Alison Leary

Questions and Answers

Question 1: After 40+ years of Prop 2 ½, a very limited ability to pass overrides, steep increases in expenses such as employee benefits and utilities, and a relatively small commercial tax base, Newton faces fiscal challenges not encountered by our peer communities, making it increasingly difficult to adequately fund our schools and other city services. What are your ideas for raising revenues or otherwise addressing Newton’s fiscal challenges?

We underfund key city departments including but not limited to the Schools, Parks & Recreation & DPW. I have been an advocate for increasing our commercial tax base but that is a slow, arduous process. I would consider all options to raise revenue including an operating override & increasing the CPA property surcharge to 1.5% . The city can't function on 3-4% revenue with costs increasing so much higher. Service cuts would be a last resort but they may be inevitable if we fail to increase revenue, but no cuts for NPS. The near future looks brighter as some of the larger commercial projects will be coming on line, including Northland.

Question 2: What, specifically, can the City Council do to ensure that lower income residents, young families, and long-term residents looking to downsize, can afford housing in Newton?

We have a housing crisis. We need more supply with a focus on smaller units and adding density in walkable village centers where there is more access to public transit and less dependence on cars. We are overdue on creating zoning for areas where multifamily housing can be built by right. Rezone for smaller houses on smaller lots. Increase the CPA with more money going to the Housing Trust. Expand VCOD to more villages.

Question 3: What is Newton doing to address climate change, how effective are these efforts, and what else could/should we be doing?

We require fossil fuel-free systems for all new construction and major renovations. BERDO is in place. Working with the utilities to identify neighborhoods for electrification to begin the process of retiring gas infrastructure. A bold initiative unique to Newton. Areas to improve; more investment in stormwater esp through habitat restoration, invasive species control, and reforestation, which is proven to enhance the ability of these natural areas to absorb rainfall and provide critical flood control. Create a zero waste master plan; reduce trash, increase re-use, recycling & eliminate single use plastic. Divert all food waste/organics.

Question 4: Government transparency refers to the obligation of a government to proactively share information related to the management of public resources and decision-making; it’s indispensable to accountability and to an informed electorate. A recent initiative conducted by Newton’s LWV identified significant deficiencies in Newton’s local government transparency and specifically with respect to the City’s website. How do you think improved transparency could benefit our city? What improvements would you advocate for to the City website or transparency in general?

I agree the city can do much more to improve transparency, improve the public trust and hold elected officials accountable. Improving our website to make it more user friendly and easier to access is crucial. Accessing public information should not be an onerous, time-consuming ordeal. I support a clear commitment to transparency including a statement on the website and re-organization of the city website to make it easier to find information. I support an accessible open data page. It is important that we improve the quality of committee meeting minutes and and make it easier to identify how individual councilors vote in committee.