Newton Alderman Swiston Kicks off State Rep. Campaign

Despite the wet weather, Ward 3 Alderman-at-Large Greer Tan Swiston kicked off her State Representative campaign Saturday with a six-mile run through Newton. 

Swiston, who is running for the 11th Middlesex District seat, traveled from Auburndale to Newton Corner in a run across the district. She made stops along the way, including Fire Station #2 and Riverside Station, to meet with supporters. 

The Ward 3 Republican officially announced her campaign earlier this month, , such as the MBTA budget problem.

According to an email from her campaign, Swiston met with supporters at the in Newton Corner following her run and outlined top priorities for her campaign including transportation, education and small business.

Swiston will face off against incumbent Kay Khan, who has represented the district since 1995. According to an email from the Newton Democratic City Committee, Khan will hold a re-election fundraiser with Barney Frank on June 14.

Below is information released by Swiston's campaign following her kick-off on Saturday:

The campaign to elect Greer Tan Swiston to the seat for the 11th Middlesex House of Representatives, started Saturday morning with a 6 mile run through the streets of Newton.  Swiston, together with a team of runners including her husband and two children, started in Auburndale amidst a crowd of supporters despite the drizzling rain.

From Auburndale, the band of runners started up Grove St and were met at the Riverside T stop by signs and their first water stop.  As they continued on to Washington street, they were joined by runners training for the many upcoming races in the spring including the Boston marathon.   Team Swiston stopped at Fire Station #2 at Comm. Ave. to help pass out water to their fellow runners.  Next, it was onward to the West Newton Cinema, Newtonville center and then to Our Lady’s Church in Nonantum.   The chill kept the group moving to stay warm and they arrived at Pizzeria Uno’s in Newton Corner ahead of schedule.

Everyone gathered at Uno’s as Swiston thanked her supporters for their enthusiasm and work and addressed several issues to which she hoped to bring more focus over the course of her campaign.  While handouts and brochures were available to detail her concerns, Swiston did highlight a few of particular importance to her:

• Transportation is among the top of her priorities.  Swiston pointed out the impact of transit, roads and railways on Newton and how the community would benefit from a more proactive approach at the state house.
• Small businesses and entrepreneurship are fundamental to the health of the economy for the community as well as ultimately, for the state.   This has been the core of Newton’s business community and should be one of the top issues for any legislator from Newton.  Swiston cited her own experience with startups and small businesses that would help in this area.
• Education has always been a strength and priority in Newton.  Swiston spoke about the importance of education in her background and her belief in working smarter, not harder, that more money isn’t always the solution to everything and not the only way to demonstrate priority.