All candidates running for contested seats in the upcoming election were invited to submit a post in support of their candidacy to Village14.  This is Brenda Noel’s

 | Newton MA News and Politics BlogIn November 2017, the residents of Ward 6 elected me to the Newton City Council. Together we won the Ward 6 seat on a vision of an inclusive city that represents the values that matter to us most.

In 2019, I was honored to be re-elected by my Newton Centre, Highlands, and Thompsonville neighbors to serve as City Councilor for Ward 6. I am seeking a third term and ask for your support.

Representing my neighbors in Ward 6 and throughout Newton is a profound honor. It’s a role in which I feel I can truly serve my community and actively fight for basic equality. I know that sounds lofty for local government, but local government is where the rubber meets the road on housing, income inequality, and who has access to the resources they need to live a life of dignity and purpose.  

A little bit about me- I am a first-generation college grad, a social worker by training, with over 25 years’ experience working for mission-driven organizations.  For the past 3+ years, I have served as the executive director of Pathway To Possible, a Newton organization that provides housing and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As City Councilor, I have had the opportunity to act on our shared values, fighting against discriminatory housing practices, advocating for police reform, and working to ensure our policies and practices truly reflect the progressive values I represent in Ward 6. My work as Ward 6 Councilor includes making a difference in the daily lives of Newton residents and businesses. A few recent examples include:

  • Pushing to provide funding so the Newton Public Schools can operate safely. 
  • Getting crosswalks and safety lights installed so our city is safer for walking and biking.
  • Advocating for policy changes for expanded outdoor dining so our local restaurants can stay in business — and so we can support them while enjoying each other’s company safely outdoors. I spearheaded the Restaurant Platform Project, so residents with mobility challenges can access outdoor seating.
  • Working with my colleagues to support development that provides housing at different price points and supports our Climate Action Plan.
  • Fighting in the budget process against school bus fees, ensuring our budget reflects our values and goals of the Climate Action Plan.
  • Supporting the recommendations of the Newton Police Task Force, supporting the new Police Chief, Chief Carmichael, and adopting the policies of 21st Century Policing.

I am a tenacious advocate for the people I represent.  Recently I collaborated with my Ward 6 Colleagues to ensure the Levingston Cove proposal, which would include access to Crystal Lake for those with disabilities as well as fortify the lake from continued erosion, would pass. It was approved unanimously by the entire City Council, 24-0.

 My decision to run for re-election in 2021 is predicated on the fact that the work isn’t done. The pandemic has deeply impacted our city in a myriad of ways- our small businesses and restaurants struggled, our schools suffered, and the pandemic further highlighted our underfunded infrastructure — specifically our roads, sidewalks and fields. 

Our quality of life as a community is affected not only by fundamental infrastructure issues, but also by the ways we demonstrate our commitment to our collective core values and long-term goals such as climate change, income equality, transportation, and sustainable housing. 

The City Council is charged with addressing all these things — and I am committed to continuing to advocate for what matters to us most. I am grateful to serve and ask for your vote–through early voting at City Hall on Friday (8:30am-5:00pm) and Saturday (8:30am-noon) or in-person on Election Day, November 2nd.