Recap of Area Councils’ candidate debates for Preliminary Election, Wards 2 & 6

On September 5, Newton’s four Neighborhood Area Councils collaborated to host candidate debates for next Tuesday’s Preliminary Election for Wards 2 and 6, with these candidates for Ward Councilor participating:

• Ward 2: Peter Bruce, Dan Gaynor, David Micley
• Ward 6: Martha Bixby, Mark Holt, Lisa Gordon

The Preliminary Election, open only to voters in these wards, will narrow the field in each ward from three candidates to two for the November 7 election.

Marjorie Arons-Barron moderated separate panels for the two wards, posing mostly the same questions to both. The candidates discussed why they are running, zoning, City finances, and the environment. The debates were held in-person at The Allen Center and also live-streamed (see videos for Ward 2 and Ward 6). 

The following presents Fig City News’s paraphrased summary of candidates’ responses. (Jump to our summary for Ward 2 and our summary for Ward 6.)

WARD 2

What will be your top three priorities?

• Bruce:
  • Separating the Village Center Zoning from the MBTA Communities Act
  • The environment, including making Newton solar-equipped, not just solar-ready, and adding more EV charging stations
  • Supporting Emily Norton’s tree ordinance
• Gaynor:
  • Walkability (making it easier to get around by making wider and safer sidewalks)
  • Affordability (making it easier for younger people and older people to live here regardless of age and income)
  • Sustainability (enhancing energy efficiency of old buildings and embracing clean technology)
• Micley:
  • Streets (more investment in infrastructure)
  • Schools
  • Constituent services

Zoning:  What are the challenges for constituents regarding the MBTA Communities Act (Housing Choice) and Village Center Zoning (VCOD)?

Gaynor said that the Village Center Zoning Overlay District should be connected with MBTA compliance and that the City can tweak plans to make sure of the right context and adequate setbacks. He is opposed to the special permit process, as it hurts growth and small businesses.

Bruce said that we need to comply with the MBTA Communities Law but suggested that commuter rail areas should be up-zoned by only 15%. He said the law has no public input and no ability to mitigate sustainability or affordability through the City Council special permitting process, and he is concerned that the City would become “a playground for developers.” 

Micley emphasized that respecting residents is key and that we should meet the requirement of the MBTA Communities Law (8,330 units) but not exceed it, adding that compliance will open up new opportunities.

How do you feel about the memo by nine City Councilors requesting a pause in Village Center Zoning?

Bruce and Micley agree with the memo written by the nine councilors. Gaynor is concerned that the VCOD will effectively pick winners and losers where certain villages will be rezoned and improved while others not. He said that Newtonville, Newton Highlands, and Newton Centre will be able to become more economically attractive while other villages will have reduced vibrancy and sustainability. 

Micley, in response, pointed out that our villages are connected and that even if some village centers are developed, there would be more interconnectivity, suggesting that for developments, we should keep as much power as possible. 

Gaynor said that he was the only business owner and job creator on the stage. He spoke about local businesses (Comella’s and a hair salon turned into a dog washing station) being required to file for special permits that he did not think were necessary. He also referred to the closing of Bigelow’s Dry Cleaners.

How many stories should be allowed to be built by-right?

Bruce believes that a limit of 4 stories is appropriate, as it is in line with public opinion expressed in the Washington Street Vision Plan and Newtonville Area Council surveys in 2019 and 2023. He said that 4.5 stories is just a euphemism for 5 stories, since it’s really 5 stories with a setback on the top floor. 

Gaynor suggested a mix of height up to 4.5 stories with units 25% affordable for the area in between Washington Park and Madison where MRT and VC2 are proposed. 

Micley suggested 2.5 on Walnut and Austin Streets and 3.5 on Washington Street.

What are the remaining Green Spaces in Ward 2. What would you do to preserve them?

Micley pointed out Edmands Park, Bullough’s Pond, and the trails along Albemarle. He praised groups that are stewards of these spaces and suggested that there should be more control over new projects so they do not take away trees or green space.

What would you do to protect green spaces?

Bruce praised Councilors Malakie and Norton for their work to preserve Newton’s tree canopy.

Gaynor believes protecting Newton’s green spaces is core, and he would back protection of green spaces, adding that we need to make trails more accessible and recognize that trees can be strong mitigation for flood and heat islands.

What are your thoughts on the dam at Bullough’s Pond?

Micley sees the pond as a ticking time bomb that needs to be dealt with urgently before another big rain event. He is concerned about the dam breaking, not the pond overflowing, and prefers investing in flood prevention rather than dealing with the impacts of flooding, which is much more expensive. 

Bruce said that it is his perception, the pond is not a major concern.

Do you support Newton’s initiatives in Public Transportation?

