Note: Village 14 has invited each candidate in next week’s special election to post another guest column about their candidacy. This one is from Bryan Barash, who is running for City Council from Ward 2. 
Bryan Barash: What Progressive Means to Me
Yet in a place like Newton, everyone uses the word progressive. What does it actually mean?
✔️ Making sure government performs basic functions well and improves infrastructure – like roadways, green spaces, and school / fire / police buildings
✔️ Advocating for affordable housing, even when it’s hard
✔️ Requiring net zero buildings, even when it makes developers uncomfortable
✔️ Calling out systemic racism and working to actively dismantle it
✔️ Supporting great public schools and recognizing that our teachers are at the heart of keeping them great
I posted this on the Boston Globe post but this seems like a great place too. Perhaps Bryan can respond as well.
Can someone help me understand how it’s possible that a white male candidate (he’s a renter! he’s union champion!) raised with privilege gangs up on a Black male opponent (renter, union member) who, along with 14 other city councilors and their other political connections and spins a local city council race such that the white male lawyer is also the constant, unrelenting victim in this race.
There are no dramatic policy differences between Bryan and his closest opponent (sorry David) Tarik. But Bryan has been caught flip flopping more than once (zoning, schools, local representation) and has a lot of money in campaign contributions from out of towners (unions and developers from out of town, it’s all public information).
In addition, Bryan is an expert in equity issues and diversity and agrees that representation matters. Have you ever heard even one civil rights expert agree that the best representative for diversity is a white man due to his great understanding of policy? Newton hasn’t had a Black councilor since the mid 1980’s. But that’s not why Tarik should have a seat at the table. He hasn’t once flip flopped. He hasn’t once taken a campaign contribution he has had to return.
The Boston Globe isn’t interested in the story of Tarik (Ralph, Vicky, do you know why?). Progressive Newton isn’t interested in it. Our City Councilors aren’t interested. Our Mayor isn’t interested. Her brother definitely isn’t interested.
Let’s read about Nonantum and painted streets. Does that seem like a distraction to anyone else?
Thanks for the question. To me, progressive would mean having the courage to step aside and let go of one’s ambitions to let an outstanding black citizen have a seat at the city council. That would speak volumes about your character Bryan.
I’m very impressed with the vast number of endorsements Bryan has received…
However, it’s starting to feel to me there is a huge progressive machine (outside of Newton) working to shove this candidate down our throats.
The “step in line” approach.
Here are my questions:
1. Why was it not, at best, hypocritical to run for an office you sought to undemocratically abolish?
2. You tout all these union endorsements. How can we trust you to help Newton get its fiscal house in order when it involves negotiating with unions?
3. Why wouldn’t you join in the call to open Newton schools? Is it because you have your eye on future office and need the teachers union endorsement?
@casey @David @Bruce. Yes. Totally agree.
Systemic racism is a City Council that is all-white.
So to Bryan who claims to want to actively dismantle it, and to his supporters- why do you perpetuate systemic racism by voting to keep an all-white City Council?
No doubt there are differences on certain issues between Bryan and Tarik. But they agree on far more than they disagree. Diversity is important. Fighting back against systemic racism in the form of ending an all-white City Council is important. Are the issues where Bryan and Tarik differ merit keeping this systemic racism going?
You can’t just say it’s an important issue and then ignore this. If systemic racism is important, than we shouldn’t maintain an all-white City Council.
Tarik is more than qualified. He and Bryan agree on most issues.
Stop systemic racism. Vote for Tarik Lucas.
For me, eliminating single family zoning in Newton is more than enough to disqualify Bryan Barash from office. But siding with teachers unions over getting kids back to school is nearly as gross.
@Craig I am totally with you.
@alec. how are you voting in Ward 1 race?
@Craig,
I didn’t know Bryan had sided with the teacher unions, perhaps he did so to get an endorsement!
I’m curious as to what folks think the city councilors should be doing to get the kids back in school. More strongly worded letters? How effective were those again? (not effective at all). Folks who support John and Tarik seem to be using this at a litmus test of some sort, but since the city council has no power to do anything here, I’m just curious as to what folks think John/Tarik will accomplish that the current council has not, including many of the folks that posters who hero worship that are already on the council. Go annoy the mayor and the school committee, like I do. (and be glad that the governor is stepping in to push things along. Having real power helps).
The complaints on this thread seem to be that Bryan has too many endorsements, especially union endorsements, and that he is somehow blocking Tarik from his rightful place as a member of the council. I really do like Tarik (and voted for him for Newtonville Area Council), but this complaint that somehow Bryan is engaging in systemic racism or not being true to his progressive values by not stepping aside for Tarik is silly in my view. I didn’t see these arguments when Tarik was running against Jennifer Bentley, Jake and Susan in 2019. Why did no one ask Jennifer to step aside, and to clear the Ward 2 field for one challenger against Jake and Susan? No systemic racism then? How about when Setti Warren ran for office? Or defending his office? How convenient is must be to be only selectively outraged!
As for folks who say there is no difference between Bryan and Tarik on major issues, I don’t think I agree. With Bryan, I know where he stands on issues. I may not agree with him (he is more progressive/left than I am), but he is vocal about his positions, and he has been endorsed by folks that agree with him on all of those issues. Unions, affordable housing, economic justice, progressive values. He’s got the back-up for his positions, even if we don’t agree. What you see is what you get.
