Marc Laredo

Questions and Answers

Question 1: After 40+ years of Proposition 2 ½, a very limited ability to pass overrides, steep increases in fossil fuel and employee benefits expenses, and a relatively small commercial tax base, Newton faces fiscal challenges not encountered by our peer communities. These fiscal challenges make 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 must ensure that we have a strong case to make to the voters before even considering the possibility of an operating override. First, we need to ensure that we are providing municipal and school services in as efficient a manner as possible. Second, we must reach a point where additional high-value services can only be provided with additional funding and cannot be provided with existing resources. Third, we must be thoughtful and deliberate before we ask the voters to increase their taxes, and I will not do so lightly.

Question 2: How can Newton become a more business-friendly city? What do you think is the greatest barrier? How did you come to this conclusion?

We need a more proactive approach to economic development. It starts by listening to local business owners, commercial landlords, and other local business leaders about their needs and concerns. We will do our best to address those needs, including taking affirmative steps to make each of our village centers thrive. We will reach out to businesses elsewhere in Massachusetts, in the country, and internationally to promote Newton as a great place to have a business.

Arts and Culture are an important part of our local economy. I will establish a separate department of Arts and Culture dedicated to promoting and enhancing arts and culture

Question 3: Newton has a serious housing shortage. There has been a steep decline in City employees who live in Newton, there are very limited options for downsizing residents who want to stay in Newton, and young people can’t afford to buy homes here. Smart, transit-oriented development can make Newton more affordable for all, help us achieve climate goals and positively affect our tax revenues. What will you do as Mayor to drive improvements to land use and create affordable housing?

Newton cannot stay stagnant and as a City Councilor, including as chair of the Land Use Committee and President of the City Council, I have supported all the major development projects that have been before the City Council. In doing so, I have made sure that those most affected by projects are respectfully heard and their concerns addressed, and I will continue to take this approach as Mayor. In addition, we will carefully review our internal processes to make sure that they are clear, efficient, and predictable for both developers and residents.

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 am a strong believer in government transparency and am grateful to the LVW for its study and recommendations. We need to make our city website more accessible and informative. I look forward to continuing to work with the LVW to make the work of city government transparent and understandable to our residents and businesses.