Micley is a strong supporter of biking and says that parts of the City are great for biking while others are not. He believes we need to do more to make them consistent, protected, and connected. 

Bruce supports Newton’s initiatives and agrees that the City should do more to protect bicyclists and clarify what the rules are. He noted that the Washington Street Vision plan proposed a road diet and stated that the Federal Highway Administration recommends against using a road diet at the traffic levels seen on the eastern side of Washington St.  

Gaynor said Newton will always be car dependent and the City needs to work with the state to increase the frequency of the commuter rail service. He also suggested the use of school buses during the school day to augment bus routes and recognized that NewMO has been essential to all residents.

Potholes in Newton are a problem. What would you do to make streets safer?

Bruce likes the work and progress the current administration has done on road repair, water main and sewer work. 

Gaynor and Micley believe roads are not in good condition. Gaynor believes that new development can generate money that may fund road repairs and make more walkable villages, while Micley believes the City should consider cuts in other projects to increase funding for roads.

If the City suddenly had an extra $1 million to spend, what would you do?

Bruce would divide the funds, with half going to the schools and half to pay for debt service. He would like to purchase Mt. Alvernia School to provide for fields and affordable housing and buy the Swedenborgian Church in Newtonville to make for a more expansive senior center. 

Gaynor would put $800K toward schools for enhanced HVAC systems and tutoring to make up for COVID learning losses and use the remaining funds for enhanced staff for economic development.

Micley would invest in schools and then streets.

If the City were considering a new public infrastructure project in the City, how would you evaluate whether it was worth implementing?

Bruce believes in relying on experts to make recommendations, examining time, cost, and how it should be implemented, and giving the public an opportunity to participate in a strong outreach program. 

Micley agreed with Bruce.

Gaynor believes in putting community engagement upfront, bringing in data, and prioritizing walkability, sustainability, and affordability.

City finances: Is the City adequately funding OPEB. If not, what would you do differently?

Gaynor believes that Newton is well on track to pay down the debt. 

Micley believes that Fuller’s financing plan increased pressure on the budget, and he mentioned School Committee member Chris Brezki’s proposal to push back funding a few years in order to use funds now. 

Bruce agreed with both Gaynor and Micley, saying that OPEB funding is sacrosanct and that all public servants should know that they will be taken care of.

How did you vote on the three override questions last March?

Both Gaynor and Micley voted Yes on all 3. Bruce said that taxpayer money should not be wasted.

What can Newton do to address gas leaks?  Do you support banning the use of gas in new, large developments?

Bruce acknowledged the work of Mothers Out Front and suggested that the City follow their lead and make all new buildings solar-equipped rather than just solar-ready. 

Gaynor suggested retrofitting older buildings and allowing no gas for new development. 

Micley prefers a comprehensive approach, suggesting the creation of strict requirements for new construction for all new development.

What should be the City’s deadline to get off fossil fuels/gas?

Gaynor said 2030 and Bruce 2040. Micley initially did not offer a deadline but after hearing their responses, Micley followed up with 2035.

Why do you think the override failed?

Bruce believes there was a sense of distrust against the administration, and he thinks the working class and middle class voted against it because of the impact of higher taxes.

Gaynor believes the override failed because of the economy, rising inflation, and lack of transparency by the Mayor, City Council, and advocacy groups.

Micley agreed that tough economic times were a major factor but added that the operating override did not have a coherent vision – no larger strategy and not enough support from City Councilors. 

Candidate questions to each other

Things got heated when the candidates were given an opportunity to ask a question to one of the other candidates (see video).  

Gaynor asked Bruce to provide a breakdown of the City’s budget and to identify areas to grow or not. Bruce responded saying Police and Fire budgets were at $25 million each and identified the 10% of the budget going to pay debt service as a real problem.

Micley asked Bruce which other candidate he would support if he did not make it past the preliminary. Bruce said he wasn’t sure but he was surprised that Micley seemed to be “wearing [Bruce’s] PJs” – referring to Micley’s stance on zoning – but was not quite sure he fits in them. He questioned Gaynor’s support for what Bruce calls the “YIMBY Act.” [See Ed. Note below.]

Bruce questioned Gaynor about the Boylston Properties endorsement. Gaynor began his response by accusing Micley of sending out negative emails regarding the endorsement, adding that the accounts are inaccurate. Micley responded it was not an issue about whether Gaynor rejected the endorsement and said, “They were excited about your development stance and they anointed you as their guy.” Gaynor asked to respond back, stating that “it is important in a city where reputation means a lot…to correct the record on something.” He said that when he has asked City Councilors to endorse him, that’s when he is asking to be “their guy” but added when he has different voters around Newton supporting him in mass numbers, he cannot control who endorses him. He said he “unequivocally rejects any endorsements from developers,” and he is “not accepting donations from Boylston Properties.”

