Setti Warren will be sworn in for his second four-year term as mayor of Newton on Wednesday. For old time’s sake, I reread his inauguration speech from four years ago to see what he’d promised and if he’d delivered. Here are a few highlights:
“I intend to govern as I campaigned. This means reaching out to residents – all residents, not just the ones who regularly contribute. It means inventing new mechanisms like an interactive website and Town Hall Meetings…”
“It means responding to questions openly and honestly and, most importantly,it means asking residents from every part of this city, from every village and every perspective, from every demographic and every point of view, to work collaboratively and civilly with one another…”
“I am prepared to make the tough decisions that will be necessary and I recognize that some will oppose each and every decision I make. “
Two questions come to mind: How’d he do? And, how much of this speech will he repeat?
For old time’s sake, I read Kevin Dutt’s column evaluating Setti Warren’s first term as mayor. You should read it too. Dutt served on the Citizens Advisory Group and he reinforced the Newton Taxpayers Association’s concerns that Newton’s structural spending problem continues unabated under Setti Warren’s administration.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/newton/news/lifestyle/columnists/x997478595/Kevin-Dutt-Its-time-to-examine-Newtons-fiscal-performance
Furthermore, despite Setti Warren’s rhetoric about saving $178 Million, (or was it $200 Million, or $343 Million or $436 Million or whatever number they’re quoting this week) during the override and during his re-election campaign, Newton’s annual spending increased by $44 Million in his first term and Newton’s outstanding debt/unfunded liabilities have increased by over $110 Million under his watch.
I will say in the Very beginning of his term that Mayor Warren did call me back about an issue. I was very impressed and appreciative of that.
However – after he decided to run for Senate – he decided that he was WAY too important and only goes with his entourage and driver and on more than one occasion where I tried to approach him to speak with him or call him at City Hall – he was NOT approachable nor did he ever get back to me.
He unlike his predecessor never showed up at School Functions – and he was notified Months in Advance but I was told unless he had a role he would not show up. Unfortunately his predecessor understood that showing up and speaking with the Parents
(Voters) was an important Role.
So I am sure he started out with good intentions as outlined in his speech but he IMHO has not delivered on what he promised.
Thanks for posting this Gail.
I was impressed and surprised by this. In many ways, it provided a road map to the way Setti Warren governed. It wasn’t a perfect map, but still close.
There are 4 significant accomplishments that Setti promised either in his inaugural speech or on the campaign trail.
1. He promised to make all parts of City Government responsive to citizen complaints and needs. The 311 system is light years ahead of what was there previously and a tip of the hat should go to both the Mayor and the people that answer the 311 line. They are friendly, professional and very responsive.
2. He promised to improve services to veterans. As a veteran, I’ve had the opportunity to observe and participate in the monthly services program for veterans held the first Tuesday of the month at the Post 440. This was the brainchild of the Mayor and many veterans in Newton and beyond. Each month, more and more veterans are showing up to learn about and be guided through Federal, state and Newton programs for veterans as well as applicable job opportunities in the public and private sectors. This initially got off to a show start and I had my doubts that it would work, but it has blossomed thanks to the dogged determination of the Mayor, key veterans and City employees, many of who are veterans.
3. The Mayor said he would do more to strengthen village centers and village institutions. He’s been an active participant and cheer leader in village events throughout the City. He’s also been a champion promoter of village neighborhood councils like the one I’m on in Newton Highlands and is not fearful about what they might do or think. The Highlands Council was the only one in existence when Setti was elected, but now we have four, with more likely on the way. The newly elected members of all 4 councils will be sworn in by the Mayor at City Hall on January 9th. There’s both symbolic and substantive significance in this event.
4. He said he would hold repeated open meetings in each village or ward and he has more than kept that promise. I’ve been to several of these and they have always been open and above board. I’ve never seen the Mayor or anyone in authority try to game these events.
I’ve disagreed with some of Setti’s decisions and direction, but a lot of that goes with the territory. One thing I don’t disagree with is his decision to be active in the National Council of Mayors, the State Democratic Party, other state and national organizations, or Marty Walsh’s transition team. Newton can only benefit by Setti’s ability to plug into vital contacts within these organizations. The opposition to him advising Marty Walsh is particularly baffling. Newton and Boston border each other and a lot of commercial, political and social interaction goes on between the 2 municipalities. Isn’t it better for both municipalities if the two mayors know each other and are friends and working partners rather than aloof strangers working at cross purposes??
Excellent summary, Bob. Thanks!
The only thing I could say about Setti Warren’s first term as Newton’s Mayor was at least he wasn’t David Cohen.
http://newton.patch.com/groups/newton-taxpayers-association/p/evaluating-setti-warrens-first-term-as-mayor