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 Lisa Gordon’s
Dear Village 14 Readers,
I am running for Ward 6 Councilor-At-Large because Newton is a wonderful place to live, but we face big challenges and I believe I can do a better job than the incumbents in providing the leadership our city needs.
– We need bold action to protect the excellence of the Newton Public Schools. For example, we need to adopt sustainable budget and maintenance practices to ensure that we will be able to fund world-class public education for generations to come. As the pandemic drags on, I will prioritize our students’ mental and emotional wellbeing, and demand that we follow expert medical advice and science in all decision making.
– We need bold action to help those who are vulnerable and under-resourced by developing truly affordable units in partnership with non-profit organizations — rather than continuing the failed policy of allowing for-profit developers to drive Newton’s affordable housing policies.
– We need bold action to address climate change and to transition to clean energy and away from fossil fuels. Newton alone has over 700 gas leaks – warming our planet, killing our trees, and putting us all at risk. For example, we should pass the Home Rule electrification legislation championed by Emily Norton which would require new construction to be heated and cooled by clean electricity rather than fossil fuels — but this legislation is languishing. I will treat the climate crisis with the urgency it deserves.
I pledge that as your City Councilor, I will always listen to you and be respectful of your views — regardless of my own views. By keeping an open mind, I will help maintain a civil and respectful dialogue on the issues affecting the lives of Newton residents. We, in Newton, should not emulate the divisiveness that exists in Washington, DC, and beyond. We can do better. And we must.
Please vote for me on November 2, so that together we can help Newton to adopt environmentally and fiscally sustainable policies and make sure that Newton is the best place to live and work – for generations to come.
For more information about me and my candidacy, please visit my website at: https://lisagordonfornewton.com/
Thanks very much for your consideration.
Warm regards,
Lisa Gordon, Candidate for Councilor-At-Lage, Ward 6 – All of Newton may vote for me
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for running. I think that anyone who is running for office should be applauded, as it’s no easy task. I have two questions.
First, on the electrification issues, I’m curious to hear your thoughts two pieces within that legislation. First, Newton Wellesley Hospital, the city’s single largest employer, has said that the way that the current rule is written it would make it nearly impossible for them to do business here. In a nutshell, given the pace of renovations within that facility they would need to electrify, but the grid, as currently configured, does not enable them to operate in a manner consistent with federal regulations. How would you balance these two problems? Related to that, what would it mean for Newton, competitively, in terms of business attraction should it move to this kind of program? Also, moving to electrification for new construction doesn’t solve the issue of gas lines currently being used by existing properties, how would you tackle the problem of gas leaks separately in a manner that is different from what is already being done?
Second, you mention civility, and I think we can all agree that this entire election has been reduced a lot of anger being thrown around. Given the controversy surrounding Save Nonantum and the tone of their communications (as reflected comments from Rick Lipof, Jim Cote, and others) are you willing to take a stand and back away from their endorsement of you?
@Lisa Gordon-
Chuck Tanowitz is a member of steering committee of Voters For
A Vibrant Newton who have endorsed
your opponent Brenda Noel, so he’s not really looking for anything other than a “gotcha moment” or to drag you into the mud. Notice how he gave you a carrot, then tried to slime you by linking you to Save Newton? I would tell him to pound sand. Sorry that’s hate speech isn’t it?
Tell him to have a nice day :)
@Paul:
I’m not on the steering committee of any organization in Newton, and would love to hear what the candidate has to say about Save Nonantum and the significant role they have played in the divisiveness of Newton politics.
Newton’s Sustainability Director, who is an attorney and former Chair of the Mass. Department of Public Utilities, disagrees with Newton Wellesley Hospital’s assessment. ‘Nuff said. Let’s get moving!! The planet is heating!!
Sorry @Ben G-
I think anyone popping up at the 11th
hour unwilling to identify themselves to everyone should be summarily ignored. I find it extremely interesting that curious Chuck & Sean et al(yourself?) have
not a single question for Andrea Kelley, Alicia Bowman, Meryl Kessler and Alison Leary but plenty of questions for Barry B, Valerie P,
Lisa Gordon & Deb Waller.
I think you know exactly who you
are going to vote for and why, and Lisa is not one of those people.
I would encourage all of these people to keep their heads down and stay off of V14 until after the election, rather than being used as a punching bag
before the election.
@Chuck Where can I find a list of Save Nonantum’s endorsements? I can’t find it anywhere.
@MMQC – These are their endorsements – taken from the Save Nonantum web site
Ward 1: Allan L. Ciccone
Ward 1: John Oliver
Ward 2: Tarik J. Lucas
Ward 3: Pamela A. Wright
Ward 4: Leonard J. Gentile
Ward 5: Rena L. Getz
Ward 6: Lisa Gordon
Ward 7: Marc C. Laredo
Ward 8: David A. Kalis (has asked to be removed)
School Committee – (vote for both listed below)
Ward 6: Paul F. Levy
Ward 7: Valerie Pontiff
Ward Races – (vote if you live in that ward)
Ward 1: Kevin Riffe
Ward 3: Julia Malakie
Ward 5: Debra Waller
Ward 6: Barry Bergman
MMQC,
The list as Jerry has listed it does not include Jim Cote for Ward 3 ward councilor as he asked to be removed and apparently they have removed him. (The wrote Julia Malakie or Jim Cote.) And, “(has asked to be removed)” is Jerry’s addition. That is not on the web site. Otherwise, it’s verbatim.
