Thank you for electing me as your next State Representative!

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<h3>Greg Schwartz Campaign Kickoff for State Rep</h3>Greg Schwartz held a campaign kickoff event this week at the Women’s Club in Newton Highlands.

Video - Kickoff

<h3>Rep. Ruth B. Balser endorses Greg</h3>"Just as I drew on my experience as a clinical psychologist and became a leader on mental health issues, I know that Greg as a physician will be a great champion to meet the challenges we face in healthcare today."

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Greg's district includes Newton’s Ward 5, Ward 6, Ward 7 Precinct 1, and Ward 8; and within the Town of Brookline, Precincts 5, 13A, 14, and 15. Sections bolded on the maps below.

12th Middlesex

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<h2>Dear friends,</h2><h3>We had a tremendous victory at the polls, thanks to you. </h3>I am excited to have been elected the Democratic nominee for State Representative for 12th Middlesex district. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/2557ba77-9285-4bfd-a618-a64cccef937a/634c69ef-bb8b-4b53-95ae-905710508636/b9b9cd4b-1d1e-436d-9900-c86275c2ffe3.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=139%2C432%2C3848%2C1030&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="37.5" variant="framed"><h4>I am so honored you have entrusted me with this responsibility. </h4>I am proud that we ran an issues-oriented campaign, and I am grateful to the other candidates for a hard-fought and vigorous election season. I want to thank my family and my amazing wife Gloria, my supporters, my endorsers, colleagues and neighbors for their incredible support and commitment. Most of all, I want to thank outgoing Representative Ruth Balser. I couldn't have done it without your trust and support. And to my dedicated team of campaign staff: Jack, Risha, and my daughters Emily and Sarah — you guys are the best. <h4>I can’t wait to get started working on the issues facing the Commonwealth and our municipalities, especially those that affect the health and well-being of all of us. Your faith in me and my commitment to taking care of our community means the world to me.</h4>With gratitude,<img src="https://run.imgix.net/2557ba77-9285-4bfd-a618-a64cccef937a/531de39f-eac0-4e2e-b4b2-2401de4e025b/be14bfee-0488-473d-b0f6-a1cceee31a83.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=65%2C150%2C3961%2C2081&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="right" variant="base">

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<h2>Privacy Policy</h2>This Privacy Policy describes how your personal information is collected, used, and shared when you visit <a href="http://www.davidmicley.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.teamschwartz.org</a> (the “Site”).​PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECTWhen you visit the Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies that are installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Site, we collect information about the individual web pages or products that you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Site, and information about how you interact with the Site. We refer to this automatically-collected information as “Device Information.”We collect Device Information using the following technologies:<ul><li>&nbsp;“Cookies” are data files that are placed on your device or computer and often include an anonymous unique identifier. For more information about cookies, and how to disable cookies, visit <a href="http://www.allaboutcookies.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">http://www.allaboutcookies.org</a>.</li><li>“Log files” track actions occurring on the Site, and collect data including your IP address, browser type, Internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps.</li><li>“Web beacons,” “tags,” and “pixels” are electronic files used to record information about how you browse the Site.</li></ul>Additionally when you submit a form or make or donation through the Site, we collect certain information from you, including your name, billing address, email address, and phone number. We refer to this information as “Order Information.”When we talk about “Personal Information” in this Privacy Policy, we are talking both about Device Information and Order Information.HOW DO WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?We use this Order Information to:<ul><li>Communicate with you;</li><li>Screen our orders for potential risk or fraud; and</li><li>When in line with the preferences you have shared with us, provide you with information or advertising relating to our products or services.</li></ul>We use the Device Information that we collect to help us screen for potential risk and fraud (in particular, your IP address), and more generally to improve and optimize our Site (for example, by generating analytics about how our customers browse and interact with the Site, and to assess the success of our marketing and advertising campaigns), and may use this information to provide retargeting advertising at a later date.SHARING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATIONOur organization maintains strict privacy policies to protect the personal information of our users obtained for text message communications. This information is never sold, rented, released, or traded to others without prior consent or legal obligation. Any sharing of information with third parties is solely for the purpose of fulfilling the organization's obligations to the user. We guarantee that it will never be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.OPT-OUTSMS Opt-Out: If you are receiving text messages from us and wish to stop receiving them, simply respond with either “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE” to the number from which you received the message. Once we receive your message, you will no longer receive further text messages from us.​DO NOT TRACKPlease note that we do not alter our Site’s data collection and use practices when we see a Do Not Track signal from your browser.YOUR RIGHTS IN EUROPEIf you are a European resident, you have the right to access personal information we hold about you and to ask that your personal information be corrected, updated, or deleted. If you would like to exercise this right, please contact us through the contact information below.Additionally, if you are a European resident we note that we are processing your information in order to fulfill contracts we might have with you (for example if you make an order through the Site), or otherwise to pursue our legitimate business interests listed above. Additionally, please note that your information will be transferred outside of Europe, including to Canada and the United States.DATA RETENTIONWhen you place an order through the Site, we will maintain your Order Information for our records unless and until you ask us to delete this information.MINORSThe Site is not intended for individuals under the age of 18 by election day.CHANGESWe may update this privacy policy from time to time in order to reflect, for example, changes to our practices or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons.CONTACT USFor more information about our privacy practices, if you have questions, or if you would like to make a complaint, please contact us by email at <a href="mailto:micleyfornewton@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">team@teamschwartz.org</a>

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<h2>Early In-Person Voting &amp; Election Day</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/2557ba77-9285-4bfd-a618-a64cccef937a/3b2d5511-3851-4a13-a7c6-4ad973b53f30/3b2d5511-3851-4a13-a7c6-4ad973b53f30.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C512%2C512&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="base">Newton: Early voting is usually every day the week before Election Day. Details <a href="https://www.newtonma.gov/government/elections" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.Brookline: Details <a href="https://www.brooklinema.gov/1761/Early-Voting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>Vote on Election Day! Go to your normal polling place on Tuesday, September 3 (Not sure where your polling location is? <a href="https://www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/WhereDoIVote/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a>.)Do you need a ride to the polls? <a href="mailto:team@teamschwartz.org?subject=Need%20ride%20to%20the%20polls" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a> and we will get you there!

