Three candidates for the two at-large seats on Newton’s Board of Aldermen/City Council from Ward 5 At-Large — incumbents Deb Crossley and Brian Yates plus challenger Chris Pitts — will be on the ballot this November. Cast your vote in our very unscientific poll and then tell us why in the comments section.
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All three of the candidates have an outstanding record giving back to our community.
But while we know a lot about Alderman Yates’ and Crossley’s voting record, I don’t know much about where Pitts stands on issues or even why he decided to enter the contest at the last minute. I invite him to weigh in here.
I wholeheartedly endorse Brian Yates for reelection as an alderman/councilor this year. He is a man who lives and breathes Newton and has been a force for good in our neighborhood or as long as I’ve lived here – over 27 years now. He’s an amazing alderman and I’m sure he will continue to work in all of our best interests.
That’s strong endorsement. I wonder if Yates has or will return the favor and endorse Huffman. Incumbents don’t traditionally endorse challengers in Newton.
Uh oh, with that endorsement I’m starting to wonder about Aldercritter Yates.
I’m not asking Alderman Yates to endorse me. I’m endorsing him purely on my own because of his great record serving the citizens of Newton – not just those of Upper Falls. He’s an honest man. I don’t think I’ll address Marti’s seemingly mean-spirited comment about the value of my endorsement.
Nice Marti. I just love election season in Newton. /s
@Marti
I will second Susan on this.
I recently met some people in the highlands I had never met before. From what I could gather they had very little interest in politics, but they did tell me that they had a great deal of respect for Brian. They told me he is very well liked, well known, and has been in the neighborhood for many a year.
I was just kidding about “wondering about Brian Yates.” I support him.
I guess we really need that sarcasm font!
@Marti. It hardly surprises me that Susan Huffman would write an endorsement statement for Brian Yates. One of Brian’s many attributes is the ability to interact professionally and socially with all kinds of people and groups in Newton. He’s a strong Democrat, but that doesn’t stop him from making friends and winning supporters across the entire political spectrum in Newton. He has a reputation for doing his homework on all the major and not so major issues before the Board. His long time experience at City Hall has given him a deep understanding of the nuts and bolts of city government and a profound institutional memory. I always turn to him for analyses of all things Newton because I know I will get the truth backed up with facts and figures to strengthen the points he makes. He has never led me astray and I’m certain that everyone who has worked with him will echo what I say.
For the past year, the Newton Highlands Area Council has been looking at the possibility of establishing a local historic district in portions of the village. Brian’s advise, guidance and support has been instrumental in helping launch this effort and everyone involved with this project has commended his insight, patience and perseverance.
Susan Huffman is with Brian because they have worked closely and diligently on several matters affecting the Upper Falls village community and with Friends of Hemlock Gorge. These are bread and butter common sense issues that transcend anything from the national political scene. They like each other and they trust each. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with the Huffman’s on several village related strategies and politics really does stop at the water’s edge when you are doing things at this grass roots level.
Brian has never returned a call or email and I’m a Ward 5 resident. I’ve emailed him multiple times about a number of issues and receive nothing in response. I’ve supported him in the past and even sported a lawn sign for him, but his lack of response is unacceptable in this day and age.
@Greg,
As you create these polls, presumably you get to see who votes for who etc.
Just wondering, what if anything do you do with it?
@Simon – yes, that would be interesting, but no. Even with the keys to the Village 14 control console, the who-voted-for-who info is not available to the site administrators.
Except, of course, for those of you who we’re watching via web cam!
That explains why that light on the top of my laptop screen keeps turning on every time I begin conspiring with shadowy Newton underworld figures – I’m talking about you Bob Burke.
And Simon, I was surprised to see you bullet vote for Deb Crossley.
… and thanks for the new avatar Greg.
BTW – for those of you who would like to attach one of those photos/images/graphics to your posts – here’s how to do it
@Jerry. We are under 24 hour surveillance here.
@Bob: You really need to water that plant in your dining room next to the hutch. It’s looking rather droopy.
I’ve removed two comments from this thread because they’re really counterproductive. I wish I had removed one yesterday but there’s been so many comments since that would all be out of context. Let’s move on folks.
Greg. Thanks for reminding me.