With Tarik, he is a very nice man, but I don’t always know where he stands, and I find it harder to judge him by his positions and his website. There are lots of general positions and statements, but few specifics. Is he an advocate of affordable housing? Or an advocate for Right Size Newton? Will his statements about being progressive match his deeds in office? Will he vote with his very vocal allies 100% of the time? We will have to wait and see.
For me, this was a tough one, but I’ll be voting for Bryan. I know where he stands, and I agree with him more than I disagree. I would certainly consider voting for Tarik if he ran for another position, (assuming Susan or Emily eventually retire.)
@Fig the City Council’s letter did have impact. It added some pressure to the situation and got the HVAC project going. Yes the teachers were asking for the review but the school building folks were implying that building were ok. The CC added much needed pressure where they could since they do have some oversight of city building. Certain CC members were asking the SC for accountability and asking NHHS tough questions. Yes the kids are not in school full time yet but we would not be where we are esp with the HS students without the CC trying to get some urgency from the SC and the Mayor. We would instead be still hearing things like “everyone is working so hard” and “I’m only one member of the School Comnitee while Youngblood, the Mayor and the Superintendent would have tried to shift accountability between themselves and our kids would still be sitting in their rooms from 9:15-3:55 on zooms 5 days a week. There impact should not be downplayed here. Bryan made some very middle of the road statements about getting the kids back in school which I will try to find and post in a bit.
The Teachers Union leadership is paid by the City to represent the Teachers in negotiations with the City. I support my individual teachers but I do not feel the NTA did them any favors this year.
As far as race I feel that voters should choose the best candidate but here Bryan is making an issue of race in this campaign by portraying himself as a racial justice warrior, I understand that it is a hot issue of the current times which is why I think it much more at the forefront then when Setti was elected or more recently in the Albright/Bentley etc race. I think some people see a disconnect in a white person stating he knows best about what a person of color feels are solutions to the inequality/racism they experience. I feel the POC should be guiding the discussions and be truly listened to rather than white people determining what the solutions are. I also feel though this issue is only one piece of the puzzle and I’m looking for the candidate that is going to address all city issues. I don’t need a warrior I need someone who is going to work with others, ask the tough questions and strive to do what is best for the City.
@Fig
It’s not complicated really. Barash is running with fighting against systemic racism as one of the most important issues his platform- its right here in this post. None of the Ward 2 candidates made that an issue in prior campaigns.
For Bryan to make systemic racism a signature issue while trying to keep the only Black candidate from joining an all-white a City Council reeks of hypocrisy. Not saying he shouldn’t run, but I don’t know how you look yourself in the mirror saying fighting systemic racism is your highest priority while opposing a Black candidate. An all-white City Council IS systemic racism.
They have very different policy positions.
The way they discuss the Housing Choice legislation in the recent debates highlights that. That Bill was passed by a majority of our neighboring cities to deliver more multifamily homes near transit and more affordable homes.
To me being progressive includes:
– calling new residents “neighbors” instead of “tax burdens”
– changing land use laws to make housing more affordable and accessible, this includes looking at height requirements and zoning near transit hubs & village centers
– supporting the motives of allies who espouse “defund” as a concept instead of seeking ways to discredit them
Separately, running positive campaigns speaks volumes to someone’s character
References:
– Housing: https://archive.curbed.com/2020/1/29/21112405/aoc-squad-peoples-housing-platform-congress-legislation-housing
– Defund: https://time.com/5857571/ayanna-pressley-defund-police-time100-talks/
Newton Highland Mom: Respectfully, and after many a conversation with teachers, the school committee and the city, I disagree that the letter made any difference. I believe it made some folks feel better, especially folks who support those city councilor candidates and wanted a statement on the record. But for folks trying to actually solve the problem, it basically merited an eye-roll. It was basically a sternly worded letter to the manager. It made zero difference in the real world. This is ALL the school committee, the mayor and the school administration was talking about, and all of these issues including the HVAC system were being pushed to resolution. Not saying it didn’t take too long, it did. But the city council played zero role (except perhaps in their own minds) in resolving the issue. Because they have zero power to change anything short term. It is tough to get folks on the record saying this, and it isn’t the political answer, but from the practical standpoint of someone who does a lot of work with these types of players, you either have the power or you don’t. And the city councils do not. If they did, they would have and should have done FAR more than a letter, no?
We are going back to school full time for certain grades because of the governor and vaccines. The idea that John or Tarik will somehow make a difference in any of the school issues is just false. There are lots of reasons to like them as candidates, but the schools we reopen or not reopen due to the folks who have actual power in this situation, the Mayor, the superintendent and the school committee, the NTA, and most importantly, the state government. And the vaccines.
Alec: we are just going to have to agree to disagree. Bryan was running for the race before Tarik was, and this is both of their second attempts at City Council. The fact that this wasn’t an issue the last time, especially in the primary, tells me a lot. I would certainly welcome Tarik’s voice on the council, but I do not think Bryan has to simply walk away because Tarik decided to run. That is not how elections work, and if Tarik was a more progressive voice and the situation was reversed, I doubt many of the folks suddenly aware of the city council’s lack of diversity would be posting with calls for Bryan to step aside. They certainly didn’t with Jennifer the last time. Folks can certainly vote based on a diverse council, and I’m sure many will.
