We have what appears to be our first contested alderman contest of the fall.
Activist Chris Steele, chairman of Newton’s Economic Development Commission, officially announced today that he’s running for a Ward 5 At Large seat on the Board of Aldermen.
Unless Steele knows something we don’t he will face off against incumbents Brian Yates an Deb Crossley in the city-wide contest for two at-large seats.
Here’s his official announcement….and here’s his website.
Chris Steele Announces for Alderman-at-Large, Ward 5
Waban resident Chris Steele has announced his candidacy for an at-large seat on the Board ofAldermen from Ward 5. Steele has served on Newton’s Economic Development Commission since 2009 and has served both as its Chair and Vice Chair. He is also one of the organizers of the Waban Area Council, heads the Newton League of Women Voters municipal finance committee, and was one of the founding members of Newton Villages.
Steele cares deeply about Newton and has championed the causes of village vitality, of sensible economic development, fiscal responsibility, and of neighborhood engagement throughout the City.
“I’m seeking election to make sure Newton continues to invest in our future. We need to make sure we support education and infrastructure so that these can keep pace with our needs. And we need to do so that keeps Newton affordable to our diverse population. I have the experience and the drive to make sure we do so,” said Steele.
Steele grew up in the small suburb of Harrington Park, New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and later earned a Master’s Degree in Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a managing partner and part owner of Investment Consulting Associates, a global location advisory and economic development firm. Chris also managed location advisory services during his 11-year tenure at Ernst & Young and taught as a visiting professor at both UMass Boston and UMass Dartmouth.
Chris Steele and his wife, Emily, moved to Newton ten years ago and have two children. His son attends Brown Middle School, and his daughter attends Angier Elementary School.
Rob Gifford, longtime Newton activist, and John Sisson, former editor of Newton Living Magazine and co-founder of Newton Villages, are serving as Steele’s campaign co-chairs. More information may be found at www.steele4newton.org
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Chris at a few of the City events over the past year or so, and I have been consistently impressed by him and how passionately he cares for Newton. I hope people listen to what he has to say and that people across the City, and especially in Waban, realize what a great advocate they have in Chris.
Good luck, Chris! May the best man (or woman) win! 🙂
@Janet: I predict that at least one man will win.
Thank you, ‘Karnac’ Reibman! 😀
I’m all for newcomers taking up the desire to run for office.
And Chris seems to be the real deal.
@Dan: I agree.
Hey, remind us, which ward do you live in?
Welcome to the race Chris. We know you’re a regular V14’er so come on up to the microphone and say a few words to the Village 14 voters.
BTW – the “here’s his website” link above is broken.
Thanks very much Jerry (and all of V14). I’m looking forward to the race and I strongly suspect we’ll be having some lively discussion on the issues right here.
I’ve got the correct link to the website in my name block here, or you can also just go to http://www.steele4newton.org
Thanks!