Draft version of the Newton’s revised charter is approved

by | Feb 17, 2017 | Charter Commission, City Council, Mayor's office | 80 comments

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

Mayor Warren requests external review of School Committee practices

by | Feb 9, 2017 | Mayor's office, Newton, School Committee, Setti Warren | 9 comments

Newton Mayor Setti Warren is calling for an independent review of School Committee governance to ensure future committees “can operate effectively as a group” following the controversial handling of anti-Semitic incidents at F.A. Day Middle School, The TAB’s Jonathan Dame reports.

In an unusual move on Monday, Warren emailed the entire School Committee listing four actions he argued should be taken following a series of TAB stories about an outside investigator’s report on graffiti incidents at Day

Dueling ‘sanctuary city’ ordinances headed to Newton City Council

by | Dec 20, 2016 | City Council, Mayor's office, Setti Warren | 58 comments

 

Last Thursday, Mayor Setti Warren, Police Chief David MacDonald and City Council President Scott Lennon  filed an ordinance to address concerns how police and city officers interact with undocumented immigrants.

One day later, seven city councilors filed a different “sanctuary city” ordinance.

The TAB’s Jonathan Dame explains the differences here.

Mayor, police chief: Sanctuary city ordinance not necessary. Norton: Yes it is

by | Dec 14, 2016 | City Council, Mayor's office, politics | 44 comments

From this week’s Newton TAB..

Mayor Setti Warren and Chief David MacDonald said Newton’s current practices were already in keeping with those of other “sanctuary city” communities, releasing a policy statement clarifying that Newton police officers do not proactively take action on immigration matters.

and …

“There is definitely still going to be an ordinance filed,” Ward 2 Councilor Emily Norton said. “A bunch of us have heard from constituents wanting some demonstration of leadership from their elected officials in the wake of the election to reassure people who may be feeling unsure, or unsafe even, in this new reality.”

Rick Lipof will not run for mayor in 2017

Rick Lipof will not run for mayor in 2017

by | Dec 5, 2016 | City Council, Mayor's office | 7 comments

City Councilor Rick Lipof sent this letter to supporters today..

After serious consideration I have decided that now is not the right time for me to run for the office of Mayor.  I would like to announce that I will be seeking re-election to the Council as my passion to continue to serve as an at-large Councilor is stronger than ever.  I am thankful and grateful to the City for allowing me the honor to represent our community. 

I wish to continue lending my 28 years of real estate valuation and consulting knowledge to the Land Use process, especially the Northland proposal to develop over 28 acres on Needham Street and to the ongoing

VILLAGE 14 POLL: Newton’s next mayor

by | Nov 22, 2016 | Mayor's office, Newton | 2 comments

So far, two candidates — City Council President Scott Lennon and City Councilor Ruthanne Fuller — have said they’re running to succeed Mayor Setti Warren next fall.So for those of you who need something to talk about at the Thanksgiving table besides Donald Trump — and for those who need something read on your iPhone while everyone else is talking about Donald Trump at the Thanksgiving table — we present our first poll for the 2017 election season.[polldaddy poll=”9587520″]