Framingham Candidate Profile: Noval Alexander For City Council

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham will have several contested races in the November election, including the District 5 City Council seat, which is a three-way race. District 5 is included in the Sept. 17 preliminary election. Like many other Districts on the ballot, District 5 has no incumbent running as more than half of the sitting councilors announced they will not seek re-election.

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.

Noval Alexander, 49, is running for District 5 City Councilor. His opponents are Cheryl Gordon and Robert Case. Alexander is a School Committee member looking to make the switch to the City Council. Alexander retired from the U.S Army Reserves with 25 years of decorated service, including two tours of active duty. He was appointed by State Senator & Senate President Karen Spilka to serve as Commissioner on Massachusetts Citizen's Commission. Alexander has two children.

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

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

Traffic congestion. If elected i will support ordinances that strengthen the hand and resources of the traffic commission which was created by the City charter. I'd also support the implementation of traffic calming measures such as 3D crosswalks, speed tables, digital speed limit signs in select areas and employing existing technology to synchronize traffic lights along main arteries such as Route 30/126 intersection through downtown Framingham during rush hours.

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

I believe i'm the most qualified candidate due to my wide range of unique experiences both in the military and as a civilian. Currently i'm an educator working as a substitute teacher in 3 adjacent towns. In addition; I spent 25 years in the Army Reserves which included 2 tours of active duty service. My service to our country has taken me to many places throughout the United States, Canada and Europe training Soldiers or for Profesional Development schools. As you can imagine that type of varied exposure to different people both on a professional and personal level gives one a deeper appreciation for life, more amenable to compromise in order to solve complex problems and more motivated toward action rather than empty talk just to appease and inaction.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

In school we learned the 3'R's so i'm happily borrowing that concept for my campaign. I would call these my 3 E's Education, Economic Opportunities and Environmental quality. Education and acacdemic excellence in our Public Schools in my mind is the bedrock to any thriving community. You can't attract and retain young families or businesses in Framingham if the School District is percieved in a negative light to others outside the City. A good public school system is a key centerpiece to sustain our tax base and maintain basic City services. Environmental quality is a quality of life issue. Devising creative ideas to allieviate traffic congestion, reduce motorists speeding down side streets, perserving and or creating open spaces are all vital to making Framingham cleaner and safer for all.

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

During my 25 year Army career i've earned numerous awards and citations for my service and work ethic. During my 20 month tenure on School Committee one of my first actions was a proposal to conduct our public meetings in multiple locations in an effort to make us more accessible to the people. In addition; as chair of the Digital Infrastructure Subcommittee i spearheaded an effort to expand Wi-fi access after school hours at to all students, staff and visitors which is currently in effect. My proudest accomplishment thus far was strongly advocating "Yes for Fuller" which voters in Framingham passed overwhelmingly last December. This paved the way for the construction of the new Fuller Middle School which is slated to be completed by September 2021.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Early in my Army career during a training class to build teamwork the Sergeant instructor passed out a sheet which i've kept called

'All i really need to know i learned in Kindergarten"

1) Hold hands, stick together
2) Share
3) Live a balanced life
4) Take a nap every afternoon (This was crossed out)
5) Listen
6) Treat everyone the way you want to be treated
7) Things change and come to an end
8) Be aware of wonder

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

I'm a proud father of 2. My incredibly talented son with special needs is 16 and my daughter is 23. She's a recent graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence and is currently based in New York. This coming October she will head to El Paso Texas to join Democratic Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke's team as a Junior graphic designer.

I love the outdoors, particularly in warmer months (camping, biking, hiking, jogging)

I have eclectic tastes in music, R&B, disco, 80's pop, dance,classic rock, reggae, Soca and a little bit of country.

I'm an avid Boston area Pro sports fan as well as a diehard fan of my beloved alma mater The University Of Texas Longhorns.