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Debates

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<h3>Climate &amp; Environment Forum</h3>Candidate forum on climate change and the environment sponsored by Green Newton, 350 Mass Newton Node and Mothers Out Front Newton.

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<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on. Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.

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All change starts at the grassroots — with volunteers like you. No act is too small. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word about our campaign, we appreciate any and all help. Please fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch soon.Join #TeamGreg!

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<h2>Greg is a Physician &amp; Lawyer</h2>Greg is a primary care physician at Brigham, practicing medicine for 25 years. If elected, Greg would be the only medical doctor in the entire 200-person legislature. For a body tasked with solving some of our pressing healthcare issues, it's vital to have someone with insider experience to take on the issue — especially in light of the Steward collapse and all that's coming to light about how the executives <a href="https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/us-healthcare-firm-embroiled-in-malta-corruption-scandal-spent-millions-on-private-spies" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">spent money on spies instead of patients</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/07/12/steward-health-care-executive-payouts-bankruptcy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stuffed their own pockets</a>&nbsp;before filing for bankruptcy. In combination with his medical degree, Greg has a law degree from Yale which means he understands making legislation legally effective. Combined, his background guides his philosophy and clinical problem-solving approach of understanding and empathizing with those affected by an issue and consulting scientists and other experts to determine the best possible solution with the people in mind.&nbsp;

<h2>How to handle donations on your website</h2>Run does not process donations directly on our platform, as is standard with most political and advocacy sites. Sign up with a dedicated donation processor and then on your Pages sidebar, click the Link icon on the Donate page and add the link to your donation page. Some common options for donation processing include:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://secure.actblue.com/">ActBlue</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://goodchange.app/">GoodChange</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://numero.ai/">Numero.ai</a></li></ul>

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We had a tremendous victory at the polls, thanks to you! I am so honored you have entrusted me with this responsibility.

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<h2>My Background</h2><h3>I grew up in New York, where my parents instilled in me the values of public service and compassion.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/2557ba77-9285-4bfd-a618-a64cccef937a/9d25be53-a9de-43d9-b6f9-fd08041fc205/9d25be53-a9de-43d9-b6f9-fd08041fc205.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=21%2C13%2C599%2C789&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="right" variant="base">My father was an early leader in the New York Reform Democratic movement that wrested control from the old-line city boss machine in the 1950s. I am told I was present (in a baby carriage) when they campaigned (successfully) against an ill-conceived Robert Moses-inspired plan to replace Riverside Park with a 8-lane superhighway along the West Side of Manhattan.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/2557ba77-9285-4bfd-a618-a64cccef937a/258b9417-9ceb-4e8b-b6c8-30f489b93576/258b9417-9ceb-4e8b-b6c8-30f489b93576.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=18%2C0%2C775%2C711&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="32.5" variant="base">After graduating from Harvard College with a major in Government, I spent a one-year fellowship working for a member of Parliament in London, which gave me the opportunity to see the comparative advantages of the US political system. I moved to Washington, DC, and after a year with a public interest group advocating tobacco control policies, I took a job working for Congressman Jim Scheuer (D-NY) as a legislative aide, responding to constituent concerns and analyzing legislation.<h4>After these experiences, I knew I wanted to be in a career where I could be helping people directly (medicine) while also having a say in the laws and policies affecting public health (law). I decided to pursue both, attending Yale University where I received both my MD and my JD in 1998.</h4>I met my wife in law school and, after living in Brookline and JP, we moved to Newton Highlands to raise our children here.I have served as a primary care physician for nearly 25 years at Mass General and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. As an attending physician, I provide primary care to my patients in the clinic and, when they get ill, on the hospital inpatient wards. I also teach residents and medical students, and serve on administrative committees in the hospital to advocate for our patients.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/2557ba77-9285-4bfd-a618-a64cccef937a/ffb1bd71-7484-49d9-b424-5fe85b84b2f8/ffb1bd71-7484-49d9-b424-5fe85b84b2f8.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=12%2C12%2C796%2C811&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="35" variant="base"><h3>In 2010, I ran for the Newton Board of Aldermen (now the City Council), because I was alarmed at the state of our roads, sidewalks, and school buildings.</h3>I was humbled by the experience of representing the voters of Newton for eight years, including in a leadership position as the chair of the Land Use Committee. As a city councilor, I strongly supported numerous clean energy initiatives, the preservation of open space at Webster Woods, the approval of senior housing projects, and the ordinance raising the tobacco age to 19.<h4>Advocacy is a central part of my role as a physician.</h4>I advocated for healthcare reform as a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society’s House of Delegates and public health committees, and I helped lead an effort to amend the Massachusetts state constitution to establish a right to health insurance. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I have engaged in the American College of Physicians’ advocacy days in both Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/2557ba77-9285-4bfd-a618-a64cccef937a/12efdce6-61f0-460c-971c-3310b975d6fc/12efdce6-61f0-460c-971c-3310b975d6fc.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=12%2C10%2C752%2C869&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="32" tiltdirection="left" variant="base">I am the proud dad of two daughters: a 10th grader at Newton South High School, and a Newton South graduate now a first year student at Harvard.<h4>I am the only candidate in this race with a proven track record across healthcare, law, legislative advocacy, elected representation and constituent services. I will work every day to fight for you and for the district.</h4><h3>I ask for your vote on September 3 so I can be your voice on Beacon Hill.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/2557ba77-9285-4bfd-a618-a64cccef937a/4cbbb4d9-fa31-41dd-8811-2b2b15bf883c/fe719e54-a779-4f4e-beb9-a18f764e97c4.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=182%2C205%2C3728%2C1938&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="right" variant="base">

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<h2>Vote By Mail</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/2557ba77-9285-4bfd-a618-a64cccef937a/43de4287-18ed-48b8-9ad5-6691acaa3d45/43de4287-18ed-48b8-9ad5-6691acaa3d45.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C363%2C400&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="base">Newton: Fill out <a href="https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/95526/638090258452900000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this vote by mail application</a> and follow the instructions <a href="https://www.newtonma.gov/government/elections/absentee-voting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.Brookline: Fill out <a href="https://www.brooklinema.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39540/Vote-by-Mail-Application-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this vote by mail application</a> and follow the instructions <a href="https://www.brooklinema.gov/2359/Vote-by-Mail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.<ul><li>Last Day to Register to Vote for the September Primary: August 24 by 5 PM</li><li>Application Deadline to Vote by Mail: August 26 by 5 PM</li><li>Election Day: All ballots must be received by 8 PM to be counted.</li></ul>

Dozens of local leaders are standing together!

