On Tuesday, August 7, voters in Ward 6 will vote in a preliminary election to fill our ward's vacant city council seat. As a candidate, I have knocked on hundreds of doors, chatting with my neighbors about what they love about our part of the city and what needs work. Each day, at least a few voters ask a vital and important question, "What can a city councillor do?"

At first glance, it may seem like a councillor cannot do much, but that's not actually the case. I believe a councillor can be an important community leader, addressing some of the most important issues that directly affect our daily lives. For instance, do you have trouble with people speeding on your street, as people on Pond Street & Prentice Street do? Do you have a dangerous intersection (Church and Summer St.) or pothole-ridden road (School St.) that needs work? Do you worry about your ability to afford to stay in our neighborhood as a lifelong resident, or a person with a disability, or a young family? Do you care about good schools? Do you want the city's farm to remain in operation, and to create safe, open spaces like the Rail Trail for people to get around more easily?

These are just a few of the dozens of issues that a councillor can help address. A councillor can attend Traffic Commission meetings on behalf of residents when they have a busy schedule, and advocate for safe streets, better roads, and parking enforcement. A councillor can work to ensure tax support for seniors. A councillor can make sure that our affordable housing is upgraded and made available to residents of the ward. A councillor can work with our youth, educators, and parents to support quality education. A councillor can fight to ensure that our beautiful farm is not sold off by UMass. A councillor can ensure the completion of the rail trail. When these issues are addressed, Waltham can continue to be a great community where people have the wonderful stories they've shared. However, these are issues that need constant advocacy in city hall. If you cast your vote for me in the preliminary on August 7, you are casting your vote for a candidate who will advocate for open, transparent, and inclusive government, and will work on your behalf every day to ensure your issues are taken seriously and addressed.