Framingham Candidate Profile: Robert Case 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.

Robert Case is running for District 5 City Councilor. His opponents are Cheryl Gordon and Noval Alexander. Case works as a data analyst at an international asset management firm. He is also the chair of the Strategic Initiatives and Financial Oversight Committee and served on the Ways & Means Committee and as chair of precinct 8 Town Meeting. Case and his husband have three 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.

Residents of District 5 are sick and tired of all the traffic and the related issues which have gone unaddressed for way too long. I know what district 5 residents want because they are telling me as I go door to door and have these conversations with them. We have discussed that traffic continues to be a big issue both with speeding through our densely packed neighborhoods to congestion at intersections. I will work with our Traffic Commission to find solutions for traffic calming measures as well as making sure our streets are safe for every mode of transportation. Reducing the speed limit to 25 is a good start, but it’s not enough. I will advocate for more electronic speed monitoring signs and better speed enforcement. I will also lead the charge to invest in a more robust public transportation system for our city.

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

It is critical for District 5 residents to have a city councilor who shares their values working on the budget, fighting for the services and resources they care about while cutting excess where it has the least impact on services. I am the District 5 candidate with the strongest skills and the most knowledge of Framingham’s municipal operations. I am the only candidate with financial experience of working for an international asset management firm. I am the only candidate that has worked in the non-profit world and held leadership positions in arts and educational organizations – experience that I want to use to build up the Arts and Cultural scene here in Framingham. I am a proven leader and team player. I served on town meeting and the Ways and Means committee and have experience working with all the department heads on the budget. I am a listener, a collaborator, a respectful person who gives and takes constructive input. I will be accountable and I will hold others accountable. I will be part of the change we need. I’m running to do what’s best for Framingham. What Framingham needs right now more than anything is a city council that can work better together. I am the District 5 candidate with the values, character, and skills needed to build a productive working relationship with all stakeholders and I will always be an independent voice looking out for District 5 and Framingham.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

- Quality education for all students
- More programs and resources for the 55+ population
- Traffic management, plowing, trash and recylcing pick up, and keeping the city looking clean and beautiful
-Growing the arts and our Parks & Rec so we can enjoy Framingham
- Long term planning and a shared vision for transportation, housing, education, and economic development
-Decisions that reflect the values of our diverse community

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

- A recognized leader with vision: Chair of Framingham's Strategic Initiatives and Financial Oversight Committee
-Active Framingham Community Member: Town Meeting Member (Precinct 8 Chair), Member of Ways & Means Committee
-Strong Budgeting Skills: Asset Management Professional for 12+ years with oversight of a multi-million dollar budget, member of my church finance committee and Church Council
-Able to Build on the Arts: Administrator of Non-Profits in Education and the Arts, Theater Professional, AFTV Board of Directors
-Member, Framingham Democratic Committee
-Endorsed by Mass Alliance - Rising Stars Program and Baystate Stonewall Democrats

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

I was taught growing up that you should always leave things better than you found them. Giving back and stepping up are the best ways to accomplish that. Be a change agent and don’t wait for someone else to do what you want to see done. That’s what I’ve been doing since I moved to Framingham. Now I’d like to do that as the City Councilor for District 5.

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

I'm a person who steps up to serve and gets results for the greater good of the overall community. I care about making a difference and bringing out the best in others. I am a dedicated parent, a successful business professional, and an involved community volunteer who is guided by my strong progressive values. You can count on me to walk the walk, to think creatively, act responsibly, collaborate effectively, and deliver positive outcomes for District 5 and the City of Framingham.