David Jacobs
Ward 1 City Council Candidate
Davidjacobs1986@gmail.com
Website and/or Social Media Links
Jacobsforquincy.com
Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent Quincy residents at this time?
I am the best candidate for City Council because I will be a true advocate for the people of our ward. My priority is direct outreach to constituents—meeting residents where they are, listening to their concerns, and making sure their voices shape local decisions. I believe that transparency and public participation are the foundation of a healthy democracy, which is why I will push for open council meetings that include meaningful public comment and input.
Far too often, decisions that affect our neighborhoods are made without the community’s voice. I will fight to change that. I will also work tirelessly to bring fiscal responsibility to city government. With rising costs and limited resources, we need a councillor who will curb wasteful spending, prioritize core services, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely. I won’t rubber-stamp decisions. I will ask tough, necessary questions of the administration—questions that too often go unasked on the current council.
This city deserves leadership that is responsive, accountable, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. I am running to bring energy, integrity, and a renewed focus on the people of our ward. Together, we can make city government work for everyone.
What three issues are you most concerned about, and if elected, how will you address them?
Three of the most pressing issues I’m concerned about are the city’s growing $1.41 billion debt, the lack of independence and oversight from the City Council, and rising taxes that are pricing out both young families and longtime residents.
First, Quincy’s $1.41 billion debt is unsustainable. While responsible borrowing can support necessary infrastructure, we are now at a point where future budgets—and taxpayers—are at risk. If elected, I will demand more transparency in how money is borrowed and spent. I will advocate for long-term financial planning, greater public involvement in capital projects, and a shift away from costly, non-essential spending.
Second, the City Council must be an independent body from the administration. Right now, too many decisions are made without real debate, and tough questions are simply not being asked. If elected, I will bring a fresh perspective and a willingness to challenge proposals that lack clarity, justification, or public support. I will push for greater accountability at every level.
Third, I am deeply concerned about rising property taxes. They are making it harder for young people to stay in Quincy and for seniors to remain in the homes they’ve lived in for decades. I will fight to protect our seniors with expanded property tax relief and work to ease the burden on working families by opposing unnecessary spending and demanding fiscal responsibility.
Ultimately, I’m running to give our community a stronger voice. We need a councillor who will ask the hard questions, stand up for taxpayers, and restore balance and transparency to city government.
If elected, what steps will you take to ensure responsiveness and clear communication between you and the Quincy community?
If elected, I will make responsiveness and clear communication with the Quincy community a top priority. Too often, residents are left in the dark about what’s happening at City Hall. I believe that transparency builds trust, and I’m committed to keeping Ward 1 informed and engaged.
I will regularly post updates online through social media and my website, including summaries of City Council discussions and votes, updates on local projects, and notices about upcoming meetings or community events. Following every City Council meeting, I will send out a newsletter twice a month to recap important issues, explain my positions, and share how residents can get involved.
To stay connected face-to-face, I will host neighborhood office hours at least twice a month. These informal meetings will rotate throughout Ward 1 to make it easy for residents in every part of the ward to attend. I’ll listen to concerns, answer questions, and work with residents to find solutions.
For those who prefer one-on-one conversations, I’ll offer scheduled appointments that can be booked directly through my website. Whether you want to talk about a sidewalk repair, a zoning issue, or a bigger policy concern, I’ll be available and accessible.
Responsive, open government starts with communication, and I will ensure Ward 1 always has a voice—and a councillor who listens.
What do you plan to do about Quincy’s $1.6 billion debt?
Quincy’s $1.6 billion debt is a serious concern that threatens the city’s financial stability and burdens current and future taxpayers. If elected, I will take a proactive and responsible approach to addressing this issue.
First, I will ask the tough questions that are not currently being asked. Every spending proposal, bond request, and capital project must be scrutinized—residents deserve to know exactly where their money is going and why. I will push for greater transparency in budgeting and demand justification for all major expenditures.
Second, I will advocate for cost-cutting measures that protect essential services while eliminating waste. This includes taking a hard look at recent pay raises. It is unacceptable to increase the mayor’s and city councillors’ salaries while cutting programs that benefit students, such as the fashion program at Quincy High School. I will work to repeal those raises and rein in the growth of political appointments and administrative overhead.
We need to focus our resources on core services—education, public safety, infrastructure—and stop funding pet projects and creating high-paid positions that don’t directly serve the public.
Tackling the city’s debt will take courage, discipline, and leadership. I’m ready to step up and be the independent voice Ward 1 needs to hold City Hall accountable and ensure Quincy’s financial future is secure.
What do you think is the most important role of being a City Councillor?
The most important role of a city councillor in Quincy is to listen—truly listen—to the people they represent. Too often, councillors enter debates with their minds already made up, giving little to no voice to opposing views or the concerns raised by constituents. That’s not representative government—it’s performance.
When I knock on doors, I don’t lead with a speech. I ask questions. I listen. Being a councillor should be no different. We must be willing to bring all perspectives—especially those we disagree with—into public debate. Unfortunately, this isn’t happening in Quincy today. Civic groups like A Just Quincy, Quincy Votes, and WeVoters submit thoughtful questions and concerns to the council, only to be ignored or dismissed as “naysayers.” But these are residents—active, engaged ones—who often represent the 45% of voters who turn out and the many more who don’t feel heard.
Ignoring these voices deepens public distrust and weakens our democracy. The current council and administration could be building coalitions and solving real problems together—but instead, they rely on low voter turnout to push through a narrow agenda.
If elected, I will change that. I’ll listen first, and I’ll speak up for everyone—not just the well-connected few.
What will you do to increase civic participation and voter turnout in Quincy?
Increasing civic participation and voter turnout in Quincy is essential to building a more representative and responsive local government. I’ve spent the last 25 years working on campaigns at every level—local, state, and federal—and one pattern is clear: low turnout benefits incumbents and insiders. That’s why many in power ignore or dismiss groups like Quincy Votes, A Just Quincy, and WeVoters—because these organizations challenge the status quo and empower everyday residents.
As a candidate, I welcome the work of these civic groups and believe the city should work with them, not silence them. I will uplift their efforts, highlight their work, and stand alongside them to expand voter access and engagement.
If elected, I’ll take the time to meet with voters who have felt shut out of the system and work to bring them back into the process. This won’t be easy or cheap—but it’s necessary. I’ll also support initiatives like voter education workshops, and expanded language access to ensure everyone has a voice.
A healthy democracy depends on informed, active citizens. I won’t just tolerate civic participation—I’ll fight to expand it and make sure every voice in Quincy is heard.
Will you advocate for the City Council to allow the opportunity for public comment at every City Council meeting?
Yes