It’s been 24 hours since the polls closed and time to look ahead to the map Adam will create on Nov. 6 showing us how the city voted in the Ward 5 Alderman-At-Large contest. As with all at-large contests, everybody gets two votes (or you can bullet vote.) Share your views in comments.
[polldaddy poll=”6961033″]
I’ll be writing in Bill Brandel.
A strong vote for Deb Crossley. She gets it done!
A stronger vote for Alderman Danberg’s other colleague, Alderman Brian Yates.
Brian is the Dean of the Board and has proven himself to be one of the most down to earth and constituent-focused members of the BOA. His knowledge of policy and procedures is extremely valuable. He get’s what his constituents want done…done!
I second what Charlie has said about Brian Yates. We have three excellent candidates in this race, but Brian is a unique asset and it would be very sad to lose him. The Board will be diminished if he is not there. His attention to detail, common sense, institutional memory, political courage and sense of humor make any conversation with him about almost anything in Newton a real delight. All my political efforts and resources until November, however meager these may be, will be channeled to his reelection. I know I’m not alone and I mean this as no slight to the other two candidates who I have worked with and greatly admire.
Yes a vote for Deb Crossley!
Deb Crossley has a unique qualifications Newton really needs these days. She’s an architect, plus has been deeply involved in helping our city help its citizens for many, many years. We really can’t do without her.
Deb Crossley is an outstanding alderman both in the amount of work she does and her understanding of the issues!
I served with Brian on the Board when I was Chair of the Zoning Committee and he was Vice-Chair. He showed great knowledge of our issues and put in a great deal of hard work. He later became Chair and continued to use his abilities for the benefit of our city.I cannot recommend him too highly for re-election.
Bob – I’ll be joining you in focusing my efforts, not only on my own re-election, but to re-elect Brian Yates.
I have been very impressed with Deb Crossley’s thoroughness on a number of issues before the board, doing her homework and ensuring the board is coming to the best decision possible.
I don’t believe anyone has been more dedicated, or more tireless, than Alderman Yates in working in the interests of Newton residents over the past 2+ decades. And while he lives in Upper Falls and is clearly deeply involved with matters of concern to the village (Hemlock Gorge!), he is equally responsive to the needs and concerns of citizens in every other ward of the city. I urge everyone to support—and work for—his reelection.
Chris Steele would be an excellent addition to the Board of Alderman. He showed great leadership as head of Newton’s Economic Development Commission, especially with regard to the revitalization of Newton’s village centers. And like Brian, Chris has taken a personal interest in trying to combat the morass of Newton’s Zoning regulations and the terrible effect of the 128/Rt 9 changes that will devastate the West side of our city.
Since this is an at-Large race, I will happily vote for Steele and Yates. Crossley has yet to sell me on why she should stay on the board…
@Amy. Thanks. I know your support means a lot to him and to all his supporters.
All three are highly qualified.. It will be a tough race.
I’m firmly in the “Are you kidding me, it’s only March” camp, but I agree with Dan Fahey – three very good candidates over here in Ward 5.
I stronly endorse both Deb Crossley and Brian Yates. Deb brings a level of expertise and experience to the Board that has been helpful in all of your zoning discussions. Brian brings a level of institutional knowledge that helps guide new discussions and decisions. They are both valued colleagues.
Let’s consider some of the excellent work that Deb Crossley has done for the City, starting with leading the effort (with Jonathan Kantar) to make Newton the first of over 100 MA communities to pass the Stretch Code. This building energy code enhances consumer protection by increasing energy efficiency standards in new construction. Subsequently, she helped lead the way for Newton to be brought into the Commonwealth’s Green Communities program. And once that was accomplished, Deb was instrumental in helping Newton to acquire the much needed funds to allow for the highly energy efficient renovation of the Lower Falls Community Center. She is also credited for initiating and working with Alderman Fuller to design and implement a strategic plan to bring our sewer and water systems back to a point where citizens can rely on getting clean water and an intact and repaired sewer system that will function reliably and save the city money. And Deb chaired the zoning reform group that outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize city centers with the focus on furthering development we want and protecting our neighborhoods from development we do not want. Deb is adept at understanding the complexities of formulating the best possible solutions to these kinds of issues.
This will be an exciting race of three good people.
I’m particularly happy to see that Chris Steele has entered the fray. Chris rolls his sleeves up and gets to work, bringing energy, intellect and enthusiasm to every project. His “Can-do” attitude and willingness to help reminds me of our All-Star Alderman, John Rice. There’s no higher praise for an Alderman.
His work as chair of Newton’s Economic Development Commission received universal praise. It’s the right time and place to take advantage of Chris’s background in planning and development; critical skills in short supply in the BOA.
The collective metabolism of the BOA will spike with the inclusion of Steele.
Recently I had a situation in which I had to go to City Hall for help with a problem. Never having had that experience, I found it wasn’t easy to figure out where to go, who to ask, or where to turn. I had never met Brian Yates, and yet when I was introduced to him I found Brian to be helpful, available, and passionate in his desire to assist. This is the type of person we want to represent us, someone who is there for people and willing to help because he feels it’s the right thing to do. I also thank the other candidates for their willingness to give up their time to do public service. At the same time, I know the City of Newton is extremely fortunate to have a person like Brian on our Board of Aldermen.
