Richard Ash

Email

AshForQuincy@gmail.com

Website and/or Social Media Links

richardashforquincy.org

richardashforquincy (IG)

https://www.facebook.com/richardashforquincy/ (FB)

Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent Quincy residents at this time? 

I am an attorney and third generation lifelong Quincy Point resident. Elected in 2023, my priorities are and continue to be advocacy, dedication and communication.

During my first term, I brought the HERO Act Veterans Tax Abatement to the City Council. The Act, signed by Governor Healey, gave municipalities increased options to save veterans’ money on their taxes. The Council adopted the highest option after I introduced the legislation. Further, I re-wrote the city’s Sex Offender Ordinance in light of constitutionality issues with the previous version and recent case law.

I also cite my work on the Granite Links Lease Extension as a highlight of my first term in office. Specifically, I requested that the option to purchase be struck from the Lease and negotiated terms that make the contract more beneficial to the taxpayers. In addition to cutting the City Councillors' salaries as proposed, I also recently revised the ordinances on future pay increases for elected officials' salaries (delaying the yearly increases from taking place). Finally, I introduced legislation for the City to adopt a Public Arts & Place Making Program and Commission.

My personal and professional background make him the best person for this position. I have deep personal, familial roots within the area. I previously served as the President of the Ward 2 Civic Association, and remain on the Board. My professional experience as a civil litigation attorney at Baker Braverman Barbadoro P.C. brings a necessary skillset to the Council, which has made many of these highlights possible.

What three issues are you most concerned about, and if elected, how will you address them?

Smart Development - I continue to stress and advocate for smart development and public participation. Namely, the proposal for the project at 10 Independence Ave is a strong example of promoting constituents’ thoughts and opinions. I held at least three community meetings and attended four public hearings on the proposal. The project now represents more of the residents' taste and ideas. Similar proposals have been revised after my community meetings – including but not limited to 506 South, 41 Moore, and 35 Main St. I like to promote commercial activity on the main roads and work hard to keep our neighborhoods quiet.

Community Projects and Engagement - Significant progress has been made on the Fore River Club House Rehabilitation and at Faxon Park. The FRCH Roof was replaced this summer, and there are ongoing discussions about exciting programming coming to the building afterwards. Further, the pickle ball courts at Faxon Park should be open for use soon, and bathrooms have been installed. Finally, Southern Artery is on track to be repaved this year by National Grid, after which the Traffic Department’s safety grant will be put to use. These projects are made possible by hardworking department heads and my persistent communication with everyone involved to ensure projects progress and resources are allocated to them. Further, I remain dedicated to the senior population and continues to advocate for the senior buildings in the Ward – namely 1000 Southern Artery and Pagnano Towers.

Communication - Notwithstanding specific legislation, development, or neighborhood projects, I send out newsletters, host office hours, and appear on QATV every season. I take pride in emailing and circulating helpful information and addressing any and all constituent issues in a timely manner.

If elected, what steps will you take to ensure responsiveness and clear communication between you and the Quincy community?

See above. Continuing to email out Council updates and City news regularly, holding quarterly community meetings and sending out seasonal newsletters, being responsive to all calls/emails and transparent with information in a timely manner.

What do you plan to do about Quincy’s $1.6 billion debt? 

Continue to advocate for our taxpayers and review/question the City Budget.

What do you think is the most important role of being a City Councillor? 

Communication, and being an honest, fair and hardworking liaison between the City and the taxpayer.

What will you do to increase civic participation and voter turnout in Quincy? 

Send reminders to constituents and residents re voting dates/times and deadlines.

Will you advocate for the City Council to allow the opportunity for public comment at every City Council meeting?

Yes