Deborah Riley
Quincy City Council - Ward 6
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About the Office
The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.
Term Length
2 years
Election Date
Nov 4, 2025
About Me
Party
independent
Occupation
Real Estate Agent
Fun Fact
I am a certified vinyasa yoga teacher and long time yoga practitioner. I love to walk and bike all over the city and truly respect the unspoiled and natural landscape remaining in the city of Quincy. The Blue Hills, Squantum Point Park, Sailors cemetery, and Neponset Riverwalk are all examples of the wonderful natural resources that provide a respite from the often noisy and busy city life
Past Experience
Achievements: I have attended dozens of committee, commission and board meetings attending as an observer in the local governance of these bodies
Responsibilities: Candidate in 2023
Skills: Communication, civic engagement, financial oversight, respect for all citizens in the community
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.
My Top Issues
Housing and community centers
With a historically low level of single family homes for sale I would promote 55+ affordable housing so that mature residents can move into low maintenance, high quality housing options. We need to protect our seniors from fraud and I am disappointed in the theft of money from seniors by a city employee
Promoting efficiency and accountability in government spending
Our elected leaders report to the constituents and we need greater accountability of the how money is allocated. Education, public safety, and infrastructure are necessary and critical services. Land takings, statues and publicly funded celebrations and entertainment are not. Every taxpayer should be concerned about the amount of debt the city has taken on while offering tax breaks to wealthy developers. A new long term lease of the Granite Links Golf course with more than 20 years remaining on the current lease is a questionable give-away of revenue for nearly a century into the future
Balance development with neighborhood preservation
While the demand for housing far exceeds the supply we need housing that matches the needs and salaries of the residents of Quincy. It seems we are developing housing not for the people who are here but to attract a new population of residents while demolishing and closing many local businesses and buildings that have been around for generations. We need to enforce the open space requirement in building plans and promote workforce housing development.
Taxes / Budget
We have a responsibility to insure that all city-owned assets are used in a way to maximize public benefit, including the city land leased to the Granite Links Golf Course. Riley disagrees with the Council's unanimous vote in favor of granting a new longer-term lease. She supports hiring an experienced commercial real estate specialist to review the terms of the proposed lease on behalf of the city and would demand compliance with the financial audit required under the terms of the current lease.
Housing
The lack of affordable housing has many long-time residents leaving the city. Riley supports a property tax credit for owner occupied property owners to encourage a commitment to the community and provide some financial relief to homeowners.
Housing
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. Riley would advocate to reassess the "fee in lieu of" option for developers to provide affordable housing.
Environment / Energy
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.
Infrastructure / Transportation
Riley is critical of Boston’s handling of plans for Long Island. 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, including multiple points of access to Long Island.
Infrastructure / Transportation
Public transit is unreliable, traffic is gridlocked, and commuters are frustrated. Riley would push for further 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.
Who I'm Running Against
William Harris (Democrat Party)
10 year incumbent
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