Candidate Profile: James Cote, Ward 3 Newton City Council

NEWTON, MA — James Cote is running against incumbent Julia Malakie for Ward 3 City Council. There are 12 people vying for the eight Ward Councilor seats on the Newton City Council in the Nov. 2 municipal election, as well as contested races for Councilor-At-Large, mayor, and school committee.

Newton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles this week.

Cote has been a financial advisor for 30 years and previously served as a Ward 3 Newton City Councilor-At-Large for three terms.

Are you running for office in Newton? Contact Annie Sandoli at annie.sandoli@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Newton Patch.

Campaign Website

www.coteward3.com

Age (as of Election Day)

65

Position Sought

Ward Council, Ward 3, Newton City Council

Party Affiliation

Non partisan election

Family

Wife Albie, 10 Children, and 7 Grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Masters Degree in Business Administration, Mary Washington University

Occupation

Financial Advisor for 30 years, and a 20 Year Marine Corps Veteran.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Previously the 3 term City Councilor at Large for Ward 3, Newton MA

Why are you seeking elective office?

I'm seeking a return to the City Council to provide residents with an experienced and accomplished City Councilor. My natural abilities coupled with years of people focussed experiences, provide the residents, and the City Council with a strong leader during complicated times.

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

Leadership. The function of the Council will be greatly improved once I return to office. The past 2 years has seen a great divide with a Council that is not able to exhibit the proper respect to each other and the residents of the city. I'm able to bridge conflict and bring people together.

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

My competitor is a one issue, anti-development candidate without a solution to the one issue. My record speaks for itself as I have shown support for projects that merit supporting, and worked to change projects that are problematic and need a negotiated settlement, and more importantly I address all of the issues.

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

The current office holder has served the community well over her lifetime in the area of tree conservation, and where she has failed is in understanding the role of a Ward City Councilor. My campaign is to be a City Councilor, by keeping an open mind on projects before the city council, and improve overall constituent services, focusing on the quality of life in West Newton. Quality of life includes traffic issues, housing, and recreation among some of the most important topics.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

West Newton Ward 3 was caught in one of the worst periods of time in our country's history with the most inexperienced City Councilor's in the city. Being new Councilors, coupled with their inability to build relationships with their colleagues on the City Council, and the Mayor's office, meant that West Newton was often not in the discussion on Covid management issues.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Residents deserve responsible and effective government that does not create additional stress to their daily lives. Electing me to the office provides the city residents with a common sense leader, that is not stressed by issues and is able to navigate effective solutions.

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

Development: Working with the Planning Department, residents, and develops I have worked on some of the most high profile new projects in Newton over the past 8 years. Streets: West Newton streets have been repaired, and repaved at a greater rate than previous, and I was able to gain approval to rebuild the traffic lights, and overhead lights in West Newton Square.
Parks: I secured private funding in the amount of $150,000 for 2 parks in West Newton.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always work hard to the best of my ability.

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

My one goal is to do a great job in representing Ward 3 (West Newton) in city government, using my lifetime of experiences and training.