2021 Preliminary Election: Candidate for Mayor
Campaign Website: http://ruthannefuller.com
Biographical statement: Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and her husband, Joe, have lived in Newton for over 26 years, where they raised their sons – twins Mark and Chris, and David. Ruthanne is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Business School. She served on Newton’s City Council for 8 years prior to being elected Mayor.
Questions and Answers
Question 1: How would you balance the commercial need for stronger village centers with the concerns voiced by some residents for increased density, and how would you accomplish that?
Village centers promote more than commerce. Thriving village centers are the hubs that transform a city of strangers into a community of neighbors. I will continue to make decisions knowing that there isn’t a one size fits all solution. I will promote prosperous village centers; preserve the uniqueness of each village; welcome people of all backgrounds; create opportunities for affordable housing in the city; facilitate use of public transportation; encourage green technology; address concerns about traffic, parking and overcrowding; and maintain wonderful residential neighborhoods which are the backbone of the Newton we love.
Question 2: What is your vision for the Newton Police Department and how would/does your budget support your vision?
The new Chief and I are committed to community policing that treats everyone respectfully and fairly and is funded appropriately to provide public safety. We’re improving responses to mental health crises, introducing more non-bias training, and will achieve greater diversification of our officers through hiring. We’re providing officers with de-escalation training so that violations don’t spiral into tragedy. As a City, we are connecting people in need of help with the right support services. We are actively studying a body camera pilot program.
Question 3: What policies would you put in place to reduce residential and city solid waste and carbon emissions?
In Newton I led aggressive initiatives to address the climate crisis. Replacing our gas-powered city automobiles with electric ones; converting municipal and school buildings to electric heat; expanding recycling and encouraging composting; implementing programs like Heat Smart – Cool Smart and Newton PowerChoice which have all reduced our carbon footprint. But more must be done because when it comes to climate change, tomorrow is already here. Our Climate Action Plan is a roadmap to becoming carbon neutral. Its implementation has already begun. As Mayor, I’ll implement it fully so there may be a better tomorrow for all Newtonians.