Ward 4 candidates answer community questions
Ward 4
On December 19, Quincy Votes! sent questions submitted by community members to the four candidates vying to serve out the last year of former Ward 4 City Councilor Brian Palmucci’s term. Three responded by the December 30 deadline, and their unedited answers are below (for a printable table of these answers, click here).
A special election to choose the Ward 4 councilor will take place on February 7, with a preliminary election on January 17. For more information about this election, click here.
Candidates and political party
James Devine, Unenrolled
Sharon Cintolo, Republican
Joel Buenaventura, Democrat
In one or two sentences, what is your education and work history?
James Devine: I went to Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Northeastern University in Boston, and a Construction Program at Northeastern's satellite program Dedham Campus. I have been self-employed as a small residential carpenter since 1998.
Sharon Cintolo: Associates in accounting, Paramedic program at Northeastern University. Worked in emergency services for the past 30 years.
Joel Buenaventura: I am currently a labor attorney and former public health attorney. I hold a Master of Public Health from Boston University and law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Why not just watch my interview with Joe Catalano on QATV AM Quincy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzITFjI-68Y
Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent Ward 4 at this time?
James Devine: I believe I am the best candidate because I am a regular Ward 4 person, I have raised my two children through four public schools, three in ward 4. I understand how our community works and I think I will be the best voice to adjudicate for Ward 4. I enjoy connecting with people, this is a large part of being a Councillor. You need to be able to reach the people and represent them to other levels of Government. My education in High School and University will give me the ability to have decisive and conscious actions on City Council matters.
Sharon Cintolo: I am the type of person that strives to solve problems and get things done.
Joel Buenaventura: The job should go to someone who can respond to each neighbor's immediate issues effectively and efficiently. I have been resolving member and client issues for more than fifteen years. I am responsive and get things done. Here's a representative decision of my prior work: https://www.mass.gov/decision/dept-of-public-health-v-wilds-stacy-sumner-phna-15-300
The job should go to someone who can build relationships with the Administration and fellow Councilors and keep them in check. In my work life, I have been dealing with bureaucracy at the federal and state level. I have advocated for the voiceless and folks who need a fair shake with the system. I can translate those skill sets to get results for Ward 4 residents.
What three issues are you most concerned about in Ward 4, and if you are elected, how will you tackle them?
James Devine: First and fore most, Accountability of our Ward 4 Councillor is my biggest concern, I want a Councillor that is responsible for and responsive to the residents of Ward 4. I will tackle this by being totally transparent to the constituents of Ward 4. Making myself available to everyone that needs assistance. I will make sure to work closely with the city to make sure we are heard in Ward 4. This is the job that I have signed up for and plan to be the best.
Second, Traffic is a big concern that while "door knocking" every person expressed. I will tackle this by working closely with our traffic director Ed Grennon, supporting him and working with the state since Furnace Brook Parkway a state road runs through ward 4. I would also be looking into the state as to any plans to upgrade the lights at Furnace Brook and Copeland. They have made some changes but this is a seriously congested area that needs state of the art lights.
Third over development, was also expressed while door knocking, We need to develop consciously. The way I will tackle this is by being vigilant to the proposed projects that are not suited for Ward 4 constituents. Having meetings early and connecting all the people that oppose said projects. A lot of time can be saved by having a meeting between a builder and neighbors, to see where common ground can be found. Once again being transparent can help accelerate and have a better end result by having open dialogue and informing all parties of their intentions.
Sharon Cintolo: I'm concerned about schools, and making sure that children are given an education that will make them successful and able to make educated decisions to forge their own path and not follow a crowd. Building in certain areas seems to be a big issue with the people that I have come in contact through door knocking so far. It would be a matter of finding out the facts of each case. The lease on the Granite Links is a concern because the residents need to have more of a voice in issues pertinent to it.
Joel Buenaventura: Traffic. I would like to hear about the master traffic plan for the City, especially as it pertains to Ward 4--especially at the Furnace Brook Rotary and Centre Street Off-ramp.
Development. My neighbors are frustrated about the springing up of apartment and multi-unit housing, though they do understand the need for affordable housing. I plan to review both the planning and zoning ordinances. Maybe it's time to redelegate some issues back to the City Council or consider stronger enforcement.
Cost of Living. My neighbors are experiencing inflation and are on limited incomes. I would like to make sure they are aware of discounts and programs with the state and city that could alleviate rising costs. The plan is to keep them informed of these programs which exist.
What community activities, particularly in Ward 4, do you participate in?
James Devine: If community meetings is considered an activity, then Planning, Conservation, and Zoning board meetings I would be a participant too. Especially Since I started campaigning I have been attending all city council meetings at City Hall and other public meetings.
