Editor's note: This is the third installment of the Tribune's weekly series to help readers get acquainted with at-large City Council candidates.
WALTHAM - Whether through sound financial planning or by making the informed decisions, candidates for six City Council at-large seats overwhelmingly agree that their number one job is serving the interests of the people who put them in office.
The Tribune spoke with nine of the 10 candidates who will square off in November's City Council at-large election and asked each the same question: What is the most important responsibility of a city councilor?
Candidate David Gately is away training with the Army Reserves could not be reached for this story.
"A councilor's most important responsibility is to be in touch with the electorate so that he can understand what the will of the people is," Joe Vizard said. "If a councilor substitutes their personal preferences for the will of the people, it can lead to decisions that are in the councilor's self interest, rather than promoting the common good."
Incumbent Paul J. Brasco agreed that responsiveness to constituents should be the top goal of a councilor.
"I think the most difficult part of that is you're trying to balance what people want and make everybody happy," Brasco said.
Incumbent Kathleen B. McMenimen talked about a councilor's responsibility to make "informed and impartial financial and quality of life decisions" and to share knowledge with constituents.
"I have a responsibility to inform Waltham citizens about the current and future ramifications of issues that come before the City Council and to explain those issues based on my experience, knowledge of pertinent history, and understanding of the issues," McMemimen said.
Incumbent Patrick J. O'Brien talked about steps he has taken to "serve and protect" the taxpayers' interests since he joined the council.
"Two recent votes that demonstrate my commitment to the neighborhoods was my vote against the Overlay District in 2006 and a Lexington development's tie-in to the Waltham water and sewer system in 2005," O'Brien said.
Incumbent David H. Marcou Jr., said his primary responsibility on the council has been "to make Waltham a first class city." Marcou listed his involvement with the school building program, open space purchases, and various capital improvements as examples of ways the council can improve the city.
"My job as a city councilor is to work with the councilors and the mayor to accomplish these goals," Marcou said.
Candidate William Fowler also spoke on representing constituent interests, promising, "If I'm elected to the council it is my responsibility to ensure that the city is a better place to live when I leave office than it was when I was elected."
Fellow candidate Robert McGurrin said his goal as a councilor would be "to engage in the debate of all the issues, get all the information that's available and then vote objectively, honestly and fairly in the best interests of the citizens of Waltham."
Incumbent Sarafina "Sally" Collura says a councilor's first responsibility is to "uphold the city's charter and make the wisest decisions possible for the future of the city."
Incumbent Thomas M. Stanley named his most important responsibility as "ensuring a strong municipal government," which Stanley says is accomplished through "fiscal responsibility, efficient service delivery, and attention to constituent needs."
Nicole Haley can be reached at nhaley@cnc.com or 781-398-8004.
