Former Mayor David Cohen will make a rare public appearance Monday when he testifies before Newton’s Charter Commission as it turns to focusing on the city’s Executive Branch.
Rep. Ruth Balser and five other former Newton mayoral candidates (Ted Hess-Mahan, Paul Coletti, Ken Parker, Tom Sheff and Mike Striar) are also among those on the agenda. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Ed Center, room 210 at 100 Walnut Street. (I’d link to the agenda but the link does not seem to be working on the city’s website.)
I’ve found a copy on Twitter
I’ve found a copy on Twitter
anyone who has any input anmd wants to say something, but can’t get to a meeting, I’d like to hear from you. Here’s the parameters/questions:
Dear hearing participant:
We encourage you to provide any information that you believe would be helpful to us as a commission as we evaluate possible changes to the Newton charter. But in order to provide some guidance, we have developed a few questions that it might be helpful to have our participants answer. The questions are:
If it were in your power, what one change would you make to increase the efficiency of what the Mayor does?
What do you see as the largest challenges to the effective operation of City government?
What do you see as the greatest advantage in Newton’s government structure?
Budgeting is a major issue. Can you provide some insight into ways to appropriately balance the legislative and executive power in that regard? Are there any lessons you’ve learned by personal experience?
Zoning and planning as well as the granting of special permits are hot topics. Who should handle those responsibilities and to whom should those boards be responsible?
In a community like newton that has a lot of talent and strong volunteer base, what do you see as the appropriate role for volunteer boards and commissions, and what should the balance be between these volunteer boards and elected officials?
Again – you are encouraged to speak about whatever you feel will be helpful to us, including the charter commission process, but these are some questions in which the commission is interested.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Education Center in Newton (located at 100 Walnut St.) but please review the attached agenda for an estimate on when your time is scheduled to take place. This should help you plan your evening should you have other matter to which you must attend.
The commission is planning to take about 15 minutes with each of you. This includes time for you to deliver your remarks followed – perhaps – by questions from commissioners should you be amenable. Again, there are no hard and fast requirements on you at this meeting and we are truly looking to capitalize on your expertise to help us determine the best course for us to recommend for Newton’s future executives. The process I’ve outlined was simply our best effort to make the most of your time.
I’m so curious about the decision to have so many former candidates speak, as opposed to individuals who might offer other historical perspectives, such as a former chief of staff or department head. Maybe a former school superintendent or even school committee members, since that is part of our mayor’s job? I’m not saying this is wrong. But I am curious about the thought process.
anyone who has any input anmd wants to say something, but can’t get to a meeting, I’d like to hear from you. Here’s the parameters/questions:
Dear hearing participant:
We encourage you to provide any information that you believe would be helpful to us as a commission as we evaluate possible changes to the Newton charter. But in order to provide some guidance, we have developed a few questions that it might be helpful to have our participants answer. The questions are:
If it were in your power, what one change would you make to increase the efficiency of what the Mayor does?
What do you see as the largest challenges to the effective operation of City government?
What do you see as the greatest advantage in Newton’s government structure?
Budgeting is a major issue. Can you provide some insight into ways to appropriately balance the legislative and executive power in that regard? Are there any lessons you’ve learned by personal experience?
Zoning and planning as well as the granting of special permits are hot topics. Who should handle those responsibilities and to whom should those boards be responsible?
In a community like newton that has a lot of talent and strong volunteer base, what do you see as the appropriate role for volunteer boards and commissions, and what should the balance be between these volunteer boards and elected officials?
Again – you are encouraged to speak about whatever you feel will be helpful to us, including the charter commission process, but these are some questions in which the commission is interested.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Education Center in Newton (located at 100 Walnut St.) but please review the attached agenda for an estimate on when your time is scheduled to take place. This should help you plan your evening should you have other matter to which you must attend.
The commission is planning to take about 15 minutes with each of you. This includes time for you to deliver your remarks followed – perhaps – by questions from commissioners should you be amenable. Again, there are no hard and fast requirements on you at this meeting and we are truly looking to capitalize on your expertise to help us determine the best course for us to recommend for Newton’s future executives. The process I’ve outlined was simply our best effort to make the most of your time.
I’m so curious about the decision to have so many former candidates speak, as opposed to individuals who might offer other historical perspectives, such as a former chief of staff or department head. Maybe a former school superintendent or even school committee members, since that is part of our mayor’s job? I’m not saying this is wrong. But I am curious about the thought process.
