About Alicia

I have what it takes to be a great City Councilor

I love Newton. I am a problem solver. I enjoy being busy. I worry about things, but I am generally optimistic. I embrace the power of community. I advocate for people whose voices are not loud. I am willing to put myself out there, to take a risk. I think it is wise to learn from people who have come before me, but I don’t let it keep me from identifying what can be improved.

My husband and three wonderful children

I learn from failures and celebrate successes.

I strive to live my life in a way that matches my ideals.

I want Newton to be a place my husband and I can spend the rest of our lives in and my children can move home to if they so choose.

Tagging gas leaks on Mother’s Day Weekend

I have a degree in economics and an MBA in finance and operations. I spent twelve years in banking and management consulting helping companies improve their operations and customer service.

I have spent the last fifteen years working with key Newton organizations:

I was a PTO president at Mason-Rice and served on the PTO Council
I co-founded the Safe Routes to School Task Force to make it safer and easier for students to walk, bike and take the bus to school
I was appointed by Mayor Warren to the Transportation Advisory Group working along city staff to identify ways to improve transportation in the city
I served on the League of Women Voters Newton Board
I have been a Newton Girl Scout Leader for both of my daughters and just celebrated my fifteenth year with the Girl Scouts
I have been president of Bike Newton for the last three years
I have been the Chair of the Tour de Newton from the inaugural year

In these leadership roles, I have learned how to navigate City Hall in order to bring about change. I have built important relationships with elected officials and community leaders through collaboration on projects and problem-solving.

I am prepared to work hard to represent the people of Newton and to build consensus on moving Newton forward.

All of Newton can vote for me on November 5th, 2019

Kathleen Hobson

I have admired Alicia ever since I met her, during the campaign for the Austin Street project, for multiple reasons: her patience, tenacity, and optimism; the way she listens and does her homework; her ability to see the bigger picture, and her fearless pursuit of what’s best for the community as a whole, whether it’s safer streets, adequate housing, or a healthier planet. Newton needs more decision-makers like Alicia.

Helen Rittenberg

I have had many opportunities to work with Alicia Bowman and to observe her leadership skills. A dynamic speaker, Alicia expresses her thoughts with clarity; the knowledge basis of her comments, thoughts and observations is at once obvious to all. Working with others, she is a keen listener and interactive participant. Serving Newton in a variety of projects, she brings a seriousness of purpose, a quick sense of humor and considerable competence. I strongly support Alicia Bowman’s candidacy for Councilor. She will be a most valuable asset to the City Council.

Maria Beatriz Arvelo

Alicia is a very wholesome person. She is a force for creating a safe, diverse and welcoming community. She is completely committed to taking actions to meaningfully address climate change. We in Newton would be very fortunate if she was elected as a City Councilor.

Jake Auchincloss, Newton City Councilor At-Large Ward 2

Transportation is increasingly central to quality of life in Newton. It’s my focus on the city council, and there’s no one I’d rather work with than Alicia Bowman – she has the knowledge, the experience, and the grit to improve traffic and walkability. She’s taught me a lot and I know she’ll make Newton a better place to get around.

Frieda Dweck

I have known Alicia Bowman for almost 15 years and during that time I have watched and admired Alicia as she has dedicated herself to the betterment of Newton, its schools and its communities. Starting with her involvement with and leadership of the Mason-Rice Elementary School PTO, and continuing through her efforts with Safe Routes to School, the Transportation Advisory Group, the League of Women Voters of Newton, and Bike Newton, Alicia has invested enormous amounts of time and volunteer work to projects intended to make Newton safer and more transportation efficient, and to make its villages and communities more welcoming. Alicia’s efforts also clearly align with the growing awareness of our need to address climate issues at a local level. Alicia has the drive to get things done, and when she believes in something, she pursues it until she achieves the intended goal.

