Update: Here’s the Boston Globe story. Here’s Mayor Warren‘s commentary in this week’s TAB.
Surprise! Setti Warren is running for governor!
by Gail Spector | May 20, 2017 | Elections, Governor's race, Newton, Setti Warren | 22 comments
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Setti Warren is entitled to run for Governor. He’s qualified for the job. But I’ll be very disappointed if he’s the nominee of the party. He’s not tough enough to beat Baker, and he lacks the vision to be a good governor.
I was really impressed today. I did not expect Mayor Warren to come out of the gate with income inequality as his #1 issue, nor did I expect he would enthusiastically advocate for single payer healthcare and free college for all. I’m really interested to see where his campaign goes from here.
When will he resign as Mayor? Why should Newton continue to pay salary to a full time candidate?
Bryan, could you elaborate on what he said about single-payer healthcare? Is it something he intends to push at the state level? If he makes that a central campaign issue it could be a real game changer.
Governor Baker has a 75% favorability rating. It will be difficult for Warren’s campaign to gain traction.
My money is on Baker being re-elected. I think a legitimate question has been raised will Warren continue as a full time Mayor or resign to devote his full-time energies to running for Governor?
Warren’s announcement speech was very progressive. It started and ended with income inequality as the defining issue of the times. He also called for universal health care, free state college tuition, and a millionaire’s tax, while at the same time touting the fiscal job he did as mayor. At first the crowd didn’t quite seem to know what to make of it, but the applause grew louder and more frequent as the speech went on. His strategy appears to be to run a positive campaign (no mention of Baker) with concrete, Sanders/FDR/Great Society-style progressive proposals take advantage of anti-Trump/GOP sentiment and to create a sharp contrast with Baker, while relying on his fiscal management chops to blunt Baker’s uber-manager marketing strategy. Baker has broad support at the moment, but Warren is banking on it being shallow.
As Mayor for the past 7 years, Setti has had tremendous power to combat inequality in Newton. Given that he is now running for Governor on such a platform, I would appreciate the folks at V14 starting a separate thread titled something like “What Progressive Results Has Mayor Warren Produced.”
Perhaps his list of accomplishments is objectively impressive, but from my perspective as someone who grew up in public housing and on welfare in Newton, I don’t see it. In no particular order, here are a few specific reasons to illustrate why. (The list could go on and on.)
1. A primary cause of income inequality is lack of access to legitimately affordable housing. As Mayor, what has he done in this area? I’ll start with probably his best known action, which is when he unilaterally shut down the Engine 6 process, for which he exposed Newton to financial risk when he got us sued under our Fair Housing laws. Rather than create housing for those most in need, because of Setti, more luxury housing was created. More broadly, I’d also note that this issue interconnects with how we treat with and stigmatize those with mental health issues, which deserves discussion. I believe that Setti did tremendous damage here.
2. Early in his term, it was identified that Newton has a significant achievement gap, one root causes of which is poverty. In Newton, in many cases, we can easily identify these kids. I would know as I was one of them. In seven years, to the best of my knowledge, Setti has taken no initiative to create meaningful programs with the Newton Housing Authority and School Committee that would produce meaningful results in this area. He claims that as Governor, he’ll advocate for free collage for all, to which I ask: As Mayor, when has he advocated for free programs that would increase the probability of our poor kids achieving success?
3. After it became well known that we have a dangerous lead water problem, Setti unilaterally eliminated a long-standing program that allowed our poor residents to test their water for lead free of charge. To the best of my knowledge, he also never articulated to residents alternative solutions.
4. Despite public uproar about its disparate impact on lower income residents, Setti never wavered in his support and enforcement of the overnight parking ban. To the best of my knowledge, he never took any initiative to remedy this disparate impact as many other communities have done. I’d also add that when the ban was inconvenient to the majority, I believe over Thanksgiving, he temporarily lifted it.
Sitting Mayors hardly ever run for Governor because being a good Mayor is a full time job times two. In seven years, while serving as the Mayor of Newton, Setti Warren has run for statewide office twice. First for the United States Senate in 2011, now for Governor in 2017.
In his announcement, Setti said that he’s going to lead the largest grassroots campaign in Massachusetts history. In other words, he’ll often be out of the City pursuing his personal goals.
In my opinion, that’s not good for the City of Newton because we have issues of our own that require full-time leadership. In 2016, opioid related deaths increased at a rate of 142%, which is unconscionable when compared to the Commonwealth average of 16%. Our schools face a significant budget deficit that will hold back students. Our roads continue to crumble.
