JP Neighborhood Council Candidate Statements: Area A

On Saturday, residents elect members to the JP Neighborhood Council, a volunteer advisory board. The 20-member Neighborhood Council is divided into three districts, with five members from each area and five at-large members.

Only four people are running for the five slots in Area A, which comprises roughly the Jackson Square, Hyde Square, Egleston Square and Parkside areas of JP. That means that all four would probably be elected, unless at least two write-in candidates get more votes.

Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at three locations: , and . Any JP resident 16 or older can vote.

Here are candidate statements from the four candidates. None are incumbent members of the Neighborhood Council.

[Editor's note: At the request of the JPNC, comments are not allowed on this post. To comment about the election .]

Oliver De Leon

I’m a 15-year resident of JP. I work with low-income families organizing housing co-ops as well as teaching co-op owners and low-income residents their rights. Knowing the challenges of maintaining low-income families in this neighborhood, I believe that affordable housing and small business are a priority in JP for current and future families to enjoy this neighborhood. I feel gentrification is contributing for a less diverse and affordable JP. Working with the JPNC will give me an opportunity to get in touch with the rest of my community and find ways to solve these issues.

Arazeliz Reyes

Arazeliz Reyes moved to Jamaica Plain from Puerto Rico in June of 1990 at the age of 13 with her parents and three sisters. Although a difficult transition, she found comfort in the culturally diverse neighborhood of JP. For the last 21 years, the Reyes family have been active and responsible members of the JP community. Ara is a graduate of Northeastern and she works for Plumbers Local 12 and also at the BHA. In her spare time Ara and her daughter volunteer at Cradles to Crayons. Ara wants to be a voice for Area A, if given the privilege.

Brian Squadrille

I’ve lived in Jamaica Plain for three years. I’m from California and moved out East to be closer to family in Massachusetts. I come from a Mexican/Italian family, and I have been involved in community groups and local political work since my late teens. My single mother, who raised me and my sisters on her own, inspired me to give back to the community, in particular the Latino/immigrant communities. I was a youth boxing coach at the Gentlemen’s Gym before they moved to Hyde Park, and enjoyed volunteering my time and encouraging the kids.

Jeffrey Wiesner

I moved to JP in 1999 before law school. Now I am an attorney at the firm of Stern, Shapiro, Weissberg and Garin, and adjunct faculty at Northeastern University School of Law. My law practice includes representation of individuals in civil rights, criminal and business matters. I represent businesses as well as the most economically distressed individuals in our city. My practice is as richly textured as our community, providing an appreciation of JP’s competing interests.  My approach at the JPNC will be measured and pragmatic, balancing community interests, while maintaining JPNC’s standing as a legitimate voice of the community.