Stacie Baker

Alicia was one of the first people I met in a group for new mothers when I moved to Newton over 20 years ago; she immediately impressed me with her intelligence, thoughtfulness and ability to make things happen. I am confident that she will be able to effect change by working collaboratively while representing the voices of Newton. She is a trustworthy, highly capable, committed and caring individual and I proudly support her bid for Candidate for City Council Ward 6 At-Large.

Jen Abbott

Organized, hard-working, and passionate, Alicia is bound to get things done on the City Council. Through years of advocacy and action, Alicia has acquired a deep knowledge base on a range of issues and a keen understanding of the challenges facing our city. She’ll be ready from day one to find thoughtful, forward-thinking solutions to improve transportation and public safety and to address the issues of affordable housing and climate change.

Marcia Tabenken

Alicia is one of the most passionate and effective community advocates I’ve had the privilege of working with over the past decade. She’s knowledgeable, thoughtful, and solutions-driven–the kind of creative problem solver Newton needs on our City Council.

Ted Hess-Mahan

I am proud to support Alicia Bowman for Newton City Council. She truly gets why smart growth, which includes multi-family residential development in village centers, near public transportation and amenities, is the right way for Newton to address its critical shortage of housing that is both affordable and accessible, and to reduce dependency on automobiles. Alicia is also committed to ensuring that environmental sustainability will drive our city government’s decisions about housing, as well as transportation, energy, and education, in order to make Newton a leader in the fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in response to the looming climate change crisis.

–Ted Hess-Mahan, Former Alderman/City Councilor, and long-time housing advocate

Robyn Phillips

I had been hoping Alicia would run for public office for a number of years. I am so excited for what Alicia can do for our city – from improving the availability and safety of transportation, to making our environment more sustainable, to maintaining and improving the quality of our schools, I know she will have a huge impact. She is also just simply a good person.

Diana Fisher Gomberg

Alicia has a long track record of supporting Newton Public Schools through PTOs and Safe Routes to Schools. I know she will be a strong supporter of our schools on the City Council!

Holly Gunner

Alicia Bowman will add her great energy, good values, experienced knowledge of Newton’s issues and considerable skills to our City Council. I enthusiastically endorse her candidacy. I’ve worked with Alicia for several years—on the Transportation Advisory Group, our Mayor’s Transition Team and on improving housing options for our community. Although starting from the standpoint of a school parent, Alicia stood out as someone who readily understands the municipal transportation and infrastructure

needs of Newton’s fast-growing older population, and can see the commonalities between what helps our children and what helps our elders. Alicia’s background as an MBA shows in the thorough and strategic way she works to find solutions to problems, spending all the time it takes to see the interplay among solutions to issues that may appear separate, but are actually interrelated.

Bob Jampol

I support Alicia Bowman for city councilor because of her intelligence, ongoing work in the public interest, and utter commitment to the well-being of Newton. She is devoted to the Garden City.

Karen Manning

I met Alicia years ago when she was championing district-wide bike safety and “Safe Routes to School” within Newton Public Schools. I continue to appreciate the impressive dedication, focus, and follow-through she’s brought to the projects and causes she’s taken on in Newton, and there’s no question she would excel in the role of city councilor.

Shawn Fitzgibbons

Great schools, safer streets, sustainable living, and diverse housing options; a city prioritizing these ideals will always be a great place to live, and a candidate who leads with them deserves citywide support. Alicia Bowman has this forward-thinking vision for Newton and I am thrilled to support her campaign for Ward 6 Councilor-at-Large.

Sean Roche

Alicia fights on behalf of those of us who believe that the global climate crisis and the regional housing crisis are urgent and require us in Newton to respond vigorously and without delay

Progressive Newton

[Alicia is one of eleven municipal candidates endorsed by Progressive Newton.] Based on these candidates’ responses to our questionnaire and the entirety of their public record, our Endorsements Committee is confident that these candidates share our most deeply held values and are the best candidates to move Newton forward in a positive direction.

Judy Jacobson

With her extensive knowledge regarding transportation and her strong commitment to affordable housing, Alicia will be an intelligent and forward-looking voice in our city government.

