4 Questions For Jake Binnall, Framingham D2 Council Candidate

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Voters in Framingham's District 2 will have a choice on Nov. 2 — reelect first term incumbent Councilor Cesar Stewart-Morales, or elect the district's third new councilor in as many elections.

Jake Binnall, 23, has been active in Framingham government since high school, when he served as a student representative on the School Committee. He went on to serve as a Gov. Charlie Baker-appointed student trustee representing UMass Amherst, and in 2020 became chair of the Framingham Republican Town Committee.

Framingham Patch asked both Binnall and Stewart-Morales to answer questionnaires so voters can get to know them and their priorities better. Here's what Binnall said:

If elected, you would be the youngest Councilor ever in city history. How would that help you in office, and how might it hurt you?

I am very proud that, if elected, I would be the youngest councilor in city history. Throughout my life, I have gotten pretty used to being the youngest person in the room and I have come to appreciate the importance of youth representation in municipal leadership. That’s why I’ve been proud to serve as a two-term student rep on the School Committee in high school, a member of the 2030 Youth Advisory Council, and having been the youngest appointed member of a board/commission when I was first appointed to the Community Development Committee as a teenager. I believe that my age will be an asset to the City Council as I can provide insight into youth quality of life issues as well as the prospective of a generation often unrepresented in government.

While it may be easier for some to dismiss my ideas due to my age, I do not believe that being the youngest city councilor will hurt me. In fact, I think this can only help Framingham. Our young residents have energy, compassion, and ideas that all deserve to be heard and tapped into. As City Councilor, I will be able to bring these voices into the conversation.

What's the biggest issue facing District 2 right now and what do you intend to do about it?

The biggest issue that I see every day and hear from residents of District 2 about almost every day, is the beautification and reimagining of Nobscot and Saxonville. Since becoming a city, we have seen marginal progress on these fronts, and our District deserves better. As Councilor, I would serve as a steadfast advocate, representing the residents of these areas, and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to accomplish meaningful progress.

What does this look like to me? I imagine a walkable, engaging, and accessible McGrath Square and Nobscot plaza. I would work directly with the residents, property owners, and businesses in these areas to identify what they need and what it will take to get there. Then, I will work collaboratively and creatively with my fellow councilors and the mayor to ensure action occurs, not just endless talk.

Can you name one transportation priority for District 2 you have?

I think all transportation initiatives need to be discussed on a city-wide scale, as connectivity is crucial to successful and effective modes of transportation. However, I believe that District 2 faces a strong need for immense improvements regarding walkability in Saxonville and Nobscot particularly as mentioned above, as well as connecting District 2 to a network of trails such as the Bruce Freedman trail. As-is, it is inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst for residents to walk around central areas of our District and visit local businesses. I think the key to a thriving District 2 and small business community is to enhance the ability of residents to walk around safely and conveniently. This involves beautification, reorganization, accessibility work, many conversations with the stakeholders involved and leaders willing to put in the work to make sure things get done.

As City Councilor, this would be a main priority for me. I would be meeting regularly with the residents and business owners in the District to better understand the needs of those most implicated as well as researching plausible alternatives for our current structure. Utilizing the skills I learned while earning my Master of Public Policy, I would tap into the creative minds of leaders throughout the country to see what is working in their communities, and then implement a plan that meets the needs discussed in my meetings with our residents and businesses. District 2 has incredible opportunity to be a beautiful, engaging, and connected community that you can walk freely around in a safe manner. We just need leadership to get it done.

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How will you work with either a new mayor or the incumbent to get things accomplished in 2022 and beyond?

I will work with anyone and everyone to achieve accomplishments for District 2 and Framingham as a whole. I am a firm believer in always assuming the best intentions in people, especially those who have put themselves forward to serve their community. As a Councilor, I will work with whomever is Mayor to find common ground and get things done on issues we all care about. Our initial perception of what approach to take may differ, but this should not halt any further conversation. I have a long track record of being able to work with others even when we disagree and that will continue as City Councilor. I have repeatedly stressed the inability of some of our leaders to work together as one of the biggest things holding us back as a City. We simply cannot continue with this division. I have served on several boards and commissions in Framingham over the last decade, and in those rooms and conversations, people are able to effectively discuss the task at hand rather than focus on ego and political allegiances. Our City Councilors and Mayor should be able to do the same.

No matter who is Mayor, I will work tirelessly to advocate for the people of my district in order to meet their needs. I will do so because I understand this is not about me. This is not about who I like or don’t like. This is about our seniors, our schools, our businesses, our roads our environment, our taxpayers, and the list goes on. We are so behind in so many areas that the work is too important to not get done.

Read other 2021 candidate profiles:

• William LaBarge On 2021 Framingham School Board Run
• Meet Jennifer Moshe, New Framingham School Committee Member
• Meet Valerie Ottaviani, Future Framingham School Committee Member