Will Rogers said, “If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple: Know what you’re doing. Love what you’re doing. And believe in what you’re doing.” Alicia Bowman knows Newton, loves Newton and believes in Newton, and she will be an outstanding member of the Newton City Council when she is elected Ward 6 councilor at large this November.
I trust this to be true, because Alicia advocated for my Newton Corner neighborhood this year as we worked to institute traffic calming measures on our stretch of Washington Street so that our children could more safely walk and bike to three Newton public schools. From our introduction over coffee in March, to her writing a letter to our city leaders on our behalf, to her joining us at our public meeting with the Transportation Planning Department at City Hall in May, and her presence at the vote of the Traffic Council in July, Alicia played a key role in our success.
Her tenure on the City of Newton Transportation Advisory Group has given her shrewd insight into street design and traffic flow, and this was evident at the city meetings she attended with us when she identified the challenges of my neighborhood’s road system and possible areas of improvement, delivered with a sense of tact and charisma that captivated everyone in the room.
Her leadership in organizations including the Newton Public Schools, the Newton League of Women Voters, Newton Safe Routes to School and Bike Newton over the past 15 years demonstrates a deep and abiding commitment to public service, our city and the pressing issues of our time, including literacy, democracy, alternative transportation and climate change.
Her enthusiasm for helping improve public safety in my neighborhood is a testament to her dedication to Newton altogether, and we stand to gain an exceptional addition to our city council.
I hope you will join me in voting for Alicia Bowman for Ward 6 councilor at large on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Laura Johnson Washington Street, Newton