Voters Guide: Newton Municipal Election [Printable], November 7, 2023

Candidates for Councilor at Large

Ward 1

Alison Leary

Website:  .  Bio:  I grew up and attended school in Newton and both my children are recent NNHS graduates. I am an environmentalist at my core and I served on the board and as VP of the Newton Conservators. I currently work as a program manager for a non-profit that works on ending homelessness.

1.  Motivation: When I first ran for office in 2013, I was motivated by the threat of climate change and we were not doing enough as a city to address it. We have come a long way since then but there is still much to do. My motivation to run this year is to continue to work on zoning reform, which also intersects closely with the goals of increasing multifamily housing, building a more resilient community and meeting our climate goals. I am also committed to safer, multimodal streets, preserving and improving green spaces and improvements to parks and playing fields.

2.  Housing:  I support zoning reform to allow more density/mixed use in village centers. This was recently passed in the Zoning and Planning Committee and I don't want to see it watered down any further on the floor of the Council. I am in full support of the MBTA Community Law which requires communities served by the MBTA, including Newton to zone for multifamily housing by right. I support a new docket item to review our inclusionary zoning ordinance to see if we can make it more robust.

3.  Small businesses:  Getting more feet on the street is one way to help. Adding more housing units in and around our village centers will bring more local customers. Allowing outdoor dining on public ways, creating more public gathering spaces and creating safe walking and biking paths are all helpful to attracting customers to our local shops. In addition, I would support a special fund to assist local businesses who are displaced by development or need a temporary space due to construction.

4.  Weatherization:  As Chair, of PF I helped to craft the Home Rule Petition to prohibit new gas hookups to buildings. I support a wide range of reforms, at the State level, including making changes to GSEP, which currently incentivizes the wholesale replacement of gas mains, without considering repair. I support An Act relative to intervenors and utility work HB. 3137. This bill would be a game for municipalities like Newton who are struggling with their aging, leaky gas infrastructure. We need better incentivizes to transition homes to all electric & heat pump technology. The Mass Save Program should should be administered by DOER not the utilities.

John Oliver

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 2

Susan Albright

Website:  http://susanalbright.org.  Bio:  I grew up in Newton and raised my family here. Professionally, the two prongs of my career are 1/experise in community services for developmentally disabled people and 2/ development of internationally used educational infrastructure for medical education. I love knitting and gardening.

1.  Motivation: My decision to run this time was motivated by the need help our village businesses thrive. 75 years ago our forepeople made decisions that seemed right for the times but are outdated now. We need to provide more opportunities for housing in our villages the way life was before urban sprawl so shoppers can walk to visit village businesses. I’ve watched Newtonville blossom since the new housing appeared there. On a summer evening that village is full of people enjoying themselves. We need these same kinds of enhancements for all our villages.

2.  Housing:  The high housing cost will only stabilize with more housing. World-wide economists write that lack of housing supply raises the cost. This knowledge hasn't filtered to the general public. Building ONLY affordable housing won't bring down prices. New Zealand did it. To do: 1/Make it easier “by-right” to build housing in Newton with place-making excellence rules 2/Reexamine inclusionary ordinance to require more affordability?3/Put some free cash into the Affordable Housing Trust – to subsidize more affordable housing. Google: America, take note: New Zealand has figured out a simple way to bring down home prices in Business Insider.

3.  Small businesses:  See my answer to #1. In addition to having more people live in walking distance of shops we need a mechanism to support a small business if it is displaced by development.

4.  Weatherization:  Newton is in process of developing an ordinance similar to BERDO – Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure as have Boston and Cambridge. Newton should move forward on this implementation quickly. This will require building owners to first disclose their emissions and then ultimately correct them. The City Council is also trying to qualify to be one of the 10 cities allowed to require that new construction for homes be only electric – no more fossil fuels. Official approved participation in the MBTA Communities is one of the requirements to make Newton eligible to be one of the 10 communities.

Tarik Lucas

Website:  https://www.teamtarik.org.  Bio:  I grew up in Brookline and graduated from BHS in 2000. I then attended Springfield College and received a degree in Business Management. I have been employed at Harvard University Press since 2008. And I have been living in Newtonville since 2009. I have served on the City Council since 2021.

1.  Motivation: In 2017 I was motivated to get involved in Newton politics. I volunteered for the No on Charter campaign. I felt that getting rid of local representation in the form of Ward Councilors on the City Council was going to adversely affect Newton. During that campaign, I ran for Newtonville Area Council. Then two years later I ran for City Council and haven’t looked back.