Because the list could go on for pages, in my opinion, Setti should consider resigning as Mayor to pursue his political ambition. Alternatively, he should clearly communicate to the community how his new endeavor will not materially affect his ability to serve Newton. If he can do both, personally I have no issue with what he’s doing. But given how hard he needs to work on the aforementioned issues, I’m concerned that doing both isn’t possible.
Am I the only one who feels this way? I certainly hope not.
@Tom I think everyone agrees that affordable housing is a huge issue, especially here in Newton. But keep in mind that this gap exists in every county in the country. So while we certainly have this problem it’s difficult to call the mayor to task for not solving it. Were there missteps? Sure. But where there also strides forward? I believe there were some there too.
We still need to deal with the reality of business even as we try to build more affordable housing. We do everything possible to prompt developers to create more mid-market housing, but that’s not something real estate developers do very well. They tend to go for the highest business potential, and right now that market is in luxury housing. So long as that remains true, it’ll be difficult to change. Over time those luxury units will lose their luster and prices will stabilize, but there is only so much the government can do in pushing for that. Passing accessory apartments is certainly a step in the right direction, as is a housing plan that looks at increasing affordable stock.
Related to this is transportation, for which we also have a plan. Providing more options, moving more people and making mobility more accessible are all related to helping close the economic gap.
As for the achievement gap, I would point to the city-wide internship program as one step in the right direction. The same goes for an emphasis on STEM education. These aren’t magic bullets, but what is?
I guess the question is: how much progress is enough within a two-term span? What kind of progress is realistic? How can we use that to measure the next mayor as well?
Setti Warren has been the Mayor of this city for more than seven years…
He’s never done a thing to address the problem of early morning start times in our high schools.
He failed to defend patient access to prescription medication when he allowed the [then] Board of Aldermen to pass a moratorium banning medical marijuana from Newton.
He claims income inequality is an important issue to him, but has he really done anything to address it? My recollection is that Setti remained silent when his opponent [Baker] busted the toll takers union and put 600 hard working people on the unemployment line.
We already know that Baker has zero respect for the electorate, because he’s been actively undermining ballot initiative 4 that legalized the cannabis industry here in Massachusetts. And in doing so, he’s cost this state thousands of jobs. Has anyone ever heard Setti say anything about this attempt by his opponent to undermine the democratic process?
@Chuck: I agree with much of what you say. However, in regard to the summer internship program, I’d like to learn more about your perspective.
Why do you believe that Setti’s program is a step in the right direction? How exactly does providing very few unpaid internship without reliable transportation help those of our kids who can’t afford to work for free?
I grew up poor in Newton. Dirt poor. Notwithstanding the transportation aspect, participating in an unpaid internship wouldn’t have been an option once I became of working age as I had bills to pay.
On that note, does anyone have statistics in regard to who exactly is participating in this program? I’d also appreciate learning more about how the Mayor goes about expanding it to reach our communities most vulnerable residents.
Tom,
When you grew up poor in Newton, I’m assuming this was 20 or 30 years ago. With the median house price in Newton now approaching 1 Million and median rents closer to 2k.. what does it mean to grow up poor in Newton “TODAY”.
Does growing up poor in newton TODAY mean
– can’t afford an iphone
or
– barely afford to eat
?
Remember, I’m talking about Newton, not some other city….
“Income inequality as the #1 issue”?
“Single-payer health care”?
“Free public college tuition”?
“Largest grassroots campaign in Massachusetts history”?
…It’s great to see Setti feeling the Bern!
@Tom on the internship program, you are correct in that it’s mostly unpaid ($500 stipend for the program) but it’s also part time, thereby making it possible to also hold another paying job. Not easy, to be sure, but possible.
The program also comes with mentoring and help in encapsulating experience into a resume. I know these seem like small skills, but they’re important for teens who are going to be looking for work. How, exactly, do you take your skills and put them into words?
I spoke with a company that participated in the program last year and they were impressed with the work the students accomplished. The company was looking for ways to work with other students (they’re also part of the YearUp program) and consider education as a key part of their business. The more we can connect businesses to students, the more opportunity here is for students to gain internships, work experience, and jobs.
I see that on the LigerBots where you have engineers from companies like SharkNinja working alongside students. There’s a relationship that can encourage and promote education.
Tom – As a NNHS educator, I assure you that the summer internship program changes lives. Director of Youth Services, Quinn Etchie, is an invaluable addition to the City Hall staff. This program doesn’t just place kids in a workplace for six weeks and that’s the end of it. The businesses that take on Newton teens are deeply committed to their interns and mentor them well.