"We are proud to endorse Greg for State Rep!"

Newton City Council

Stephen Farrell

Chair of Newton Citizens commission on Energy

Halina Brown

Tarik Lucas

Harvard Professor of Health Care Policy

Nancy Keating, MD

John Oliver

Brookline Town Meeting

Richard Nangle

Rena Getz

Julia Malakie

Brookline Select Board

Paul Warren

Alan Lobovits

Pam Wright

Newton School Committee

Paul Levy

Brookline Community Leader

Marilyn Ray Smith

Randy Block

Brookline Town meeting; School Committee Member

Carolyn Thall

Newton Community leader

Dave Friedman

Newton Community Leader

Qingli Jiang

Fmr Ward 6 Democratic City Committee chair

Barbara John

Arisa Boit

Brookline Community Member

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Greg's running to represent: Newton Ward 5, Ward 6, Ward 7 Precinct 1, and Ward 8 Brookline, Precincts 5, 13A, 14, and 15Not sure which district you're in? <a href="https://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a> to find out.Not sure whether you are registered? Find your status <a href="https://itqoyagab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GiZtVpW8L4UbLW2LcB-ZOE8nhJSqMDuD8hjOrB-ZCW15pNFPrVAbtaKdLuW29xXWKVbo13nNpBVDU2loyeTjFSTMnQtMnoVdSrUrsqedAMuvg5lCKD397i03HgFOztndBzm8I4DJlE_LoEpQNl-RPfBZ7oGGcF957jba2X8LYmx4lijz3CEtxGC3nm_YPEhCT-RCr6I-bMj9z_plpAoVNC2-ogefTbuYuldjI7izqDxkUEn2ta8XM6tYZVX74ZXxpfEp8C5GlDEAo12caFEjA2pKhhL2tozisV60Eua8rbTiRyx1rxrv1HVyC1OO4mZCD3e6Mao9OV7fftr563Y-NbzxVUBxQyaA7lnLge2GWjjvUH2rb9xMUC1VLJ2Z2evEF8CkCjkJn98VhB4uzHltN8LkglXOoONCxLjRNRhZqLhuwOhryoawOKWUZrL6DBgHJEspEWFVEgIUELwCLHySaVu6MHLVCty6VJhYnqdmSv4orjtDTRFs5iN_oV039wcbJRXkaRzKek1jxx4Z-Jo5I__KprYs5NS4v2UWWhY3iVcy_T_-Nar7XTAGSnJ4QUy493PhvVeZ7pwNzy1nIwgZNshiG_3tsIEXVLkHi7L6fbcbjJbs3nEbI_VdoA4rlvqsGhWK-P3y8lHxdh6wDvAnuCy625Nm8ESMCh-ArVdJf2kgRRpp6KezmXOEmF3tppQ5EYzGGVxv-KcTTJeOya9i587SFRb73RPZ7y0VcaPXfEtpYjoyLUcgG_SiYGvHIt0UqPIxpmsP1BvNHY8FseKPPaiHFeQq7WpGnhaWObiZS-UINH8_2eB-_3V84sU0X9q9DVqiyEN-8Bv00RaIzqzuvuC65Pchn_-cjW7ILJSLvQ9M8Zw-S2SH8qZVrs4P-xiO5g-iGl7t2MrPmf8YjK1Of_MGZo50HCXSFtPZB7-khB5wh_ZxihQAgtlugWiFATEgGQPyBdigju2Ra9QyK7CgGiPpYZiKg4aYV3jZ2PtypAMzCB5A7OrbTeV-oqBYgAMdZtq06i5OSdfgezZLhSvc673pQcDwCp5PVZQRpu_LdTjCz8BK3Cx7qXLSFlnnrobH5HTnH-QV3ERrjuHzKcpAfjfkoMRDlV4bZe8pjiQ68TcDX76GXIYzHgwNK1gNz0cxztJKGU5cV0RTuHh67zW-_JjEQIf9SUT2MYFo7D4-aRAQdZJytwiNNP-Alpln4QHTMWkSx-eX5ihaz7vQK2gtMg==&amp;c=y6MbBh-_fi8q78TGVXKaL0qWjkC_lXuf8bDzFEgYOgln8LhAl9thFQ==&amp;ch=N1nWNvyU2CxQTfRZ3TBwVmWuq-ylbjreTqnRzhjQNgbe5oWSkOj2WA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>. Not registered? Register online <a href="https://itqoyagab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GiZtVpW8L4UbLW2LcB-ZOE8nhJSqMDuD8hjOrB-ZCW15pNFPrVAbtaKdLuW29xXWMH9jGKr_iAxU3814bh_HvmveQ9H-WsECcjo36ng8jIMk1j9LTjHlv77jiHJoHEoM8v9kFTgAEAqarVEhOfggLO9RVS6NFoY2qfRfOZtElt_XTkFDhrymTgDTsqodVK1lBPbYUP2mJQHVGvJe6Q_AaIp4DpE-V3F2rwrf9XrPjeB9-wY4m_XY9JOMdxhaf0FhONVHKZCS0ymcuMSz5U_3SlkVEOfOHVWk3CeFd9EUlu6fXYZnsut3lYsvEDbMq9392z_x5sqgTz_TAx0VivdyfPYLkfR2il2wuT-_ArGz-MJ3LQ4H56QNTsM8t35TTK83gmEeZxH95oCes3J5G4ZJAkkNrbhMyee4R_YpmBZ3DnYr6Bv75fF-6qt7gGyrrWiseFAodPg6t3YxofPl7-232ZTPlRwCC0Wo5lbiY4MC9KCGV8HBjvNn5XF5-nLh_-7WKhDNHHzXWBt2bHPc5bXVCrx7S5S3oQodq71XSUxXJLzD0HuD1mJea27muQUqGze_5DpgB-BBLCt1L1HdCWd3FtBDCxULnY3xeugj8GDo91_Cf_kkTjkxDmXg3zrDDfAmjM7hwiMzZ0q_u3o8MuaEaAbgW73H6j3AF0oGSuNrq0HXgG6zAmEkWX4IfVuZ61Yr749r76szLcSN0vM8GwS2IZb2EK3XA1Rk1_SvEdVWS9kFgZ3qZcyZkE7X66vJ-SDPXxXZOEV4EKYZ4DAPKxEa0QrxArIcb7U8TQhMxnc9iocyXQzylbco1Sc1LrQIt5EPQRSvL7nD5kkM3tyKvz7zc4_fAF3vzBl0HriclrLFbhTqebeblzooTdVPBLxKzWWr4_dP0BN9MKCePJYPZXSMLKjSsoMLJPny0io7KWFs1-0UrYJFkjPjsk6mS3_VTWaYC3NZEBkWM0Mm-4pV0QlweH_PsADidJ_3ZSxnVj6DaKe49kJBCA2CuGXVF2MVUB1cGna140q8l9fPf0_cfkrAtRIv4SzzwieqsW7kLYQJ2HQ-2nQLz02tbNIIo1wWa3QPWYCrTmKkaBL7IQn2bFGj1Ej53D4IqBQtlJU4y5taxgPQuyMNJKN2LW9aex0tMn36fFcJ13WiJTXUoc9nVzPSDmHmt2Ijq5fxoIz8uctcrYE=&amp;c=y6MbBh-_fi8q78TGVXKaL0qWjkC_lXuf8bDzFEgYOgln8LhAl9thFQ==&amp;ch=N1nWNvyU2CxQTfRZ3TBwVmWuq-ylbjreTqnRzhjQNgbe5oWSkOj2WA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD

