I am a strong advocate of the Austin Street Project. Not only do I object to the argument that Newton residents bought their houses thinking things would never change, I’m offended by it. I never expected that the world would remain static, and I certainly never thought that Newton wouldn’t have to change along with it. Today’s demographics are different from those of 20 years ago, and changes are required to accommodate those demographics. Freezing Newton as it once was, in my opinion, is tantamount to building an invisible fence to keep people out – all because allowing them into the city would require people to adapt to the changing world.
I try to be sympathetic toward people who struggle with transition but my patience runs thin with adults who call themselves progressives but want things to always stay the same.
Which brings me to why I’m voting for Jake. I see Jake as a candidate who will help move the city forward. I like his experience researching municipal best practices in local government for the Kennedy School of Government and his Sloan School MBA. I like that he served – and continues to serve – our country. I’m a Democrat who likes that he worked for both Governor Deval Patrick and for Governor Charlie Baker. I like how much he wants the job and how hard he’s willing to work for it. I see him as neither pro- nor anti-development. Rather, I think he’s someone who will look for data, rather than ideology, to help form his opinions.
I’ve wavered a couple of times, mostly because I’m so unhappy with Newton Villages Alliance’s anti-development message, and I don’t want to contribute to anything that the organization may construe as a victory. But I’m even more dismayed by the behavior of the Newton Democratic City Committee and the purposely deceitful scarlet “R” its leaders have tried to brand onto Jake. The NDCC didn’t do itself or its candidates any favors by running such a partisan and misleading campaign.
I’ve never been a one-issue voter, and I won’t become one now. We need some younger people on the board and I don’t think we should let good candidates with a strong interest in public service get away. We need problem solvers representing us who are not defined by one issue. I think Jake fits that bill and I’m proud to vote for him.
For what it’s worth, my second vote in Ward 2 is going to Susan Albright.
*I took the photo above because it was the first time I’d seen a collection of signs that represented people for whom I intend to vote.
Well said, Gail, you are 100% right on, from your support of the Austin Street project to your concern with the activities of both the NVA and the NDCC to your support for Jake. Hopefully a majority of Newton’s voters will follow your lead on Tuesday and re-elect Susan Albright while at the same time embracing the fresh new leadership that Jake will undoubtedly bring to office.
I was and still am appalled at the NDCC’s behavior. Unfortunately, it doesn’t surprise me as much as it should. I am especially appalled at their behavior regarding the charter commission. They took a community exercise and turned it into a political mission.
I support developing the Austin Street parking lot, and I support Jake Auchincloss too. But I do not support the current deal between the city and Austin Street Partners. The developer is getting rich–the city is not getting enough affordable housing–and as a result, the people the project is intended to help are getting shortchanged.
I support the Austin St project, and think on balance it is a good deal for the city too. And I support the two ward 2 aldermen [Albright and Johnson] who have been strong advocates for it all along.
I’d prefer voting for those I know to be in support, as opposed to those who MIGHT be in support.
@Gerry @Gail – re: the NDCC; In local election season, folks look at things through the lens of who they are supporting. Nothing wrong with that, but there it is. Thank you for doing so much in our community.
Also – fact: Jake’s political experience lies with the GOP except for a summer internship with Deval when he was 19 years old. He never voted for Deval either time he ran. Too bad because Deval is fantastic. Wish he was still our gov. But Jake only has voted for Republicans. He has only donated to them. He’s only worked for them.
Partisan Democrats (yes, folks, we are the Democratic Party – so, we’re partisan) are right to take issue with his claims about being progressive. Because the GOP is definitely not progressive.
Glad we’re all in agreement that Austin St is a good idea. I hope it passes. Happy Halloween to all.
Shawn: Thank you for making my point.
What this election should be about: local issues — development, liabilities, schools, etc.
What the NDCC has made it about: Reducing a formidable candidate for the Board of Aldermen to your analysis of his voting record and your fears of what an independent voter looks like.
The Newton Democratic City Committee is as afraid of independent voters as the Newton Villages Alliance is of change.
@Gail,
Any reason Susan over Marcia?
Yes.
Gail would have my support, if she were to ever run for office. :)
Here are few of your points that just warmed my heart:
1. Putting People over Party (We dont live in some communist state to do what party asks us to)
2. Using data not ideology
If I may, I would add two more criteria that I find are important
1. Independence from mayor or other BOA/SC peers. Disagreements are good, and lead to better solution.
2. :Listen to and advocate for the voice of your constituents <– most important
Gail – you have my vote, and respect for ever.
@Sam S.: Thanks. I appreciate your comments.
Well said Gail. About 10-12 years ago i could have seen myself as one of the NVA sponsored candidates. Today, not so much. I’ll be voting for Jake because he is a good candidate who made a savvy decision to distance himself from the NVA.
