Is Tom Davis, who is well-known to readers of this blog — and recently told his life story and how he feels about Setti Warren here — gearing up for a run for mayor? This Facebook page seems to suggest he might be.
Politicians talk, leaders listen. That is why over the next few months, we are going to be working hard to connect with the diverse community that is Newton to hear directly from you about how we can move Newton forward for all in 2017.
I hope he does. He’s bright. down to earth and responsive. He would make a terrific Mayor.
@Tom: Thanks for the voice of confidence. I especially mean that since you’re one of the handful of V14 contributors who has taken the time to meet with me in person.
@Everyone: I’m a believer that the best leaders build consensus, common purpose and a shared sense of responsibility. If you agree, I’d enjoy meeting with you – regardless of who you are, where you come from, or what your status is – to learn how our government could better work for you.
Just this weekend alone I’ve heard from dozens of Newton residents, which gives me hope that I’m not alone in my perspective that we can do better than the status quo.
You can reach me at anytime at [email protected] or (617) 319-0885. I’d also encourage anyone to follow the Facebook page that Greg linked to this blogpost.
So Tom Davis, can you confirm that you are running for mayor in 2017?
Hmm.
What an interesting candidate. It appears he has set up an exploratory committee, if that is what the “listening tour” means?
I for one am happy he is not diving in head first, like two of our current candidates, all while claiming they know exactly what Newton will need when they are mayor / what are the most important issues. I think it is important for any candidate for public office to at least talk with some voters on the campaign trail before deciding what issues will take center stage with their campaign.
Best of luck Tom, you seem to have started off the right way.
John,
If by diving in head first you mean that Scott and Ruthanne have spent years in public service, sure. I think that they can both legitimately claim to have had their share of conversations with voters and to have a good grasp of what we Newtonians want. They’ve been on years-long listening tours.
Fresh faces are great. And, good for Tom for jumping in. But, needing to meet folks now to get an idea of what the issues are is a liability to overcome, not a strength.
That’s not to say that Scott and Ruthanne or any other long-standing public official wouldn’t be well served to seek out some new voices in their mayoral campaigns.
@John: Thanks, I appreciate it. Before starting something, I ask: What’s our goal? What are we trying to accomplish? I’m a believer that the best leaders do this with their constituents, stakeholders and opponents, instead of to them. Before moving forward, that means that he or she needs to be able to rally everyone around the goal, clearly communicate what it is, why it’s important, and understand how to inspire everyone to support/do what’s required to get the job done. I’m willing to build that foundation.
@Sean: I don’t perceive meeting with diverse residents from Newton of all backgrounds so as to get a legitimate understanding of how our government can work better for them to be a liability. I view that as what leadership is all about. To Mayor Warren’s credit, what made him an effective Mayor at the start of his first term was that he was a complete outsider and owed no favors to the status quo. In my opinion, that’s a strength.
Tom, I don’t have an answer to that. Not sure I ever will, simply because I don’t know enough of my fellow Newton voters. But that is a good question.
Sean, I don’t disagree that Fuller and Lennon have talked to various Newton citizens over the years, but to be mayor is to be on the next level, which comes with new issues. How did Setti win? By knocking on every door. Has Fuller or Lennon ever spoken to me? No. My family? No. Anyone I know in Newton? Surprisingly, I have reached out to some friends but they all say no. Call me selfish, but I certainly woulden’t care for a mayor who has already defined the structure of their campaign without speaking to anyone I know. I have a feeling many others residents feel the same way.
Time will tell.
John,
As of 29 November 2008, had Setti Warren knocked on a single door or spoken with any of your friends and neighbors? No one had heard of him.
Campaigns are the mechanism by which voters and candidates get to know one another. There’s a year to go. I promise there’ll be plenty of doors knocked.
Jake, good point.
As I said, time will tell. I have yet to commit to either candidate, not even close, but I like how Tom is starting off (assuming he does run).
My two cents… There’s a lot to be said for knocking on doors, shaking hands and meeting people. But a mayoral candidate should enter the race with a clear understanding of the major issues, and then use what they learn through meet n’ greets to sharpen their points of emphasis. In other words, if you don’t have a clue why you’re running, you probably shouldn’t be. This is not a commentary on Tom Davis, just my general thoughts on the issue.
Wow, this discussion is early. Didn’t we just finish an election?
