No, I’m not saying Jim Cote is a dairy product. But his comment here, reminded me that Cote the only at large city council candidate who was not endorsed by either of our two political PACS: Voters for A Vibrant Newton or Newton Democracy.
What does that say about him? And does it make you more or less likely to vote for Cote in the three way Ward 3 At Large Contest on Nov. 5?
*UPDATE: In my original post I neglected to note that Kathy Winters who is running for the Ward 5 seat against Bill Humphrey has also not been endorsed by either PAC. (Voters for a Vibrant Newton endorsed Humphrey. Newton Democracy supports a write in candidate.)
Jim Cote has experience, cares deeply about the community and fights for what we need. Why we have PACs at all is the question.
Jim Cote cuts through the fog in city council meetings, goes straight down the middle, and uses common sense, even when his views are not in favor in the city council chamber. I like diversity of thought in our city council because compromise is still an option at the local level, and all voices need to be heard and respected.
Sometimes these ideologically based PAC’s want to pack the city council with people who are all of one mind, and don’t like people like Jim who try to use common sense and try to find an answer in the middle.
I think Cote is very good at being a councilor. He keeps constituents in the loop with updates, he’s polite, he answers questions, and I do think he wants what he thinks is best for the community. However I have ideological differences with him so I never vote for him.
Whenever I have emailed the City Council with concerns, Jim Cote is literally the only person to acknowledge or respond to my emails — ever. Not even my own ward councilor acknowledges or, heaven forbid, responds. That says volumes.
And for all of the progressive politics in Newton, I would like to see all candidates refuse PAC support or refund it if previously accepted. We don’t need BIG MONEY in Newton politics. Get out, bang on doors, share your ideas/voting record (if applicable)/accomplishments, and campaign the right way.
Mary:
I don’t agree with Jim Cote all the time, but over the years he has grown on me, and I’ll be voting for him this year. I think he adds a useful voice to the council, I think he shows up and communicates with constituents, I think he posts and responds on Village 14, and he isn’t a typical politician.
Do I know that I’ll vote for him forever? Nope. I take my elections one at a time. But I’ll be voting for him this year despite our disagreements.
I haven’t done any other research into that race yet, but I do know I’ll be voting for him.
Just my 2 cents.
Fig
I, for one, like the PACs a lot. I know it’s not totally relevant to this post, but I’m grateful for their slates. There are too many names and faces to keep them straight. The PACs group together like minded individuals and make it easier for me to vote for and against who they’ve identified. I actually wish there were more of them. In reality, of course I wish there were fewer people to vote for, but Newton politics at its finest would never allow for that. The council members benefit from having a large council so here we are. And that’s why the PACs are helpful.
PACs tend to be one issue advocates who’s adherence to ideological purity often prevents voters from taking a good look at quality candidates.
Like @NewtonResident, I am pleased to report that Jim responded promptly and politely when I have sent items to the entire Council. Most members don’t reply at all. It’s like tossing an email into a dark hole in most cases.
I also watched him and the others in the debate. He strikes me as a solid citizen with a real commitment to public service. Like @fig, whether I agree with him on all issues or not, I’m highly likely to vote for him (and Andrea Kelley.)
Whoops!
Just realized that I’ve made a mistake.
Kathy Winters who is running for the Ward 5 seat against Bill Humphrey has also not been endorsed by either PAC. (Voters for a Vibrant Newton endorsed Humphrey. Newton Democracy supports a write in candidate.)
I’ve modified my original post to reflect that Cote is the only at-large candidate (and also, btw, the only one to complain about it on Village 14)
Jim Cote’s a great councilor.
I’ve definitely disagreed with him on a couple of issues but I always know whatever his position is on any given issue, he’s thought about it carefully, he’s looked at it from a few different angles, and he’s completely straightforward on his thought process of how he comes to his position. What more could you want from a Councilor?
I view it as a plus that he’s not been supported by either PAC.
As colleagues on the City Council, Jim Cote and I frequently disagreed about issues. But he has been consistently responsive to constituents. I suspect the anti-development PAC declined to endorse him because he wouldn’t promise to vote against every project they oppose, and would instead evaluate each one on the merits when he casts his vote for a special permit. I will be voting for both Jim Cote and Andrea Kelley for Ward 3 Councilor-at-Large because they work collaboratively and collegially with each other and other councilors to promote the interests of their ward and the city as a whole. They have also both endorsed Carolina Ventura for Ward 3 Councilor, who I will also be voting for because I think she will be thoughtful and work well with both Jim and Andrea. And they are all far better choices than the other candidates, who seem to be in lock-step with the anti-development PAC.
@Ted: So why do you suspect the anti-development PAC endorsed Greg Schwartz?
I am glad to have Jim on council—he truly believes in public education, brings a valuable perspective to discussions, and hears from a wide range of people in the city. He and Andrea Kelley have my endorsement in this election, despite our differences on some of the issues.
@Ted
Which anti-development PAC?
@Simon French – These are the PAC’s people are referring to.
@Jerry,
Vibrant Newton does not appear to be anti development to me. Newton Democracy is advocating for Responsible Development. Where on our website https://newtonvotes.org does it say we are anti-development?
@Simon French – I think you’re barking up the wrong tree. I didn’t say anything about either PAC.
I enjoy discussing issues with Jim. As mentioned by others, we don’t always agree, but he’s unfailingly respectful to constituents, responsive when contacted, and upfront about where he stands. I also like having a council with a range of opinions on it – it keeps us thinking. I’ll definitely be voting for Jim and have his sign on my (tiny) lawn.
I don’t know how much this matters when deciding who to vote for, but I genuinely like Jim as a person.
I will be voting for the Cheesy Jim Cote
@Jack You are on fire with the posts. I like Jim Cote and he seems to be an independent thinker.
Why is “Newton Democracy” endorsing Greg Schwartz, who voted in favor of Austin St. and Washington Place, and who seems to support future dense development? Did I miss something?