2.  Housing:  These are two different goals. Newton has never been more racially diverse. People of color make up 28% of the population. And we are continuing to see greater diversity not just in the general population, but in the Newton Public Schools. 44% of the NPS population are people of color. In 1980 people of color made up just 5% of the population in Newton. Newton will always be an expensive place to live and purchase a home. This is because the housing supply will never catch up with the demand. But we can modify our Inclusionary Zoning ordinance to allow for deeper affordability and additional payments into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

3.  Small businesses:  I am not convinced our small businesses are struggling. Here in Newtonville, a lot of new businesses have emerged and they are doing fantastic. These include Grandma’s Kitchen, Union Pharmacy, Fulfilled Goods, Donut Villa, Mochiko Fried Chicken, and Los Amigos moved into a bigger space in Newton. And there are very few empty storefronts in Nonantum. But we can continue to support outdoor dining, and make sure our small businesses are on full display at any and all community events, such as Village Days.

4.  Weatherization:  The best way to encourage homeowners to electrify and weatherize their homes is with tax credits. It’s also important to inform new residents about Newton Power Choice. This can be accomplished by including a brochure with their tax and water bills.

Ward 3

Andrea Kelley

Website:  https://www.andreakelley.org.  Bio:  I'm a 40+ year resident of Newton, mother of three adult children, grandmother of three cuties. A landscape architect and site planner by training, with long time community involvement including being the 1st Open Space Coordinator, PTO president, and League of Women Voters Board member.

1.  Motivation: Initially I was inspired to run for elected office while watching the Trump/Clinton debates. It was clear that there was a need for thoughtful, balanced consideration on local matters too. That issue was and still is civil discourse, and the importance of hearing varying views in a productive way. Civility and the ability to hear other views without hatred and personal attacks is something many of us still value. This affects our entire community around almost every topic. Many of us have hoped to change that but the divisiveness seems to only be increasing, with attacks, false and misleading information.

2.  Housing:  Diverse and affordable housing options has been the backbone of my community service for over 30 years. Finding a variety of ways to meet this need is one of Newton's major challenges. For larger developments, a % of the units must be affordable. We now have an Affordable Housing Trust, which has funds for this purpose. More housing overall helps create homes that then create availability for people to stay in Newton such as seniors, or enter Newton as workforce residents, or young families. DEI and Racial Justice efforts like FORJ are important to increase racial diversity, and lowering the local preference percentage helps also.

3.  Small businesses:  The mixed use zoning that is under consideration now for village centers will help by allowing first floor retail with residential above, a plan to ensures residents have nearby and walkable places to shop, and ensures that those businesses have customers with easy access to them. More housing means more residents and more customers. For disruption during construction of new development, the City can look to assist with temporary relocation of businesses, transportation for customers, deferment or reduced rate on taxes to help businesses stay afloat during that times. The #DineLocal campaign and outdoor dining should remain.

4.  Weatherization:  Insulating and air sealing are effective measures to take. MassSave offers free energy assessments, has incentives and discounts for energy efficient upgrades to buildings including new windows and insulation. Massachusetts has solar incentives and programs. Newton's Energy Coach Liora Silkes, is available to talk with residents about how to improve their home or business weatherization situation and reduce energy bills. Heat pump rebates are available. Heat Smart Newton is a community based, volunteer-led, clean heating and cooling initiative to help residents lower energy bills and reduce greenhouse gases. Better awareness is needed.

Pam Wright

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 4

Lenny Gentile

Awaiting response from candidate.

Josh Krintzman

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 5

Deb Crossley

Website:  https://www.debcrossley.org.  Bio:  Mother, residential architect, environmental activist, involved citizen, LWV former president. Came to Newton in 1985. Raised accomplished, NPS educated daughter and son, Grandmother, 14 years on City Council, Chair, Zoning & Planning committee, former Chair Public Facilities committee.

1.  Motivation:

I first ran to help improve deteriorated city infrastructure and tackle how to address serious housing, economic, and environmental needs. No comprehensive capital improvement or long-range strategic plans existed then. Available housing versus who could afford it was growing alarmingly. Since then I’ve led efforts to bring energy efficiency programs and grants, adopt plans to rehabilitate aging water systems, and contributed to rebuilding schools, roads, etc. I now chair the Zoning & Planning committee, working to build consensus on new rules to allow moderate, flexible and controlled growth, to keep Newton strong, vital and welcoming.

2.  Housing:  

Housing first. Satisfying the huge need for more smaller housing, affordable to a wide range of income earners, is fundamental to achieving economic diversity. Council is reaching consensus on a “Village Center Overlay District”, which offers property owners alternative rules: 3.5-4.5 stories, housing over retail and multifamily (3+ units) by-right within our village centers and adjacent streets. Such development options were eliminated in 1987. Newton’s delightful village pattern supports walkable communities with a bit more density. Adopting the VCOD is essential to a truly inclusive future community.

