Rick Lipof Announces Candidacy for Newton Ward 8 Alderman-at-Large Seat

Former Ward 8 Alderman-at-Large Rick Lipof announced this morning his plans to run once again for the Newton Board of Aldermen.

One of the Ward 8 at-large seats will be vacant in this year's municipal election, Lipof noted in a press release issued Monday, as Ward 8 Alderman-at-Large Mitch Fischman recently announced he will not be running for reelection this year.

Lipof, who held the Ward 8 at-large seat from 1996-2008, previously served as chairman of the Board of Aldermen's Public Safety & Transportation Committee, chairman of the Real Property & Reuse Committee and vice chair of the Finance Committee. 

“I took a break from the board during an especially busy period in life and I am excited and energized to come back and serve the citizens of Newton.  I love this city and community service is a calling that I take quite seriously.  I want to be a part of the maintenance and evolution of our great city’s schools, villages, financial health and infrastructure," Lipof, 47, said in a statement. 

Since leaving the Board of Aldermen five years ago, Lipof has served as the vice chair of the Newton Election Commission and chair of the Newton Farm Commission. He has also served as co-chair of Setti Warren's mayoral campaign and hosted a campaign kick-off event for Warren at his home in September.

Lipof's sister, Cheryl Lappin, is currently the Ward 8 alderman and vice president of the Board of Aldermen.

Lipof works as president of Newton-based Lipof Real Estate Services, Inc., a real estate appraisal, brokerage and consulting company. He is also a member of Temple Beth Avodah and has served on the temple's Executive Board and Board of Trustees.

A lifelong Newton resident, Lipof attended Bowen and Memorial-Spaulding, elementary schools, Meadowbrook Jr. High (now Brown Middle School) and Newton South High School. He has a degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, the press release said. 

Lipof and his wife, Janice, have two daughters, Jennifer and Sydney, who attend Oak Hill Middle School.

According to the press release, School Committee Chair Claire Sokoloff, Ward 7 Alderman-at-Large Marc Laredo and Peg Hannigan are serving as Lipof’s campaign co-chairs.

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