This is a fntastic race!!!! Everyone brings something to the table that Newton deeply needs and they are all good people to boot. Newton can’t lose.
Too many good choices! If only we could have that problem in more races, at all levels.
I would echo the sentiment others have expressed above: that every ward would be lucky to have three solid candidates, as competitive races demonstrate community engagement. And, as co-chair of Chris’ campaign, I would like to put in a plug for my candidate.
Chris is a doer. When we formed Newton Villages in 2009, Chris was instrumental in helping us focus the organization’s mission. He transformed the Economic Development Commission from an advisory group into team that sets goals and accomplishes projects. Whether he’s consulting professionally, volunteering in the community, or serving at City Hall, Chris gets things done.
During my tenure on the Board, Ward 5 has always been well served.
This is particularly true of the current ward delegation who bring a
combination of diverse areas of expertise, together with experience,
institutional history and integrity to their service. They are doers,
not mere contemplators. Deb and Brian on the Board (along with
Ward Alderman John Rice) and Chris on the Economic Development
Commission have established true records of accomplishment. I would
have to agree with those who marvel at the field and recognize how
fortunate we are to have a choice among these candidates.
Can we persuade any of them to move to another ward, to spread the wealth around? 😉
Well let me begin by clearly stating that typically I do not blog.
That being said, I felt compelled today to write on behalf of Brian Yates .PLEASE VOTE FOR ALDERMAN YATES. While working with the city is always going to be a challenge, we will always need alderman that work with the citizen to help preserve. maintain , and develop this wonderful city, we absolutely need devoted , passionate, committed men like Alderman Yates, whom are truly supportive , decent , honest, transparent representatives of this unique community.
Imagine the dedication he has already shown , the hard work he has given.
PLEASE do not forget what he has done ,and will continue to do for us as a community ( the greatest village in the city).
As the twenty one year co owner of Dunn Gaherin”s in newton upper falls I do not believe anyone has shown more dedication , or more loyalty, than Alderman Yates in working in the interests of Newton residents& business that need to co exist in our neighborhoods over the past 20 years . And while he lives in Upper Falls and is clearly deeply involved with all issues of concern to the village (Hemlock Gorge!), he is equally responsive to the needs and concerns of citizens in every other ward of the city. please everyone support —and work for—his reelection.
I regret that these three candidates have to come up against each other, as each have unique skill sets to offer Newton at Large, but I will say that my candidate of choice is Brian Yates. Brian is a hometown boy. He is 6th generation Newtonian that has given 26 years of service as an Aldermen for Newton.
Brian brings to the table his institutional wisdom, seasoned temperament and all-inclusive vision for Newton. I have had the pleasure of attending many BOA hearings and meetings over the last two years and in my view there are five Aldermen currently serving on the BOA that are la crème de la crème. Brian is one of them. In these transitional times we need Aldermen like Brian in place to make the right choices for the future of Newton.
I’m in full support of Deb Crossley because of the practical, professional and non-political point of view she brings to the Board. I particularly am impressed and proud of her work with Jonathan Kantar to get the Stretch Code passed in Newton and for the ongoing efforts to improve the sustainability and durability of our community’s physical infrastructure.
Deb Crossley has accomplished more in her first term as Alderman as anyone could possibly have done. She deserves your vote again in the upcoming election.
It took two weeks or more, but Yates finally moved into a solid second place.
Well then it’s settled! Let’s cancel the election!
Looks like I have a little work to do! Looking forward to it – It’s going to be a great campaign among the three of us
Three of you?
How can you be sure no one else will enter? There’s talk that an exPTO prez and a former TAB honcho who resides in Ward 5 are considering… among others.
They’ve got quite a while, papers must be pulled by when? Lots of time!
Terry –
I thought somebody said something about a former Booster Club president getting into the race as well. But maybe that was for School Committee. I can’t keep these rumors straight anymore.
Gail, with just a sneeze you’d be in Ward 5 too. Then you could come out of retirement and take on Terry (imagine that?), Deb, Brian, Chris, and Greg. Now that’s a party.
But alas you’re in Ward 8. If only there was an alderman’s race brewing ther — Hey!
Steve, I can’t keep track of all this who’s-in-what-ward stuff. Just recently I learned of Jonathan’s being in Ward 5, of all places.
One question: Is alcohol served during BOA meetings?
Steve, weren’t you invited to Gail’s kickoff party? Her candidacy is the worst kept secret in town.
But, back to Ward 5… word is that John Rice is going to switch and run At-Large (ala Scott Lennon). He’s backing a barrista at the Waban Starbucks for Ward Alderman.
Ok, ok. The three of us so far!
I happen to have the exclusive story on the results of the 2013 Ward 4 aldermanic election results in advance right here.
Ward 5.
So Ted, can we associate the three candidates to the Sensible, Slightly Silly and Silly parties? (I had not seen the election night results video is some time. Quite enjoyed it.)