Rena Getz

Questions and Answers

Question 1: What in your background prepares you to be effective in the political office you are seeking?

My lived experiences and perspective as a Latina woman. Born in Spain. Grew up in Europe and my mother’s country, Colombia and the U.S. Bilingual.
Scientific researcher by training, interest in fact-based analysis of issues with scientific rigor applied.
Community leader, volunteer: Waban Area Council (Founding member – 2014 & current VP); NPS – Angier Respect for Human Differences Committee co- chair; Friends of Hemlock Gorge board member.
My skills: to listen, collect input and evidence, represent the views of residents, establish consensus
My values: to honor civility, respect different viewpoints, facilitate respectful compromises

Question 2: If you're elected, what will be your first priority? Why? How will you address your priority?

To enact zoning that best serves Newton residents, based on vigorous community engagement using verifiable “best practices “scientific polling. Zoning that respects and enhances our neighborhoods and village centers, values historic resources, supports existing tree canopy, and disincentivizes environmentally wasteful teardowns. I will uphold the broad consensus to protect, maintain and add to open space, parks, and playing fields.
I will work with fellow Councilors to find viable long-term solutions to provide and support home ownership and rentals at reasonable market rates, and the retention and expansion of existing affordable housing.

Question 3: Please explain what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you. Why these are important to Newton?

Valuing and providing opportunities for Newton residents to share their varied cultures. Expanding opportunities for inclusion of additional residents of diverse backgrounds. Equity means finding creative solutions to provide rentals or home ownership for people that would otherwise not be able to reside in Newton.
As a young parent, I appreciated my eldest daughter’s partial instruction in Spanish at her elementary school. Reinforced appreciation of her family’s heritage.
As a community leader, the Respect for Human Differences Committee work provided children validation, understanding and an appreciation of valuing their differences.