There are some fine candidates on the NVA slate who will lose because of the leadership of the NVA, its tin ear and lack of credibility. I have had issues with other pro-development folks before right here in our neighborhood, not necessarily because of their mission but because of their bed-side manner, specifically Deb Crossley, who can have a bit of a tin ear also. I will say this however, unlike at least two of the NVA’s leaders, Crossley and Ted Hess Mahan have been nothing if not consistent in their views about development for years. At this point i can honestly say i trust them more than i do the NVA because i know where they are coming from, and that is why Crossley and Hess Mahan will have my support, at least for this election. As a long time resident of Newton i am ashamed of the spectacle that the two Waban based developments have turned into, and i am convinced the NVA encouraged all of it. Note to Shawn F-
Like it or not you have already unwittingly thrown your support behind a Republican. Staples Founder Tom Stemberg
passed away recently and if you read the Globe articles and/or obituaries about him you will learn that if you like ObamaCare then you absolutely adore Mitt Romney. In other words, No Mitt Romney = No ObamaCare.
The (Un)Affordable Care Act was fashioned to replicate the model here in Massachusetts. That’s a fact. Chew on that with your Milky Way candy bars tonight.
Not sure if anyone saw, but the Newton Republican City Committee sent out a list of local endorsements which includes Jake.
@Paul – you’re right about Romney. Though the Democratic legislature did help him along quite a bit at the time!
Oh Shawn…you’re really going there?
The Newton Republican City Committee also endorsed Democratic City Committee Members Allan Ciccone Sr., Brian Yates, David Kalis, Frank Wolpe and Margaret Albright. Do you want to suggest that people should not to vote for these fine candidates as well?
@Shawn. No one is going to be surprised that the Republicans would endorse an independent in a race against two Democrats.
Let’s not hide information. What is full list of Newton Republican endorsements? Did they endorse any Democrats?
Gail,
Remember the fable of the scorpion and the frog? The scorpion stung the frog, even though they both would drown, because it’s his nature.
Shawn has proven himself to be a small minded fundamentalist without the ability to think beyond his tribe. It’s his nature.
@ Gail and Terry-
Agreed. That is an awful lot of good candidates to summarily dismiss.
Although i’m more familiar with Kalis. Albright and Yates, both Ciccones jr and sr
have lived here forever and have served Newton well. I don’t know Wolpe, but from what I’ve read of his positions etc, he at least is worth a good look. Margaret Albright worked against all odds to win her school committee seat and is doing a fine job. Albright was elected despite a ferociously negative campaign by the Newton Teachers Association and at least one president of the Newton Schools Foundation who lives in my neighborhood. She knows who she is. I still have copies of the letters she wrote to the TAB the last week of the election slamming Albright, and in another election cycle, Geoff Epstein. Nasty,vile stuff. School committee member Steve Siegel is in the same boat. I will say this, it is Albright and Siegel that i have seen at these harvest fairs, village parties etc as the public face of the school committee leading the redistricting process. I did see Matt Hills, committee chair, at the upper falls event. Our schools have needed to be redistricted for at least 10-12 years but previous committee members have kicked the can down the road. I’m sure both of them will tell you that the process has made them few friends. Other than Albright, Siegel, Geoff Epstein and former school committee member Susie Heyman(thank you Susie), there
wasnt a single politician that lifted a finger for our local elementary – Countryside years ago. Fortunately, David Kalis has been helpful also.
The school committee is fortunate to have the facilities and building expertise of Steve Siegel as the city continues to build new schools.
@Shawn-
I have a suggestion to broaden your horizons and its right up your alley.
I worked on a documentary about Barney Frank that just started airing on Showtime. Its called: Compared To What?, The Improbable Journey Of Barney Frank. You probably have already met him, as i know he is still about and sometimes attends some NDCC events. I’ll even refund your money if you have to do a pay-per-view. People can say what they will about the guy, i definitely have, but Barney Frank worked across the aisle many times, i think you might be surprised…
As a supporter of Marcy Johnson, I am disgusted. When Auchinocloss finished first in the preliminary, the Newton political insiders apparently decided that he would top the ticket in ward 2 and that it is between Marcy and Susan Albright for the second seat. Now they are pushing Albright over Johnson. Not only is the ultimate insider (David Cohen’s political hitman Gerry Chervinsky) pushing an Auchincloss/Albright vote, I have also seen emailed lists that recommend bulleting Albright. I don’t know why people have it in for Marcy (interesting that Gail says she has a reason but won’t reveal it) but I am appalled. In my experience, Marcy has been much more responsive than Susan Albright. Albright is arrogant and dismissive of constituent concerns. I will be bulleting Marcy Johnson on Tues and urge everyone who wants her reelected to do the same!
@Shawn it’s unfortunate you continue to make our local elections so partisan with your NDCC endorsements & out right rejection for anyone who has ever supported a Republican.
There is no R or D when it comes to our infrastructure, zoning regs, smart growth & the future & economic vitality of our village centers. As a registered Republican I have supported many Newton Dems who represent my ideals & values for our city. I have even participated & hosted mayoral & candidate forums & debates for Dem candidates to give them exposure.