Sharon Cintolo: I'm active with the Divine Mercy parish and volunteer regularly.
Joel Buenaventura: Ward 4 Quincy Democratic City Committee.
If elected, how will you communicate with the residents of Ward 4?
James Devine: I have a phone now just for campaigning that any person can call or text between 7am and 7pm with questions or concerns 857-344-4333. If elected I will still have the phone, emails, and most importantly I promise to have in person meetings at least once a month and if needed more. Probably the first Tuesday of every month between 5-7 and then the third Tuesday of every month between 5-7 if needed. I believe it is important to be able to look some one in the eye and express your concerns. Also when multiple people engage in a common problem they can relate and unite towards their common situation. I would also like to use cafeterias or auditoriums in the schools to hold large meetings when something large is being proposed in Quincy for two purposes, one to inform the people and second to get feed back, it is a lot easier to head on a situation early.
Sharon Cintolo: I think having the residents on a text or email message service would be the best way, and for those that don't feel comfortable with that, it would have to be mailings.
Joel Buenaventura: In person and by phone. I'd be happy to meet with my neighbors one on one. Please text or call me at 617-571-3009. Moving forward, I would notify them of community meetings which will take place at one of the school buildings if need be. We can talk about weekly and monthly office hours, too. I built social media for the campaign. That would be transitioned into a tool for information and communication.
Given that Quincy has a strong mayoral form of government, how do you view the role of the City Council?
James Devine: I believe the role of City Council is responsible and responsive to the citizens, making sure the right decisions are made in the best interest of the constituent's. I feel that the councillor should reach out to the constituents not just through mailings but also reaching out personally to the ones that are most affected by what ever situation is taking place.
Sharon Cintolo: The city council brings concerns of the people to government.
Joel Buenaventura: The role of the City Council and the City Councilor is defined in the City Code. I would refer to the City Code Section 19-8 (C) Duties and emphasis on the issues of Ward 4:
(1) A full-time position (1,820 hours per year) with flexible hours that allow for other non-City of Quincy employment.
(2) To represent the residents of Quincy in all legislative matters.
(3) Council members' statutory duties are to be performed, almost without exception, by the Council as a whole.
(4) To identify and discuss issues impacting the City of Quincy, receive and consider public input, make appropriate decisions in a manner which encourages full and open discussion, and exercise all the powers that state statutes and City ordinances empower to the Council members to lawfully govern the community.
(5) Solicits and receives input from affected parties and the general public.
(6) Responds to constituent requests for information or assistance with problem resolution. Acts as liaison between the City and the general public.
(7) Reviews and approves an annual budget and tax levy.
(8) Authorizes any and all borrowing by the City of Quincy.
(9) Sets and interprets rules governing its own proceedings.
If elected, how would you help residents afford to stay in Quincy? What would you do to increase the number of affordable housing units in the city?
James Devine: Another complicated question we want less development, but need affordable housing, a double edged sword. The first thing I would do is make sure people understand what resources there are out there for them. Things like emergency rental assistance programs, Housing voucher programs, senior property tax deferral, there are so many programs at city, state, and federal levels that some people don't know about, including myself. Helping people navigate their way to a resource that is designed for them is what I am looking forward to do as a Ward 4 Councillor. I get great pleasure when I know I was able to help someone find a resource to support them, even when it is as simple as telling a young family about the Lincoln Hancock pool, and how $150 for a year gives them access for a year. My children learned to swim there, such an amazing resource provided by the recreation department.
Sharon Cintolo: It's hard to find a balance without ticking someone off, which is why I genuinely don't know how to answer this question in a way that would be effective. I don't have enough experience in that field yet.
Joel Buenaventura: I answered affordability above.
I would put the question on affordable units back on the developers. I understand that there is a trust that address affordable housing, but we should revisit this issue with developers.
Violent attacks and racist language have put Quincy in the headlines in recent weeks. If elected, what would you do to combat hate here?
James Devine: One of the biggest things I would like to do if elected is to build on our community through social gatherings for ward 4 residents, like a movie night at one of our parks, barbecues in the parks to bring people together. When we are just passing each other in the streets we don't see who we all are as a community, but when we stop and meet at social gathering we get to see who is really around us, and we have an amazingly diverse community. I am so proud of my two children that have gone through Amelio Della Chiesa, Lincoln Hancock, Sterling (now South-West), and Quincy High School. They have grown up inside this rich diverse culture of Quincy. It saddens me that the action a few negative people steal the true nature of our Great City of Quincy.
