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Deborah Riley
For Quincy City Council, Ward 6
NEW ENERGY
NEW IDEAS
RILEY is running for you!
Elect Deborah Riley for Quincy
Deborah Riley believes that engaged and informed residents are the key to strong neighborhoods. As Ward 6 Councillor her top priority will be open, frequent, two-way communication about issues that impact our community.
ABOUT
Deborah Riley is a first-time political candidate who is a devoted wife and mother, a successful local business person, and a dedicated volunteer for many community organizations. She has lived in Squantum for over 20 years and has called Quincy her home for over 30. A local real estate agent, Riley has a background in technology, having previously worked at Fidelity Investments for 10 years as a quality assurance engineer. She is a proud UMass Lowell graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business and believes her background makes her a strong choice to serve as Ward 6 Councillor.
Riley is running to give voters a choice for their Ward Councillor. “I will bring new energy, renewed commitment, and citizen-focused advocacy for the residents of Ward 6,” she said. “I will take the time to read and understand the complex issues that face our community and will provide a balanced and equitable voice in the council chamber.” Riley says she is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and doesn’t just “go along to get along.” She knows how to ask tough questions and is committed to serving the interests of Quincy taxpayers.
Among her top concerns is transparent and consistent communication. “Whether it’s traffic signs, cell towers, road repairs or weather and other emergencies, Ward 6 residents need reliable and timely communication from the city.” If elected, Riley says she will work tirelessly to keep people informed about matters that affect Ward 6 neighborhoods.
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Volunteer and Leadership Experience
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Squantum School PTO - President, Treasurer
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Star of the Sea Church
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St. Ann’s Church
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Quincy Youth Hockey
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Quincy Rotary Club
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“Promposal” - fundraiser for graduating high school seniors struggling to afford prom - founder
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“Credit for Life" fair - financial education program high school students - counselor
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Certified yoga instructor
Watch: Deborah Riley discusses her vision for Quincy on QATV
Watch: Deborah Riley speaks at Quincy Dems Candidates Night, September 28, 2023
Read: Deborah Riley profiled in the Quincy Sun, September 28, 2023, click here
Watch: Deborah Riley speaks at Quincy Votes Candidates Forum, October 18, 2023
Read: Deborah Riley answers questions from non-partisan voting education group Quincy Votes here.
Read: Deborah Riley shares her ideas for safe, people-centered streets with bicycle advocacy group Quincycles here.
"Morning Deborah, I was very impressed with your interview! I believe you have what it takes to be
our next ward councilor!!!!! You are qualified for sure and have your priorities straight. Thank you for taking this challenging leap and offering us a “choice” as you so eloquently expressed!
You have my support and vote as well as my husband’s!!!!"
Ward 6 voter
PLATFORM
Communication: Riley will implement regular newsletters to be mailed to households with timely and relevant news around the ward. She will offer regular opportunities to meet with residents and listen to their concerns and issues. She will hold neighborhood meetings for input into the new Squantum School project and other business in Ward 6 and widely communicate public meetings to residents.
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Housing: The lack of affordable housing has many long-time residents leaving the city. She supports a property tax credit for owner occupied property owners to encourage a commitment to the community and provide some financial relief to homeowners. She would also encourage and support incentives to build age restricted 55+ housing so that people can remain in Quincy as well as expanding grants and other programs to help first-time home buyers. Currently, developers are allowed to pay a "fee in lieu of" instead of including 10% of affordable units within the project. Riley is opposed to this practice believing that affordable units mixed into market rate housing results in a more integrated and balanced neighborhood.
Transportation: Public transit is unreliable, traffic is gridlocked, and commuters are frustrated. Riley would push for expansion of the seasonal ferry from Squantum Point Park to Boston. She would also work to communicate the status of transit and road projects to residents.
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The proposed 99-year golf course lease: We have an obligation to the citizens of Quincy to maximize the financial benefits of leasing city property to the private entity that runs the successful Granite Links golf course. Riley supports hiring an experienced commercial real estate specialist to review the terms of the proposed lease on behalf of the city. She would demand compliance with the financial audits required under the current lease in order to make a decision in the best interests of Quincy taxpayers.
Protecting Open Spaces: Quincy's 27-miles of beautiful beaches are a precious resource. It is imperative that our natural resources remain available to all and free from pollution and contamination. She supports efforts that build on programs that keep our city clean and livable.
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Long Island Bridge: Riley is critical of Boston’s handling of plans for Long Island, specifically that the option for water transportation has not been adequately explored. Successful treatment of substance use disorder can’t wait years for a bridge and campus to be constructed. The needs of those in crisis are immediate. She would advocate for alternatives.