Now that the recount is complete, it’s time to thank City Councilor Greg Schwartz for his leadership, wisdom and eight years of service to our city. There’s little doubt that Schwartz, a moderate on the council, was the victim of our polarized political times (and in turn, bullet voting) and had the misfortune of facing a motivated, energetic, well-respected and smart challenger. The fact that he’s also a practicing physician and chair of Land Use, no doubt, cut into his time to campaign or engage with residents year round the way some of his non-working colleagues do.
Thanks Councilor Schwartz. Your contributions and corny jokes will be missed.
This is a major loss of a voice of reason that Greg brought to the Council.
Seems like a back handed compliment suggesting Greg didn’t devote time
It’s not meant as back handed. This is a topic that came up often in our Blue Ribbon Commission discussions: Being a City Councilor is intended — or at least compensated — as a part time position. But we have a number of councilors who devote 40-plus hours a week to the position. Others juggle between day jobs and night meetings (or as Councilor Baker is wont to remind everyone “grading papers”). I’m not criticizing either approach, just acknowledging its existence and the fact that the result is not a consistent playing field.
Yes, I think it is good to acknowledge Councilor Schwartz here on this blog, and his long-time dedication to our City. I did NOT know he was a practicing physician, so he deserves honor and our respect just for that while at the same time being a Newton City Councilor.
Thank you, Dr. and Councilor Greg (Schwartz) for all.
Greg’s mistake was to do what he thought was right for Newton rather than what it takes to cling to power.
@GregR Can you please let us know which of CouncilorSchwartz”s competitors doesn’t work?
@Councilor-elect Bowman: Congratulations on your well-earned election. Oh, and, point taken.
@Alicia
Read Greg’s post again.
He said- Schwartz had less time to campaign because he had a full-time job AND chair of Land Use (you didn’t have both) and had less time to engage year-round than his colleagues (which you weren’t).
Seems completely valid. Please don’t start your time in office arguing about perceived slights that don’t exist. Reminds me of a guy we all don’t like down in DC.
You got elected, let’s focus on that.
Councilor Schwartz was a formidable and well respected opponent. I thank him again for his service to Newton, especially in the challenging job as Chair of Land Use. I often found myself amused by his humor during his comments at council meetings.
Thank you Greg for your commitment to the city. I enjoyed having informative conversations with you.
Greg Schwartz is a good councillor and a good guy. I hope he continues to be involved in Newton’s civic life.
Oh please, let’s stop this ridiculous ass kissing. Greg Schwartz was one of the worst city councilors in memory. He was out of touch with the electorate, tried to block implementation of a law passed by the voters, and is a big reason why the city is about to get screwed on the Northland project. Good riddance!