From Politico…
Congressional candidate and Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss was taken off a campaign pledge by a local affiliate of the Sunrise Movement. It’s the second environmental pledge to drop Auchincloss over his contributions — he was removed from the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge earlier this summer.
Auchincloss had pledged to reject campaign contributions over $200 from fossil fuel executives, lobbyists and political action committees, but Sunrise Boston identified three contributions that broke the pledge. Auchincloss took money from the owner of Devaney Energy, and two executives at Global Partners LP, which has 1,600 gas stations in its business network. The pledge also calls on candidates to “champion” the Green New Deal.
“Jake supports the Green New Deal, was the first candidate to call for carbon pricing and to release a comprehensive climate plan, and has voted in line with Green Newton’s priorities 100% of the time as a city councilor,” said Auchincloss spokesperson Yael Sheinfeld.
Editor’s note: The headline on this post has been changed to accurately reflect the actions of the environmental groups.
Here’s some added info from State House News…
In the 2016 vote whether to install solar carports in the library parking lot, Jake was the sole male vote in favor of the carports. Every other male councilor voted against, while all but 2 women councilors voted in favor. [In 2019 the City Council took another vote and this time voted to approve solar carports at the library.]
I have consistently considered Jake to be an ally on the Newton City Council when it comes to environmental issues. I have not endorsed him in this race, but in fairness to him I wanted to offer that perspective.
@Emily Norton: Is it really necessary to refer to the councilors’ gender in this context?
Not clear to me, Emily, that voting to take down the trees in the library lot for solar panels is a sign of anyone’s environmental credentials, male or female! But that’s an issue for another day.
That being said, I agree with you that it’s clear that Jake’s commitment to environmental issues is sound and deep.
The Sunrise Movement says: “Sunrise Movement demands a new chapter in this country and encourages other groups in the climate and environmental movement to join us in speaking out. As climate activists, we imagine a world that looks nothing like our own, one where we stop climate change by transforming our whole economy.
This fight against climate change exists alongside the fight against white supremacy and colonialism.
We’re building political power by voting out corrupt politicians and voting in real leaders who will stand up for their communities and a Green New Deal. ”
It will be interesting to see whether their action in this case is of interest to MA #04 voters in any case. I personally don’t think it rises to the level of newsworthiness.
@Newtoner: It was striking to me at the time. It’s the only time I can recall seeing a clear gender breakdown in our votes, and that includes the vote on changing the name from Alderman to Councilor.
I do not chime in here very often, but I did see something that seems to relate to this a few weeks back. Marcia Cooper wrote about this and said: “Jake does not have it in him to ever be indebted to an individual or business interest under any circumstance. I know this from observing how he consistently stands firm to persuasively advocate for city legislation in support of affordable and accessible housing, as well as innovative public transportation options and environmental solutions for all people.”
Props to @Emily Norton for her honesty in standing up for a person who is something of a foe. Jake is also solid on transit, walkability, and higher-density housing, which are critical environmental issues.
I will proudly cast my vote for Jake. It is most unfortunate that Jake being the front runner has been under consistent attack.
Jake will be a great Congressman who will serve the district with distinction.
Jake has been very consistent in supporting reasonable and workable housing, transportation and environmental causes. He was the first to support carbon pricing, which while politically unpalatable, is by far the best policy in balancing the trade offs between economics and environmental harm. Carbon pricing allows each individual user or energy – whether for heating, transportation or industrial uses – to understand and pay for a portion or all of the indirect environmental costs of burning that fossil fuel.
Congestion charges/tolls have a similar impact; each driver pays for the impact their driving has on congestion. These congestion charge must be higher than the cost of public transportation to be effective.
Jake has been a consistent supporter of well-placed transit oriented housing – Needham St, Riverside and now along Washington St being examples. Jake has the experience, and understands and supports all of these market-driven policies that will make our communities a better place.
I will be voting for Jake and encourage all of my neighbors to do likewise.
I like that when Jake is presented with new information he can adjust quickly and think on his feet. … and I would have loved to have met Clara.