Meet Waltham Council Candidate Stephen Duffy

WALTHAM, MA — Local elections in Waltham are less than a month away, and Patch is determined to help residents get to know their candidates for council, mayor and school committee.

Patch has sent candidate questionnaires to each of the candidates that will appear on the ballot in a contested race for each of those three positions.

Stephen L. Duffy is part of the field of councilor at large candidates in Waltham's 2023 city elections. This would be his first time elected to public office, should he be elected in 2023.

Get to know Duffy ahead of the Nov. 7 elections:

Name

Stephen L. Duffy

How old will you be as of Election Day?

55

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://stephenlforwaltham.com...

What city or town do you live in?

Waltham

What office are you seeking?

Councilor at Large in Waltham

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

At-Large Councilor in Waltham

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

Bachelor of Arts-History-Westfield State University and a Masters of Education from American International College

What is your occupation?

I am a retired Educator currently working for JetBlue.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My wife, Marianne, my son, Jack, and my daughter, Gina. Both of my children graduated from Waltham High School and have college degrees.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife is a school administrator in Waltham.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I was raised in Waltham and have lived in Waltham for the last 50 years. I grew up in the Bleachery and attended the Bright School, South Jr. High School, and Waltham High School. Along with my wife of 28 years, we purchased our first house in the mid-90s on the Southside and raised our family in Warrendale.

As a recently retired educator and principal in the Waltham Public Schools, I have dedicated the last 32 years to the city and look forward to continuing my lifelong service for Waltham in the city council. I have a strong passion and knowledge of the city and will be committed to improving the lives of all citizens in Waltham.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Initially, traffic was my most pressing issue. However, since starting my campaign and educating myself on other issues, I believe it is housing. The specific housing issue is the MBTA Community Act and its potential negative impact on Waltham. As a councilor, I will work to minimize the impact of this law on Waltham neighborhoods and housing.

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

I am running for city council because I have built unique leadership skills as a school principal and professional lacrosse coach. Unlike the other candidates, I have managed, supervised, and evaluated others as a leader. Additionally, I have a proven record for getting things done and getting things done in the city. As a school leader and educator, I have already made an incredible impact on generations of people in Waltham. For the last 14 years, I have worked as a school leader in multiple schools and various neighborhoods. At the age of 25, I founded Waltham Youth Lacrosse in 1994. My leadership skills allowed me the opportunity to coach professional lacrosse for 8 years in Boston and New York, winning professional championships in both cities.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I don't want to talk about what the incumbents have failed to do. I am running for city council to continue my service for the city with the goal of improving Waltham.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I will promote a more timely budget process that explicitly addresses Waltham's needs by including all city stakeholders. I will work to improve traffic and pedestrian safety in the city. I am committed to preserving open spaces in the city and will work towards responsible development in Waltham. I will ensure that Waltham remains the premier municipality for city services, and residents will continue to see robust city services, including maintaining comprehensive senior services and high-quality recycling and trash collection.

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

I have worked as a school adminstrator for the last 14 years and leading the Plympton School community for the last 6 years as a principal. I was a professional lacrosse coach for 8 years coaching the best players in the world. Finally, at the age of 25, I founded Waltham Youth Lacrosse in 1994.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

What my mother told me; "ears open, mouth shut". Be a good listener.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I believe in public education. Both of my children attended Waltham Public Schools and graduated from Waltham High School. As college graduates, my daughter, Gina, has gone on to teach for Chelsea Public Schools while my son, Jack, is working for a financial firm. I support dual language education and a strong facility for students. I feel Waltham should explore expanding early childhood and Pre-K education in the city.