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About me

PictureAndreae, Paul and daughters Susannah and Juliette.
I grew up in a small town in Maine, went to college in California, Scotland and Germany, and returned to New England to be near family.
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My husband Paul and I moved to Newton for its running trails, convenience to Boston and services. We chose to buy here because of the world-class schools (our daughters Susannah and Juliette, Newton South graduates, verified that reputation). We remain for all of those reasons and to be near our friends and neighbors.

I’ve enjoyed a career as a community journalist and since 2012 serve as executive director of the Wastewater Advisory Committee to the MWRA.


PictureThe greater Downs family: Paul Glickman, Ellie, Susannah Glickman, Andree Saulnier, Eva, Jonathan, Caleb, Andreae.
Public service
My involvement in Newton started with volunteering in the preschools and PTOs and has continued for the 25 years we have lived here.

Since 2004—Member of the League of Women Voters
  • 2005-2006—Local Action Committee Chair
  • 2006-2007--Vice President in charge of program
  • 2007 Volunteer-of-the-Year
  • Organized two Transportation forums, a 2015 Parking Forum, and led the League's 2014 Transportation Study.

Since 2011—Chair of the mayor’s Transportation Advisory Group, which produced
  • A parking management plan
  • Newton’s Bicycle Network Plan
  • A region-wide guide for a sidewalk snow clearance policy
  • Policies and suggestions to improve pedestrian safety, including a street lighting study

Since 2015--Waban Area Councilor
  • Advocated for traffic designs at Angier and Zervas that protect children’s safety
  • Included in responses to housing developments suggestions for safer curb designs and lower traffic impacts on the neighborhood
  • Worked for improvements in our greenspaces

Since 2017-City Councilor
  • Helped found Friends of Cold Spring Park
  • Joined board of Friends of Hemlock Gorge
  • Worked to keep the Community Preservation Committee independent
  • Worked to increase the percentage of affordable housing in new developments
  • Worked on Visioning and zoning for Needham and Washington streets
  • Worked on Zoning Redesign, Air BnB zoning, and zoning for marijuana stores

Member
  • Newton Conservators
  • Green Newton
  • Newton Tree Conservancy
  • Livable Newton

I have promoted:
  • Newton’s application for a Complete Streets grant, which this year included more than $400,000 to fix a dangerous crossing on Washington St
  • Investments in our school- and other public buildings and in energy efficiency upgrades
  • Improvements to off-road paths, including the Upper Falls Greenway and paths in Cold Spring Park
  • Solar car ports over public parking lots
  • Reductions in the bureaucratic hurdles homeowners and new businesses face
  • Efficient reconstruction of streets designed for transit, biking and walking as well as vehicle safety.

I get excited about solutions to Newton’s issues that are tested yet new to Newton, that solve more than one problem at once, and that help us come together as a community. I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Please contact me at Andreae4newton@gmail.com

​Endorsed by:

Committee  to Elect Andreae Downs, Steve Siegel, Treasurer, 160 Allen Ave, Waban, MA 02468