Hi, My name is Tarik Lucas and I am running for Newton City Council At-Large from Ward 2.
Seeing as how most of the readers of Village 14 don’t know who I am, let me tell you a little about myself. I moved to Newton in 2009 and I have enjoyed living in the Garden City over that time span. During the day you can find me at Harvard University Press in Cambridge where I have been a Royalty Specialist for over ten years. Since 2008 I have also been officiating youth basketball games all over the state.
In 2017 I was elected to the Newtonville Area Council. Last year the council developed the Envisioning Washington Street survey about potential development in that area. I also serve on the Newtonville Historic District Commission. Also, in the 2017 election I worked intensively campaigning for the No On Charter, in which I deepened my understanding of our city, meeting people in all our villages. I grew up next door to Newton, in Brookline and graduated from Springfield College in Springfield, MA.
I am running because Newton is at its most pressing time in history. We need to make sure we have the proper zoning ordinances in place to ensure that people of all incomes can live and stay in Newton. I am running to defend local and equal representation for all Newton residents. Our government must be transparent and accountable to the public. And I will be making that case and others in this election season.
To kick-off the campaign, I will be hosting a fundraiser at Terry O’Reilly’s at 45 Union Street, Newton Centre, at 7pm on Monday April 22nd. Thank you.
To learn more about my campaign, go to TarikLucas.org. I look forward to meeting many Newton residents
over the coming months. Thank you.
Tarik would be a a great councilor and much needed voice on City Council.
Welcome Tarik! Looking forward to hearing more about your views.
I look forward to giving my vote to Tarik in November! He’s a great guy who will make a great Councilor!
Congratulations! Looking forward to an informative race. Would be interested to hear your views on development an on marijuana, a topic on which one of your contenders has demonstrated a disappointing record.
Tarik: Welcome to the fray! I look forward to hearing what you have to say, knowing that it will be intelligent, well-reasoned, polite and backed with energy and balance.
@Tarik Lucas– They say political office is similar to basketball officiating… everybody thinks you suck. So your experience as a referee would indicate that you’re well prepared for City Council…
I’m sure you’re aware the process of cannabis legalization has been a contentious issue in Newton, and remains an ongoing one. Newtoner already asked you about cannabis above, but my question is a bit more pointed…
As a City Councilor would you be prepared to “regulate marijuana like alcohol,” [as called for under the voter approved law], specifically with the same zoning regulations for liquor stores and marijuana shops?
Tarik- What is your position on reducing the size of the City Council? What would you propose that could get majority consensus to move the effort forward.
@Newtoner, Can you be a little more specific? To the best of my knowledge, Councilors Albright and Auchincloss have opposite views of marijuana.
@Mike Striar-The fans can be rough. Not just to us officials, but to the opposing players. But I have thick skin. Good question on alcohol vs. marijuana. As someone who lives around the corner from Marty’s and Garden Remedies, I am anxious to see how the current zoning regulations work out. I don’t think anybody knows what will happen when GR opens for adult-use sales. Once it does, then we can see what is needed for proper zoning.
@Peter Karg-As you know, I was NO on Charter two years ago. I was in favor of the 8&8 model during the lame-duck session. And I still like the 8&8. I believe the City Council will take this up later in the year. I know Mayor Fuller voted against the 8&8 when she was a City Councilor. I do not know where she stands now. If this is a Home Rule petition, then it will require her signature to get the ball moving.
And a Thank You to Greg for posting my announcement on this website.
@Tarik Lucas– I wouldn’t be doing my job as a citizen if I let you duck my question with such an ambiguous answer…
In 2016 voters statewide instructed our lawmakers to “regulate marijuana like alcohol.” That position was reiterated in 2018 when Newton voters soundly defeated two ballot proposals that would have reversed or slowed down cannabis reform. So your position is squarely at odds with a significant majority of Newton voters who have already been frustrated by the pace of reform. I would strongly suggest that you rethink your position, acknowledge that this issue was decided at the ballot box, and respect the vote.
@Mike Striar: didn’t I hear somewhere that you? a family member? has a stake in this industry? Please confirm.
Pat: Mike just answered that on another thread. And he’s answered it a dozen times already. I certainly hope he has the response as a cut and paste.
@Tarik Lucas: Is your view more in line with Councilor Albright or Councilor Auchincloss?