared away by the tax, but he said it would allow the state to do great things.
Dr. Schwartz said his priorities for the use of Fair Share money are early childhood education as well as higher education. He said that the money will give children a better future and the possibility of greater economic possibilities.

In response to Dr. Schwartz, Mr. Humphrey countered that his vision is for a society that offers security for all its citizens. Dr. Schwartz replied that legislators are required to make choices versus doing it all. Mr. Lipof agreed that legislators have to make “tough decisions.”

Another question dealt with the reduction in gas-tax revenue as a consequence of people shifting from gasoline vehicles to electric and hybrid ones.

Mr. Lipof suggested the possibility of raising tolls on the Mass Pike or imposing a hotel tax. He said that it takes time to identify other revenue possibilities.
Dr. Schwartz said that he worked on a “sin tax” for tobacco. He recommended increasing the gas tax to disincentivize cars using fossil fuels.
Mr. Humphrey said that he wants a progressive tax similar to Fair Share that will benefit public transportation.

Referring to trends in police reform since the death of George Floyd, a resident asked about State Police reform initiatives to prevent the use of ”choke holds,” noting they are still an option for subduing people who are decompensating.

Mr. Lipof explained that in a study he undertook, he concluded that police departments needed social workers to assist in certain situations. The police union backed his recommendation.
Dr. Schwartz noted that people have psychotic episodes that cannot be managed by talking. He agreed that there should be social workers in the police department.
Mr. Humphrey said that Police Reform is a “step in the right direction.” He said that he sponsored a resolution for an emergency response team outside of the police department and under civilian oversight.

Ms. Adams’ last question asked each to identify their desired committee assignments.

Dr. Schwartz said he favors appointment to the Healthcare Finance Committee, and as an experienced daily commuter, he would be interested in the Transportation Committee. He said he has always worked with people, and he will bring that skill to the State House.
Mr. Humphrey observed that first-time legislators do not get a lot of choice about committee assignments, but he favors Telecommunications and Utilities Committees. He said he is particularly interested in working with unions.
Mr. Lipof said that from his real estate appraisal business, his strength is in housing, economics, energy and technology, and transportation. As he has in past forums, he praised Philip Eng, the new MBTA General Manager, and said he was excited to work on transportation.

NewTV’s video of the 12th Middlesex candidates forum is here.

League of Women Voters and NewTV host 12th Middlesex candidates forum with Humphrey, Lipof, and Schwartz

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