3.  Small businesses:  

Allow more growth in villages to bring customers who can walk to shops; simplify permitting to make it easier for small businesses to establish. Multi-family housing within easy walking distance of local business centers provides a ready customer base. Today our rules require new uses and expansions (eg. >50 seat restaurants) to first obtain parking waivers by special permit. This takes between 3-6 months (though routinely waived), because like all New England towns, we expect customers to use shared parking. The VCOD requires active uses on ground floors in the heart of village districts but with no on-site parking required.

4.  Weatherization:  

The important climate action the City Council is working toward right now is to allow more sustainable community growth by allowing more compact development near existing transit and infrastructure. Building energy standards are controlled by state codes; I support Newton as a Stretch code community adhering to the highest performance standards for new construction. For existing buildings, I support the Building Energy Reporting & Reduction Ordinance. Existing one&two family homes are far more challenging, but I support full access to energy use data so that consumers can compare real data, to inspire energy efficiency actions.

Andreae Downs

Website:  Https://ww.andreae4newton.org.  Bio:  Former journalist, current director of the MWRA Wastewater Advisory Committee. Chair of Public Safety & Transportation. Six term councilor, former chair of the Transportation Advisory Group. Environmentalist. Focus on climate, equity and affordability in Newton’s actions.

1.  Motivation: Part of my motivation in 2017 was to preserve our democracy by strengthening our local democratic institutions. I was also deeply involved in efforts to increase transportation options and safety in Newton—which impacts our health, environment, community and independence. Climate change—mitigating and adapting for it—was also top of mind.

2.  Housing:  There is no magic bullet for housing affordability and racial diversity, but adhering to our responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act is critical. Newton has to do its part to repair the damage of 20th century policies, embedded in many of our processes and ordinances, and to affirmatively make it possible for historically underserved communities to live here. I have and will support affordable housing efforts, the housing trust, building and requiring affordable units and reforming our lottery system for more fairness.

3.  Small businesses:  The struggles our unique small businesses face are real and worry me. I have supported loosening costly parking mandates for village businesses with shared on-street parking, and making our city permitting processes faster and easier. If we want villages to survive, we will need to have more “feet on the street,” which means allowing people again to live in them, above the stores, and allowing more people to live near them. I have also supported affordable rent requirements for small, unique businesses in our larger new developments.

4.  Weatherization:  I supported the hiring of the city’s energy coach, who helps residents navigate the incentives, loans, grants and other programs for better building performance. Renovations are expensive, but adding higher levels of insulation and fossil-fuel-free construction are often only moderately more so, and an ordinance requiring contractors to price these out for construction and the useful life of the structure makes their efficacy and affordability over time obvious. I would like to quickly move Newton to be able to require fossil-free new construction.

Rena Getz

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 6

Alicia Bowman

Website:  https://www.aliciabowman.org/.  Bio:  In four years on the Council, I have supported safer streets, more housing, especially affordable housing and housing that accommodates seniors and people with disabilities, and greener buildings. I have worked closely with residents and councilors to resolve issues and make Newton even better.

1.  Motivation: I ran in 2019 because we needed more councilors focused on moving Newton forward. I was frustrated with too little action being taken on the most important issues of our time, housing, transportation, and the climate. I recognized that these issues are complicated, but also could no longer be put off. I understood the priorities. I could think strategically. I had demonstrated a willingness to work with fellow councilors and residents to develop a shared understanding of the issues and the options. I knew I could build consensus and effectively implement change. My message was well received by voters and I won against a popular incumbent.

2.  Housing:  Creating more housing, especially affordable housing in Newton is important to being a more racially diverse community, helping Newton live up to its obligations under the Fair Housing Law to affirmatively further fair housing. I supported the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust and now serve as the Council appointee to the AHT. The AHT allows the city to take a more active role in the creation of affordable housing and will hopefully enable more deeply affordable units, a critical need in Newton. Village Center zoning will enable more multi-family housing which research shows is a key factor in making a community more racially diverse.

3.  Small businesses:  Newton’s small businesses are important. We need to make it much easier to launch a new business in Newton by removing outdated rules that significantly slow down the process and can cause businesses to choose other communities. Also, small businesses need customers and they could grow their customer bases with vibrant village centers that include more housing in and around the village resulting in “more feet on the street”. And by creating housing that is attainable to a wider range of income, there is a larger pool of workers for our small businesses. These three important actions are supported by Newton’s Economic Development Commission.

