In the December episode of The League Presents, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller joined Marcia Johnson for A Look Back….A Look Forward
Mayor Fuller has just about finished the first half of her four-year term. We used this time to reflect on her accomplishments, her learnings, and her priorities going forward. Her mission is from the NNHS inscription/oath: To Strive in all ways to transmit our city greater, better, more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.
Some highlights from our conversation:
Accomplishments: Greatest accomplishment was the fulfillment of Full-day Kindergarten; Proactive planning and investment in/for our villages and commercial corridors; The revised and enhanced Inclusionary Zoning ordinance. New affordable housing is on the horizon with Golda Meir House, Howard Haywood House and much more to come.
Learnings: The City has great employees. Working together is key…the City Council, School Committee, residents, advocates, our state delegation. Listening carefully and responding respectfully, as things take time and can be harder than originally thought.
Priorities: Making sure Newton is built the way we want…zoning redesign. Having a new home for our seniors. Major infrastructure projects are done well and we move forward on climate change actions including an Energy Coach.
Thank you to Mayor Fuller for an interesting and informative conversation.