Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Tommy Vitolo

BROOKLINE, MA — There are now two candidates running for the State Representative, 15th Norfolk seat that serves Brookline. Patch reached out to both of the candidates with a series of questions to help introduce voters to those candidates. This is part of a series of candidate profiles we will publish leading up to the primaries in September and the general election in November.

Today we introduce readers to Tommy Vitolo, one of two Democrats running for the seat most recently held by Frank Smizik, who is retiring. Vitolo, 39, of Brookline, has a special tie to the seat: he was Smizik's treasure for many years. Vitolo has a PhD in Systems Engineering from Boston University. He got his Masters in Financial and Industrial Mathematics in Dublin and three Bachelor's degrees; one in economics, one in computer science and one in Applied mathematics at NC State. He's married to Jennifer and together they have two children, Felice,7, and Angelina, 3.

All of the candidates were asked the same questions. We are publishing their answers to selected questions as they were submitted to us, with some editing for space and style considerations.

Current job?

Expert Witness, Policy and technical analyst, 16 years.

The single most pressing issue facing the 15th Norfolk District is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I've knocked on thousands of doors and asked neighbors, and they consistently give one or more of the following three answers: We must ensure social and economic justice, improve public education, and protect the environment.

To do it, we need legislative action, throughout the entire legislative session. By electing a representative who is a great listener, a team player, and has experience moving legislation forward, Brookline can help make Beacon Hill a place of action.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponent and I have both served in Town Meeting, Brookline's local legislature, for over a decade. During that time I've drafted 9 progressive bills that have become law, related to public education, public health, diversity and inclusion, public art, transportation, and the environment. My opponent has never drafted a warrant article that has become law. I've been active helping progressive legislation drafted by colleagues become law as well, both behind closed doors and on the floor of Town Meeting; my opponent has been largely silent. A critical difference is that I am the only candidate with deep legislative experience on both policy and politics, with a strong record of achievement.

It is through working with colleagues across the political spectrum to draft, advocate for, and ultimately pass progressive legislation that has resulted in my candidacy being endorsed by over two thirds of the Town Meeting members. Those who know my opponent and I best have overwhelmingly endorsed my candidacy.

I've also the only candidate who has been endorsed by progressive organizations, local or state-wide. I've been endorsed by Brookline PAX, Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts, and Progressive Mass; social justice groups including the Bay State Stonewall Democrats, the National Association of Social Workers (MA PACE), and the Massachusetts Voters for Animals; the Brookline Parents Organization; environmental groups including Sierra Club, Environmental League of Massachusetts, and Clean Water Action; and labor unions including the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Massachusetts Teachers Association, Brookline Fire Fighters Association, 1199SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, SEIU 509, Boston Teachers Union, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Iron Workers 7, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen 3, and Laborers 22.

Our current State Representative, Frank Smizik, is retiring at the end of his term. He has endorsed me, stating that I am "uniquely qualified to carry on his legacy on progressive issues including housing, public education, and the environment."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

My campaign is focused on social and economic justice, public education, and the environment.

I will protect civil rights and liberties, promote diversity and inclusion, advocate for gender equity, defend reproductive rights, and fight to reduce gun violence. I will also advocate for increased housing options in the Boston Metro region and improved transportation, focused on the MBTA.

I support expanding pre-K, adequately funding K-12 education including after school and summer programs, holding down the cost of attending of UMass and state colleges, and paying all educators a living wage.

As an environmental professional, I will bring expertise and leadership on environmental issues to the legislature. I understand the urgency of addressing climate change, and will champion clean energy policy, protecting our ecology, and preserving our green spaces.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a local legislator, I've successfully shepherded nine warrant articles to law. I've assisted colleagues on dozens more, on a wide variety of progressive issues. I've amended articles and prevented others from being weakened by amendment, including budget line items.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

You’re not that important; it’s what you do that counts.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

• I support single payer health care, the Fair Share Amendment (Millionaire's Tax), and the Safe Communities Act.
• I have taken the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, refusing campaign support from fossil fuel companies.
• I have taken the #takethetpledge, and ride the Green Line and the bus to and from my workplace in Cambridge.
• I served as the Field Director in the 2015 Yes for Brookline campaign and mentored the Field Director of the 2018 Yes for Brookline campaign.
• I serve as a Board Member on the Friends of Halls Pond.
• I serve on the Committee to Commemorate John Wilson.
• I have served on several town committees focused on improving safety, reliability, and efficiency within our transportation network, including roadways, bikeways, sidewalks, and public transit improvements.
• I've served as a mentor within Brookline High School, working with students on both environmental and civics related topics.

Previously:

Brookline Resident Tommy Vitolo Kicks Off State Rep Campaign

Check out his opponent's answers: Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Rebecca Stone

Primary Election Guide For Brookline: What To Know For Sept 4

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Photo Courtesy Tommy Vitolo. Credit: Allana Taranto / Ars Magna studio