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"Greg is the dedicated and experienced leader we need in the state legislature. I urge you to join me in voting for Greg on Sept. 3rd" — Rep. Ruth B. Balser

If elected, I will be the only medical doctor in the entire Massachusetts State Legislature. Our state legislature plays a significant role in regulating all aspects of healthcare, from cost to access to quality. Every day, I see the limitations of our system: people not being able to access a primary care doctor or specialist, patients left waiting in the ER for care, people putting off care due to being uninsured or underinsured, just to name a few. I am uniquely qualified, eager, and ready to tackle and solve these issues.

<h3>Debate hosted by League of Women Voters</h3>Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Brookline and Newton and NewTV.

Video - LWV

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<h2>Gath Pool Reopening</h2>Thank you to Rep Khan for her work in securing state funds to aid the project. I hope to carry on her and Rep Balser’s legacy of advocating for local budgetary needs at the state level!

<h2>Stephen Farrell</h2>Newton City Councilor Stephen Farrell showed me a localized flooding issue near Wells Ave in Newton this afternoon. As State Representative I will lead on helping our communities address the impacts of climate change, including flooding.

<h2>Independence Day Festivities!</h2>Happy Independence Day! I had a blast scooping ice cream and speaking with friends and voters at the NCE’s Kids’ Morning at the Newton Centre Bowl and the Mass Dems tent in the Albemarle Open Air Markets!

Announcement

<h3>Mass Dems Library Debate</h3>The three candidates answered questions about experience, transparency, public transportation, and establishing working relationships in the Legislature. Moderated by Democratic State Committee Secretary Joe Kaplan.

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“Our role on the city council and certainly our role as state legislature is not to be rubber stamps.” Schwartz said. “We need to think independently, even when it takes some courage.”

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Middlesex 12th candidates meet at library to continue a series of debates

An enthusiastic crowd of more than 60 people filled the Women’s Club in Newton Highlands on June 11 as Dr. Greg Schwartz officially launched his campaign to succeed retiring State Rep. Ruth Balser, who has endorsed him.

Greg Schwartz kicks off campaign with Rep. Balser endorsement

Mr. President, We are truly indebted to you and the unprecedented progress of your administration. From expanding healthcare coverage, to aggressively combating climate change, to controlling prescription drug pricing to put people over profits, and fighting against antisemitism, we will always be grateful. I applaud your leadership, strength, and sacrifice, and I wish you the best in your next chapter. Thank you.With hope, Greg

As President Biden withdraws his candidacy, I applaud his strength and sacrifice, and the compassion and grace he always showed in his leadership. Like Joe Biden, I am ready to fight to elect Kamala Harris as our next President; her story is an inspiration for me, Gloria and our daughters, as we too are an Asian-Jewish family.

Thank you, President Biden

Massachusetts was recently ranked <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/most-educated-states-2024-schools-massachusetts-wallethub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the most educated state</a> – yet again. We are where <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/first-public-school-america/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">public education started</a>. Our students routinely <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/student-resources/which-states-have-the-highest-standardized-test-scores/#:~:text=policies%20and%20reforms.-,Massachusetts,achieved%20the%20same%20in%20reading." target="_blank" rel="noopener">rank among the top scorers</a> compared to all other states. We have much to be proud of, and in fact our commitment to education is a key reason people move here or choose to stay here.While we can take pride in what is going well, we must continue to focus on areas in need of improvement. Too many of our students across the Commonwealth are not achieving their full potential, <a href="https://commonwealthbeacon.org/education/in-wake-of-pandemic-mass-achievement-gap-has-widened/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">especially in the wake of the pandemic</a>. The cost to attend our flagship public university is <a href="https://www.umass.edu/admissions/cost-attend" target="_blank" rel="noopener">too high</a>. Childcare costs are <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/child-care-costs-by-state" target="_blank" rel="noopener">higher here than any other state</a>.<ul><li>The Fair Share amendment, approved by voters in 2022, is generating <a href="https://massbudget.org/2023/08/15/your-fair-share-dollars-at-work-critical-investments-and-hard-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hundreds of millions of dollars for education</a>. I will advocate that these funds be used to help our students make up for educational and mental health losses from the pandemic.</li><li>To address teacher shortages, during the pandemic DESE granted provisional teaching licenses (meaning applicants were not required to take the <a href="https://www.mtel.nesinc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MTEL</a>). I would support this type of creative approach to get more highly qualified individuals into the teaching profession. I am also excited to see that DESE has started <a href="https://educationtocareer.data.mass.gov/stories/s/The-state-of-educator-racial-diversity-in-Massachu/fm6k-958d/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">programs to recruit and retain more teachers of color</a>, and will support whatever resources are necessary for this to be successful.</li><li>I support ensuring our teachers and educational staff are well-compensated to reflect the vital importance of their work educating and supporting our young people. It is harder for cities and towns to keep up with inflation as they are limited by Proposition 2 ½. I will work to direct more resources, including from the Fair Share amendment, so that cities and towns can have the necessary funds to support education costs including personnel.</li><li>Mass voters will be asked to vote on a ballot measure this fall whether to eliminate the MCAS as a graduation requirement. Like Governor Healey and our Mass House and Senate leadership, I do not support making such a change. I believe accountability is important in any profession, including teaching. I would be open to a better way of ensuring our students are learning the basics of a high school education if a better test can be developed, but let’s have that alternative in place before eliminating the only state-mandated requirement for a high school diploma.</li><li>Legislation has been introduced that would make it legal for teachers to engage in strikes, such as the one Newton experienced over eleven days in January and February. Like Governor Healey and our State House and Senate leaders, I do not support legalizing teacher strikes. Our legislature has made it illegal for teachers and other essential public sector workers such as police and fire to go on strike because of the essential nature of their jobs. During Newton’s strike parents were left without childcare necessary for them to work, and students were left without an education. Children receiving special education services were particularly impacted. This was another blow to our children after the closure of schools during the pandemic. I support our amazing teachers and staff, but I will always put the needs of our children first.</li></ul>

