Building climate change resilience

by | Oct 11, 2019 | Newton | 30 comments

Note: This is not a campaign pitch! It’s about her full-time job. Emily Norton and Vernon Walker have an excellent article in Commonwealth Magazine about how communities can build climate change resiliency into their local geographies. It’s worth a look. ...

Well done, Mayor.

by | Oct 7, 2019 | Newton | 7 comments

I didn’t want to miss this chance to say that I thought that Mayor Fuller’s current update has an exceptionally clear and complete summary of the eminent domain process for taking Webster Woods.

How much should global warming matter?

by | Oct 6, 2019 | Newton | 63 comments

Note to self: Be prepared for extensive abuse emanating from this column. The question I’m asking today is how much global warming should matter when we are considering whom to vote for in the forthcoming elections for City Councilors. Please note, I am not...
From across the border

From across the border

by | Oct 3, 2019 | Newton | 2 comments

I know we have a special interest in the two Newtonian candidates for the 4th Congressional District seat, but I’d encourage people to also check out someone from our neighboring town of Brookline, Jesse Mermell. I’ve known Jesse for several years, and she...
Promises kept?

Promises kept?

by | Oct 2, 2019 | Newton | 11 comments

I had a reaction to something as I was watching the early jockeying for the Congressional seat serving Newton. Please feel free to tell me if you think I’m off base or if you agree in whole or in part. I understand that incumbent elected officials are expected to stay...
Confirmation bias strikes City Hall

Confirmation bias strikes City Hall

by | Sep 30, 2019 | Newton | 12 comments

Confirmation bias–“the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories”–is a cognitive error often found in the world of medicine. It occurs when a doctor rather quickly reaches a conclusion as to...
I have 2%. Who will give me 3%?

I have 2%. Who will give me 3%?

by | Sep 25, 2019 | Newton | 60 comments

I want to start by saying that I am not taking a position on this issue, as I am not involved in the process, but I think it might be helpful to provide a perspective that is prompted by a recent email from a friend. This friend, business savvy and experienced, sent...
Now, what about the fields?

Now, what about the fields?

by | Sep 20, 2019 | Newton | 18 comments

With the recent talk about Webster Woods and NewCAL, it is notable that there has been no discussion with regard to the maintenance of the playing fields in Newton. A not-so-secret observation by those us who regularly see and use the fields as players, coaches,...

Back from the Parks & Recreation Commission

by | Sep 16, 2019 | Newton | 14 comments

Having just returned from the Parks and Recreation Commission informational meeting on the NewCAL proposal, I have several observations: First, the high level of professionalism of the city officials was demonstrated throughout the evening. Josh Morse’s, Jayne...
Unanswered NewCAL FAQs–Part 2 [Updated]

Unanswered NewCAL FAQs–Part 2 [Updated]

by | Sep 10, 2019 | Newton | 11 comments

Second in series. A friend of mine, an accomplished economist, was once testifying before a regulatory body. The opposing lawyer, in an attempt to question his credentials, noted that he had listed membership in the American Economic Association. “What does it...