Testing Remote City Council Meetings
Update: Councilor Albright added that I hope that only a limited number of people will try this out. First -we are all just learning and secondly – there is a maximum number of participants. While the maximum is 100 – we don’t want to overwhelm...Former Newton mayors endorse Bryan Barash
Former Mayors David Cohen and Setti Warren have endorsed Bryan Barash in his race against incumbent Emily Norton for Ward 2 city council, according to this Patch article. Warren, a Ward 2 resident, is quoted as follows: “Bryan is balanced, intelligent,...P & S Committee votes to forward raises to the full City Council
Just tonight, the Programs & Services Committee voted to forward the following compensation recommendations for discussion to the next full City Council meeting: Mayor (currently $125,000) to $155,000 City Council (currently $9750) to $15,500* School Committee...Letter from BRC Member on Elected Officials Salaries
It’s time to let City Council members of the Programs & Services Committee know your opinion on whether or not our elected officials (the Mayor, City Council and School Committee members) should receive raises. The period for public comments is expected to...Increasing transparency in Newton city government
It’s become more evident that our local government is not as transparent as it thinks it is. Think about NewCAL or the discussions on salary increases for elected officials. Present and former City Councilors have their own newsletters and organizations highlight...
Reasonable Access to Public Restrooms for All
Every public restroom provides, at a minimum, a toilet, toilet paper, running water, hand soap, and either air blowers or paper towels to dry your hands after you wash them. Sanitation codes further require that employers provide “reasonable access” to bathrooms to...
Paul Coletti pulls papers for Ward 5 councilor at-large
After almost ten years away from Newton City Hall, former Alderman and Finance Chair Paul Coletti has taken out nomination papers to run for councilor at-large from Ward 5. Prior to losing his run for mayor in the 2009 preliminary election, Coletti had served for 32...Mayor may veto City Council’s Charter Subcommittee’s Recommendations
In a memo to the City Council, Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan Yeo states the following: “The Administration, including the City Solicitor’s Office, have repeatedly testified against this separate counsel provision, with a clear statement that the Mayor will...
Charter Commission Chair Josh Krintzman pulls papers for City Council
I’m excited to report that Charter Commission Chair Josh Krintzman has pulled papers to run for councilor at-large from Ward 4. I think Josh would make a great city councilor. He’s smart, articulate and level-headed. He’s also a strategic thinker...Charter Commission removes district residency requirements for City Council
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...
TAB editorial: Newton leaf blower plan goes too far
Read the full editorial here.
The voices of those bothered by leaf blowers have been heard loud and clear — especially during the past couple years. Their complaint is understandable: The blowers are indeed noisy and at times they are improperly utilized. Even many landscapers understand this.
But the regulations as proposed by P&S go too far — and in some cases could exacerbate the situation through unintended consequences. Consider this: If the 65-decibels limit were to be enforced (it currently is not, even though it is on the books) it would take two blowers to do the work of one, requiring more manpower by landscapers and probably taking longer per job. In other words: more expensive landscaping bills and an extended duration of noise.