Nancy Zollers

I am pleased to endorse Alicia Bowman for City Council. She will bring a thoughtful and knowledgeable approach to the issues in Newton. Her vision for safe streets, affordable housing, strong schools and climate action will certainly make her a leader for a better Newton.

Lois Levin

Alicia is very smart, progressive, experienced, knowledgeable, responsive to people and genuine. She has a great disposition, is willing to take on tough issues and speaks truth to power.

Barbara Lietzke

I have known Alicia for many years and I’m thrilled to endorse her for City Council. She is an intelligent, passionate advocate for a broad range of issues – transportation safety, affordable housing, quality schools and a healthy environment. She talks the talk, walks the walk, and …rides the ride! I have seen first hand, through her work with the League of Women Voters, how she grasps complex issues and offers creative solutions. Alicia has a positive energy and a can-do attitude which is what we need from our elected officials. She will be a wonderful asset to the city of Newton.

Anne Larner

Alicia’s track record shows she is an effective advocate. Her success comes both from doing her homework and working with opponents to identify common interests and workable solutions. She has the right stuff to make an excellent councilor.

Matthew Miller, Newton School Committee Member Ward 8

I am supporting Alicia Bowman for City Councilor at-large because she has a proven track record of moving large initiatives forward, working collaboratively with colleagues and a dedication to the City of Newton. Alicia has a unique combination of deep management consulting expertise and hands-on local involvement which makes for an effective, communicative and well-informed leader.

Chuck Tanowitz

I’ve worked with Alicia for years on issues surrounding transportation equity and livability. I’m consistently impressed with her intelligence and tenacity. She is a tireless advocate for the Newton, helping it become a better version of itself not just for the residents of today, but for our children and for those who have yet to move here. She understands how to bring people together around a cause and I’m sure she will make a strong, positive mark on the city council. That is why I wholeheartedly endorse her for Ward 6 Councilor-at-Large.

Kristin Butcher and Scott Gordon

Alicia Bowman has been a leader in our community for years. Whether she is leading the PTO or a troop of girl scouts in the wilderness, she is strategic, organized, thoughtful, and compassionate. As a City Councilor, she will be a galvanizing force for our community.

Marian Knapp

A 23-year Newton resident, Alicia Bowman has been ardently striving to improve transportation and mobility options for Newton citizens of all ages. She is committed to actively addressing the acute shortages for affordable, middle income, and age-friendly housing. We need forward-thinking people like Alicia to move our great city into a wonderful future.

~Marian Leah Knapp, Advocate and Activist for older adults

Theresa Fitzpatrick

I have worked with Alicia for over 10 years on various efforts for Newton, including the Newton Safe Routes to School Task Force. I have witnessed Alicia’s passion for issues she believes in. Whether it’s school safety, bike lanes or climate change, her passion drives her to find the best solution. Alicia also has the research to back up her ideas. Her wealth of knowledge on the issues is impressive. I know Alicia will make a great City Councilor for our great city.

Laureen McVay

Alicia Bowman will be an excellent asset for Newton. She is able to bring people together who have differing opinions and viewpoints because she listens and seeks commonality. I have known Alicia for over 20 years. Our daughters attended preschool together and we co-lead a Girl Troop for 7 years. Alicia is an insightful, creative leader as well as a hard working, focused problem solver. I can’t wait to cast my vote for Alicia!

Doris Ann Sweet

I am excited to endorse Alicia’s candidacy for Council! I am impressed with her forward-looking and well-researched approach to the chief issues facing Newton: housing, transportation, and climate change. Alicia already has a record of leading efforts, such as Safe Routes to School and Bike Newton, that encourage residents to think more broadly about our environment and their transportation choices. Hers is a voice I want to hear on City Council.