4.  Weatherization:  I would support mandating an energy audit at the time of sale and building permits triggering upgraded weatherization. Homeowners would be doing more now if the process and benefits were easier to understand, especially the benefits of transitioning to more energy-efficient all-electric HVAC systems and water heaters. The city has an energy coach and knowledgeable volunteers to help residents with the process and two vetted contractors so that residents can feel more confident about making the transition. There are currently many financial incentives and rebates at the state level and federal level to help encourage homeowners to take action.

Vicki Danberg

Website:  https://vickidanberg.com.  Bio:  My husband & I made our home in Newton in 1977 and raised 3 children who benefitted from our great schools. I have an MBA in finance & management and have served as your Councilor since 2004. My priorities this term are walkable villages, housing, schools, & continuing infrastructure improvements.

1.  Motivation:

I was motivated to run for office by the change of Newton Centre from a village that had a movie theatre, hardware store, two grocery stores and many other useful local businesses into one with 14 banks and 26 hair and nail salons. We have lost local business to Amazon and super-malls and are overrun by commuter traffic that does not stop to shop. Business needs foot traffic and customers to survive and thrive In 1987 our zoning stopped allowing housing over retail. I saw that we need to get housing back into the Centre, chaired the Newton Centre Task force that made that proposal and advocated for affordability and universal design.

2.  Housing:  

Diversity creates a healthy community. We are losing economic and racial diversity due to high housing costs. I support housing in our villages with an affordability requirement (any project 7 units or over). I support welcoming programs like METCO that help diversity. More multi-family housing will also make homes attainable to more people. Housing near transportation and amenities allows families to reduce car expense. Newton is deeply affected by the housing crisis. The Governor has made a good start with the MRT zoning plan. We can and must add more multi-family housing if we hope to diversify. More diversity requires affordability.

3.  Small businesses:  

Small business is still recovering from COVID. I will continue to advocate for pro-small business policies: Streamlined permitting processes currently costly and time consuming, adding more allowable business categories by right, no parking requirements for village commercial, maintaining outdoor dining without removal of indoor seating, training & tech assistance workshops and working with the Chamber on marketing and shop local campaigns. I also support organizations like the Newton Cultural Alliance that run “Shop Local” holiday events throughout the City and would support a City liaison to help business navigate permitting & licensing.

4.  Weatherization:  

59% of the GHG emissions in Newton come from energy consumed in residential & commercial buildings. We need to weatherize, electrify and improve efficiency. We exempted exterior insulation and other energy efficiency improvements from the required setbacks. Incentives to encourage weatherizing include requiring energy audits before homes can be sold, disclosure of energy ratings at point of sale, tax credits and rebates for weatherization improvements, retrofitting requirements for older homes undergoing renovation. Electrifying: Using the periodic necessity to replace heating units to shift to electric heating. Discourage fossil fuels.

Alan Lobovits

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 7

Becky Grossman

Awaiting response from candidate.

Marc Laredo

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 8

David Kalis

Awaiting response from candidate.

Rick Lipof

Website:  .  Bio:  Vice President of Council and Chair of Land Use Committee. Past Chair of Public Safety & Transportation, Real property Re-Use and Vice Chair of Finance Committee. Husband of Janice, father of Jennifer and Sydney. Committed to health of our schools, infrastructure all that makes Newton great.

1.  Motivation:

My motivation for running for office is grounded in my desire to be a cog in the process of guiding the City. The complicated work that takes years and the constituent services that occur on a daily basis are both challenging and important. I enjoy finding common ground and consensus, which I consider my north star. I want to continue to serve Newton and I am presently motivated by ongoing work in modernizing the special permit process and helping shepherd the very contentious re-writing of our zoning code. There is much work on going to our schools and common spaces, and roads and sidewalks are always in need of more attention.

2.  Housing:  

The underlying land in Newton is so expensive that it is almost impossible to create developments that are100% affordable. Thus we create affordable units by our inclusionary zoning ordinance which dictates that between 15% and 20% of units above 6 units will be affordable under programs based on area median income. Its a slow process to create these units but it is a path. Newton is also missing the middle market units, smaller and more naturally affordable units for those over the affordability requirement but under the higher end that is not attainable for most. These units are desperately needed for our children, retirees and for all.

3.  Small businesses:  

Our small businesses are affected by the free market and the ever changing economy and technology. On line shopping and changes in the way we live have had the greatest effect on our smaller businesses. We can support these businesses by bringing vitality to our villages in several ways. We can make it easier for shops to do business with the city by lifting barriers to the permitting process so new businesses can come here without delays to entry. We can revitalize our villages to make them more attractive which will bring more patrons to our businesses. And we can encourage property owners to value diversity of tenancy.

