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

 | Newton MA News and Politics BlogDear 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