Candidate Profile: David Russo, Ward 7 Waltham City Council

WALTHAM, MA — David Russo is running against Paul Katz for Ward 7 City Council. There are 12 people vying for the nine seats on the Waltham City Council in the Nov. 2 municipal election, as well as contested races for Councilor-At-Large and school committee.

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

Russo has been a Dining Services Manager at Lasell Village for 20 years. He is currently working towards his Bachelor's degree at Lasell University.

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

Campaign Website

www.russoward7waltham.com

Age (as of Election Day)

39

Position Sought

City Councilor Ward 7

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Wilfido Bonilla (husband)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

Currently earning Bachelors degree at Lasell University

Occupation

Dining Services Manager (Lasell Village) (20 years in the industry)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

n/a

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to help improve things throughout the City and move Waltham forward. Throughout my life and career I have been a listener and a leader and i want to convert those skills into working with other City Councilors and the Mayor to help improve things in the City in which I love and live in.

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

There are a number of things that I have heard from residents that effect the Ward and the city in general. But if I was to pick one it would be to work with the city and state to ensure that the up coming construction of the 117, route 20 interchange does not cause more traffic and headaches to residents in those areas.

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

Although I believe we both want what is best for the residents of Ward 7 and throughout the city as a whole, I will work with the residents of my Ward and with other Councilors to build coalitions and work to see that concerns get addressed and projects get complete.

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

I feel as though the current councilor has lacked transparency with residents throughout the Ward. I intend to communicate often and frequently with the residents in my Ward. Whether it be through my website, email blast or newsletter, etc.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Please see my website for other issues and concerns I will push to address at City Hall.

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

While working with teams of people and being a leader throughout my career, I have achieved many goals and success. I am also hard working and a dedicated individual when I set my mind to do something I always follow through to have it done or work with others as resources to get it complete.

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

Although I may be new to politics, I am completed dedicated to working for my constituents in my Ward as well as working with other city officials in Waltham to complete projects, address issues, and move Waltham forward. I respectfully as for your vote on November 2nd.