We don’t do this very often, but I want to lift this comment Brian Yates wrote and give it its own post. The very model of graciousness:

Thanks for the kind words, particularly from Andreae. I do look forward to working with you to raise the money to replace the railings on Echo Bridge and to get this magnificent structure formally designated as a National Historic Landmark.

I learned from Paul Coletti that I was the third in continuous service after him in second place and of course Wendell Bauckman in first place. I obviously won’t pass him with another term, but I’m very proud to be in third place behind such distinguished company and very grateful that the citizens of Newton trusted me with a small portion of the governance of our city for so long.

The title character in George Bernard Shaw’s “The Chocolate Soldier ” stated that he held the highest rank in his country; he was “a citizen.” I’m proud to retain that rank.

As to the general results of the election, I’m reminded of the reminded of the words of Alfred Lord Tennyson in his “Idylls of the King”:

The old order changeth, yielding place to new,
and the Lord fulfills his will in many ways
lest one good order corrupt the world.

Brian Yates, elected Alderman November 1987, completed term as Councilor December 2017.

Thanks, Brian.