Q&A With District 9 City Council Candidate Edgardo Torres

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Edgardo Torres

Occupation: Station Agent Cape Air Logan Airport 

Why should voters elect you again to serve as District 9 City Councilor:

I am a proven independent leader who always puts the interests of our neighborhood above politics. District 9 needs an independent leader willing to fight for the interests of this District. No one will ever question my behavior at Council meetings. I work well with others. District 9 and its residents are my only priority.

Political Website or Facebook page link to find more information: Edgardo Torres | Facebook

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Describe the City of Framingham in 3 words   Great place to Live

Best thing about District 9 is neighbors

District 9 needs community center

Report Card time. What letter grade would you give the Mayor? C-

Should the Mayor be required to attend every City Council meeting? (yes or no) Yes

Report Card time: What letter grade would you give the City Council this second term? C

Participation in government by the City’s 70,000-plus residents is fabulous, adequate, or lacking (pick one)? lacking

City of Framingham did an (amazing, adequate, or poor job) (pick one) when it came to the Coronavirus pandemic poor job

Should City of Framingham municipal employees be required to get a COVID vaccine? (yes or no) yes

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City of Framingham is on (the right track, spinning its wheels, going backwards) (pick one): spinning its wheels

Do you support a split tax rate for businesses and homeowners? yes 

Should City offices close early on Fridays? (yes or no) yes

Framingham has (too many, just enough, or not enough affordable housing) (pick one) not enough

Do you support in-law apartments in the City of Framingham? (yes or no) yes

District 9 is treated (better, the same, or worse) than the other 8 Districts (yes or no) worse

City of Framingham is (ahead of the curve, making progress, or behind its neighboring communities) when it comes to environmental issues. behind

Crime in District 9 is (worse, the same, or less) than the rest of the City of Framingham (yes or no) the same

Framingham Public Schools receive (too little, just the right amount, or too much) funding.  Too little

What City Council subcommittee do you wish to serve on? public safety

The #1 issue I hear from residents in my district about is traffic

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QUESTION #1: In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing District 9? What will you do – specific steps – to fix the issue?

Lack of activity for our youth. We need to work with non-profits to build a community center. Our kids need a place to meet, to grow, to succeed.

QUESTION #2: Speeding and traffic are top issues for many residents across all districts. What will you do – specific steps – to fix the traffic & speeding issues?

Unlike my opponent, I will fully fund and support the traffic commission in addressing traffic concerns. Bryant voted against funding the traffic commission.

QUESTION #3: Businesses are still trying to recover from the pandemic. Explain how you would support businesses as they try to not only survive but thrive in Framingham. Be specific

We need to support our local businesses. We have too many vacant local businesses in District 9. I will work with each land owner and local residents to open businesses in these areas.

QUESTION #4: Which vote did the District 9 City Councilor take this term that you would have voted differently on and why?

I would have voted to fully fund the traffic commission. Her vote against funding it deprived it of the resources necessary to address local traffic issues.

QUESTION #5: The City Council is the legislative branch of government. It creates laws and rules for the City (known as ordinances). You were the District 9 City Councilor between 2018-2020.  What ordinance did you file and or pass during that term? What ordinance would you file to improve your district (or city-wide) if elected? Why?

I will continue to work with colleagues to file bylaws to improve Framingham.

QUESTION #6: The water & sewer enterprise fund is hemorrhaging money according to an independent consultant’s report. What legislation or steps would you put forth to get that fund on firmer financial footing?

I would oppose any increases to their budget until they conduct an audit and rates stabilize.

QUESTION #7: The Spicer administration did a survey to see how the City should spend more than $25 million in federal pandemic recovery funds. The survey had less than 500 responses from a community of more than 70,000. What is your #1 priority on how to spend the ARPA funds? Why? And how will you get input from your district’s residents on this issue and other key issues if elected?

We need to convene forums throughout Framingham that involve all our residents. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve our community through with these funds.

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QUESTION #8: Do you think the City of Framingham is safe? Why or why not? How will you work with the Mayor and the police department to make sure Framingham all residents enjoy a good quality of life?

We have much work to do to make all of Framingham a safe city. I will work with the police department to improve the services they provide.

QUESTION #9: The City Council is responsible for approving the budget that is submitted by the Mayor. The City Council can not increase a budget under the charter, only decrease it. Which city department is underfunded in your opinion? 

Library

QUESTION #10: What was YOUR biggest accomplishments as a Councilor between 2018-2022? What 3 things do you want to accomplish in your next term?

My biggest accomplishment was helping residents of PR recover from the hurricane as a Red Cross Volunteer. And working with community groups to provide different activities for the youth. Community center, neighborhood association, transportation issues, 

QUESTION #11: The clean up at Mary Dennison Park has yet to start. The clean-up at the former General Chemical site finally began months ago but there is not enough funding to completely clean it up. These environmental justice issues seem to have taken a back seat to the need for more trails by the Spicer administration and even the City Council’s environmental subcommittee. What will you do to make sure these are sites are cleaned up and residents can live in neighborhoods free of toxins?

This is outrageous. I will work with Ronda Andrews, Judy Grove, and others to secure the funding to final do this cleanup. And make sure are kids have a safe and clean area to enjoy 

QUESTION #12: City Councilors must work collaboratively to get legislation passed and to make changes for the better of the City. Give an example where you worked with another Councilor to get something changed between 2018-2020. Name that Councilor and how you worked together.

I work well with others. I worked with Councilor Grove to cleanup contaminated sites in D9.

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QUESTION #13: The Mayor and the City Council had a rocky relationship during the Council’s first term. At the start of the second term many of the City Council votes were 6-5 either way, but by the end of this term many of the votes were 8-3 or 9-2 against the Mayor. Describe your relationship with the Mayor during your first term of office and how you will work with the elected mayor if elected City Councilor again? What are the keys to a good relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government? What will you do to build that relationship?

I work well with everyone. I will work with the Mayor when it helps our district and will work against  when it is not in our district’s interest. I will be an independent Councilor.

QUESTION #14: Over the last two years, there have been racist acts, anti-semitic incidents, and Hate crimes committed in the City of Framingham. How can Framingham be a more welcoming City for all? Describe your experience in being a part of or serving an underrepresented  segment of the City. What steps will you take to reduce bias and champion diversity and inclusion in Framingham?

It starts by respecting others. I am and always will be respectful of others. Will establish communication with different sectors and groups of different walks of life so we can come up with creative Solutions . It’s all about Community participation an inclusion and making sure everyone has a seat at the table 

QUESTION #15: How have you helped residents during the pandemic?

I worked to provide meals and resources to those in need.