I support our amazing teachers and staff, but I will always put the needs of our children first.

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

Leading with the slogan, “Let’s Put a Doctor in the House,” Dr. Greg Schwartz announced that he is running for the Democratic nomination to succeed Ruth Balser, the current representative for the 12th Middlesex District, who has announced her plan to retire at the end of this year.

Greg Schwartz Announces His Candidacy for 12th Middlesex House Seat

It is vital that we do more to protect our residents and properties from the impacts of climate change we are already experiencing: flooding, drought, extreme heat. Intense rainstorms cause flooding in our basements, streets, and parking lots: just one example was the <a href="https://figcitynews.com/2023/08/flash-floods-hits-newton-photo-gallery-videos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">August 8 storm</a> that caused dozens of cars in the Newton Free Library to be flooded. While no one is spared, the impacts of climate change fall disproportionately across the most vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth.This issue will only get worse over time, and it is vital that the state be a partner to our cities and towns in identifying solutions and providing the necessary funding to implement them.The state has an excellent program called the <a href="https://www.mass.gov/municipal-vulnerability-preparedness-mvp-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program</a> which provides funding for cities and towns to invest in climate resilience, but there is too little funding for the demand from municipalities across the Commonwealth.Here are some ideas of how I will advocate for keeping our communities safe from climate change.<ul><li>Increase funding for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program. As of 2022, the state had provided over $100M in action grants but the need is closer to $100M per year.</li><li>Join State Senator Cynthia Creem to advocate for passage of her “<a href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/SD582" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MVP Plus</a>” bill, which would provide additional funding for cities and towns who take additional steps to invest in climate resilience such as passing tree ordinances, floodplain overlay districts, and more. The bill is modeled on the extremely successful <a href="https://www.mass.gov/doc/green-communities/download" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Green Communities Program</a> which spurred nearly every community in the Commonwealth to take actions to improve energy efficiency and switch to clean energy in order to be eligible for Green Communities grants.</li><li>At this time Massachusetts does not require disclosure of past flood incidents to those buying or renting a home. North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, and New Jersey were <a href="https://nlihc.org/resource/more-states-choose-require-disclosure-flood-risks-homebuyers-and-renters#:~:text=Lawmakers%20in%20states%20across%20the,flood%20disclosure%20policies%20in%202023." target="_blank" rel="noopener">among the states</a> that passed stronger flood disclosure policies in 2023, and I would advocate for this common-sense measure to ensure homebuyers or renters are aware of these risks, and also to discourage building in flood prone areas.</li><li>At this time our communities are relying on FEMA flood maps to make development decisions. FEMA flood maps are decades out of date and not getting updated anytime soon. This means we are allowing people to build homes and businesses and municipal buildings in areas that will flood in coming years. I believe it is the government’s job to provide essential data to help people make good decisions, so I would file legislation to require the state to provide updated precipitation maps to all of our municipalities, and that development decisions take these accurate models into account.</li></ul> I look forward to bringing my unique voice as a physician to this urgent debate because our climate emergency is also a public health emergency.

No one is spared from the impacts of climate change, so it is vital that we do more to protect our residents and properties from the impacts of climate change we are already experiencing: flooding, drought, extreme heat, to name a few.

Climate Resilience

In the wake of the extremist Supreme Court voting to overturn Roe v. Wade, and continued efforts by the GOP to further constrain women’s rights to control their own bodies, it is vital that Massachusetts be a leader when it comes to reproductive rights. Not only must we safeguard the rights of women in our own state to access birth control and abortion services, we must serve as a haven for those who must cross state lines to obtain medical care and reproductive services. We also must be proactive in protecting digital privacy, so that Google searches, location information, and ovulation or period-tracking apps cannot be used as evidence of a crime.I strongly supported The ROE Act (An Act to Remove Obstacles and Expand Abortion Access) in Massachusetts, passed in December 2020, which expanded and protected reproductive rights in our state. It codified the right to abortion into state law, ensuring access regardless of potential federal changes. The law also allows abortions after 24 weeks in cases of fatal fetal anomalies or to preserve the health of the mother, lowered the age of consent for abortion from 18 to 16, and eliminated the need for parental or judicial consent for minors under 16 seeking an abortion.As a father of two daughters, this issue is personal for me. I never imagined I would see a world where my girls have fewer rights than their mother and grandmothers had.&nbsp;As a physician, this issue is personal for me, because helping my patients access reproductive services has been part of my job for over 25 years.&nbsp;Restricting reproductive rights puts women’s health at risk, as we have seen too often since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. It also limits women’s dreams in terms of education, or professional goals, or simply how they want to live their lives.

As a father of two daughters and as a doctor, I see maintaining our protection of reproductive rights and access to abortion as vital to the overall well-being of our Commonwealth.

Reproductive Rights

In a Boston Globe letter to the editor, Greg explains how PCPs are chronically undervalued.