The NRCC has endorsed non Republicans for city elections. Has the NDCC ever done the same and looked beyond the party & endorsed the “person” who might be an Independent, Unenrolled, Republican AND the best candidate for Newton?
When it comes to local elections the only thing that matters is the “N” by their name – for “Newton”. Let’s be bigger then petty party affiliation & vote for who & what is best on Tuesday.
@Gail – great piece & I totally agree :)
I strongly suspect that Jake is a republican; so isn’t my daughter. So what? I don’t agree with all of her positions on issues and I probably don’t with Jake either. But unless one is extreme on either the left or the right, I look for areas of commonality, and how we think about specific issues of import. An R or a D doesn’t matter, certainly not at the local level.
So Jake being a republican, if indeed he is, doesn’t matter to me. I’m not supporting him this time around, because I believe the existing at-large ward 2 incumbents are doing a good job. They have a solid track record, Jake doesn’t yet. That’s not a put down of Jake; he’s up against solid incumbents that I support.
The Austin St. project is a factor here as well. I support it and know that Susan Al;bright and Marcy Johnson do too. It’s not at all clear that Jake does. Perhaps he doesn’t want to lose votes by coming out on one side or the other on this issue, but that doesn’t work for me.
But the overriding issue for me in contests like this is, “are the incumbents doing a good job?” If they are, I’m not likely to vote against them.
I do think it’s noteworthy that the NRCC supports the two Republicans and its “suggestions” include all the challengers, for the BOA including the NVA candidates. They “urge you not to vote for the deeply progressive candidates.” Sounds pretty partisan to me or at least quite conservative. They just phrase it nicely. Some of their ultra conservative views are not the ones I want making decisions for Newton on the new City Council or the School Committee.
@Marti — please don’t paint with such a broad brush. I was endorsed by them for my “in-depth knowledge of the city.” I support Bernie Sanders for President and an a huge fan of Elizabeth Warren. The only ways in which I am “conservative” is that I don’t like wasting money and I want to conserve natural resources. Please consider me for one of your nine votes for Charter Commission. Thanks very much!
Marti:
Agreed. I’m not a fan of partisanship on either side (I find it annoying in local elections but I do understand it has its place) but I also can’t give the NRCC any credit at all for endorsing incumbents in races that are not contested. Gail, surely you aren’t that convinced by that? Now if they endorsed a democrat in a race where a republican was running, not THAT would be newsworthy. But their “crossing the aisle” endorsements mean very little when it is 100% sure that particular person will be re-elected.
Gloria, welcome. I haven’t seen you posting here before so I wanted to start with that! Your post lectures Shawn on the non-partisan nature of the local elections. Can you point to any race where the NRCC endorsed the Democrat in a contested election with a republican? If so, kudos for truly putting the person ahead of the politics. If not, well, thanks for posting I guess, but then you and Shawn are no different. If Shawn has determined (correctly I think) that Jake is a Republican (granted a middle ground Baker Republican, but still) then why would the NDCC support him over the Democrat incumbents?
Always appreciate the chance for someone to get on their high horse and lecture an adversary, just not seeing the difference yet.
Ken, you mean when you ran for Mayor? Or for the Charter Commission. Are there actually 9 republicans running? No disrespect to you at all, but I don’t think so, and I’m guessing you are the lesser of remaining evils to the republicans in Newton. (and that is coming from someone who has you on his short list for Charter commission, so not meant as an insult, please don’t take it as one).
I’ll also point out that considering how many Democrats live in Newton and run in Newton, it is far easier for the NRCC to support the lesser of two evil democrats in many races. I guess they could not endorse anyone. A pox on both democrats or something like that? ;-)
@Fig. Fair point and thanks for your support.
Ken, if you read my post more closely you will see I didn’t paint anything broadly, I only pointed out specifics.
First, I didn’t mention the Charter Commision at all and in fact, I have already posted that you have my vote. Should I wonder how well you interpret what you read now? It’s an important part of the commission’s job. (J/k)
Second, I only pointed out who they support and who they suggeste their members vote for in the challenged races.
Third, I spoke of who they urged their members not to vote for and
Fourth, I mentioned that some members of their committee have ultra conservative views.
Fig, I agree that there is no difference in partisanship between the two committees and I do find it hard to believe that Gail posted names from the uncontested races as showing bipartisan support. As I said they just know how to spin it. It serves them better, as shown in the comments, to list unchallenged incumbents instead of putting down no one.
Marti,
My apologies for misreading your post. Thanks very much for your support!
Ken
For me the issue is not Jake Auchincloss being a Republican or having supported Republican candidates in the past, although as a liberal Democrat I certainly don’t consider any of those things a plus. My problem is his deliberate effort to conceal his prior political activities. He’s simply not being honest with the voters of Newton.