4.  Weatherization:  

As a country and state we have made great progress in encouraging and promoting weatherizing and green retrofitting of existing and new construction. In Newton we have emphasized sustainable building practices. We have created standards in requirements for new building that include heating sources and insulation. However we must encourage all in curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Through our Director of Climate & Sustainability within the Mayor’s office we promote all the ways to become more energy efficient. It’s a never ending process in education and encouragement. Recent changes to building state building codes mirror our goals.

Candidates for Ward Councilor

Ward 1

Maria Scibelli Greenberg

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 2

Dan Gaynor

Awaiting response from candidate.

David Micley

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 3

Julia Malakie

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 4

Randy Block

Website:  https://www.rb4newton.com/.  Bio:  Randy Block has lived in Newton since 1990. He was active in the Williams School PTO and taught religious education at his Unitarian church. He chaired the neighborhood Riverside committee in 2018 and helped negotiate the compromise plan that the city council approved unanimously in Oct. 2020.

1.  Motivation: Many factors went in to my decision to run for office. One factor was my experience listening to residents of Lower Falls and Auburndale and representing their interests in negotiations over Riverside. Many people do not feel listened to. For example, community outreach initiatives repeatedly show that most residents want to limit the size of buildings to three stories. I plan to listen more carefully to my constituents. A second factor was the current divisiveness of Newton’s politics which I hope to help calm down. Third, I am concerned that the village center zoning proposal is far more ambitious and complicated than it needs to be.

2.  Housing:  The need for more affordable housing comes up often in my discussion with Ward 4 residents. When most people refer to “affordable housing” they mean subsidized housing for low income families and individuals. I point to the Armory project which will preserve a historic building and create 43 units for people earning 60% or less than the area median income. This project was made possible because it is a state-city partnership. The state sold the land and building to Newton for $1 provided we used it exclusively for affordable housing. I support this project 100%. We need to create many more projects through state-city partnerships.

3.  Small businesses:  I have spoken to many small business owners in Ward 4. They are very concerned that the village center zoning proposal will lead to new buildings with more expensive rents than they are currently paying. This will cause them to relocate and probably not return. This is what happened with Newtonville Camera which is currently located in Waltham. We must listen to small business owners and then follow through on what they recommend.

4.  Weatherization:  Newton can be proud of the leadership we have shown reducing greenhouse gases in our municipal buildings. We have added solar panels and carports to 18 of our municipal buildings, schools and parking lots, generating nearly half our municipal electricity. Thanks to the Newton Power Choice program, Newton residents and small businesses are powered by more clean energy than any other community in Massachusetts. And soon, our building electrification ordinance will take effect, requiring that all new construction and major renovations will be heated and cooled with electricity rather than fossil fuels e.g. oil or gas boilers.

Doris Ann Sweet

Website:  https://www.sweetward4.com.  Bio:  Grew up in Northern NH. BA (Comparative Lit.) and MA (US history and Library science). Career academic librarian at Columbia, Boston University, Harvard, Simmons, and Assumption. Has lived in Auburndale since 1978; has two daughters and three grandchildren who all graduated from Newton North HS.

1.  Motivation: I’ve always had an interest in politics and when the Ward 4 councilor position opened up, I recognized the chance to become more deeply involved in Newton government. I was also encouraged by current city councilors to run. I am running because I want Newton to be a thriving city that can serve the needs of all of its residents and remain a welcoming, inclusive community. I am not a single issue candidate; I believe that more multi-family housing, allowing more people to live in Newton, would: improve climate resiliency, reverse declining school enrollment, create walkable village centers, and support small businesses.

2.  Housing:  I would encourage building smaller homes, which are less expensive. I would also support increasing multi-family homes, both through rental and ownership. Also, I support requiring affordable units in all new buildings with 7 or more units. According to the Greater Boston Housing Report Card 2019, from the Boston Foundation, “Diversity in housing stock promotes diversity in communities”. The approaches I support would increase diversity in housing stock, which would likely result in greater racial diversity across the city.

3.  Small businesses:  Revitalizing our village centers with more homes brings more customers and potential employees within walking distance of those businesses. Implementing plans to keep businesses open during village center reconstruction and working with landlords to keep rents from sharply increasing after construction, is essential.

4.  Weatherization:  Financial incentives have proven to be effective; I would work with our state reps to explore any Massachusetts programs and funding that could be part of the plan. Working with organizations like Green Newton to design incentives and recommend alternatives for traditional building materials and fossil fuels, as well as promote greater education about the benefits of, and need for, sustainable buildings and homes.

