5 Questions For: Magda Janus, 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 Janus had to say about her 2021 run and her stance on municipal issues:

Why are you running for City Council in 2021?

I want to improve communication between our local government and residents of Framingham, make every process transparent, create a long-term attainable and sustainable economic development plan for what Framingham needs, wants, and hopes to have. I have been living in Framingham for almost 30 years (25 of it as a homeowner in District 7), I believe I understand the needs of D7 and posses the skills to represent its residents well.

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

I understand the need for more housing but it cannot all be located in one area. Most of the new multifamily housing development is located on the South side of Framingham, and a large percent of it in District 7. Framingham downtown area is already heavily with traffic, low on parking, and adding more housing is not going to improve this situation. In my opinion a moratorium is necessary to see what effect increasing the number of residents in the City will have on its infrastructure, services, and school district.

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)?

A Councilor's job is to understand an issue and its effect on the City, its residents, the economy, and the environment; to work in collaboration in a timely fashion to either approve, reject, or find a favorable compromise for everyone involved. As long as as our local executive and legislative branches of government are willing to work in collaboration, respecting each other's opinions and points of view, we all as a City will benefit.

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

I have never used MWRTA bus. I have never seen one on my street. What MWRTA system offers does not work with my family's needs. I grew up in a city with half the population of Framingham which had a very well designed public transportation system. It had bus stops all over the city, with schedules posted at every stop to accommodate everyone: those who traveled to and from work, elderly, and school-age children. It was reliable, convenient and affordable.

What's your favorite restaurant in Framingham and why?

Unfortunately two of my favorite restaurants closed not long ago. Lotus Flower (Chinese food) was one of them, and Aegean Restaurant (Greek food) was the other. Both have offered amazing food and service experiences. Currently Jack's Abby, which has created an excellent outdoor setting, is my family's choice.