I’m certain this thread will morph into a debate about specific individuals but I’d actually like to ask a different question…
Four years ago, Newton needed a mayor that would help heel heal a community that was both divided and disappointed with the way our city was being run. We also needed a mayor who would get our finances in check, address infrastructure issues and negotiate sustainable union contracts. Some might add that we needed a mayor that could restore confidence so we could raise taxes.
Whether you agree or disagree with my list (or how successful our current mayor has been) I’m more interested in asking this:
What’s on your to-do list for the mayor we vote for November?
Challenge yourself to answer this without talking about specific candidates. Focus instead on issues. In other words, can we come up with a job description before we attach it to an individual.
Greg,
Was this a Freudian slip?
“Four years ago, Newton needed a mayor that would help “heel” a community”
Definition of “heel”
a : to exert pressure on, propel, or strike with the heel
b : to urge (as a lagging animal) by following closely or by nipping at the heels
intransitive verb
: to move along at someone’s heels
So, did you mean to bring the community under control?
I think you meant “heal”. 🙂
Barry: Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar and a typo is just a typo.
We need a mayor who can manage the building projects that will take place over the next four years. That person needs to be able to strike a balance between letting the professionals do their jobs and micromanaging — not something everyone can do.
off topic: I just want to remind people that there will be a SPED Forum on August 7th at 7:30 at Newtv. The point of the forum is to allow parents to step up to the mike and tell their good or bad experiences with the school system. Photo’s of children participating in SPED are encouraged. Also, if you are afraid of repercussions from your story, you may send me anonymous stories and I will read them on air (anonymously).
I long for a Mayor that can lead without resorting to the tax base as a cure all.
GT,
Can you elaborate? Do you mean you long for a Mayor who can lead without resorting to increasing taxes as a cure all? Is that what you meant?
A Mayor that is hands on and doesn’t hide behind a spokesperson.
A mayor that isn’t afraid of taking a stand or position on an issue and explaining why they feel that is the best solution etc.
Gail, I’ve been hoping to publish a report this month or next evaluating Newton’s major school building projects. You may be interested that it will be more robust than merely comparing Newton’s school building costs against other Massachusetts cities and towns.
Joshua – I look forward to reading it.
And sometimes a “Spade is a Spade”…
Thanks Gail. I don’t have a timetable for when it will be published yet. Ideally, I would like to get it published next week to coincide with Newton submitting its Angier Schematic Designs to the MSBA.
You may be interested in the fact that I intend to devote a significant portion of my report to the Stephanie Kane-Gilman issue. Hopefully, Newton will have a Public Buildings Commissioner who can ensure that the contractors perform the necessary spadework, masonry, fabricating etc on time and within budget.
For starters:
1.) Experience with managing budgets in excess of $150M
2.) Managerial experience (including a history of being able to maintain qualified employees in leadership roles on staff)
3.) Acclaimed history of community involvement and activism
4.) Someone who acts and is rooted in conviction (firm on commitments including verbal ones)
5.) Successful reputation in their current field of practice
I will think of more…
I’d also like to see our next mayor get a handle on the ~$850M twin terrors of Newton’s balance sheet (AKA the unfunded liabilities for OPEB and Pensions).
I recently completed an analysis and evaluation of Newton’s $244M unfunded pension liability and the TAB published it in today’s edition.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/newton/opinion/editorials/x1676646963/Joshua-Norman-On-Newton-and-public-pension-woes
While many people are aware of Newton’s $600M+ OPEB problem, I don’t think that people are aware of the $244M unfunded pension liability. I don’t think people are aware that Newton’s net unfunded liability has nearly quadrupled since 1998 even though its assets have increased by more than 50% during that time period.