@Paul:
The main reason I’m not using my full name is because the last time I did, I got harassing phone calls at my workplace, and attacks directed at my family. Funny, I don’t see you directing these strange attacks to try to delegitimize anyone else.
I have had plenty of questions for the other candidates, and have asked them. However, I am concerned about honesty and civility, and I am well within my rights as a Newton resident and reader of this excellent resource to comment and ask my question regarding a divisive organization. I don’t see why you are so intent on dismissing my valid question. I understand you are acting as a surrogate for the candidate, who I’m sure is reading this conversation, and I will wait for them. Courage and honesty matters. It should be a simple response from the candidate(s). If they are sure of their convictions then they can state if they accept the endorsement of SN.
@Ben
That’s a phony answer (that you had plenty of questions of other candidates). Your recent posts are not looking for any factual information or clarification on their positions. Your only point is trying to strip them of votes from organizations that don’t meet the standards of the mainstream Newton voter. I don’t know enough about SN to comment about them but I can see how popular they are south of the pike. If there is anyone who looks like a surrogate on these postings I would suggest that you look in a mirror
I noticed the same…no comments with questions for the other candidates in their threads.
@jerry thanks for the list you posted. More people we/my fam could/will vote for…and my neighbors for that matter. Change is coming people. Buckle up.
@Ben G-
I’ve never met Lisa Gordon,
Barry, Valerie P or any of these people before. I’m hardly a surrogate. I couldnt pick any of them out of a police line up.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out very quickly exactly how Chuck, Sean
operate. They are disingenuous and
are as corrosive a force, I would argue as they/you/others say Save Newton is. Their dissembling while they present themselves as fair minded and independent is hardly civil, honest or courageous. They use a platform that they edit and write for as a vehicle to put their thumb on the scale. That should bother everyone trying to protect our “fragile democracy”
Paul Green, I am one of the people asking more questions of the candidates on your list.
But the reason is pretty simple. They are challengers. I don’t much about them, and they don’t all have a public record that I or others in the public can consult. I’m not asking gotcha questions, though like anyone I have my opinions on issues facing the city. I have a healthy skepticism but I’m mostly curious. And yes, if something seems inconsistent, I’m going to ask about it.
I don’t have animus to the candidates. For example, I have enjoyed working with Lisa Gordon recently since she has joined some transportation-related meetings with me even though I’m supporting Councilor Bowman in no small part because of her long-running commitment and experience in transportation and safety. I respect Shawn Fitzgibbons but support Paul Levy. I respect Amy Sangiolo but I support Mayor Fuller. None of us are perfect. I’ll work with any and all of them, or anyone else of good will, to make the city better.
Ms. Gordon, thanks for your statement, your willingness to run, and your willingness to be part of ongoing discussions regarding transportation and safety in Newton!
In your statement, you talk about several very important themes: schools and recovery from the pandemic, housing, and the pressing issue of climate change. Generally, the questions I ask of candidates involve how they will evolve from people outside the system to Councilors if they were to be elected. It’s a bit of a hard turn to take, so it helps to understand how you’ve planned for it.
For instance, how as a Councilor would you influence internal school budgets or the “emotional and mental well being of students”? You do have overall budget influence, but how does your Council role allow you to get at issues that are generally under the School Committee’s purview, or even harder, entrenched inside the school department itself?
Second, on affordable housing. It’s popular to cast developers as a dark force in the city, but it is a reality that they are building most of Newton’s affordable housing right now. That’s palatable in part to taxpayers because the cost burden is on the other residents of the building, effectively a narrow tax base. I agree with you that a broader tax base gives Newton more freedom to pursue, say, non-profit development. But in my experience, residents aren’t fond of having their taxes raised, even in a city with residents of great wealth. Non-tax revenues are limited and can always be used elsewhere. Are you committed to spend your political capital to make the case that Newton taxpayers? What happens when there’s pushback?
Finally, climate. Electrification is enticing, and gas leaks are both an environmental and safety hazard. However, I believe residential electrification without mitigation steps will likely bring higher heating costs to residents because contractors have little incentive to optimize for the highly efficient systems like ground source heat pumps. Are you prepared to weather what I believe will be a pushback from a vocal group of contractors and residents? And what can or will you as a Councilor do about the existing leaky natural gas infrastructure, or an electrical grid of unknown durability? Your levers are limited….
Boldness is commendable, but there’s a reason many politicians aren’t all the bold. How will you see this boldness through, and what in general is your plan B?
Thanks again!