Pat Hankin

I worked with Alicia at the management consulting firm, PWC. As a consultant to financial services firms, Alicia was known as intelligent, practical and hard-working. Partners liked having her on their teams and clients appreciated her straightforward and actionable approaches. Years later, as both Newton residents, we’ve walked parallel paths in working to make Newton the best city it can be for its residents.

Chris Steele

I am incredibly excited that Alicia has stepped up to run for City Council, and I enthusiastically endorse her candidacy. I have known Alicia for the better part of a decade and have had the great pleasure to work with her on issues of walk to school safety, biking, local transportation, environmental issues, land use, and planning. She is constantly working to serve and protect people in their everyday lives – from how they can safely walk around our city to making sure our community is sustainable in the broadest sense for generations to come. I am glad to call Alicia a friend and am really excited about the prospect of having her represent our community on Council.

Nathan Phillips

Alicia is far & away the best candidate for livable streets, vibrant village centers, equitable housing, clean air and climate action. I’m voting for Alicia for a much enhanced quality of life in Newton & for a safer, healthier & sustainable future for our kids & future generations.

Marcia Cooper

I admire Alicia’s strong leadership and advocacy for pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements throughout our community, as well as her impressive work to improve local public transportation options. I am convinced that as a City Councilor, we would be able to count on her to consistently support beneficial environmental policies to address climate change issues and the protection of our natural resources.

Laura Johnson

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…Her leadership in organizations…(in) 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. –From Newton Tab Letter to the Editor, September 25, 2019

Stacey Moriarty

As long as I’ve known Alicia (over 20 years!) she’s been a champion for schools, bike and pedestrian safety, and a greener Newton. She’s considerate, thoughtful, and passionate about making Newton a better place to live and work. For these reasons and so many more, I endorse Alicia’s candidacy for City Councilor

Lisa Monahan

Alicia is smart, energetic and an active listener, she is just what Newton’s City Council needs right now. She cares a lot about the real-life, every day issues of citizens and is a nuts and bolts problem solver. Alicia gets things done, with a ”time-is-of-the-essence” attitude.

Fran Godine

Alicia has the wisdom, energy and love of Newton to be one of our most effective City Councilors

Brenda Noel, Newton City Councilor Ward 6

As a Ward Councilor I have observed first hand Alicia’s commitment to Newton. Her complex understanding of the environmental and transportation challenges we face as a city will make her voice instrumental on the Council. She is thoughtful, collaborative and creative, with deep ties to our community. I am thrilled to endorse her for the Ward 6 at large seat.”

Beth Wilkinson

Alicia Bowman will be an excellent City Councilor for Ward 6. For years, Alicia has been active in developing good ideas to improve the lives of pedestrians and bicyclists in Newton–and then has worked to create and to implement plans. Most recently, her work on the Riverside Trails project has helped to move that important open-space project from a vision into actual planning

Jacob Denninger

I’m supporting Alicia Bowman because she has a deep understanding of the issues facing Newton and will help the city move forward to address the climate crisis, transportation, housing, and zoning.

Larissa Hordynsky

With Alicia’s commitment to the environment and fair housing and knowledge of transportation issues, she will make a great councilor.

Newton Teachers Association (“NTA”)

Alicia Bowman has been an activist in Newton for many years and has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Newton Public Schools through her work as PTO president, on the PTO Council, and the Safe Routes to School Task Force.

In addition, she is committed to upgrading school buildings so they meet the educational needs of students and provide for environmentally sustainable designs. Alicia is willing to take on new challenges and initiatives and puts in the time, often years, to bring initiatives to fruition.

She has a demonstrated commitment to environmental issues and believes a focus on the environment must be an integral part of city council decisions in order to respond to the climate crisis.

Alicia has expressed strong support for excellent health benefits for city employees and believes that access to excellent healthcare is a ‘fundamental right.’

Eileen Sandberg

I enthusiastically endorse Alicia Bowman for the Newton City Council seat from Ward 6. Alicia is remarkably intelligent. thoughtful, and persistent about what she believes to be right. She has demonstrated this in her community leadership for many years on projects related to transportation, the environment and our schools. As Newton continues to grow, we need to have people with Alicia’s skills, experience and dedication to the entire city on the Council.

