The 2017 candidate list is out and, for the sixth time since 2001*, Brian Yates has to defend his Ward 5 at-large councilor seat. In that period, it’s likely that no councilor/alderman has had as many contested elections**. And, he’s survived them all.
But, here’s the weird thing, in all but one year (2003), he’s come in second in those contested races***. Put another way, he’s a survivor. He’s held off challenges from Brenda Leow (2001), James Eisenberg (2003), Bill Brandel (2009), Chris Steele (2013), and Chris Pitts (2015). Some of these races have been pretty close, especially given that Brian went in as an incumbent. He edged Bill B. by a little over 300 votes and Chris P. by a little over 500. In both contests, the difference between first and second was a lot less than the difference between second and third.
So, what’s the key to Brian’s survival? And, will this be the year the formula fails? (Full disclosure: I have been a full-throated Deb Crossley supporter since 2009 and intended to be this year, as well. And, I am very excited that Andreae Downs is running and will actively support her****. )
While I don’t see eye-to-eye with Brian on policy issues that are important to me, I have developed huge respect for his approach to the job and some insight into why he keeps hanging in there. For starters, he is indefatigable. I see him everywhere. Just showing up does not, by itself, make someone worthy of one of the scarce seats on the Council. But, when he shows up, he seems to be prepared, to genuinely care, and to take the opportunity to make the moment worthwhile.
Brian is not, to my mind, on the right side of development and transportation, how to improve village centers, and other issues. But, it’s very clear that his are thoughtful and honestly held positions.
I think that people get that. I think that voters see him as an asset to the city. And, that’s why some really terrific candidates have come short against a guy who is, to be honest, kinda awkward and doesn’t exactly fit the traditional political mold.
This year, I fully expect that Deb will hold her seat. And, I’m excited to help Andrea join the Council. But, I don’t hope that Brian loses. And, I’m not betting on it.
* Easy access is only available for election results back to 2001.
** For at-large councilors/aldermen, defined as a race with more than two candidates for the two seats.
*** To be clear, there is no practical difference between first and second. Both “win” seats and the seats have the same rights and privileges.
**** While I have taken an anti-Brian position in the past, I won’t this year, for reasons that should be obvious from the post.
Brian’s appeal dates back many decades in the minds & hearts of the citywide blue-collar working class. His dedication to his philosophical religious belief, his exploration for change challenging status quo, and his avid curiosity for history is a recipe which draws even from the northsiders. Newton Upper Falls is the Charles’ first meeting to Newton politics. What happens in Upper Falls eventually flows down river to Lower Falls, Auburndale, and the Lake.
Sean, the answer to your question about the key to Brian’s
survivalsuccess is right in your post. Many voters — who agree with Brian on the issues you list, see him as a champion, and want these views represented on the City Council — would use words like yours (taking the liberty of changing seems to is) to say:“I have developed huge respect for his approach to the job. … He is indefatigable. …When he shows up, he is prepared, he genuinely cares, and he takes the opportunity to make the moment worthwhile. …His are thoughtful and honestly held positions. …Voters see him as an asset to the city.”
Sean-
Eventually Brian is going to be the odd man out. My prediction is that this election cycle it’s over for him. The same voters that will reelect Deb Crossley will also sweep Andreae Downs into office. Ward 5 will have 2 female at large councilors after the November election. Count on it. During the last election cycle i was prepared to help Brian out until i found out he was partnering with the odious, vehemently anti-development Newton Villages Alliance. Brian has done a real good job and has been an excellent public servant for many years but his run ends this November. Barely surviving Chris Pitts and Chris Steele is one thing.
Surviving the one-two punch of Crossley and Downs, who will
complement and support each other is another. The same group of voters that
swept Crossley into office and Bill Brandel out will do the same for Andreae Downs.
I’d like to point out that the second item listed above is an actual April Fool’s joke item filed I believe by Greg Reibman after a spate of items by me supporting the Book Fair. I appreciate the second item filed on me, but I hope reader will visit my recently filed campaign statement elsewhere on the Blog.