My guess is that Bryan and Tarik would agree on the vast majority of issues and would vote the same way (think police reform, changing the name of Columbus Day, city budget). The difference comes down to their approach to housing and zoning, All this about Bryan stepping aside is a canard from the “keep the status quo on housing” group. Nothing wrong with that.
However, lets not obfuscate the issues here and accuse Bryan of being an “anti-racist” racist or wanting to take away Italian-American heritage celebrations. He didn’t cast a vote for changing the name of Columbus Day, but Councilor Norton did. I don’t see the same outrage or level of outrage from the “SaveNonantum” PAC directed at her.
@Fig
2 points:
The focus on systemic racism has changed a lot since 2019. Summer 2020 was a watershed moment. The political and social landscape have meaningfully moved since then, in a way that your 2019 v. 2021 comparison is missing the point.
Bryan jumped first in the race, with full awareness that Tarik may do so. If he was as concerned about systemic racism as he says, with knowledge that an all-white City Council is part of the problem, he would have checked with Tarik first. But he put his own career ambitions ahead of his purported principles. Saying the words of “actively dismantling” systemic racism while in practice perpetuating it, means the words are merely words. Dismantling systemic racism means displacing power from those who have too much of it, and that is never easy to do. Bryan’s message seems to be- let’s stop systemic racism, as long as it doesn’t affect me and my other priorities. That’s his choice, but then don’t tell us that this is among your most important issues. Actions speak louder than words. We hear Bryan loud and clear.
@Fig
2 points:
The focus on systemic racism has changed a lot since 2019. Summer 2020 was a watershed moment. The political and social landscape have meaningfully moved since then, in a way that your 2019 v. 2021 comparison is missing the point.
Bryan jumped first in the race, with full awareness that Tarik may do so. If he was as concerned about systemic racism as he says, with knowledge that an all-white City Council is part of the problem, he would have checked with Tarik first. But he put his own career ambitions ahead of his purported principles. Saying the words of “actively dismantling” systemic racism while in practice perpetuating it, means the words are merely words. Dismantling systemic racism means displacing power from those who have too much of it, and that is never easy to do. Bryan’s message seems to be- let’s stop systemic racism, as long as it doesn’t affect me and my other priorities. That’s his choice, but then don’t tell us that this is among your most important issues. Actions speak louder than words.
Alec, I understand your perspective. I just happen to disagree. Enjoyed the back and forth.
@Bruce C, I agree. Imagine if Bryan’s and Tarik’s positions on development were reversed. I am certain that the huge majority of the development-skeptic crowd would reverse their vote, as they should, given their passion on the subject. The representation argument is powerful, but is misused when there is an important policy difference on the hot-button issue of the day.
I have also pondered how Councilor Norton maintains strong support among the ultra-conservative Save Nonantum crowd, having voted (correctly, IMO) for Indigenous People’s Day. For one thing, she explains her culturally left-wing positions very thoughtfully — see her recent post about the BLM protest. Second, she is the leader of the development skeptics on council. Despite all the caterwauling about murdering Santa, perhaps anti-development sentiment is the real motivator of Save Nonantum. Third, she is definitely the enemy of their enemy!
@John I find it extremely offensive that you lump together all those involved with Save Nonantum as ultra conservative when they are not and that’s the issue no one has spent time with the people in ward one to truly understand why they’re fighting for the neighborhood.
@Newtonzillenial. Can the sons & daughters of RightSizeNewton and Save Nonantum just be honest and admit that this election is all about Development? This Santa scare tactic, or the tactic that we should vote for Tarik for diversity but not Maddy because she had a few tweets that were taken out of context is just nonsense. We somehow excuse and protect Tarik, when a senior member of RightSizeNewton campaigns for him by sending out a homophobic email against Bryan. And let’s talk about the bigot in Newton…. We are supposed to protect this ignorant senior citizen’s privacy because he is in his 80s and that is the right thing to do. Again, this is non sense.
This all comes down to how we want to see Newton in years to come and which side you are on for development Pro vs NO. Vibrant vs the status quo. Maddy and Bryan believe in Development to support and re-invigorate the Village Centers. Tarik and Oliver are trying to “save” Newton from development at all costs. Both are valid approaches. Every thing else is posturing. But I sure would respect Tarik and John more if they were just honest.
BTW I love it when supporters go “balls to the wall” and “full throttle” for their candidates. insert Beavis and Butthead laugh here.
xoxo
@jackie your post is a good representation of all that is broken in modern politics.
Yes, this race is a lot about development, but to frame it pro development vs no development is ridiculous and completely ignores the fact that most people are somewhere in the middle.
You’re argument is akin to the argument in national politics that all Democrats are Socialists.
Yes, there are those that advocate no development, and yes, they probably support Tarik, because they don’t have a no development candidate in the race.
But you need to get this straight… Tarik is a pro-development candidate.
The difference? Tarik is committed to listening to and representing all residents of Newton whereas Bryan has written off residents who don’t share in an aggressive fast-paced progressive agenda.
Development will move forward either way. Framing the argument as development versus no development is divisive and dishonest.