Massachusetts Sierra Club

The Massachusetts Sierra Club is proud to endorse Alicia Bowman for Newton City Council. Alicia recognizes the critical importance transportation policy plays in reducing emissions and has been a persistent advocate for expanding and enhancing cycling infrastructure and public transit in Newton. We are confident that with her background and vision for the future, Alicia will be an environmental champion for all of Newton.

Jordan Meehan, Chair of Massachusetts Sierra Club’s Political Committee

Lucia Dolan

I am endorsing Alicia because of her strong advocacy for our schools and her deep knowledge on Transportation in Newton. Bigger schools and more development are done deals in Newton (Zervas & Austin & Orr &…) both impact traffic. If we want to improve traffic (cars, bus, truck, pedestrian & bicycle) in Newton we need the focused effort in the issue Alicia will bring to the City Council.

Newton North Bike Club

The Newton North Bike Club is excited to endorse Alicia Bowman for City Council. As an ardent supporter of cycling infrastructure and a longtime activist in Newton, we trust Alicia to promote alternate forms of transportation and to listen to youth voices.

Susan Davidoff

As a retired Newton Public Schools educator and a parent of a NPS graduate I know that Alicia will support our children’s teachers and other educators so that they can do their best possible work.

Whether facing issues facing our children, our senior citizens or tenants I know that I can count on Alicia always to always come out on the side of justice.

Liz Hiser

I am thrilled that Alicia wants to bring her deep knowledge, experience and love for our City to a seat on the City Council. Two main reasons: She lives her values and produces results. Ahead of the curve on the threat of climate change, Alicia has consistently paired her advocacy for responsible environmental policy with practical action to reduce our carbon footprint. She has created positive outcomes in every community activity I have ever seen her undertake. Her recipe? Keen intelligence + killer work ethic + commitment to analyzing data + great listening skills + clear communication and consensus-building.

Ellie Goldberg

I support Alicia because I believe Newton needs her. She has the background, the knowledge, the values and a clear-eyed vision to lead Newton into a sustainable future. She understands the urgency of climate change. I trust her to consider the current and future needs of our children, families and diverse neighbors in making smart and responsible decisions for education, housing, energy, transportation and infrastructure — all the areas that directly determine our quality of life.

Jane Ryter

I’ve always been struck by Alicia’s exceptionally high level of interest in, and knowledge of her community, as well as with her commitment to effect change that will benefit her constituents. When I first met Alicia 12 years ago, she was leading the Mason-Rice community, devoted to hearing the voices of all its members and meeting their needs. In the years that have followed, I have watched with great admiration as she has contributed to the larger Newton Community. She is capable, dedicated and tenacious.The City of Newton would be lucky to have Alicia Bowman as a City Councilor.

John Sisson

For more than a decade, Alicia has been a positive advocate for improving the quality of life in Newton, and not just pedestrian and bike safety. Her command of municipal issues is impressive and illustrates her passion and willingness to work hard on things that matter in this city.

Rebecca Leiter

I will confidently give Alicia Bowman my vote knowing that she will intelligently carry out my values. I am a Newton mom and a bicycle commuter to Waltham. I have known Alicia since the early 2000’s when our kids were in Mason Rice Elementary School together. She has always chosen leadership positions: Mason Rice PTO Co-President, and Troop Leader for my daughter’s Girl Scout Troop through middle school and high school. She also became involved in making sure children and elders could walk safely by advocating enforcement of sidewalk clearing after snow storms, and more frequent and visible crosswalks. Now as head of the Bike Newton, she promotes bike safety to help people feel safe on bikes, and strategies to make our streets safer for cyclists. Alicia’s confidence and analytical skills have always impressed me, as well as her motivation to get involved. She has been involved in our government in various ways for years and I feel she has earned this position.