5 Questions For: Eugene Grzywna, D7 City Council Candidate

FRAMINGHAM, MA — In 2021, the only Framingham City Council race on the Sept. 14 primary ballot is the contest for the open District 7 seat. Patch has sent each of the four candidates a questionnaire to help voters get to know them better.

Two of the four District 7 candidates will go on to compete in the November election to replace sitting Councilor Margareth Basilio Shepard, who is stepping down after two terms. The four candidates running for the seat are Magda Janus, Eugene Grzywna, Joseph Hansberry and Leora Rose Mallach.

Here's what Grzywna had to say about his 2021 run and his stance on municipal issues:

Why are you running for City Council in 2021?

My name is Eugene Grzywna, and I am running for Framingham City Council in 2021 because I think that I am the best candidate to help to move Framingham in the right direction for the near future, as well as to work with city government and residents to plan for the long-term future of our city. I am a long-standing resident of Framingham, and I understand the needs and concerns of our community. I am dedicated to fostering improvements that will help to make Framingham a city where residents and businesses can thrive in a healthy, safe, and vibrant community that is welcoming, environmentally-focused, and that fosters a high quality of life. I am retired and have the time and energy to dedicate myself to address the needs of the community, and to be available to meet with people, to listen to their concerns, and to serve as an excellent liaison between the people and the city government. I am fortunate to know a host of people in Framingham, and I think that I am a well-respected citizen who has a solid reputation for keeping my finger on the pulse of what is going on in our city, and pay attention to ideas that will help us to implement improvements to address the current needs, as well as to anticipate future needs in our community. I am committed to proudly and effectively represent ALL Framingham residents, with particular focus on the issues and improvements pertaining to District 7.

The City Council has approved and extended a multifamily housing moratorium. Where do you stand on that issue, and what do you think residential development should look like in Framingham?

I support the current multifamily housing moratorium at this time because I strongly believe that we need to take the time and effort to delve into some of the current issues impacting our city. I think that we should take a comprehensive view of the impact of potential unchecked development that could have negative ramifications on functions such as schools, community services, traffic, taxes, access to health care, water and sewer and overall quality of life.

As a City Council member, how would you go about working with the mayor's office
(either ones you're pursuing, or ones before Council)?

I think that communication is a key component of an effective and impactful municipal government. My plan is to implement a multi-pronged communication plan which I think will help to develop and foster an effective working relationship with the Mayor and municipal leadership, and will honor my commitment to be an excellent liaison between the residents of District 7 and the city government. I feel very strongly that the best approach to solving any problem is to have accurate information, excellent communication, a well thought out plan, and the resources to get the job done in a timely and cost-effective manner. I also know from years of experience in working in other organizations that it is critical to have the buy-in and support of the community. I have learned and believe that listening is a key element to successful communication.

My plan will include scheduling a series of “listening sessions” with the Mayor, the purpose of which will be to listen to what s/he thinks are the most pressing and relevant issues in our community, to listen to how s/he plans to address the issues, and to begin the conversation about how to engage the right resources to tackle the issues.

Prior to meeting with the Mayor, I will schedule a series of listening sessions with residents of District 7, so that I can give the residents in my district an opportunity to express their concerns, as well as to offer suggestions as to how to improve living conditions in our district. I will also schedule follow-up meetings so that people will be well-informed as to what is going on. I will use this information that I glean from these listening sessions to enhance the effectiveness of my discussions with our municipal leaders, including the Mayor.

The third, and equally-critical component of my communication plan, is to meet with the individuals who are in leadership positions in the community, including the Mayor, City Council, and Department Leaders, Downtown Framingham Inc (DFI), and other community leaders, where applicable, to help identify areas of common concern and interest. I will encourage a series of “listening sessions” during which representatives from each group will have an opportunity to express their concerns and suggestions in an environment that is conducive to civil, congenial, and collaborative discussions, which will likely result in legislation and decisions that will help Framingham thrive as a unified community.

When was the last time you rode a MWRTA bus? Following up on that, how do you think transit should be improved/changed in Framingham?

I rode the MWRTA bus REGULARLY from August 22 until September 18, 2019. I experienced a bicycle accident and suffered a fractured skull that hospitalized me from July 2 until August 22, 2019. Because I was unable to drive, I depended on the MWRTA bus for transportation to and from many of my medical appointments after my release from the hospital. Sometimes I had to travel from my home in Framingham to Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. For these particular trips, I had to transfer to another bus, and I was grateful that the driver waited with me until the next bus arrived, and made sure that I was able to safely get on the other bus. The MWRTA buses were on time and operated smoothly. All the drivers were hospitable and courteous, met me upon departure and escorted me INTO my home in Framingham. Based on my experience during this most terrible time in my life, I would give the MWRTA an A+!

What's your favorite restaurant in Framingham and why?

My favorite restaurant in Framingham is the Franklin St. Cafe, located at 134 Franklin Street! I like the fact that it is a locally-owned business, but the main reason I like it is because they have scrumptious food, friendly and welcoming staff, and a relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy a meal. One thing that frequently captures my attention is the display case, which is filled with home-made treats and Brazilian specialties. I also appreciate the fact that they have outdoor and indoor dining, and it is in a great location — is a mere 7-minute walk to City Hall!