I believe most residents want a measured careful approach that at least takes a look at all points of view before moving forward … An approach that gives all residents a voice because they deserve to be heard … An approach that values inclusion and compromise.
I don’t believe Bryan has the patience for this brand of politics.
This campaign isn’t about development versus no development, this campaign is about character.
@Mike Ciolino Well said. I was going to post a similar response to jackie morris but decided to save my “breath” since Village 14 has become such an echo chamber. He is either ill-informed or intentionally deceptive. He calls for Tarik and John to “just be honest” when it is jackie who needs to be honest
Mike, you said it perfectly
@Claire – I’m a bit mystified when you and others regularly describe Village14 as an “echo chamber”. There’s certainly plenty you can criticize the site for but “echo chamber” isn’t one of them.
Take a look at all the comments on this site about the candidates in the current election – they are all over the place with plenty of different voices supporting different candidates, representing different viewpoints, and constantly challenging each other – anything but an echo chamber
Bryan – As Chief Advisor to Senate President Emerita, Harriet Chandler, how do you feel about the Emergency Bill she is co-sponsoring which seeks to delay the start of full time in-person learning for Elementary Students?
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/HD4101?fbclid=IwAR3rfz2d2QCyttWFKHxAwZYP3o4ux58XRKbZ1XPzOOD_IOVFVM_gN_nMBY4
Bryan — Transparency is one of your 12 stated priorities. Do you think it would be reasonable to expect that a candidate for office in Newton would disclose on their campaign website if they spent two of the previous five years as an elected official in Newton? If a candidate chooses not to do that, what should voters expect with regard to their transparency going forward?
*crickets*
@ Newton Highlands Mom
Thanks for pointing out this bill that is co-sponsored by Senator Harriett Chandler among others. It is concerning and should be for every parent that wants to see their kids back in Newton Public Schools full-time this spring. This bill as outlined proposes a delay of full in person learning to at least April 26, 2021 or even longer. The parameters state that “all persons who volunteer within schools have equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. . . before requiring a return to full in-person learning. ”
This would mean that until every parent who volunteers in a school has access to a vaccine and not until that time, that there should not be a requirement for full in-person learning?! I would like to understand all candidates’ position on this bill, especially candidate Barash who works directly for Senator Chandler.
* Did the candidate Bryan Barash who works for Senator Chandler give input to this sponsorship by his boss?
* Would he work against this proposed bill that would appear to negatively impact many Newton students if elected?
Here is the text of the bill: The Commissioner shall not require schools to reopen for full in-person learning before April 26, 2021. Further, the Commissioner shall work with the Department of Public Health to ensure that educators, staff, employees affiliated with schools, and all persons who volunteer within schools have equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, administered by municipal health departments, pharmacies, or other health care providers, before requiring a return to full in-person learning.
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/HD4101?fbclid=IwAR3rfz2d2QCyttWFKHxAwZYP3o4ux58XRKbZ1XPzOOD_IOVFVM_gN_nMBY4
@Liz – you asked for all candidates positions on this bill so I’ll share mine: I am not in favor of a full school re-opening being dependent on vaccine distribution to those affiliated with the schools.
This is the most important issue for our city to address over the coming months and we need to move forward with fully re-opening all of our schools this spring based on the science. The medical research proves that 1) We can re-open safely through a number of mitigation measures already in place such as upgraded ventilation, mask wearing, etc. 2) There is clear damage to our children in terms of mental health and educational outcomes in not re-opening – this is a cost that is not acceptable for our children to continue to incur.
To be clear, I am disappointed that MA did not sufficiently prioritize teachers in the vaccine distribution – I called Governer Baker’s office a few weeks ago to demand vaccine access for our teachers as over half of the states in the US were distributing vaccines to teachers before MA did. That being said, vaccine distribution should not be a limiting factor in opening schools – hospitals/medical clinics stayed open before doctors/nurses had vaccines, grocery stores have continued to remain open with check-out-clerks not yet having access to vaccines, and likewise, schools, an essential service for our students and community, need to be fully open regardless of the state of vaccine distribution.
Every so often I realize the next election is in less than 8 months and it is possible that these same candidates will be running again, and we will all be posting the same arguments again multiple times.
On the plus side, none of these candidates would need to buy new signs! That’s great for the environment!
I honestly have no idea who will win on Tuesday. Special elections aren’t predictable at all. And this one especially so. And I can’t tell how much of the passion back and forth among the various campaigns is a product of these forums and facebook, and how much is mirrored in real life.
But I think I’m done commenting on the individual candidates at this point. When various parties have posted the same comment across multiple threads, when it feels like we are going in circles, when it feels like no one in their right mind is reading except the true believers, it is time to step away for a bit. I’ll post if there is a prediction thread, and maybe to discuss the results. I wish you all a good election, and remember, life will go on just fine no matter who wins Tuesday, and the next election is just around the corner.
And try and be kind to each other. It’s been an awful year. Elections don’t have the bring out the worst in us. This one has.
@david thank you. I am progressive and liberal and I cannot vote for anyone who will not fight to open our schools.
Schools are essential and the inequality their closures have caused is never discussed. Are the disparities in learning going to be an insurmountable barrier to the children who have been forced to zoom all year as they get older? What are your ideas/solutions to this issue? (All private schools are fully open and in person.)
