2 days ago
John Stefanini seeks return to Framingham MA City Council. Why he says he should win
One of Framingham's longest-serving elected public officials is seeking a return to the City Council.
John Stefanini, who represented District 8 on the council before being defeated by Leslie White Harvey in the 2023 city election, has pulled papers to reclaim the seat. In an interview with the Daily News, he said he's running due to unmet issues in Framingham's south side.
'South Framingham has had a backlog of issues that have not been addressed for a long period of time,' Stefanini said. He said those concerns include getting school busing under control; building the new south side school; revitalizing Lake Waushakum; expanding Cushing Memorial Park; and expanding the trails in South Framingham.
Stefanini also called for government to become more transparent. He announced his intent to run on Facebook, saying that "the chaos in Washington is creeping into our backyards. ICE raids, threats to our school funding, and uncertainty about health care and it's unacceptable. We need a strong, unwavering voice in Framingham to stand up for our values. We need to build a community where everyone feels safe, respected and valued."
In wake of his loss to White Harvey two years ago, Stefanini said he plans more outreach in Precinct 6 (an area that includes Farm Pond, Cushing Memorial Park and parts of the Coburnville neighborhood) this year.
2023 Framingham election: Leslie White Harvey defeats defeats Stefanini in District 8 race
'I need to spend more time going door to door, talking to people, listening and doing the things I need to do,' he said. 'The biggest challenge I had two years ago were pieces of the district that were brand-new (after Census-related redistricting). All of Precinct 6 was brand-new to the district, which I hadn't represented before, and I didn't obviously do enough outreach because it was the only piece of the district that I didn't do so well.'
Besides door knocking, Stefanini pointed out that 47% of Framingham has lived in the city for 10 years or less.
'That means there are a lot of new folks looking for ways to become part of and involved and integrated into the community, and we need to do more," he said. "I need to do more to help build community."
As of June 11, White Harvey had yet to pull papers for reelection. She did not return a voicemail on Wednesday.
Stefanini is a staple in Framingham's political scene. He previously served on the Board of Selectmen from 1991 to 1997. He was a state representative from 1992 to 2001.
Stefanini was a member of the panel that helped write and create Framingham's city charter, which changed Framingham into a city in January 2018. Stefanini ran to become Framingham's first mayor in the November 2017 election, but lost to Yvonne Spicer.
OPINION: Stefanini says city must refine its charter, focus on the future
Framingham's biennial election is Nov. 4. All nine district city councilor seats are up for election; the two at-large seats are four-year terms, and are not up for reelection until 2027.
Nomination papers are available at the City Clerk's Office. Papers must be returned by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Former Framingham City Councilor Stefanini is running to reclaim seat
