On the heels of a contentious debate about whether or not Newton should become a sanctuary city, Newton Mayor Setti Warren, Former Mayor David Cohen, Police Chief David MacDonald and 18 City Councilors docketed a compromise “Welcoming City” draft ordinance on Friday. The ordinance will be in committee Wednesday and go to the full City Council in three weeks
Do you support or oppose the new compromise?
For those keeping score at home the six councilors who did not sign on are: Jay Ciccone, Jim Cote, Lenny Gentile, Brian Yates, Greg Schwartz and Lisle Baker.
How much federal funding does the city currently get? Hope the Mayor is drawing up austerity plans. What services will he cut?
The revision certainly seems to have enough support to pass. Perhaps someone could provide specific example or two of how this will change the way things are currently handled ? Or is it simply an affirmation of the current procedures ?
What does it allow (or prevent) an officer to do that the officer is not currently empowered to do?
Finally, would this be interpreted by the federal government as a defacto Sanctuary City? Perhaps that’s a question to ask prior to passage, so at least we’d know if we risk funding…or not.
I’m impressed with the tone of the document, and look forward to learning what it actually does before passage.
I fully support this ordinance. It’s far superior to either of the previous ordinances because it applies to all city agencies (departments, councils, committee, etc.). We should all be held accountable under a sanctuary city ordinance.
Wholeheartedly support!
Yes. This is a wonderful compromise
With this compromise will Newton be considered a Welcoming City or will we be a Sanctuary City where we run the risk of losing Federal Funds?
For those asking, there is no formal definition of a sanctuary city. Whether this makes us one is up to your interpretation of the term. What it does do is align us with hundreds of other communities in protecting immigrants that live and work in our community.
As far as funding, no, the federal government cannot compel the city to enforce civil immigration orders, at least not without changes to federal law, legal jurisprudence, and/or the constitution itself.
PS in case it wasn’t obvious, I’m thrilled with the compromise. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this a reality.
Greg Schwartz joined the list of co-docketers last night when the late-filed item came up in the full Council meeting
FYI, this statement was released tonight by the Newton Human Rights Commission, of which I am a member:
“We, the Newton Human Rights Commission, support the Welcoming City Ordinance proposed by Mayor Warren, Police Chief MacDonald, and all co-docketers, including many city councilors and former Mayor David Cohen.
We believe this ordinance promotes the mission of the Human Rights Commission by affirming Newton as a safe and welcoming city for all, regardless of immigration status.”
Update: Last night the Welcoming City Ordinance passed both in Programs and Services and Public Safety Committees and now moves on to the full Council for a vote on Tuesday February 21st. The Chamber was as full as I’ve seen it (even more than for leaf blowers! and off-leash dogs – I know, weird comparisons). The pro signs outnumbered the con signs but the mood in the room was respectful by both sides – unlike the first meeting on this topic. It was a good night for Newton.