Also this candidate’s failure to discuss the unmitigated damage their closure has caused to working women.
These are progressive issues that I would like to see addressed.
Regarding This latest bill proposed by Senator Chandler who Mr. Barash works for-I would love to hear from Mr. Barash on these issues
David – please take it over the goal line: can you verify you do NOT want the bill in front of the state legislature to pass?
Adam – correct, I am not in support of the bill (Bill HD.4101) and do not want it to pass because it places yet another delay in re-opening our schools.
David’s framing of this issue is well worded and consistent with the scientific conclusions of the CDC, the NPS Ad Hoc Medical Advisory Board, and the 300 doctors and scientists who recently wrote to the state DESE on this matter. The proposed legislation is not.
I’ve been clear that I’m in favor of reopening the schools full time for in person learning now. I’m actually on leave from work for the final weeks of the campaign so I had nothing to do with the bill.
Thanks @ David Micley for the reply and the clear definitive response in relation to this bill.
@ Bryan Barash – thanks for the reply as well. Thanks for clarifying that you had nothing to do with this bill. What is your opinion of this specific bill though? Did you or could you persuade Senator Chandler that this bill is not good for getting kids back to school now? Maybe it is worth a call to discuss with her, even if you are on leave? As it reads now, it would place unreasonable hurdles for Newton students so any advocacy against this bill would be awesome.
@mike Character?
My post was about PACS and their devout followers. Both organizations use dog whistles and scare tactics to bully the city of Newton. They hide behind veiled threats against Santa Claus, “urbanization”, and the ghost threats against the Nonantum culture. In the case of Save Nonantum, they prop up poor Jay Ciccone like a scene out of Weekend at Bernies. Rather than campaigning in a positive manner for Tarik and his qualities, the words out of Jay are used in a negative campaign against a proud progressive, bi-sexual, Jewish candidate.
Maddy endured a threat against her life all in the name of getting another candidate on the council. This is crazy. Save Nonantum must accept at some of the blame here for stirring up so much hate and animosity. – The “hate” and divide in Newton has to stop before someone gets hurt.
I would love people to highlight the negative campaigning coming Bryan or Maddy’s camp. Compare that to the negative campaigns of both Tarik and John. Heck they both had a Bigoted member of RightSize Newton sending hate emails about Bryan and questioning his bisexuality, all in the name of getting Tarik voted in.
Tarik as a Pragmatic Progressive does not exist unless people truly believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. One cannot continue to campaign against Progress and call yourself a Progressive. Heck progress is in the word Progressive.
I like Tarik but do not agree with him. Tarik is a preservationist and all I want in the name of Joe Biden, is honesty. He has stood against every recent progressive item that has come to Newton. Charter Reform he championed NO on Charter. Marijuana he championed the referendum on Marijuana and then against the dispensaries. Every single Development project and he is out front encouraging people to vote no. There is nothing wrong with his views but he is not a progressive. Unless your definition of Progressive includes someone like Joe Manchin or Susan Collins.
And to counter your statement against Bryan, I believe Tarik does not have patience for anything Progressive nor will go against the wishes of RightSize and Nonantum Pacs and their sponsored candidates.
And careful with a phrase like “Character” as it is very close to the dog whistles the PACS have used in the past. When I hear Character of the person or keeping the character of Newton I immediately think it is a code word for something. We heard it from the Pacs followed with words like tradition, historic value, village charm. And unfortunately followed by phrases like “protecting Newton from urbanization”, or we already have METCO do we really need more affordable housing, or I don’t like that project because it doesn’t “fit” in the neighborhood setting. It is a similar pattern playing out around poor Santa Claus.
All I am asking is for the candidates to be honest and for the PACS to be honest and to dial down the hate rhetoric before someone gets hurt. Stop lying about Santa Claus and the attacks on Nonantum. Just say that you are against Development so we can get on with our lives.
-jackie
We definitely need to start demanding the truth about Santa Claus.
@Jackie I’m gunna ask you to stop right there. The PAC has NOTHING to do with the threats on Maddy. That person has nothing to do with the PAC or the neighborhood so please. Many of the members of the PAC have also gotten threats from the same person. But none of them were able to get police protection and had to go through the due process through the courts. I think everyone is well aware of your opinions on the PAC and you’re beating a dead horse here.
@Jackie Morris. Your problem is that you are trying to define the criteria for what a progressive should be or what they should think and it comes off as requiring a series of litmus tests to pass your standards. In the last several years, it’s been stated both directly and indirectly that Tarik shouldn’t be holding some of the development related positions he does because this isn’t what Black folks should be advocating or advancing for Newton. I know these charges have been made because I’ve read them and Tarik has politely, but firmly rejected them. You have no cause to say that Tarik is not a “progressive” just as I have no cause to say that Bryan and Maddy are any kind of label I would want to attach to them. I suppose I don’t fit your definition of a progressive, but I was the chairman of Bernie Sanders 2016 Newton campaign and supported the Engine 6 proposal in Waban. I was for Bernie because he seemed to offer some promise for a return to desperately needed 21st Century New Deal programs and values and I was for Engine 6 because I know the people at Pine Street Inn that run these programs and I would bet my life that they would do it right. It’s that simple. Not ideological, but fact based with a little intuition thrown in.