I think it’s great.
I do agree Greg, there are many who can provide insight, and I hope they can be heard. The people who lived it, saw strengths and weaknesses, would be the most valuable. Not sure about the value of Mayoral contenders who have never seen the sausage made first hand, But I think having Mayor Cohen’s insight will be invaluable.
I think it’s great.
I do agree Greg, there are many who can provide insight, and I hope they can be heard. The people who lived it, saw strengths and weaknesses, would be the most valuable. Not sure about the value of Mayoral contenders who have never seen the sausage made first hand, But I think having Mayor Cohen’s insight will be invaluable.
The Charter Commission is in the process of seeking input from many present and former elected officials as we begin the review of articles that outline the the executive branch, the City Council, and the School Committee. In addition, there is a public hearing in the Aldermanic Chambers on March 9th beginning at 7:00pm. This hearing is focused on the executive branch and the school committee, but people are welcome to comment on any issue. I speak with residents daily at this point, so people should feel free to call, email, or contact us at [email protected].
@Jane: I’m not challenging the commission’s openness or opportunities to participate. I’m just curious about the thought process that lead to scheduling so many former mayoral candidates on this particular topic. Is this to discuss the election process?
The Charter Commission is in the process of seeking input from many present and former elected officials as we begin the review of articles that outline the the executive branch, the City Council, and the School Committee. In addition, there is a public hearing in the Aldermanic Chambers on March 9th beginning at 7:00pm. This hearing is focused on the executive branch and the school committee, but people are welcome to comment on any issue. I speak with residents daily at this point, so people should feel free to call, email, or contact us at [email protected].
@Jane: I’m not challenging the commission’s openness or opportunities to participate. I’m just curious about the thought process that lead to scheduling so many former mayoral candidates on this particular topic. Is this to discuss the election process?
That’s Jane Frantz
That’s Jane Frantz
My impression is that a lot of these specific past candidates ran on platforms that discussed potential reforms to the mayor’s office. In addition to hearing from people experienced in the role, there’s something to be said for talking to people outside of it who had/have expressed deep interest in changing the setup, since their perspective is different. (Not better or worse, but not the same as a current or former official’s perspective.)
My impression is that a lot of these specific past candidates ran on platforms that discussed potential reforms to the mayor’s office. In addition to hearing from people experienced in the role, there’s something to be said for talking to people outside of it who had/have expressed deep interest in changing the setup, since their perspective is different. (Not better or worse, but not the same as a current or former official’s perspective.)
Executive term limit, the final frontier. To quote a financial guru who has recently left the city: ‘the city leaders have perpetuated a kind of Utopianism that ended up distracting them from hard choices’. Executive
function needs to occasionally step back, given the opportunity to discern reality from the fanfare of public opinion. That can only be achieved by a hiatus from office.
Executive term limit, the final frontier. To quote a financial guru who has recently left the city: ‘the city leaders have perpetuated a kind of Utopianism that ended up distracting them from hard choices’. Executive
function needs to occasionally step back, given the opportunity to discern reality from the fanfare of public opinion. That can only be achieved by a hiatus from office.
Hi Greg-My post was for clarification purposes only and to let people know about the public hearing on March 9.
Hi Greg-My post was for clarification purposes only and to let people know about the public hearing on March 9.
“David Cohen to appear Monday before Charter Comission”
The title of this thread (notwithstanding the misspelling) conjures up two images:
1. A séance
2. A Congressional investigation
I have been attending the Charter Commission meetings and can guarantee that it will be neither.
If you are someone who cares about the functionality of our City government, you might be enlightened (even without spirits) by attending this gathering on Monday night at the Ed. Center at 7pm. I plan to do so without a Ouija board. By the way, the Charter Commission is proceeding openly, diligently and intelligently to gather information from myriad sources and to highlight pertinent issues for their deliberations. I may not end up agreeing with them on their final recommendations, but their approach is so far impeccable.
“David Cohen to appear Monday before Charter Comission”
The title of this thread (notwithstanding the misspelling) conjures up two images:
1. A séance
2. A Congressional investigation
I have been attending the Charter Commission meetings and can guarantee that it will be neither.
If you are someone who cares about the functionality of our City government, you might be enlightened (even without spirits) by attending this gathering on Monday night at the Ed. Center at 7pm. I plan to do so without a Ouija board. By the way, the Charter Commission is proceeding openly, diligently and intelligently to gather information from myriad sources and to highlight pertinent issues for their deliberations. I may not end up agreeing with them on their final recommendations, but their approach is so far impeccable.
