City Councillor Ted Hess-Mahan has had a good 14 year run but he’s hanging up his spurs … or given that cowboy looks he’s got going on these days, maybe he’s just putting the spurs on.
Ted is not running for City Council this year and is stepping aside. He’s not running for mayor either.
I’m going to miss his sense of humor during what can otherwise be awfully dreary meetings at City Hall. I’m going to miss his “call em like I see em and let the chips fall where they” may attitude. I’m going to miss the passion he brought to the job.
Thanks for 14 year of hard work, long nights, and endless meetings.
He may be leaving the Counciloric Chamber but he’s not leaving the city. Now that he won’t be moonlighting at City Hall next year he’ll have more time to work on his musical performances and on his always informative, but rarely terse Village14 posts.
Good luck on whatever comes next Ted.
Ted’s years on the BOA and City Council were quite impressive, productive and progressive and he’s capping it off with finally getting changes to the regulations on accessory apartments. I will miss his being “The Explainer!” while still hoping he will continue in that role. I agree with him most of the time but have definitely been a recipient of his snark and wacky sense of humor that parallels mine – mostly deserved. Newton is better off for his contributions.
Like Marti ( who I do not know, but almost always agree with on V14), I agree with Ted nearly all of the time (leaf blowers – a noteworthy divergence). Most of all, I will miss his ever-quick response time whenever a constituent has a question or concern. I will miss his intelligence, his wit, and his decency. But luckily…I won’t have to really miss him at all since I serve on 2 committees / boards with him!! He ain’t disappearing, and Newton is fortunate for that. Thank you, Ted, for your years of tireless contributions while a councilor. We are all better for it.
Good luck Councilor Hess-Mahan. You did a great job and are a class act!! Newton will miss you.
@Jerry: I whole-heartedly disagree with you when you say:
“City Councillor Ted Hess-Mahan has had a good 14 year run”
AND…
“Thanks for 12 year of hard work, long nights, and endless meetings.”
While he and I have never been philosophical or political comrades, Ted’s razor-sharp wit, “hard work, long nights and endless meetings” have been evident for the whole time he has served as Alderman/Councilor…so either he has served 12 years or you (and the rest of us) need to thank him for 14! I consider people like Ted as great debaters, quick thinkers and worthy opponents!
Hopefully, Ted will run for the legislature from Newton. It’s likely that one or more seats will become available in the future and Ted would serve with distinction.
@Sallee – thanks. Fixed
Welcome to the bright side! It is a great place from which to influence change. I know that you will have a tremendously positive impact.
Ted has been an effective and passionate leader. He, like Marcia Johnson, have been and obviously continue to be, truly committed to making Newton affordable for all. We’ve disagreed on many issues – but I have always admired and respected their service to the community.
Thank you all for your kind words. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this City for the last 14 years on the Board of Aldermen and City Council. I hope you will join me in supporting Andrea Kelley who is running for Councilor at Large from Ward 3. She has the experience, enthusiasm and energy to serve our community well on the City Council.