12th Middlesex State Representative candidates Bill Humphrey, Rick Lipof, and Greg Schwartz (photo: NewTV)
For the third time in two weeks, the three Democratic candidates for the open 12th Middlesex House seat met to make their case to district voters. The three candidates — City Councilor Bill Humphrey, City Councilor Rick Lipof and former City Councilor Greg Schwartz — highlighted their experience and campaign themes. The forum, sponsored by the Newton and Brookline League of Women Voters and NewTV, was pre-recorded at the station on June 27 with no audience.
NewTV’s Newton News Director Jenn Adams moderated the hour-long program, asking questions submitted in advance by members of the Newton League of Women Voters. According to Sharyn Roberts — who leads the LWVN Voter Service program and coordinated the fora for both the 11th and 12th districts — the League solicited questions through its newsletter and website and from the Brookline League’s Executive Committee, Board, and Voter Service Committee.
Ms. Adams began by asking the candidates about their reasons for running, relevant experience, communication, and transparency. Each candidate was invited to introduce himself and his qualifications.
Bill Humphrey, who serves as Vice President of the Newton City Council’s Programs and Services Committee and sits on the Finance Committee, described himself as a media and campaign consultant. He said, “Massachusetts should be a Commonwealth for everyone and a beacon for the nation.” He counted among his accomplishments tree protection reform, the recent Electrification Ordinance for new and major renovation projects, and his ongoing support of the Green New Deal. Among his campaign priorities is greater transparency in voting on Beacon Hill. As a City Councilor, he said, he is grounded in his community and getting back to people. He communicates with constituents with a regular newsletter.
Rick Lipof, who has served on the…