Thank you Village 14 for helping to create awareness of the charter commission and it’s work!! We appreciate it very much.
Because there were some questions about why this group – here is a quick explanation…
One of the things that the charter commission has chosen to do is proceed through the current charter one article at a time (though not in order of the charter). Each article is led by co-article leaders who facilitate the research and lead the deliberations. On Article 3 – the Executive Branch – Chris Steele and I have agreed to lead the commission. He and I thought that it made sense to invite some potential guests with a particular interest in the Executive Branch. Our thinking was to invite: the current Mayor, former mayors, mayors and executives from comparably sized cities around the state and people in Newton who have given serious thought to the office of Mayor (as evidenced by having appeared on the ballot for Mayor, recently). So we invited many folks who fit within those categories.
In addition, we plan to hold a public hearing (March 9th) at which any and all are invited to participate on this very same topic. Lastly, every regular charter commission meeting begins with 20 minutes of public comment at which anyone may share their thoughts and opinions with us.
Nobody is excluded from sharing their thoughts with us, this was just one way to enable a select group of people to participate publicly. Through these various hearings, we hope to gain a very clear understanding of what is working in Newton, what is not working, what some other options might be and a potential course of action for the future.
We would love to hear from all of YOU!!!
Thank you Village 14 for helping to create awareness of the charter commission and it’s work!! We appreciate it very much.
Because there were some questions about why this group – here is a quick explanation…
One of the things that the charter commission has chosen to do is proceed through the current charter one article at a time (though not in order of the charter). Each article is led by co-article leaders who facilitate the research and lead the deliberations. On Article 3 – the Executive Branch – Chris Steele and I have agreed to lead the commission. He and I thought that it made sense to invite some potential guests with a particular interest in the Executive Branch. Our thinking was to invite: the current Mayor, former mayors, mayors and executives from comparably sized cities around the state and people in Newton who have given serious thought to the office of Mayor (as evidenced by having appeared on the ballot for Mayor, recently). So we invited many folks who fit within those categories.
In addition, we plan to hold a public hearing (March 9th) at which any and all are invited to participate on this very same topic. Lastly, every regular charter commission meeting begins with 20 minutes of public comment at which anyone may share their thoughts and opinions with us.
Nobody is excluded from sharing their thoughts with us, this was just one way to enable a select group of people to participate publicly. Through these various hearings, we hope to gain a very clear understanding of what is working in Newton, what is not working, what some other options might be and a potential course of action for the future.
We would love to hear from all of YOU!!!
… and wisely noted the less formal surrounds of the Ed Center v. Council Chambers – thumbs up.
… and wisely noted the less formal surrounds of the Ed Center v. Council Chambers – thumbs up.
@Josh
Appreciate the response and thinking, but you guys probably would benefit from a different composition of speakers. There is strong confirmation bias on the role of the Mayor when the speakers are primarily Mayors, formers mayors and people who ran for Mayor. They’re likely to offer advice on tinkering on the margin, where I’d be more interested in different models altogether.
Cohen and Warren provide different types of caution on our current approach, it’d be good to see exploration of real alternatives to a reasonably strong Mayor. The folks Greg suggested make a lot of sense.
@Josh
Appreciate the response and thinking, but you guys probably would benefit from a different composition of speakers. There is strong confirmation bias on the role of the Mayor when the speakers are primarily Mayors, formers mayors and people who ran for Mayor. They’re likely to offer advice on tinkering on the margin, where I’d be more interested in different models altogether.
Cohen and Warren provide different types of caution on our current approach, it’d be good to see exploration of real alternatives to a reasonably strong Mayor. The folks Greg suggested make a lot of sense.
Just wait and see, Paul. You may be surprised.
Just wait and see, Paul. You may be surprised.
David Cohen the man and the legend. Finally, after 7 years he has decided to come out from under a rock. Probably wants redemption.
David Cohen the man and the legend. Finally, after 7 years he has decided to come out from under a rock. Probably wants redemption.
One question that I would ask if I could (of course, I can’t) is what the mayors and mayoral candidates think about mayoral term limits.
The person I would most like to hear speak is Thomas Concannon. Was he invited? He was mayor from 1994 to 1997. In his 1997 campaign, David Cohen ran, and Concannon questioned Cohen as being a spendthrift. Some will argue, post Newton North, he was correct.