Yes @ Jackie, Character. I trust people of Newton know when people are behaving less than honerable. Whether it be the Nonantum PAC or the Charter Commission. Your hateful rant doesn’t represent anything I want to be a part of. Fortunately, you don’t get to define Progressive for all of us.
Hi Bob:
Not a post about the candidates, but Engine 6 was one of the main reasons I got involved in Newton politics. I knew some of the folks leading the charge against the project, and I knew the folks at Pine Street, and some of the outright lies coming from the opponents of the project opened my eyes. I’m glad we agreed on Engine 6. Hopefully we will agree on other important projects in the future, even if we don’t agree on the candidates this time.
Cheers,
Figgy
@Byran Barash, I think the relevant question isn’t whether you had any thing to do with it but whether you support it.
David Micley was pretty unequivical ” I am not in support of the bill (Bill HD.4101) and do not want it to pass”
Do you support it?
@Claire: I think it is also relevant to ask, has he lobbied his boss to oppose the bill? Has he lobbied the Newton State Senator and State Representatives to oppose this bill, as I have?
@Emily Norton, those are good questions. As trusted general council and senior staff member to Senator Harriett Chandler, I would think Bryan should have significant influence
Councilor Norton, I actually don’t think that would be appropriate to ask in this case. I believe Bryan is working as a counsel for the state senate president. If he agrees with his boss or not, it would not be appropriate for him to state in a public forum whether he “lobbied her” on any current bill. (and lobby would be the incorrect term, considering his role as counsel). He can state his own position on the school reopening, but revealing internal deliberations of the state senate, or the advice he gave them as legal counsel, even if that advice were his personal viewpoints, would be an ethical lapse in my view. I think Bryan gave a careful answer in his prior post, he supported the school reopening in full, and he has nothing to do with the bill.
I believe you were the one who was very upset recently about Newton politics intruding upon your day job. You were right to object. It was inappropriate. So is your comment here, especially as I believe you know the job Bryan has from your prior election against him. I realize you are deeply invested in this election, but I would ask you to reconsider your last comment.
@Jackie. Maddy posted on Vill 14 about threats due to her tweets. (She discussed this and stated on this forum a threat came after her tweets surfaced regarding “the Reallocation of city funds”) this was weeks before the Save Nonantum PAC.
@Fig. How can Bryan have “nothing to do with the bill” if he was giving legal counsel? You write “internal deliberations of the state senate, or the advice he gave them as legal counsel, even if that advice were his personal viewpoints, would be an ethical lapse in my view.
That assertion that he had nothing to do with the bill withstanding, did he give advise as legal council or as personal viewpoints since he was on a leave of absence?
All of that hogwash aside, he can share if he supports or doesn’t support the law.
@Fig: I periodically advocate to our state delegation when it comes to issues related to Newton, including asking for help with MassDOT when they cut down all the trees along Washington St; requesting that they oppose cuts to our public transit (which are now happening); for funding to make the 3 commuter rail stops accessible; for home rule petitions related to changing the name from Alderman to Councilor, and more. I wrote about all of these in my monthly newsletters in fact. So I think asking someone who wants to be our Councilor if they are advocating for things that would benefit Newton residents, in this case our children, seems perfectly appropriate to me.
What Emily said.
Advocating for Newton is part of the job of city councilor.
Bryan ducked the question, does he support the bill or not. He’s been squishy on this issue for a while. Newton parents are upset, and Bryan sticking by the teacher’s union rather than our children.
Claire, Bryan said he was on leave. Emily then asked directly if he had lobbied his boss. I don’t know how Bryan would separate his role as general counsel from any attempt to weigh in on the bill to benefit Newton. And it would be very inappropriate for him to disclose any conversation he had with his senate boss on any current issue, including any advice or counsel he gave her, without her permission.
This isn’t hogwash at all. You state that he is the “trusted general council and senior staff member to Senator Harriett Chandler”. What kind of trusted general counsel would he be if he broke confidentiality to reveal discussions with Senator Chandler? Or any type of discussion about the potential law? You don’t have to believe me of course, but Councilor Norton knows the important role senate staff play in writing and advising on laws, and she knows the role Bryan plays.
Sometimes folks go too far when commenting to try and prove a point, especially when there is bad blood between the parties. It wasn’t enough in your view or for Councilor Norton for Bryan to say he supports kids going back to school immediately. Fine. That’s why we have elections. I’m just trying to keep things fair, and I found this new line of attack to not be so.
Councilor Norton, respectfully, you don’t work for the Senate President, so your lobby efforts, while admirably, have absolutely nothing to do with my point. My point is that you are criticizing Bryan for not lobbying his Boss (Senator Chandler) directly on behalf of the citizens of Newton. I’m pointing out the conflict of asking Bryan to reveal what he has lobbied his boss on in a public forum. I’m sure if Bryan is elected there will be conflict walls set up so he can discuss certain issues that impact Newton directly with the Senate, and in turn not work on those issues as legal counsel. But attempting to ask him to use his current job and access to lobby the senate on behalf of Newton is not how this is supposed to work. And public statements about his conversations with the Senator would be a violation of trust. This isn’t you, as an outsider, asking for changes to a bill. There is a difference, both in his access and his job as an attorney.