Ward 5

Bill Humphrey

Website:  https://billhumphrey.org/.  Bio:  Seeking re-election to a 3rd term. Currently serving Ward 5 on the Finance Committee and the Programs & Services Committee. Lifelong Newton resident. Prioritizing our roads, our schools, and flooding and other climate resilience.

1.  Motivation: I ran for Newton City Council because I believed we needed to take a more aggressive position on environmental action, especially with utility companies and dependence on fossil fuel infrastructure, and I believed we needed to be doing more on housing supply and affordability. We have now adopted much stricter energy rules for new construction and renovation and are in the process of developing more code requirements. We have taken a harder line on the utilities, although we can always do more. And we reformed the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance and are continuing to work on affordability and overall supply of housing. The needle is moving.

2.  Housing:  I am a strong supporter of our Inclusionary Zoning ordinance that mandates affordable housing units within otherwise market-rate projects, but I believe we need to make it easier and more straightforward to build deeply affordable housing buildings that qualify for the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit / state incentives. Their biggest barriers are typically land acquisition costs and how slow the approval process is. I supported creating our Affordable Housing Trust to plan strategically on future site possibilities and buy land faster when available, and I support zoning revisions to accelerate approval of 100% affordable proposals.

3.  Small businesses:  Our small businesses face high rents and insufficient local customer bases, even if they are businesses that do not compete directly with online e-commerce operations. I would support a combination of city policies to promote smaller commercial spaces that favor local business over chains, discourage lengthy storefront vacancies maintained solely to keep rents high, reforms to parking requirements and other costly red tape beyond market needs, and village center zoning changes that will establish more residents within sight of our small businesses as potential new customers.

4.  Weatherization:  We need a combination of mandates and incentives to promote residential weatherization in Newton at a faster clip. Significant renovations and new developments should always include more stringent weatherization requirements, and there should eventually be a blanket mandate in the future regardless of whether or not construction work is otherwise occurring, but we also need to provide assistance to owners who might struggle financially with these requirements. Newton already has an Energy Coach who helps connect owners with weatherization programs and credits, but we might eventually need direct assistance, and the state should do more too.

Ward 6

Martha Bixby

Website:  https://www.marthabixby.org/.  Bio:  Martha Bixby co-founded Newton Neighbors, coaches her son’s Newton Youth Soccer team, is a member of the Ward 6 Democratic Committee, and is active in Safe Routes to School. Martha is running to bring an inclusive, community-focused voice to our city government.

1.  Motivation: I am running because I love and I am deeply committed to our Ward 6 villages and neighborhoods. I care about the stop signs and potholes and playgrounds in our neighborhoods and would ensure they are repaired and maintained. The small businesses that make up our village centers are the lifeblood of our community, and I would work tirelessly to support them. Through my work with Newton Neighbors, the Mason-Rice PTO, and many other Newton organizations and initiatives, I’ve seen the generosity, creativity, and energy of people in Newton and the challenges people face everyday.

2.  Housing:  Increasing affordable housing is a top priority. Zoning can provide structures to put in place more affordable housing opportunities and pathways for nonprofit developers to create affordable housing. By eliminating requirements minimums for unnecessary and unused parking spaces we can also keep the cost of creating new affordable housing lower and reduce our environmental impact. By creating a diversity of housing options - for retirees looking to downsize, families just starting out, deeply affordable housing, and workforce housing, we can create more opportunities for residents to find the right fit for them, right here in Newton.

3.  Small businesses:  The small businesses are what make our village centers special. I would: -Explore formula business ordinances or other mechanisms to ensure business diversity in our village centers; -Hear from local businesses and remove unnecessary restrictions and barriers to opening a business; support zoning that allows for more residences near our village centers - more built in customers - and smaller commercial plot sizes which is conducive to smaller, local business -Work in creative ways, such as outdoor dining, and support popups and food trucks as entry points for small business ownership; -Talk to business owners to hear from them.

4.  Weatherization:  Our energy coach and volunteers work hard to connect people with the best plans for their residence and the incentives available. We can continue to support and amplify these efforts, while adding in requirements for audits and weatherization at purchase or renovation. Additionally, we must recognize that 8% of our total City emissions come just from gas leaks. This is why I would support banning natural gas hookups on new construction and requiring the utilities to do more to repair and prevent leaks. I am also very supportive of the new green school building projects.

