New Framingham Councilors-Elect Name Top Priorities

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham voters elected a lot of new faces to City Council on Election Day. Five new Councilors were elected for district and at-large seats, while only two incumbents ran in competitive races.

With so many first-time Councilors heading to City Hall, we wanted to know what the Councilors-elect are prioritizing when they take office. Here's what they told us.

Cesar Stewart-Morales, District 2

Morales beat Framingham School Committee member Ricky Finlay by more than 300 votes. Finlay had said that he would focus on education, but Morales is focused business. He wants to meet with the mayor and chief financial officer ASAP to get started on the next city budget.

"I want create more value for tax payers," he said. "So in order to that do that I need to be on the finance subcommittee. I’m hoping that my colleagues feel that’s where I belong."

Christine Long, District 1

The District 1 race for retiring Councilor Charlie Sisitsky's seat was an inter-board battle. Planning Board Chair Christine Long beat Joe Norton, who also serves on the Planning Board.

Long didn't want to give away too much about her strategy, but she said that her focus will be on fixing a city government that she sees as stagnant.

"I think the government at this moment is dysfunctional and needs to be straightened out," she said.

Next to that, Long is interested in jump-starting the Community Preservation Act process to preserve open space. Mayor Yvonne Spicer recently convened a study group over the feasibility of adopting a CPA.

John Stefanini, District 8

In one of the closest races in Framingham, former selectman and state lawmaker John Stefanini beat Mario Alvarez. Stefanini said he could name about 10 top priorities now that he's been elected, but his top one is strengthening and organizing city neighborhoods.

"I’d like to work with my colleagues to identify strategies to strengthen and promote our neighborhoods," he said.

One idea he'd like to try is setting up neighborhood councils, which he says has worked in places like Newton and Boston.

"Our neighborhoods need greater organization — they need their voices to be heard," he said.

Margareth Shepard, District 7

Shepard is not a new face on City Council, but she did win another term on Tuesday against challenger William Lynch.

"One of my top priorities in my second mandate is to see the District 7 Association become a reality giving more residents the opportunity to be part of the political process, and to approve the Framingham Welcoming Ordinance Immigrants working together with the City Councilor to improve the quality of life in our District and Our City," she said in a statement.

Tracey Bryant, District 9

Incoming Councilor Tracey Bryant sent this statement:

"What is the first thing you want to do when you take office? As a Framingham City Councilor the first work I will begin is the preparation to successfully meet Framingham’s existing and future transportation needs (without displacing too much of our suburban charm). This goal and its ensuing work will not be an overnight endeavor. Stability requires long-term planning, diligence and care.

"Many of the challenges Framingham faces are interconnected, as is this one. How we address our transportation challenges will affect our burgeoning traffic issues, our environmental challenges, (which affect our health), as well as City safety, access to educational supports and enhancements, and the overall quality of life in Framingham. The end result of this work is intended to reduce our carbon footprint, reduce traffic congestion, increase employment and increase community unity and involvement. It will also improve safety, if we do this right.

"But there is an issue that cannot wait (for me to take office): It is the environment. We are in environmental crisis - both Framingham and the world; but we are not beyond the point of no return. We can turn this around - if we take action now! We can save our planet and our health, if we face the situation squarely and make the necessary changes. Although change can be discomfiting, we have to realize individually and as a community/city/nation that it does get easier. Changes to the changes occur all the time - new systems, new improvements to make new ways of life easier and more enjoyable. And so, we begin!"

Patch has also reached out to Councilor-elect Janet Leombruno. We will update this story with their responses.