Maria Scibelli Greenberg
Candidate for Ward Councilor, Ward 1
Campaign Website: https://www.mariavoiceforward1.com/
Born to Italian, working-class immigrant parents and raised in a family with strong, cultural traditions and values. Resident of Newton since 1992 and raised our 4 children here. A long time, effective advocate for my neighborhood and I have continued my public service as your Ward1 Councilor.
Questions and Answers
Question 1: Discuss an experience where you made a decision that you now regret.
The biggest decision that I regret: It is painful for me to discuss but it was when my Mom was terminally ill. I focused my attention to her medical needs and her adherence to medications and strict diet regimes. I regret that I didn’t concentrate on sharing more pleasurable, enjoyable experiences with her instead. Selfishly, my goal was to keep her alive as long as possible rather than to focus on the time we had together.
Question 2: Do you support the proposal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in Newton by 2050? Why or why not?
Yes I vehemently support the City’s plan to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our presidential administration has denied that Climate change is real and has pulled the U.S out of the Paris Climate Agreement. So, it is vital that we as individuals, cities and states do all that we can to combat the Climate Crisis. I am proud to say that Newton has been a leader on this front. But the key will be the adoption of the Climate Action Plan, which will incorporate important aspects of the Citizens’ Climate Action Plan. The finalized plan will include the most up to date best practices and zoning requirements for sustainable building.
Question 3: What is your opinion of the current development proposals such as the Northland and Riverside projects?
Both the Northland and Riverside projects are currently before Land Use committee of which I am a member. I have been advised by the City’s Law Department that it would be legally inappropriate for councilors to comment on these matters given our quasi-judicial role.
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?
Since no municipality has an unlimited budget, prioritizing important budget items must be based on our City’s clear goals and outcomes. My priorities are much in accord with the City’s- preservation our green space, supporting our seniors, providing affordable housing and allotting for appropriate wages for all our City employees. So, this calls for strategic planning by the City Council and the administration to meet these objectives. I promise to keep these goals in mind when deliberating on the allocation of City funds and approving policies that align with these priorities.