Lisa Gordon

Website:  https://www.lisagordonfornewton.com/.  Bio:  Lisa was raised in Newton & along with her husband Ken is a proud parent of two Newton South graduates. She is a civil rights activist, food insecurity & housing advocate, & Executive Director of the Acton Food Pantry. Lisa has fought to save school programs like the Jazz curriculum at Newton South.

1.  Motivation: I have a long history of community work to ensure Newton remains inclusive and affordable to everyone. Ken and I raised our family here for the schools, the arts education, and the progressive values. As a civil rights activist, food insecurity and housing advocate, and non-profit executive director, I have the experience and vision to be a collaborative, transparent and accountable representative for the people of Ward 6. I will be a champion for stronger tree canopy protection and Garden City jewels such as Crystal Lake, and will fight to preserve Newton’s green spaces. I will always vote to fully fund our schools and support our educators.

2.  Housing:  I believe our path towards increasing racial diversity in Newton is through meeting the MBTA Act and partnering with non-profit developers to build the most truly affordable housing units, closest to our transit centers, and available to those under 20% of AMI. I would advocate for zoning policies that strongly encourage for-profit developers bidding close to transit to include more deeply affordable housing units, and available to those under 30% of AMI, regardless of size. I would want Newton to require for-profit developers to include affordable housing units available to those under 50% of AMI, regardless of size and proximity to transit.

3.  Small businesses:  I will be a tireless advocate for the local and independent business owners of Ward 6, help the Newton Economic Development department understand their needs, and lobby to reduce red tape, streamline regulatory processes, and simplify permitting timelines. The local and independent businesses in our village centers are the cornerstones of our community, and have been forced to adapt rapidly to a shifting landscape and economy. We owe it to them to make sure we do not implement any policies as a city that will disrupt and dislodge what makes our village centers vibrant through area development constructions and unaffordable commercial rents.

4.  Weatherization:  I will be a partner to our city, state and federal colleagues to secure alternative financing solutions that will help economize the weatherization transition for Newton homeowners over a short horizon. We have a fantastic team in Anne Berwick, Bill Ferguson and Liora Silkes and they have done an excellent job of helping Newton fulfill the goals set out in the Newton Climate Action Plan. In collaboration with efforts such as the Citizens Commission on Energy, through a smart, fiscally responsible plan for resilient infrastructure, we should increase the capacity of the Climate and Sustainability Department to meet with every Newton homeowner.

Ward 7

R. Lisle Baker

Website:  https://www.counclorbaker.org.  Bio:  I am seeking my 21st term as the Ward Alderman for Ward 7. I am also a law professor at Suffolk University Law School. For more information, please go to my campaign website, www.councilorbaker.org.

1.  Motivation:

I am running for re-election because I value helping constituents with problems where my knowledge and experience with City government can be of aid to them. In addition, my long Council service has enabled me to provide some institutional memory and knowledge of Council procedures valuable in the Council’s work, such as voting for funding to preserve open space, like Webster Woods, or preserving historic sites and structures, like the Durant-Kenrick Homestead.

2.  Housing:  

I supported changes in our Inclusionary Zoning ordinance to help make new housing development itself more affordable and would be open to further work along those lines. I also voted to support the creation and funding of the Newton Affordable Housing Trust and anticipate continuing to support its funding.

3.  Small businesses:  

I am supportive of helping small businesses work with the Planning Department to find usable space they can afford. Where appropriate, I also support allowing simpler zoning review when businesses turn over, as we did in a large property in Newton Centre. I also support efforts to encourage Newton residents to shop locally when they have a choice.

4.  Weatherization:  

I voted for funding for City staff to advise residents about a variety of energy conservation options, including weatherization, a process we need to continue. I would also consider appropriate conservation incentives, or even requirements, for new construction.

Ward 8

Stephen Farrell

Website:  https://farrell4newton8.org.  Bio:  I have spent my life listening, organizing, negotiating and managing large nonprofit projects such as the Massachusetts College of Art, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. These skills prepared me to successfully serve as a Newton City Councilor.

1.  Motivation: I decided to run for the City Council seat following 24 years of frustration with my Ward Councilors failure to listen to local concerns and provide guidance and resolution. I want to ensure residents that I will listen, respond and proactively communicate with them as well as all appropriate City Council committees and departments.

2.  Housing:  Affordability is when people who teach our children, protect our lives and property, serve us in any capacity and/or have lived and want to retire in Newton are financially able to do so. Most of the proposed MBTA/VOCD housing is not “affordable” to moderate - much less low-income - people. We should change zoning to disencourage “McMansionization,” and prioritize the reuse of structurally-sound small homes. I would use public land, with federal/state support, to create projects such as the converted Armory with subsidized housing.