Here is the a Double Jeopardy question for advanced bloggers who are thinking about mayoral term limits. In the past 100 years, other than Concannon, how many Newton mayors were voted out of office?
One question that I would ask if I could (of course, I can’t) is what the mayors and mayoral candidates think about mayoral term limits.
The person I would most like to hear speak is Thomas Concannon. Was he invited? He was mayor from 1994 to 1997. In his 1997 campaign, David Cohen ran, and Concannon questioned Cohen as being a spendthrift. Some will argue, post Newton North, he was correct.
Here is the a Double Jeopardy question for advanced bloggers who are thinking about mayoral term limits. In the past 100 years, other than Concannon, how many Newton mayors were voted out of office?
@Jeffrey- Good question. I believe former Mayor Concannon has health issues that might prevent his attendance. I don’t think any Mayor running for re-election has ever lost except for Concannon in 1997. Former State Senator Irving Fishman almost defeated Mayor Basbas in 1969. I believe he came within a few hundred votes.
@Jeffrey- Good question. I believe former Mayor Concannon has health issues that might prevent his attendance. I don’t think any Mayor running for re-election has ever lost except for Concannon in 1997. Former State Senator Irving Fishman almost defeated Mayor Basbas in 1969. I believe he came within a few hundred votes.
Doug, very close but no cigar. Only two mayors have been defeated in over 100 years. It still seems like a low number to me.
The other ousted mayor was Edwin O. Childs. He was mayor from 1914 to 1929, did not run office, and was followed by Sinclair Weeks (whose father was a US Senator). Childs served again as mayor from 1936 to 1939. He ran in 1939 and was defeated by Paul Goddard.
Doug, very close but no cigar. Only two mayors have been defeated in over 100 years. It still seems like a low number to me.
The other ousted mayor was Edwin O. Childs. He was mayor from 1914 to 1929, did not run office, and was followed by Sinclair Weeks (whose father was a US Senator). Childs served again as mayor from 1936 to 1939. He ran in 1939 and was defeated by Paul Goddard.
Jeffrey, I can’t obviously speak for the commission, but I think it’s very likely that term limits would be looked at for all levels. I would assume that 12 years (or 3 terms) is plenty of time to get done whatever a candidate wants to get done. I’ll bring it up, but I’m sure it’s part of their issues already.
Jeffrey, I can’t obviously speak for the commission, but I think it’s very likely that term limits would be looked at for all levels. I would assume that 12 years (or 3 terms) is plenty of time to get done whatever a candidate wants to get done. I’ll bring it up, but I’m sure it’s part of their issues already.
Tom. Yes, I agree that term limits will be looked at for all levels. I am curious what ex mayors and mayoral candidates think the pluses and minuses are.
Tom. Yes, I agree that term limits will be looked at for all levels. I am curious what ex mayors and mayoral candidates think the pluses and minuses are.
Mayor Cohen truly put a high degree of effort into his presentation, reflecting upon the inadequacies of the current charter. Not just from his executive budgetary summary experience and suggestions, but also his memories of the charter not sufficiently addressing the 1994 vacancy, home rule legislation permitting his predecessor Tom Concannon’s succession; so much riding on ‘forthwith’ interpretation for election timing. Thank you Mr. Mayor
Mayor Cohen truly put a high degree of effort into his presentation, reflecting upon the inadequacies of the current charter. Not just from his executive budgetary summary experience and suggestions, but also his memories of the charter not sufficiently addressing the 1994 vacancy, home rule legislation permitting his predecessor Tom Concannon’s succession; so much riding on ‘forthwith’ interpretation for election timing. Thank you Mr. Mayor
Thank you to the Newton electeds/former electeds/activists who spoke tonight – and to the residents who attended this evening’s event. What a wealth of knowledge we have in this city!
A thank you as well to the folks who travelled from other communities to attend this event. Their insight was invaluable.
Thank you to the Newton electeds/former electeds/activists who spoke tonight – and to the residents who attended this evening’s event. What a wealth of knowledge we have in this city!
A thank you as well to the folks who travelled from other communities to attend this event. Their insight was invaluable.
Jane, your commission did a great job and asked some very good questions.
Dave Cohen looked and sounded good. I can’t remember what he talked about because I was too busy with my own stuff.
I thought the event was terrific and thanks for the invite.
Jane, your commission did a great job and asked some very good questions.
Dave Cohen looked and sounded good. I can’t remember what he talked about because I was too busy with my own stuff.
I thought the event was terrific and thanks for the invite.