I like to think that I will prevail because voters agree with me in my support for Village Values (Protect the Environment, Preserve the Villages, and Prevent Overdevelopment ) and for Historic Preservation and Better Transportation in the city.
Former Alderman Brian Yates/Councilor Brian Yates
Count me as someone who appreciates Brian, but who won’t be voting for him due to his NVA support. I do think he will be difficult to defeat however, partially because of the reasons mentioned above.
Brian’s service is a huge asset to the City of Newton. He’s approachable and down to earth. He listens to other view points and really cares about the City and his positions are always well thought out. I’m happy to lend my support in his bid for re-election. Don’t count Brian out his base is city-wide.
I definitely appreciate your perspective Peter. You have a much better overall sense of the city electorate than I do. Brian absolutely is a big asset to the city, but
his NVA association killed it for me.
The average turnout in city elections is 11 percent or about that, yes? Please correct me if I am wrong. My point is, even though there is a small part of the population that votes in these elections, there are candidates that are very effective in getting this small group to the ballot box, and Deb Crossley is one of them. I think Andreae Downs will be no less effective. It’s very possible I’m completely wrong and underestimating Brian. I’m okay with that. Either way, no matter who wins, Ward 5 and the city as a whole will benefit by electing any combination of this group of candidates.
On Related Posts, above , please add a quick link to my campaign statement.
People who want to evaluate me directly might want to find the most recent version of Ken Parker’s cable tv show “Common Ground”. which features me and Councilor Dick Blaser.
I removed the April Fools day thread from related posts and added Councilor Yates’ recent candidate column as well as a few others.
I am still trying to figure out who are Brian’s voters. That said, I think this:
1.) I am glad that he and others do get serious opponents. It makes them better candidates and representatives.
2.) I hope that his voters — who ever they are — continue to keep Brian in office. While it is important to judge a representative on their record, there is also the immeasurable impact they have on the body in which they serve. The same can be said about Lisle Baker, Lenny Gentile or Cheryl Lappin. You may not have agreed with them, but you had to respect what they brought to the discussion.
Have a great summer.
Hey former Alderman Brandel, great to hear from you! Just FYI, Village 14 is not a dentist office. You are welcome to check in more often than once every six months. And there’s no copays.
Howard Mansfield is my favorite community and architectural historian. Joanne and I have been to two readings of his works in his hometown of Hancock, New Hampshire. All of his books resonate with my my deepest thoughts and emotions, but none quite as deeply as his “In the Memory House.” Read this book if you want to understand what drives and motivates the deep honesty and humanistic, historical and preservationist instincts of Brian Yates.
One of my favorite Howard Mansfield quotes:
“We have everywhere an absence of memory. Architects sometimes talk of building with context and continuity in mind, religious leaders call it tradition, social workers say it’s a sense of community, but it is memory we have banished from our cities. We have speed and power, but no place. Travel, but no destination. Convenience, but no ease”.
I supported Brian before I was elected to the City Council and am even more of a supporter now that he is a colleague. I think he keeps beating back challengers because voters know he is committed to protecting what we love about Newton even as the City inevitably changes – the history, our many green open spaces, neighborhood schools, and our identity as a network of villages. He has also helped so many people with various issues over the years, and they remember that. He hasn’t won every battle, but he was on the right side, at least in my opinion, when we look back now on the closing of schools and branch libraries. Brian will have my enthusiastic support this fall.
Emily,
I struggle with your professional (and apparent personal) commitment to environmental issues and your barely wavering support for anti-development people and organizations.
Brian Yates is a credit to the Council serving not only the residents of Upper Falls, but all of Newton. If a conscientious, ecologically minded, smart and articulate Councilor is to be faulted then we are in deep disagreement. “Not on the right side of development”? Brian is on the right side: he listens to resident concerns and takes all perspectives into account. That’s the kind of Councilor we have needed, and will especially need in the future.