There are a lot of issues to discuss in this election, and I understand everything lately is political and seems like fair game. I just felt this crossed a line.
@fig Do we really want a counselor who needs to set up ‘conflict walls’ with the Senate president
The way you just described his job gives me yet one more reason to think Bryan would be a poor choice for Newton.
Now it sounds like his job could potentially be a conflict of interest, making the transparency he ran on impossible.
Why would a candidate espouse transparency when the nature of his day job doesn’t allow for transparency?
@Fig
Bryan is a big boy. If he felt this was an issue, he’d say. Let Bryan speak for himself, and stop making stuff up.
If there are conflicts walls needed, he actually has an obligation to tell his constituents before the vote how’s he’s going to manage them, and he hasn’t. He didn’t say it in this thread either.
Enough with this silly stuff.
This thread is repetitive. I can just look at the who is commenting and know what the tone of responses will be without reading. May I suggest that the “anti-Bryan” bloggers comment on the positive attributes of the candidates for whom they support.? There is relatively very little comment on Tarik’s and John’s blog entry. I am sure we could go back into Tarik’s or John’s background and comment on their “inadequacies” to be elected, but doing it would be just as unproductive (e.g, insinuating that John’s Republican Party would somehow make home advocate for policies contrary to what the citizens of our city want) as what appears on this entry.
@EmilyNorton- From the tone and content of your responses, it is clear you do not like Bryan and want to stoke the opposition to him.You are certainly entitled to your opinions and to express them. It is your democratic right to do that.That begin said, your consistent campaigning against Bryan appears awfully personal, comes across as petty, and seems like payback from a close election last time. Your comments against Bryan seem so much more prevalent than your remarks in favor of Tarik or John. Perhaps it is the tone of your comments. Personally, I expect a certain level of grace from our elected officials who represent Newton, even for ward councilors for whom I am unable to vote. You have failed on that front.
@Fig-Than you as always for your balanced and well reasoned responses.
Sorry, late to the party. Wondering…for those that feel it is hypocritical for Bryan not to make way for a minority candidate, are you therefore supporting Ranalli? Wouldn’t that be the same thing, supporting a woman vs a white hetero sis man? Sorry if this was already mentioned!
Bruce C
The emily vs bryan was certainly closer than expected. Given special election low turn out, this is going to be decided on how much side can motivate their bases…
Bryan has a huge progressive democratic machine behind him, if he doesn’t win it will be extremely extremely close
Good luck to all
I never really thought about the City Councilors’ day jobs except to give insight to their backgrounds and potentially applicable skills. It would be useful to hear from Bryan when he returns to his day job how he would handle potential conflicts of interest. A bit of detail on where issues might arise and how he would handle them? Would he be able to advocate for Newton or would that prove problematic?
@Bugek- I agree with you. The Bryan v. Tarik election will be close. The side that can motivate voters the most will likely prevail. But does motivating voters have to mean negative campaigning against the opposition?
As an aside, not having quality local news coverage really hurts all candidates in this election.
Newton Highlands Mom: I can speak to this a bit (and also address Mike’s concerns). Generally I think it is an advantage to have a city councilor who know the players/staff at the state house. There are ethical rules that must be followed to make sure conflicts don’t exist. It is less clear cut during a campaign, and there is a limited set of issues where a city councilor would directly weigh in and try and influence the state government. If Bryan is involved in writing or reviewing or giving advice on a bill that directly impacts Newton, I’m sure there will be discussions with his day job on how to handle that conflict. Typically in my experience, there is a LOT of work to do, and not everyone has a conflict, so Bryan just wouldn’t work on those items.
As for directly lobbying his boss on behalf of Newton, either now or later, I would imagine Bryan wouldn’t want to use that relationship for political gain, or put his boss in a bad position. It doesn’t mean he can’t give his opinion to her, but asking him to use that relationship as part of this campaign is a different animal entirely.
Mike/Alec, I appreciate that you disagree with my position on this. I doubt I will convince you. To Mike, I will say this has nothing to do with Bryan’s transparency, and ethical behavior by our candidates is not a negative. I’ll also say that dozens of candidates for political office in the past 10 years have been in similar situations, and there are pretty clear rules by both the Mass Bar and the State House as to how to deal with conflicts. Bryan’s experience with state government is a net positive, but ethical rules must be followed as well. And the push for Bryan to directly lobby his boss and speak of it in a public forum still feels like an improper request to me.
I’ve said my viewpoint and tried to point out the issue as I see it, and absent new information, won’t be responding further (busy week for me).
@Matthew. Women are well represented on the CC; they are in the majority. However there is currently no racial diversity there. There are many other issues with Maddie as indicated on this thread, that are disqualifying.
@jackie morris –You said, “Tarik.. championed NO on Charter.” Let’s try to find where Bryan was on charter “reform.” Was Bryan for eliminating ward-elected representation? Was Bryan a city-wide-elected official on the Newton Charter Commission for 2 years of the past 5 years? Did Bryan attack the integrity of the No campaign saying they wouldn’t successfully follow through in making the 8-8 proposal (which they did follow through on)?
