12 Comments

1. 

   fignewtonville on November 3, 2015 at 9:04 pm

   Congrats to Jake! Hard fought victory. I’m sure he’ll do a terrific job.

2. 

   Michael on November 3, 2015 at 9:44 pm

   What’s the secret to winning an election like this? I follow V14 regularly, but I’ve got to admit that I have no idea what any of the candidates stand for (except maybe on the issue of Austin Street, which doesn’t interest me).

   Are there really 6,000+ Newtonites who took the time to educate themselves on the candidates’ positions (and/or who know the candidates personally)? My wife and I were talking about going to the polls, but then we talked each other out of it when we realized that we’d only be voting for the candidates whose last names sounded good to us.

3. 

   Geoff Epstein on November 3, 2015 at 10:23 pm

   @Michael:

   I think that the LWV debate videos were very informative and worth looking at to figure a vote.

   A few hours every 2 years is not much of an imposition.

   _______________________________________

   Jake promises to be a great addition to the council for sure.

   That is the silver lining in a pretty dark cloud.

4. 

   Doug Haslam on November 3, 2015 at 10:29 pm

   Jake knocked on a ton of doors. Heard that more than once tonight. I think that had a lot to do with the vote he got. Not all but a lot.

5. 

   Michael on November 3, 2015 at 11:18 pm

   @Geoff – correct me if I’m interpreting this wrong, but in my ward (8/2) it looks as though there were 53 candidates on the ballot, 39 of whom were in contested races. I think it would’ve taken more than a few hours for the average voter to accurately research those candidates’ political positions. I wonder how many of the 11,000 voters actually did that?

   I’ve never lived in a town with this many candidates on a municipal ballot and it strikes me as more than a bit ineffectual.

   As Doug implies, going out and shaking hands is probably the best way to get votes. And I’m sure there’s also a very strong element of tribalism. Neither of which is useful for electing people who actually represent the political will of the voters.

   (For what it’s worth, I’d actually propose that municipal government ought to be abolished; society would be a lot fairer for everyone if education, public works, public safety, and development were to be uniformly administered at the state level – but I’m sure that kind of thinking makes me quite kooky.)

6. 

   Marti on November 4, 2015 at 8:31 am

   Michael, I agree that it takes a lot of time to make that many decisions about which candidates you would support. It was made worse this year with 22 charter candidates. It’s difficult, in any election, to get by personalities and political speak to find their true views. Many people just don’t have that kind of time. But I would never want the state to take over municipal powers.
   The Charter Commission, now that we have voted to have one, will look at how our government is structured and could change the number of offices we vote for at one time. Be sure to give them your input.

   I am fortunate to be able to make time to delve into candidates, attend meet ups, read the Tab and V14 and watch 2 hour videos along with my own research. I think the videos of the forums and debates were the most helpful because you see the candidates reactions to questions, if they try to skirt the question, use misdirection or give direct answers. Next I would rate the discussions on V14 most informative. And of course, talking with my friends, family and neighbor’s.

   I’m sorry you and your wife didn’t feel informed enough to vote. Hopefully you will during the next election.

7. 

   Marti on November 4, 2015 at 8:43 am

   I think knocking on hundreds of doors is the best way to reach those who don’t follow the build up to municipal elections, particularly if you can be easy going, relatable, and personable. It always helps if the candidate is able to make anyone feel heard and comfortable. It puts a face to a name, particularly a new name, in a way that doesn’t feel political.

   I don’t think this works as well with the ones who stay informed, but we are in the tiny minority.

8. 

   Y. on November 4, 2015 at 8:56 am

   Jake is the only candidate who knocked on my door and this is how he got my vote. He struck me as honest, hard working and motivated. I have never seen anyone work so hard to get elected in Newton.

9. 

   NativeNewtonian on November 4, 2015 at 9:14 am

   Jake knocked on doors and worked hard. He is a politician through and through; I am still not sure of his positions on important issues in the City. The last charismatic politician who won in Newton in the same manner was Setti Warren … I’ll let each person decide for themselves how that worked out….

   Thank you, Marcia, for your many years of hard work and service to Newton.

10. 

    Greer Tan Swiston on November 4, 2015 at 10:04 am

    He’s smart. He has energy. Clearly he has the dedication and most importantly, he listens and actually considers facts and data as well as the testimony and concerns expressed by both residents and elected officials to arrive at a balanced solution to issues because he already knows that the world is not black and white. THAT is what impresses me about him.

    I can only hope that we can have more elected representatives like him. It gives me a lot more hope.

11. 

    Michael on November 4, 2015 at 11:16 am

    Well, that’s certainly a great system, where somebody can get elected not based on any issues but rather the simple act of knocking on a door and chatting with somebody for two and a half minutes.

    Aside from that, with all respect may I humbly express my wish that we no longer be subjected to the cliché about “data-driven” politicians anymore? It’s so 2014.

    Anyway, congratulations to all of the candidates – we’re clearly indebted to them for their commitment to improving the community. I only wish there were a better and more transparent way for the electorate to make its choice.

12. 

    Doug Jacobs on November 4, 2015 at 11:41 am

    Great victory for Jake. New people are needed. Serving on the Board of Alderman should never been a life time position. Change is good.