Framingham Candidate Profile: John Stefanini For City Council

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham's election season is heating and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to get their name on the ballot for the city's second ever election. One of those contested races is the race for District 8 City Council.

Framingham Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

John Stefanini, 55, is running for District 8 City Council. His opponent is Mario Alvarez. Stefanini works as an attorney and educator and previously served on Framingham's Board of Selectmen and as a State Representative. Stefanini and his wife Cecilia have two daughters.

Are you running for office in Framingham? Contact Samantha Mercado at samantha.mercado@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Framingham Patch.

Previously on Patch: Tides Are Turning In Framingham City Council: Election Season, 10% Of Voters Hit Framingham Preliminary; New Faces Advance

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We need to collaborate with all interested parties to increase our accountability, transparency, participation and efficiency that good government requires to advance the social, economic and environmental justice that our community deserves. We have much work to do. It starts with working together in a respectful process. We must do better!

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

As Councilor, I will be a strong voice for the issues and concerns long ignored by our municipal government. I will work to promote and support the fledgling Coburnville-Tripoli Neighborhood Association and Waushakum Pond Association, collaborate with the police department and Traffic Commission to identify creative solutions to local public safety and traffic concerns, and insist on more diverse, representative appointments to our municipal boards, commissions and committees.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

It has been more than two decades (1997) since I last served in an elected decision-making role in our local government. I am excited by the opportunity to take on a new role under our Charter in our local government.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I will support appointments, budgets and policies that will:
* Increase the quality and positive outcomes of our schools;
* Encourage Smart Growth economic development;
* Strengthen the character, security, vitality and environmental integrity of each of our neighborhoods;
* Improve the community's collective health by curbing substance abuse;
* Make efficient use of taxpayer resources to keep our costs affordable;
* Respect and celebrate our diversity;
* Advocate for strong sustainability programs to reduce our carbon footprint;
* Preserve open spaces and increase recreational opportunities; and,
* Work together to ensure the promise of our Charter -- a more open, transparent, ethical and participatory local government -- is fully realized to all of our benefit.

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

I served five terms as our State Representative and two terms as our Selectman. My decade in Framingham government was marked by collaboration, transparency and progress. In fact, during my tenure Framingham saw:

* dramatic cost savings and significant increases in our commercial tax base;
* opening of new schools and construction of new Police, Fire and Public Works facilities;
* adoption of Education Reform & Financing Law;
* creation of the MetroWest Health Foundation;
* decline in crime rates and establishment of community policing;
* establishment of curbside recycling and paramedic level emergency services;
* establishment of two sister cities: Lomonosov, Russia & Governador Valdares, Brazil;
* creation of Cushing, Victory & Roosevelt parks and Merchant Road Soccer Complex;
* expanded open space at Callahan State Park and Wittenborg Woods; and,
* opening of the Boys and Girls Club.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

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

In addition to serving as a selectman and a state representative. I am a proud graduate of Framingham Public Schools. I began my career as a social studies teacher at Framingham South High School and have been an active member of our community:

Framingham Heart Study (3rd cohort & trustee)
Framingham Lacrosse League (coach & trustee)
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (trustee)
UMass Club (founding member)
New England College of Optometry (corporator)
Framingham Democratic Town Committee (member)
Brazilian American Association (member)
Columbus Club (member)
Framingham Lodge of Elks (member)
Flag Day Parade Grande Marshal
Metro West Medical Center (Board of Trustees)
Framingham Boys & Girls Club (founder)
Cushing Hospital Task Force (Chair)

My wife Cecilia and I live on Bethany Road with our two daughters, Kristina and Julia