The answer to all those questions is Yes, but Newton residents who are less engaged in civics probably don’t know that, because Bryan Barash has ENTIRELY SCRUBBED his charter role from his campaign website. That obfuscation and Bryan’s focus on manufacturing outrage in the last few weeks indicates that he wants this campaign to be about ANYTHING other than how he performed in his last elected position.
Contrast Bryan’s website with that of the commission chair, Josh Krintzman. Josh has the integrity and transparency to highlight his position on the commission prominently, and rightfully so, as Josh largely did an excellent job in his role as a chair, and subsequently endured a lot of hot summer nights in city hall reviewing the charter proposal to identify the potentially usable components after its defeat.
https://newton.jackprior.org/2021/03/02/why-the-2017-newton-charter-fight-matters-today/
With regard to firewalls, OCPF shows outside groups who regularly donate to Chandler’s statehouse campaigns making large donations to Bryan’s Newton campaign. I’m sure that complies with the letter of any conflict rules, but seems counter to their spirit.
@Matthew, I think you are drawing a false parallel regarding supposed hypocrisy. I may be wrong, but I don’t think that John Oliver has spoken out explicitly for more women to be on the City Council, and @Lisa has already pointed out the gender diversity of the current City Council. But Bryan has explicitly called for more people of color to be on the City Council, mentioning Tarik by name:
Bryan said that before Tarik entered the race, so there’s that. I don’t think that Bryan should drop out to make way for Tarik. He’s not necessarily being hypocritical. It’s just awkward and ironic. I think the full transparency he espouses would call for a statement like, “Yeah, I said that, and let me explain…”
Bruce,
It’s perfectly consistent for a white man to both be for better representation on the City Council (and elsewhere) and to run for office against a person of color with whom he has serious policy differences. Representation is important. But, so are policy outcomes.
@ Mike Ciolino – I agree with all of your comments I have seen on Village 14.
I am voting for Tarik Lucas because I trust that he will listen to the residents of Newton and then take that perspective, along with his own, and represent the people who live here. Additionally, I am voting for Tarik Lucas because I feel we need checks and balances on the City Council which I feel is currently missing.
Infrastructure: There is always so much work to be done here. I think all 5 candidates will work on infrastructure starting with our roads which are mess.
Affordable housing: I think many of us are interested in deeply affordable housing. I know that I am very excited about the Armory building on Washington Street. I think this is a great opportunity for the city. Also, I keep waiting to see the number from Mayor Fuller’s office, but it is my understanding the City of Newton is very close or at the 10% affordable housing mandate. I think we should congratulate the city for this amazing effort. I believe Newton is a leader in the state of Massachusetts on affordable housing.
Net zero buildings: I am all for net zero buildings, but why not try to transform the buildings we have rather than tear down beautiful old exisiting buildings. I have a 1930ish house and we have slowly improved it. That is a much more environmentally sound approach in my opinion. And going forward, the City Council should require net zero buildings standards in new buildings. It seems like this is already happening in the city.
Racism: I feel strongly that Tarik Lucas will do a better job of calling out racism than any of his opponents. Representation matters. I was very impressed that civil rights activist, Hubie Jones, endorse Tarik Lucas.
Public Schools: I think all 5 candidates support great public schools. The schools are the backbone of the City of Newton.
Ellen:
I believe that is the first time in my life that I’ve heard Newton described as a leader in Massachusetts on affordable housing. When all this is over, perhaps Jerry will start a post and we can discuss why I disagree with that statement, and why I think Newton is struggling with affordable housing on multiple levels (creation, retention, funding, support).
I do agree with you on the net zero buildings though, an already existing structure has a much higher amount of stored carbon (materials, transport, already exists) and we don’t score that high enough when discussion environmental benefits. Sometimes the greenest building is the one that already exists.
Number of responses to guest posts from the candidates
Bryan Barash- 68
Madeline Ranalli- 56
Tarik Lucas-13
John Oliver-7
Dave Micley-1
I still can’t figure out why Bryan and Maddy conjure up such vituperative comments, but very little light is made of posts from Tarik and John.
@Fig, you keep saying you are out, but you keep coming back
Claire, I know, I’m horrible. I’m trying not to get sucked in.
@ellen, thank you, I hope my comments we’re useful.
There’s been a lot of complaining and shaming here in the past few days about how horribly negative and devicisive these conversations have been online … And that we should be ashamed of ourselves.
However, I’ve got to say, for the first time since participating in Newton politics I feel I’ve been heard.
In the past I had felt that Newton’s progressive Illuminati ran the show and there was no room for a moderate, sane progressive voice.
Progressives and conservatives often feel they have a lock on the truth. The problem was with that is is that we live in a democracy where everyone has the right to be heard. Compromise isn’t a bad thing and life goes on.
As contentious as these past few weeks have been, I’ve learned a lot and I think as a city we have discovered that there is a range of opinion that deserves being listened to.
I believe that some people don’t want to listen they just want what they want.
Communication can be messy but people need to stop getting triggered by people’s words and listen listen for the message because usually it’s real and valuable.
Good luck to all of the candidates today, and whatever you decide, make sure you vote. Democracy only works when we all use our voice.
It has been a privilege and an honor to compete for the chance to serve you all.
Thanks Bryan, to you and all the others who chose to run. It has been a vibrant and informative campaign, and you’ve all given us clear choices. Thank you all for your contributions to our community.