The ills of our primary care system are spreading

The cost of housing is one of the most important challenges facing our state and our district. If you bought your house many years ago, you have benefited from astronomical increases in home valuations. However, for those who are looking to buy now, including our young people who grew up here and would like to come back to Newton or Brookline to raise their own families here, it is very hard to find a home they can afford. It’s also a challenge for older residents who wish to downsize.&nbsp; The cost of a new home, even a smaller one, is often prohibitive and is equal to or exceeds the equity accrued in their family home. For that reason I support all creative approaches to reducing the barrier to home ownership and affordable housing.&nbsp;The Legislature can have a huge impact on housing, as was shown by its passage of the MBTA Communities Act. As the next step, we should focus on investing more in affordable housing and creating incentives for lower cost, middle income units to be built and maintained.<ul><li>I strongly supported Governor Healey’s <a href="https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-unveils-4-billion-affordable-homes-act-to-increase-production-and-lower-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Affordable Homes Act</a>, which sets aside $4B in bonding funds toward housing construction, especially low and moderate income housing. The law also targets investments toward those living in public housing, by upgrading these vital units that serve the lowest income, not only to bring them up to par but also to invest in energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades such as heat pumps and electric appliances. It is an issue of climate justice that clean energy and healthy homes should not be only for the wealthy.&nbsp;</li><li>I am proud of Newton and Brookline for making it easier to build Accessory Apartments, and I supported that change as a Newton City Councilor. I am pleased the Affordable Homes Act makes this change at the state level.&nbsp;</li><li>I support giving cities and towns the authority to consider imposing a real estate transfer fee as a way to generate more funds for truly affordable housing.&nbsp; Even if it applied to only the portion of the sales price over $2M, it would generate millions of dollars for affordable housing. And such a&nbsp; state law would only authorize (not require) the city to take this step, so it would give Newton and Brookline access to another tool to provide more affordable housing in their communities.</li><li>I would urge increases in the <a href="https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-massachusetts-rental-voucher-program-mrvp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">MRVP</a> which are similar to the federal Section 8 program and help close the gap for those who can pay something for housing but need help affording market rate rents.&nbsp;</li></ul>I would advocate for increases in the <a href="https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-alternative-housing-voucher-program-ahvp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">AHVP</a> program to help those with disabilities be able to access housing.

The Legislature can have a huge impact on housing, as shown by its passage of the MBTA Communities Act. As the next step, I will focus on investing more in affordable housing and creating incentives for lower cost, middle income units.

Housing

While our country as a whole has a shockingly high death rate from guns, Massachusetts has the lowest rate of gun violence of all fifty states. This is because of our existing laws, including the recently-passed crackdown on “ghost guns”, &nbsp;and the “red flag” law which allows police or others to alert the courts if they believe someone with access to guns is a danger and should not have access to firearms.&nbsp;This issue is personal to me: As a primary care physician, I have patients who still carry bullets inside their bodies. I have a patient whose son was killed by gun violence. One of my colleagues and medical school classmates was killed by gun violence in the hospital.If elected, I will seek out any and all ways we can go further to reduce gun violence.

Gun violence is a public health epidemic that has and will have lasting impacts on the health and well-being of everyone in the nation.

Gun Control

The threat posed by climate change cannot be overstated. Nothing matters if we don’t secure a livable planet – “there is no Planet B” as the saying goes. And we have already seen climate change impacts up close and personal right here in Newton and Brookline, especially in the form of extreme heat, and more frequent and severe flooding. As a father I have seen the fear and worry in my children and their friends, wondering if they will be able to have a safe and secure future.Getting off fossil fuels, onto clean energyThe major cause of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels – for heating and cooling our buildings, for electricity, to fuel our vehicles. As a state Massachusetts has already made great strides. Remember in 2003 when then-Governor Romney promised to close the “<a href="https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/state/2003/02/07/romney-rejects-utility-s-request/50451591007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">filthy five</a>” coal plants? Well the last one was <a href="https://energycentral.com/news/biden-visiting-somerset-highlight-power-plants-move-filthy-five-clean-future" target="_blank" rel="noopener">closed in 2017</a>, not only helping with climate change but also leading to <a href="https://ilsr.org/articles/community-vision-transition-coal-sol-holyoke-mass-lena-entin-ler-73/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">much better air quality</a> for those living near the plants.Transitioning off gasFor many years, natural gas was considered a cleaner form of energy. Even many environmentalists called it a “bridge fuel.” Now we know better. If you take the leaks into account along the whole distribution system, <a href="https://ilsr.org/articles/community-vision-transition-coal-sol-holyoke-mass-lena-entin-ler-73/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gas is arguably as bad for the climate as coal</a>. There are many other problems with gas as well.<ul><li>Gas is dangerous, as we saw in the Merrimack Valley explosions of 2018. Closer to home Brookline has experienced <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/12/04/multiple-manhole-explosions-shutdown-part-route-brookline/vAIfqOYPDMK5MqIespRBKI/story.html?event=event12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gas leak explosions</a>.</li><li>Gas stoves cause indoor air pollution, harming those with asthma or respiratory disease</li><li>Gas leaks kill street trees.</li><li>Thanks to the work of <a href="https://www.mothersoutfront.org/team/massachusetts/brookline/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mothers Out Front</a> and <a href="https://www.heet.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HEET</a>, we know we have hundreds of gas leaks throughout Newton and Brookline, and they are not getting fixed anytime soon. This is warming our planet and endangering our safety.</li><li>Gas leaking is a consumer issue, because consumers pay not only for the gas that gets to their house, but also for the gas that leaks, and that they never ever use.</li></ul>So we have many reasons we must move beyond gas.But we have a challenge, in that <a href="https://isaksensolar.com/where-does-my-electricity-come-from-massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">over half</a> of our electricity in Massachusetts comes from gas, and <a href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/how-massachusetts-households-heat-their-homes#:~:text=How%20Massachusetts%20Heats,heat%20pumps%20leading%20the%20way." target="_blank" rel="noopener">over half</a> of Mass households also heat their homes with gas. To transition away from gas we need to be providing people with alternatives in the form of financial incentives that are easy to access. We also need to help people invest in energy efficiency, because the best and cheapest form of energy is the one you don’t have to use in the first place.As your State Representative, a high priority for me will be legislation to get us off gas and onto clean energy. One example is State Senator Cynthia Creem’s <a href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2105" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Future of Clean Heat bill</a>, which lowers barriers for gas companies to install clean renewable thermal energy. There will not be one silver bullet, but I will be a leader to make sure we get there and meet our state’s 2050 net zero mandate.Reducing Emissions from Buildings and TransportationIn 2022 the Mass. legislature passed the Next Generation Roadmap bill, committing Mass. to achieve at least net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.Transportation is the single largest source of GHG emissions in Massachusetts, at 40%. Buildings are the next largest source of GHG emissions, at 35%. We simply will not reach our 2050 mandate without addressing transportation and buildings.Newton and Brookline can be proud of the progress each has made in reducing emissions from these two important sectors. They have municipal aggregation programs, they have installed building and parking lot solar panels, they have invested in energy efficiency, they have invested in EVs. But there is a long way to go for Newton and Brookline to reduce emissions further, and for all our residents and businesses across Mass to do so.<ul><li>Newton’s Energy Coach should be replicated statewide. We have to make it easier to access knowledge on how to green up your home, not only for homeowners but also for contractors, because they are the ones that usually guide a homeowner or building owner on what to do. We have to make the incentives more generous, and also easier to access. It should be as easy to use Mass Save as it is to use EZ Pass!</li><li>The Mass Save program is run by our investor-owned utilities – the same ones slow-walking the transition to clean energy. In other states, nonprofits run the clean energy and energy efficiency programs. I believe we must take a hard look at our current system and decide whether Eversource and National Grid are really the right entities to be managing these programs.</li><li>EVs – The Commonwealth has a goal of 300K Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2025, but we are only at <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/06/17/science/massachusetts-next-climate-law-is-starting-to-take-shape/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">64,000</a>. We must add more charging infrastructure so people feel more comfortable making their next vehicle an EV. We must also continue to invest in rebates for new and used EVs, and continue to offer more generous incentives for low income drivers.</li><li>Public transit – We must start investing in the T instead of providing the bare minimum and then acting shocked when there are derailments, breakdowns and fires. As a Green line rider myself, I have experienced the frustration of trains being late and/or overcrowded, and it doesn’t surprise me at all that many would rather drive than use our public transit system. I strongly believe more people will take public transportation if it is reliable, affordable, frequent, safe and clean. Better public transportation will also open up more areas of the state for housing, which will help with our affordable housing problem.</li></ul>