For the sake of discussion, here is one thing I’ll be looking for in our next mayor. Ideally, being mayor would be the job he or she wants for a good long time. I prefer my mayor to be someone who has achieved his or her dream job, or at least someone whose long term ambition doesn’t cloud any decision making. Long term planning requires making difficult decisions that are bound to rankle someone, and short term politicians looking to the next opportunity are too tempted to take shortcuts that please the masses in the short term, but harm the city in the long term.
That doesn’t mean a mayor with ambition is a bad thing, just that I’d prefer my mayor to be ambitious in his/her plans for the city ahead of his or her plans for being senator, congressfolk, or governator. Do right by my city and you can do right by your career, eventually.
And I hope Setti requests that the next mayor gets paid more. Our city doesn’t pay its mayor or aldercritters enough.
As for Tom, I’ll withhold commentary and questions until he actually gets in the race. I’m not much for listening tours, and I value plans and concrete thinking over biography. That doesn’t mean I’m not a future Tom supporter, it just means I’m slow to dance with any partner (political or otherwise)
Jake,
In November 2008 Setti was indeed already knocking on doors, meeting people. That’s how we met him, and from there we set up meet and greets in our home so that others could similarly meet him. He knew what issues were already important to residents but he also had issues that were important to him that residents had barely vocalized 1) because there was so little open dialogue in this city before; and 2) because he had a good sense of what our city needed to do to become functional again. He was way ahead of the curve.
That’s not what I remember. Let’s not rewrite history. I was with him from very early on. When he came back from Iraq (I think august 2008?) he knew nothing…absolutely nothing. I don’t know what happened between then and when you met him, but I remember talking issues with him and trying to gage what he did know. All of his focus was on Kerry and his job. Maybe he did a good job in hiding his positions from me, but I doubt it. I went to house parties with him and when he spoke he spoke about nothing. So, lets not go overboard about how Setti is so far ahead of Tom. Tom lives and cares about Newton. He seems to be a fast learner and he has his own issues. I think some of his concerns were outlined in his bio. So let’s not go crazy here.
@Fig: I completely agree with you about pay and have been advocating for higher pay as part of the Charter Commission’s recommendations. I don’t think I’m going to have support to directly force a pay change in the charter, but am hopeful that the research we’ve done and recommendation we will make to the council will give them the tools they need to implement a salary review.
If we want these positions to be attractive and competitive we should at least be on par with other cities our size, if not higher given our average cost of living in Newton.
And then there’s this Tweet from Jonathan at the TAB…
@Greg: What’s the best number or email to reach you at? I’d like to setup a sit down with you.
@John and Jane: I’d also like to meet with your family and you to learn more about the direction you’d like to see Newton move. If you’re interested, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call (617) 319-0885.
@Jake: The same goes for you. Let’s meet up soon.
@Mike: I completely agree with you. I have a clear understanding of how I perceive the issues facing our community, but because I believe this election needs to be about Newton’s future and not furthering some personal or political agenda, I want to get this off on the right foot. You’ve been deeply involved for a long time, so I’d very much appreciate meeting up with you. If you’re interested, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call (617) 319-0885.
@Fig: You’re absolutely right that this election needs to be about Newton’s future, not furthering some personal or political agenda.
@Greg– If one of those “two biz people” are you… I’m on board with that.
@Tom– It’s an admirable thing you’re doing. I’ll be anxious to see your campaign take shape. My advice is to start raising money now. I was outspent nearly 2-1 when I ran against Mayor Cohen in 2005. It’s hard to overcome that kind of disparity.
@Tom, thanks for reaching out, I will be in touch when I get the chance.
Truthfully, I agree with Mike Striar. Money is key, and unless I am mistaken, the donation cap for mayor is $500 per person. Now, I am unsure if that if for the whole election or per year, but if it is per year, you should definitely get the in the race before the New Year to see if you can get get some people to double-dip (i.e. donate $500 this year and $500 next year). Nonetheless, I am sure that you have looked into this issue and have a game plan, so best of luck and I look forward to hearing what happens.
I too would like to know if Greg is considering a run.?
Are these comments and speculation about Greg running for Mayor serious? Why would he want to do that when he’s the Emperor of Village 14? Talk about a step down!
What Mark said.
I think several years ago, they changed the $500 max to $1000.
What Tom said. The limit is $1000/year.
@John: I hope to hear from you whenever you’ve got the time. You have my contact info.
@Mike: Thanks for the insights. No doubt about it, money is an important element to winning this thing, and I certainly wasn’t born into a privileged family that could fund the majority of my candidacy. If I enter the race, it will be because we can win.
I’d still enjoy meeting up with you in person to gain more insights. You can reach me anytime at my aforementioned contact info.