Thank you, Jerry! I don’t know why I couldn’t find it.
Took 30 mins out of my day today in part to vote for Lisa.
She’s good people and would be a great addition to the City Council. Lisa represents more Newtonians than they themselves would care to publicly self identify, fearing the backlash of the far left and the next “gotcha” question.
@Jackson Joe: I’ve asked questions to almost all the candidates running. Just because they weren’t asked on V14 doesn’t mean I didn’t ask them. Now, however, I’m asking the candidates who were endorsed by SN if they stand behind those endorsements and accept them. The endorsements were released recently and I haven’t had a chance to ask them beforehand. I also think that this is one of those questions best asked on a public forum, not on a Zoom call or in-person event. I think it’s useful to have it for the record, so we can look back at it and see what they said.
It is my opinion that SN is corrosive to our city politics and I am well within my rights to ask for “factual information and clarification on their [the candidates] positions” – which is precisely what I have done. I am a Newton voter, and I don’t understand why you are calling my answers “phony.” What, precisely, did I say that was “phony?
I am not a surrogate for any candidate or organization and disagree with almost all the candidates on one issue or another. I am simply trying to gain clarity into whether these candidates are going to allow such a negative, fear-based organization to become so pervasive in Newton politics – and if they are going to accept their endorsement. Most candidates gladly post endorsements from local civic groups everywhere they can (see: any candidate endorsed by Engine6, for instance). Why do you think they are dodging my valid questions?
I look forward to your response, which I hope will be as authentic as mine (i.e. not phony).
I’m the guy who got approached and berated by a belligerent Lisa Gordon at City Hall years ago, during the cannabis controversy. Some people here may have witnessed that public interaction.
I had just given an interview to NewTV outside the chambers that tried to strike a balance, citing research and statistics that didn’t line up with with the anti-pot propaganda.
That particular debate is water under the bridge. But I did take away that Lisa is not someone who will represent me if I have a different opinion from hers.
I question Lisa’s commitment to affordable housing. She writes, “We need bold action to help those who are vulnerable and under-resourced by developing truly affordable units in partnership with non-profit organizations — rather than continuing the failed policy of allowing for-profit developers to drive Newton’s affordable housing policies.”
Working with not-for-profit developers and having for-profit developers supply affordable housing are not mutually exclusive. We need both. But, the opportunity with not-for-profit developers is much smaller. The Armory is our best opportunity in a generation for not-for-profit, 100% affordable housing. Max it will have 72 units. Meanwhile, for-profit developers have built or will build 100s of permanently affordable homes cross-subsidized by market-rate homes. Eliminating cross-subsidized affordable housing or reducing it won’t create new opportunities for not-for-profit developers. It will just mean fewer affordable homes.
I question Lisa’s commitment to fighting climate change. In a mailer I received yesterday, she bashed her opponents for being “Quoted as saying ‘We need to make it harder for people to own cars.” That’s a no-brainer. Cars are bad for the environment. Is there any argument about that?
I question Lisa’s commitment to fighting climate change. In that same mailer, she says she “Supports targeted zoning changes to reduce teardowns and prevent oversized housing on small lots.” (Emphasis in the original.) There is widespread consensus that more housing within walking distance of transit will reduce driving and carbon emissions.
This is not “bold action” action to create housing for the most vulnerable or “bold action to address climate change.” This boils down to is no-sacrifice half-measures on critically important issues. Affordable housing, sure, but not if it creates bigger buildings with market-rate housing. Fight climate change, sure, but please don’t add multi-family housing to my neighborhood or make it harder to drive.
This is not bold.
The more @paulgreen posts the more i feel he is cut from the same cloth as myself. Blue collar type go earn a living guy. Feel like him and I would see eye to eye on all this wokeness, equity talk, cancel culture, not paying immigrants 450k if separated, shutting mass/cass down permanently, cutting off the freebies, plus so much more.
@Ken Laird-
I’m not that guy Ken.
Life is complicated and there are
actually shades of grey, although you’d never know it. It’s
Every issue should be judged
alone on its own merits.
People need to be called out on their
BS when it’s appropriate,
and there’s a lot of BS on V14.
That’s why I’m here.
@Sean-
I have yet to meet any candidate who lays out every single thought, plan and proposal on a flier and I suspect that you haven’t either. For a nonpartisan election Newton politics have become so clearly partisan and it is in part due to folks who give excess attention to voices on the sidelines (eg Save Nonantum). I don’t know if they have a current grievance. I don’t care. But having been involved in campaigns since you were probably still learning to ride a bike (yes I’m as old as the crypt keeper) I harken to the wise words of Tip O’Neil – all politics is local and the SN people are our neighbors too.
Good luck to all candidates and Happy Halloween.
@Paul Green – Brenda Noel is not Lisa Gordon’s opponent in this election. They are running for separate positions – one at-large, one ward councilor. If you either can’t get this basic fact correct or else know it’s incorrect but say it because you think it makes good rhetoric, it reduces the credibility of your other comments.