The threat posed by climate change cannot be overstated. Nothing matters if we don’t secure a livable planet. And we have already seen climate change impacts up close and personal right here in Newton and Brookline.

Climate Change

Massachusetts has been a pioneer of LGBTQ+ rights, as the first state to legalize gay marriage, eleven years before it was legalized nationally. But there are many more actions we can take to protect our LGBTQ residents and visitors.&nbsp;One example is in the area of sex education for our students. In spring 2024, the MA state senate voted to approve the Healthy Youth Act, which would require school districts that teach sex education to follow state guidelines and include gender identity and sexual orientation. The bill was not approved by the House; I would be a strong supporter of this bill.&nbsp;Another example is the Massachusetts Parentage Act, which would protect LGBTQ+ families, and children born through surrogacy and assisted reproduction, in forming the legal bond of a parent-child relationship. The bill updates our statutes to clarify who can be a parent and how to establish parentage. This bill is critical to ensuring that all children can access the security of legal parentage, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, including through assisted reproduction and surrogacy.The MA state senate passed this bill, but it did not advance farther before the July 31, 2024 deadline of the end of the legislative formal session.&nbsp;The issue of LGBTQ+ rights is one I have worked on for many years as a doctor, providing gender-affirming care, and caring for patients who represent the spectrum of gender and sexuality. If elected I would transition this expertise to champion systemic improvements for LGBTQ+ residents of the Commonwealth.

I care for people across the spectrum of gender and sexuality — if elected, I will continue to do so at systemic level on Beacon Hill.

LGBTQ+ Rights

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VOTING DAY!

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Foreign policy is not within the state legislature’s authority, but calling out antisemitism is. I will continue to work against the rising tide of anti-Jewish hate and call on our leaders to stand up to those who apply a double standard to Israel -- whether poorly informed or badly intentioned -- because, as we are seeing in the ongoing surge in antisemitism, words have effects.Recently college campuses have echoed with chants calling for divestment from “the Zionist entity” and a free Palestine “from the river to the sea.” But there is nothing but silence about the atrocities committed by Hamas and the Jewish hostages in captivity for more than half a year. We must fight to correct the narrative, insist on moral clarity, and proudly participate in the society around us, to be seen and heard. That’s why my grandparents helped build and lead two congregations in New York, and worked with UJA and Hadassah to support the fledgling State of Israel. It’s also why I worked for two Jewish US congressmen and a British member of Parliament working to improve Congress’ support of Israel and, in Britain, change the law to allow prosecution of Nazi war criminals uncovered after the fall of the Soviet Union.Earlier this year, the ADL published its findings on the surge in antisemitism, both in the country and in our region. Unsurprisingly, 2023 was a banner year for antisemitism, with more and more brazenly confident hatemongers taking advantage of the current situation in Gaza to voice and amplify their hate-filled speech.ADL's audit of antisemitic incidents for 2023 counted 8,873 acts of hate -- more than the preceding 3 years combined. And from October 7 to December 31, there were more antisemitic incidents than in any year on record.The war in Gaza has served as an accelerant to the tinderbox that had already been laid by our recent politics of anger, distrust, and white supremacist ascendancy. A big part of the antisemitism unleashed by the war appears to be arising from the lack of moral clarity in the statements by many observers speaking about it.After a brazen, barbaric, provocative, genocidal attack on peaceful kibbutzim on October 7th, there was a brief period of regret, compassion, and support from the world for Israel’s plight. However, that quickly changed, even as reports of the barbarity of the attacks, with sexual violence and beheadings, came to light. The world, as it often does, focused on criticizing Israel and holding it to a double standard.&nbsp;Like many, I enjoy listening to NPR, BBC News, and other sources of thoughtful reporting. However, over the last six months, I can’t tell you how disappointed I’ve been at the complete imbalance between the number of times an Israeli military spokesman is grilled by the reporter about humanitarian concerns, and the few, if any, interviews with Hamas leadership about their continuing to hold hostages in captivity and their hiding among civilians and hospital staff.At this time of Passover, we celebrate our deliverance from societies where, throughout history, we faced discrimination and hardship. My great grandparents fled Russian pogroms, others fled Nazism, arriving in the US and Israel committed to the principle “Never Again.” Never will we allow such intolerance to rise and threaten us again.&nbsp;

Foreign policy is not within the state legislature’s authority, but calling out antisemitism is. I will continue to work against the rising tide of anti-Jewish hate and call on our leaders to stand up to those who apply a double standard to Israel.

