Haywood: Minorities have a much better chance of being elected at-large
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
What’s more democratic, being able to elect 100 percent of your City Council or 2/3rds?
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
Here’s the final version of Newton’s proposed new charter
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.)
Ward councilor chairs campaign to save ward councilors
Although her name is not listed as the organizer behind Newton Citizens for Local Representation’s new website, Newton Ward City Councilor Emily Norton is listed as “chairman” of the ballot initiative committee to defeat the proposed charter, according to campaign documents filed with the state.
Documents also show that a ballot initiative committee — Yes for
Website Debut by Newton Citizens for Local Representation
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...Charter Commission adds residency requirements
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...VIDEO: Watch the final public hearing on Newton’s proposed new charter
Thanks to NewTV for providing this video of the March 15 public hearing on Newton’s proposed new charter.
Draft version of the Newton’s revised charter is approved
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
Charter Commission sticks with plan to shrink City Council (with one small change)
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...POLL: Do you favor term limits for Newton’s mayor and city council?
As reported by Gail Spector here, Newton’s Charter Commission approved by straw vote, 12-year term limits for mayor and city council. Vote in our poll and explain your position. [polldaddy poll=”9469723″]Charter Commission not likely to change permitting process, plus there’s a big meeting tomorrow
Charter Commission chair Josh Krintzman tells the TAB’s Jonathan Dame that it is unlikely the commission will recommend changes to the special permitting process. Meanwhile the commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday, June 1, 7 p.m. at City Hall Council...