The newly elected and returning Newton City Councilors that will take office on Jan. 1 will elect its president, vice president and president emeritus in a caucus on Thursday Dec. 12.
Current Council President Marc Laredo and Ward 2 At Large Councilor Susan Albright are both expected to run for president, although sometimes a new candidate can emerge at the last minute. (Here’s a look at how it all unfolded two years ago)
This decision matters because the president has the important task of appointing the chairs, vice chairs and members of the council’s committees.
Only our 24 incoming/returning councilors are eligible to vote. But that shouldn’t stop the rest of us from discussing it here in the comments section.
What is the main difference between Laredo and Albright?
I believe both vote in tandem on most issues.
Laredo’s understanding of the law appears to be important as few
councilors are attorneys. I would vote for Laredo because he has been a very effective president this past year and is able to preside
competently when objectivity is needed concerning land use and zoning issues.
With Zoning Reform a key issue in 2020 I would think Albright is too biased regarding housing development to offer clear objective leadership as president of the city council in 2020.
I believe that Albright has the votes unless there is some last minute horse trading.
Both are very capable people. I’ve come to admire Susan as my at-large councilor especially.
Why would Laredo not be re-voted? He seems to be doing a good job, and usually votes with the majority.
I’d like to see Laredo continue as President. I like his no nonsense style and I think he is pretty balance and agenda free.
I like Susan Albright a lot and while she does lean pro-development, I think she is thoughtful and fair. I’d like to see her remain chairing Planning and Zoning
Two excellent people with lots of institutional knowledge, and both capable of handling a tough job, i.e., 23 strong-willed associates!
Marc Laredo is a poised and even tempered councilor who knows how to run a city council meeting. He should get re-elected president.
Marc Laredo’s presidency began with his inability to foster civility among his colleagues. During his 2-year term the Council once again failed in its years-long effort to enact zoning reform. And Laredo’s legacy will surely be his money grab to increase Council salaries to the point that he led an override of Mayor Fuller’s veto in order to secure himself and his colleagues a few thousand dollars in extra pay. But why should we be surprised given Laredo’s generally lackluster overall performance on the Council? Susan Albright, on the other hand, has been one of the best Councilors for years. She’s responsive, effective, and respected citywide. She deserves to be elected president by her colleagues, for her leadership skills, and because she will undoubtedly work far more cooperatively with Mayor Fuller than Laredo did to get things done for Newton. Hopefully the majority of the Council will see the light and elect Albright president.
While all eyes will be on the election of council president tonight, if Laredo does not prevail will we see a hard fought battle between Laredo and Baker for the coveted President Emeritus title? 😉
The current Council has been a disappointment in not pursuing a plan to reduce the Council size. Not one Councilor took leadership on this issue.
Congrats to Susan Albright and Rick Lipof on being elected president and vp!