Antisemitism 

Balser released a video statement on Monday morning endorsing former Newton City Councilor Greg Schwartz for the seat she’s held since the 1990s.

Balser endorses Schwartz in Middlesex 12th race

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve the voters of Newton and Brookline as State Representative, in a role that allows me to bring the perspective and experience of a practicing physician and former city councilor to policy making,” Schwartz said in announcing his candidacy.

Former City Councilor Greg Schwartz running for Middlesex 12th seat

Current State Rep. Ruth Balser has been a champion on many issues, including securing investments for our district. I will be equally dogged at pursuing funds for priority projects for special areas such as Crystal Lake, Hammond Pond, the Brookline Reservoir, our Green Line stops, and other ideas to be determined when I have a chance to hear from YOU about what areas you would like to see investment in.

Current State Rep. Ruth Balser has been a champion on many issues, including securing investments for our district. I will be equally dogged at pursuing funds for projects that matter to YOU.

Local Investments

Health care is a human right. In Massachusetts we are blessed with some of the best doctors, nurses, healthcare facilities and teaching hospitals in the world. But too many people face obstacles accessing that excellent care.As a primary care physician for over 25 years, I have had the privilege of caring for thousands of patients, and hearing their stories about what is working and not working in our system. From access, to quality, to cost, too often our system is not delivering for you. The gaps were apparent prior to 2020, but during and now post-pandemic, it is clear more must be done to deliver on that promise of healthcare being a human right.Emergency departments are overflowing. Specialty appointments can take months to obtain. Accessing a primary care physician is far too difficult. High-deductible insurance plans dissuade people from going to the doctor for routine preventive care. It is too difficult to find and access mental health services. And most recently, the ongoing meltdown of Steward Health Care has put many essential health services at risk of closure.There are pockets of progress to point to and build upon: For example, we can take pride that opioid-related overdoses in Massachusetts decreased by 10% in 2023, and the Department of Public Health has begun working towards loan forgiveness programs for social workers and mental health practitioners.Yet there is still more to be done. A report last year found that Massachusetts has the third highest healthcare costs in the U.S. Healthcare takes up the majority of our state budget, and lowering these costs means increased accessibility in what is one of the most important aspects of our lives, as well as greater opportunity to spend that money on additional aspects of the state budget that need attention.Among the solutions I will pursue to lower barriers for you and your loved ones to access the healthcare you deserve:<ul><li>Increase incentives for doctors, physicians assistants, and nurses to go into primary care. The money spent on preventative care would not only allow for earlier detection of illnesses, thus saving lives, but would also result in less spending on more expensive specialty care later on.</li><li>Prohibit private equity ownership of hospitals and medical groups. The Steward debacle never would have happened if we had taken this step years ago. Let’s do it now and prevent the next Steward.</li><li>For mental health services, invest in promising initiatives such as community behavioral health centers, or <a href="https://www.mass.gov/community-behavioral-health-centers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CBHC</a>s. CBHCs were introduced in 2023, and there are now 26 across the state providing urgent care for mental health needs that aren’t quite a crisis, routine ongoing care, and voluntary overnight care.</li><li>Support for community hospitals and community health centers in areas with few healthcare resources. Care that is accessible and close to home is important for access and equity.</li><li>Support for better pay for healthcare workers such as medical assistants, nursing assistants, lab techs, etc. – the often under-appreciated but vital roles who help keep our healthcare system going.</li></ul>

If elected, I will be the only medical doctor in the State House or Senate. I am committed to using this expertise to improve oversight, regulation and delivery for you!

Healthcare

Newton and Brookline are fortunate to have access to subway lines, commuter rail stops, and bus lines. But our services leave much to be desired in terms of safety, reliability, frequency, and accessibility.I will be a leading voice for investing in the MBTA so our residents have true alternatives to vehicle travel. Our residents who rely on public transportation are harmed when the MBTA reduces service, as they did recently with too many of our bus lines, and when the Green Line is slow or infrequent – or entirely closed down.Even those who must travel by car are better off when our public transportation system is better because it means fewer cars on the road and less congestion.And of course, as a doctor, I am excited about the public health benefits for all of us, with fewer cars on the road emitting harmful tailpipe emissions that reduce air quality and increase rates of asthma and respiratory diseases.<ul><li>As a Green Line rider myself I experience the limits of our subway system on a daily basis. Too often the trains are delayed or overcrowded. Periodically they derail or catch on fire. This is not the 21st century transit system our residents need and deserve. MBTA GM Philip Eng is doing the best he can with the resources he has, but we know there is a <a href="https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2023/11/16/repairing-the-mbta-will-cost-25-billion-according-to-new-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$25B backlog</a>. I will advocate for fully funding the MBTA so that we stop kicking the can down the road. A modern function T is necessary for mobility, as well as reaching our climate goals but giving travelers a choice beyond single occupancy vehicles.</li><li>I will demand that MBTA fully fund the investments in the three Newton commuter rail stops that are not accessible: Newtonville, West Newton and Auburndale. When the Newton City Council voted to approve the MBTA Communities Act in 2023, <a href="https://www.newtonbeacon.org/newtons-village-center-rezoning-passed-what-does-it-all-mean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">state leaders promised</a> that if Auburndale were also included in the plan, that would help make the case for the state to invest in Newton’s commuter rail stops. The city council included Auburndale, now it’s time for the state to hold up its end of the deal.</li><li>I will advocate for restoring bus service at least to pre-pandemic levels. Numerous residents have told me that they can no longer rely on bus service due to service cuts.</li><li>For those who must drive – and that is most of us – we need to make it easier to switch to vehicles powered by electricity. This means maintaining financial incentives for EVs, and expanding charging infrastructure. It also means making it easier for those without easy access to home charging to be EV drivers, by helping cities and towns invest in public charging stations.</li></ul>

Our services leave much to be desired in terms of safety, reliability, frequency, and accessibility. I will be a leading voice for investing in the MBTA so our residents have true alternatives to vehicle travel.

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