3.  Small businesses:  Eliminate By-Right development in Village Centers and use Special Permit process to negotiate appropriate rental agreements with developers and interested small businesses. In all Village Center development I would require that all existing business that wish to return be provided transition space. I would also support small business development throughout the city with appropriate zoning changes.

4.  Weatherization:  Newton is on the right path to requiring electrification of all new construction. I would support using all available “incentives” to encourage our State and Federal representatives to use their good offices to direct and work with City officials in securing as much State and Federal support as possible to help homeowners weatherize their houses. While searching for State and Federal weatherization assistance, and prior to mandating new costs for homeowners, I would as quickly as possible mandate full participation in a comprehensive, no exemption (except for dangerous trees), tree program to would preserve our tree precious canopy.

Holly Ryan

Website:  https://www.holly-ryan.org/.  Bio:  I'm seeking a 3rd term to continue serving you on the Newton City Council. I grew up in Ward 8 & raised my children here. I currently serve on the Programs & Services Committee and the Zoning & Planning Committee. I work closely with Ward 8 Councilors Rick Lipof & David Kalis, who are endorsing me.

1.  Motivation: Teardowns to build McMansions was one of the big reasons I decided to run in the first place four years ago. Every house around me in Oak Hill Park was getting replaced with these huge mega houses -- I call them "hotels" because they're so huge. Next term, the Council needs to take action on zoning in the residential districts to incentivize more preservation of existing housing stock and discourage these McMansions. This could include improved rules on setbacks, lot coverage, heights, organic-based stormwater runoff control (including mature tree protection), soil fill and site grading, and more.

2.  Housing:  I have always been a passionate supporter of deeply affordable housing. We need to change our local ordinances so that specialized affordable housing developers can more easily build deeply affordable housing developments, for families, seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone else in need. Our new Affordable Housing Trust, which I pushed to create, will study potential sites and help acquire parcels in conjunction with these builders so that they can qualify for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. We took an approach like this for the Newton Armory, and now we should standardize it.

3.  Small businesses:  Our small businesses struggle to stay open without enough foot traffic and without sustainable costs. If we don't make some changes to our commercial centers to bring in more customers on foot and preserve spaces geared toward small, locally-owned businesses, our unique village centers are going to fade away. We already saw that happen in Oak Hill Park, and it could happen again even in places like Newton Centre if we don't do something soon. I believe the Village Centers Overlay District zoning plan is intended to help address these problems by emphasizing smaller footprints, bringing in new customers, and simplifying the process to open.

4.  Weatherization:  On the Zoning and Planning Committee, I have been a champion for getting new construction and major renovations to go fossil free, and we need to strengthen those mandates because those buildings will be around the longest, and we don't want to lock in fossil fuel dependence and then make retrofits later even more expensive. But we also need to support property owners who might have a hard time paying for weatherization and electrification conversions. Newton's Energy Coach helps with this, but I also support state efforts to expand incentive programs.

Candidates for School Committee

Ward 1

Rajeev Parlikar

Website:  https://rajeevparlikar.com/.  Bio:  I am currently the incumbent School Committee member from Ward 1. I was previously on the Newton SEPAC board for six years, including five as co-chair. I was born in India, grew up in Kenya, and first came to the US as a college freshman. I moved to Newton in 1994 and my son is an NPS student.

1.  Mental Health:  I would like to see us hire more adjustment and guidance counselors for NPS. We should have counselors assigned to each school. We urgently need to ease the significant and unsustainable caseloads of our counselors across all levels of our schools, but due to budget constraints over the past two years this has not been possible. I will continue to advocate for it.

2.  DEI:  I am committed to DEI and I see it as an ongoing journey. I would like us to take a broad definition of Diversity to make sure we make NPS a safe and welcoming home for all our students. In terms of teaching, I see DEI and academic excellence as two core values of NPS that can and must coexist and strengthen each other.

3.  Learning:  I think we've made some progress in addressing the learning deficits from the pandemic but there is more to be done. Summer programs and some additional academic support over the past two years have helped many students. However, we have lost academic supports in some areas due to budget issues that I hope we will be able to restore.

4.  Rennovations:  There is a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan for NPS buildings that includes both rebuilding and renovations for our schools. We already have significant work under way on four schools that are most in need of it. The next stage of school construction / renovation will focus on the schools that have not recently been updated as well as on replacing outdated systems as needed.

Ward 2

Chris Brezski

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 3

Anping Shen

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 4

Tamika Olszewski

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 5

Emily Prenner

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 6

Paul Levy

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 7

Amy Davenport

Awaiting response from candidate.

Ward 8

Barry Greenstein

Awaiting response from candidate.