In addition to the work experience, the interns meet weekly to provide a positive social gathering place for students who otherwise wouldn’t have the productive summer experience. The program is growing and students eagerly seek out these internships.
As for how it works, Quinn connects with the NNHS and NSHS staff to identify students who might benefit from the program. She and we guide the students through the application and interview process – an invaluable experience in itself. Then the students are placed with appropriate mentor/businesses depending on their interests and future plans. The weekly meetings are thoughtfully planned around a theme and by all accounts, the interns really enjoy them and the social contacts. Interns are given internships that are accessible to them and Quinn helps them work out a plan for getting to the workplace.
An attack on this program is truly the height of cynicism. You immediately assumed the worst about it. The tone of your post challenged someone to find something good about what is the best of this city – a generous spirit, and the will and ingenuity to do well by every citizen – not just the vocal few who want to think ill of people who work in the public sector. The people in City Hall are my colleagues, just as the people who work in the schools. We work together to make life better for families who struggle.
Every day.
As a small gesture to support the program, you can go to Newton Centre and have lunch at Sandwich Works on Beacon St. Say hi to Jeff – he’s a great guy with a big heart.
@Jane: If you think my questions were an attack, you misunderstand my point. I really wish you didn’t fail to show up that time we scheduled a meeting last year.
If you had met with me as we scheduled, you’d likely understand that my goal is to make sure that City resources are reaching those of our residents most in need. It really is that simple, and based on my experiences – which were learned by actually living through poverty in Newton – I can assure you that we can do better.
Please keep your eyes open as I’ll be writing about this very topic soon.
Tom – As I recall it was a miscommunication about time and place. I asked to reschedule and never heard back. You have my email address and can get in touch at any time.
I’ve been employed by the city of Newton for 30 years – that’s four mayors, three superintendents, and multiple administrators and school committees. If anything, there are people in this city who wish I’d be less attentive to the school budget, facilities, and programs.
You should not have questioned in a demeaning way the excellent work of a city employee without cause. Quinn Etchie is walking the walk for Newton youth.
If you’d like to get in touch, please feel free to do so. But as far as this conversation goes, I’ve said my piece and I’m done.
@Jane: Please don’t try to deceive people, there’s too much of that going around with the Charter debate. You know that I responded to your e-mail as I have the e-mail chain to show it, which I just checked to verify.
I’m disappointed that we never met as I was really looking forward to meeting with you. In fact, I waited at Dunkins for over an hour after our scheduled meeting time…
@Chuck, Mayor Warren and I are working together on expanding the inclusionary zoning ordinance to require construction of units affordable to middle income households as a percentage of developments over a certain size. We are currently working on the details, but I am hopeful that this will provide an incentive to build housing that the middle class can afford in Newton.
@Tom: Some free advice — If you ever want the city to seriously consider electing you to something, you should get out of the habit of jumping immediately to personal attacks when someone disagrees with you. You may have some very good points to make, and you’ll be far more effective if you stick to the issues.
@Bryan: When have I made it a habit of jumping immediately to personal attacks?
To give you a better understanding of where I’m coming from, should I post here the many substantive questions that I’ve asked you over the past year which you’ve ignored? Should I also post the substantive questions that I’ve asked other officials which went unanswered.
I document all this stuff, so let’s have at it. If you had a full understanding of the issues that I advocate for, I believe that you’d see things differently.
@Tom I think you just proved @Bryan’s point with that. I went back and read your comment above and it does feel a bit like an attack. Yes, you are asking questions, but they’re questions with a particular bent to them.
Of course, words on a screen come across differently than a spoken conversation. What may seem simply pointed to you could feel particularly sharp to the recipient.
@Ted, thank you. Of course, these changes take time.
What exactly is income inequality?
Who does it affect and how do we define it? Who has decided what income equality is, and who should decide what someone should be paid?What is the definition of income inequality?
Are we talking about the difference
between what a Newton resident would expect to pay for a yard services worker or a cleaning lady and what a Newton lawyer or hedge fund manager would expect to be paid? How about the difference between what a school administrator would be paid or a leaf blower?
Who makes up the difference between what is paid between the two? Who should be expected to pay the difference? Who should decide who pays the difference? The lawyer? The school administrator? The yard worker? The cleaning lady? Are we really prepared to take a deep dive and dig into the issue and solve it or is this more virtue
sharing, yard sign posting, thanks but I’m off to the hamptons(vineyard, adirondacks, outer banks)for the summer, and we’ll pick it back up
before the elections happen type of issue? Kind of like being a welcome city but not supporting affordable housing, or maybe paying lip service to diversity, but not being able to point any out? Just asking…….