Sharon Cintolo: Show love and acceptance to everyone, you know, lead by example.
Joel Buenaventura: Surprisingly, the preliminary in the special election falls on the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. "The arch of human history bends towards justice."
Let's continue raising awareness with our community partners: QARI, Black Lives Matter, and Quincy Pride to name a few. Let's work with the Quincy Police Department (See something, say something). Let's have more forums on racism at Quincy Public Schools.
Let's continue to support self-defense classes.
Let's nudge more of our public officials and community leaders to speak out.
Granite Links Golf Club lies in Ward 4, on land owned by the City of Quincy and leased by the Quarry Hills Association (QHA).
Mayor Koch recently proposed extending the QHA's lease, which is set to expire in another two decades, for an additional 99 years.
The QHA says it needs the extension so that it can apply for loans for construction projects on the site, such as a hotel. But some residents have voiced concerns about the length of the lease extension, the absence of public walking trails through the land, the level of upkeep of the site's ball fields, traffic issues on Ricciuti Drive, and an overall lack of consultation with residents of Ward 4, which is currently without a dedicated City Council representative. Some residents have demanded that a master plan for the site that includes community engagement be completed before the council votes on the lease extension.
What are your thoughts on this issue? And what information, if any, would you seek from the developer and/or the City before being comfortable voting on the lease extension?
James Devine: This issue is not as simple as it may seem, I believe it would be difficult to get a master plan with out a long term commitment, with this being said. I would like to hear what might be the most likely scenerio for expected development. Clearly they have some preliminary ideas and it would be nice to have a good understanding.
I would very much like to have some plans as to what will be done at intersection of Ricciuti Drive and Willard Street. We need something implemented proper lights or an overpass, the cars that jump off the highway just to get back on at the next ramp are speeding through this intersection. My daughter and son have played Baseball and soccer for many years at the ball fields on Riccuti Drive. I worry about the young families that are trying to cross this intersection.
I have mixed thoughts about the walking path through the golf course. Some people have expressed that the golf course has isolated a large area of the Blue Hills, while being isolated the natural wildlife in this area is thriving. If we were to put a path in connecting this area, I believe it would damage the eco-system. An alternative might be some paths that flank the sides of the course looping back out with out disturbing that area.
The most important item to me would be, staying engaged in productive communication via Councillors stay in close contact with the members of QHA. Implementing community meetings with QHA when needed.
Sharon Cintolo: Community engagement absolutely needs to be done, people need to voice their concerns. The addition of projects to Granite Links may be good for Quincy but we need to find out if it is beneficial to the residents before the lease is extended.
Joel Buenaventura: The City and the Granite Links Golf Club need offer more on past compliance with the walking trails and other parts of the agreement. Further, the taxpayer should know if they are potentially on the hook for anything if the extension is granted. The issue is transparency. I would to know more through the existing documentation. However, I still need to find it.
Do you have any business interests in the City of Quincy for which you require permits or review from City officials?
James Devine: No
Sharon Cintolo: No
Joel Buenaventura: No
Will you support enforcement of current zoning laws and oppose developers' efforts to seek variances that significantly expand land use beyond what is currently allowed?
James Devine: I already do, I have been to dozens of zoning meetings opposing variances
Sharon Cintolo: Yes
Joel Buenaventura: See above on three main issues question.
Will you represent the opinions of the Ward 4 community on the City Council, even if they are in conflict with those of the mayor?
James Devine: Yes, The opinions of Ward 4 is the Councillors deepest responsibility.
Sharon Cintolo: Yes
Joel Buenaventura: Yes
Quincy, along with 298 other Massachusetts communities, adopted the Stretch Energy Code, which requires new buildings to be more energy efficient than stipulated in the state's standard code.
The City Council now has the chance to adopt an Opt-In Specialized Stretch Code that encourages net-zero energy construction. Under that code, buildings would use even less energy for heating and cooling, and onsite solar panels would generate electricity.
If elected, would you support Quincy adopting the specialized code?
James Devine: The Stretch energy code is very complicated, I believe yes but some research would need to be done before I could make a conscious decision including feed back from constituents
Sharon Cintolo: It's great to be green but everything has to be looked at individually. Some things that were meant to be energy efficient don't turn out that way. For example what happened in Texas last year where the green energy was not sufficient for energy needs. Also what happens to all those solar panels at the end of their 20 year life span? Green isn't so great when you are polluting your ground water with solar panels or wind turbines decaying underground. Greenwashing is also a concern, and also ethics-- like making sure that the materials are sourced with respect to people and the planet.
Joel Buenaventura: Yes. Still, I would like to know counter-arguments against adoption.