by Greg Reibman | Jun 16, 2017 | Charter, Charter Commission |
One of the primary concerns expressed here and elsewhere by opponents of the proposed new charter is a concern that the elimination of ward-elected city councilors will make our council less diverse. Rev. Howard Haywood, a life-long Newton resident who was a member of the Charter Commission, addressed this topic in a letter to the TAB. Andy Levin shared a copy with us so it can run in its entirety.
Recent letter writers to the TAB have expressed their opposition to the proposed changes to our city charter on the grounds that elimination of ward-only elected councilors will prevent the election of minority representatives to the City Council. As a member of the Newton African-American community, and one of the nine members of the Newton Charter Commission elected at-large to serve our community, I most strongly disagree.
Newton does have a diverse population. Having lived here my entire life, over time I have witnessed Newton become a much
by Greg Reibman | May 12, 2017 | Charter Commission |
This question has come up on a number of different threads but I thought it might be helpful to address it head on.
Under Newton’s current charter, every registered voter has a say in the election of their own ward councilor and all 16 of our at-large councilors, or just over 2/3rds of our 24 total city council.
The proposed charter shrinks the council to 12, eliminates the ward council slots and empowers all voters to vote on 100 percent their city councilors.
I believe there are compelling pros and cons to both systems. But I’m really interested in having a philosophical discussion strictly on matter on the “democracy” question because
by Greg Reibman | Apr 28, 2017 | Charter Commission |
Newton’s Charter Commission completed its work on the proposed new charter for the City of Newton. This proposal will go before voters in November.
Read and comment below. (But actually do take the time to read it.)
by Gail Spector | Apr 13, 2017 | Charter Commission, City Coucil, Newton |
I am beyond disappointed to learn that the Charter Commission reversed its decision – again – on residency requirements for the four district council seats. Chris Steele changed his vote. I think this will be a deal breaker for a lot of people, and I can’t imagine why... by Sallee Lipshutz | Apr 5, 2017 | Charter Commission, Newton |
A new website www.newtondemocracy.org is spreading the message that the Charter Review Commission’s latest proposal is wrong for Newton. It urges voters to say NO in November while offering opportunities for like-minded voters to join them in their efforts to keep our... by Gail Spector | Apr 2, 2017 | Charter Commission, City Council |
Note: This post was moved up so it would not be lost behind our April Fools Day posts. The Charter Commission last night voted 5-4* to add residency requirements to the four councilor-at-large seats. Candidates for the four seats must live in a designated district... by Greg Reibman | Mar 22, 2017 | Charter Commission |
Thanks to NewTV for providing this video of the March 15 public hearing on Newton’s proposed new charter.
by Greg Reibman | Feb 17, 2017 | Charter Commission, City Council, Mayor's office |
After more than a year of research, public comment, debate, straw votes and then more debate, Newton’s Charter Commission unanimously approved a draft of a proposed charter revision. The TAB’s Laura Lovett’s story is here.
Among other things, the draft reduces the size of Newton’s city council from 24 to 12. Eight councilors will have ward residency requirements but be elected at-large, the remaining four will be
by Greg Reibman | Dec 2, 2016 | Charter Commission, Newton |
In a straw vote Wednesday, Newton’s Charter Commission voted in support of term limits for:
- Mayor: 12 years (current charter: no term limits)
- City Councilor: 16 years (current charter: no limits)
- School Committee: 8 years (same as current charter)
Notes from the Newton League of Women Voters is here.
by Greg Reibman | Nov 17, 2016 | Charter Commission, City Council, City Council elections |
Last night the Newton Charter Commission reaffirmed by a 7-2 vote its earlier straw vote to reduce the City Council from the present 24 to eight at-large ward seats (one per ward) and a pool of at-large seats (not tied to residency)—but four, instead of the previously... by Bruce Henderson | Oct 19, 2016 | Charter Commission, City Council |
It’s been over four months since Village 14 reached 80 comments when discussing Marjorie Arons-Barron’s views on the possibility of the Charter Commission recommending the elimination of Ward Councilors. We’ve had some time to rest and think, so... by village14 | Sep 19, 2016 | Charter Commission |
“The Argument” in yesterday’s Globe West featured City Councilor Ted Hess-Mahan and Republican City Committee chair Tom Mountain debating the whether or not the Newton Charter Commission should impose term limits on mayor and city council.
