Becky Grossman
Candidate for Councilor at Large, Ward 7
Campaign Website: https://www.beckyfornewton.com
I'm a mom of two kids who attend Ward School & are 4th generation Newtonians. I bring my combined background in public service, law, & business to the Council, including having worked as an Assistant District Attorney. I graduated from Cornell with an economics degree & have a JD & MBA from Harvard.
Questions and Answers
Question 1: Discuss an experience where you made a decision that you now regret.
I try not to live my life thinking about regrets, but rather to view difficult experiences as learning opportunities that help me to improve in the future.
Question 2: Do you support the proposal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in Newton by 2050? Why or why not?
Yes! We have no time to waste in combating the effects of climate change, which are already here with much worse on the way.
Question 3: What is your opinion of the current development proposals such as the Northland and Riverside projects?
Unfortunately, because Northland and Riverside are pending special permit proposals before the City Council, it is not appropriate for me to answer this question specifically. More generally, responsible development means transit-oriented, mixed-use projects that enhance our village centers, create affordable housing opportunities, grow Newton’s tax base, and preserve green space. When development is done right, we’ll create more amenities and opportunities for residents.
Question 4: There are a number of expenses that the City needs to grapple with: union contracts still being negotiated, tight school budgets, NewCAL (a new Senior Center), the acquisition of Webster Woods, possible rehabilitation of the Armory, etc. What are your priorities and why?
School operations and school buildings; fair contracts for our valued employees, including our teachers; Webster Woods; implementing a finalized Climate Action Plan; and fully funding our commitments to our retirees on schedule. I’m deeply committed to continuing to ensure we have first-rate schools, to treating the people who currently work and/or have worked for the city with dignity and respect, to combating the effects of climate change, and to preserving open space where we can.