Lipof: Why I should be the 12th Middlesex District State Representative

I was born and raised in Newton and after 22 years serving as your City Councilor at-Large, I’m running because I am uniquely qualified to forward our district’s values and needs. I will look to bring as much local funding as possible to our district for education, infrastructure, seniors, mental health services and arts and culture.

From stuffing envelopes as a child for Mayor Ted Mann’s campaigns, to Co-Chairing Setti Warren’s successful campaigns for Mayor, democratic politics and service are in my DNA.  I have served as Council Vice President, and chaired numerous committees, always looking to bring people together.    

I founded my real estate appraisal and consulting firm 33 years ago giving me a small business perspective, invaluable to pair with my decades of public service.  

I will fight for directing more dollars to the classroom for after-school, youth sport and enrichment programs, and for fully funding SPED and ELL.  Universal pre-K, paying teachers and support staff fair wages, and providing social and emotional support for our children are all priorities.

I will take action on climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resiliency.  I will protect natural resources by conserving and enhancing our parks, waterways and green spaces.

I will work to create efficient transportation by modernizing the MBTA, expanding its reach and enhancing multimodal transportation.

From struggling to achieve homeownership, to seniors finding it difficult to age in place and families facing exorbitant childcare costs, the affordability crisis impacts us all. I support the responsible creation of new housing units, including affordable and mid-market options.  I will fight for affordable higher education and will advocate for tax relief for low and middle class families.

I will fight for stronger gun control legislation, for reproductive rights and for equitable, affordable healthcare.  And I will do everything in my power to stamp out anti-Semitism and all forms of hate that have no place in our communities.  

My endorsers include State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Former State Treasurer Steve Grossman, Former Mayor David Cohen, Councilor Vicki Danberg, Former Councilor John Rice, and the largest group of elected and former elected officials that have worked with all of the candidates. I am endorsed by the Newton and Brookline Police and Firefighter’s Unions, and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.  

It would be an honor to represent Newton and Brookline as your State Representative.  I ask for your vote on September 3rd. 

Rick Lipof is a Democratic candidate for State Representative for the 12th Middlesex District. His campaign website is www.RickLipof.com .