Why are you the best person to be City Councilor for your ward?

Micley said when he entered this race, he was trying to advocate for residents at the most local level in government, and now he is running against a very powerful opponent (referring to Gaynor) who has received the endorsements of many incumbent councilors because of his support for zoning for more density than what would otherwise be required. He said he is in the race to empower the everyday residents of Ward 2, which is what a Ward Councilor should be doing – listening to what the residents want and standing up for them even in the face of power.

Bruce was not born in Newton but said he is the only candidate who has served in elected office in Ward 2, referring to his service on the Newtonville Area Council. His vision for Newton is for village-scale development and village-scale feel. He said, “We need democratic planning with good values, good data, and the consent of the governed to save money for taxpayers. We need experts to be on tap but not on top.”

Gaynor said he is running because he is the only candidate who can balance progress and preservation, hold developers accountable to protect priorities, while exerting leverage the City has through its permitting and planning process and make sure the City is doing everything from widening sidewalks to protecting green spaces and increasing the economic vitality of the city’s local and independent businesses. He made reference to having more endorsements than the other candidates. He said he is running to be a positive, homework oriented, data-driven leader who will collaborate and team up with the other councilors to pass sensible policy. He added that while he is looking forward to being a Cabot school parent, biking and walking around Newtonville and the different villages, he will be a strong advocate for a growing and thriving city.

WARD 6

What will be your top three priorities?

• Bixby
  • Elevating the voices of our most vulnerable residents
  • Environmental issues – protecting open spaces,clean energy, and transportation
  • Fixing our transportation – making it safer for all users
• Gordon
  • Infrastructure – safe place to move around – sidewalks, roads, sewer systems
  • Zoning and development – pay attention to it and bring a reasonable solution to it
  • Education and fiscal responsibility
• Holt
  • Entered the race because of Newton’s tight budget situation and the decisions that must be made.
  • Biggest priority is to ensure Newton has the best school system
  • Local government is critical in its impact on lives because it’s responsible for safety, schools, roads, and bridges. 

Re-Zoning:  What are the challenges for constituents regarding the MBTA Communities Act (Housing Choice) and Village Center Zoning (VCOD)?

Bixby said it has been a long and complicated process but recent adjustments will likely lower the number units to be zoned from approximately 10,000 to 8,330..

Gordon, who chose to live near the MBTA, supports public transit and said that the City Council should be zoning for the mandated units. She agrees with the nine councilors proposing to hold off on VCOD until after the MBTA Communities Law compliance deadline. 

Holt is opposed to implementation of the MBTA Communities Act, suggesting that the Commonwealth has usurped local zoning and that nothing in the Act makes housing more affordable and there has been no fiscal study on what the cost will be for Newton taxpayers.

How many new housing units should Newton be zoning for?

Bixby did not state a number but said we need to remember that zoning makes it possible and provides options. She said we should consider what we need to do to have schools full of kids, and she supports many different types of housing – both affordable and market rate. 

Gordon was firm with adding 8,330 at a maximum to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. She said that VCOD zoning could potentially add an additional 9,000 units and that the Act may make it easier for people to be near transit but does not address affordability. 

Holt made reference to Chapter 40B – which requires municipalities to have 10% of its total units as affordable – saying that it has failed. His first priority would be to get more workforce housing for municipal workers and suggested acquiring the Hammond property for this purpose.

How would you address planning?

Gordon said that the community, not developers, should have full say in zoning, and she would love to see the question go to the voters, since community input is vital. She agrees that we need housing in village centers but we need to be thoughtful on how to get there. 

Holt referred to his work with the Menino Administration, where the focus was on office buildings, conference centers, and hotels. He said that affordability requires more than zoning. The taller the buildings are, the more expensive it is to build them.

What should be the maximum number of stories allowed by right in Newton Center and Newton Highlands?

Holt said 4.5. Bixby said 4.5 depending on where. Gordon said 3, adding that anything higher should require a special permit.

What do we need to do to preserve green spaces in Ward 6?

Bixby said we are blessed in Newton Centre with Crystal Lake and Cold Springs Park, but she is concerned about how much support they need. 

Gordon is thankful for Webster Woods and Cold Springs Park but added that Crystal Lake needs a proper boat launch, and the boat house needs love. She also suggested expanding the Newton Centre Green to be more like the Hyde Center.

Holt referred to Webster Woods and again advocated for acquiring the former Mishkan Tefila property on Hammond Parkway and building affordable rental housing there. He noted that property taxes would not be sufficient for acquiring the property, and rental rolls would be needed.

What framework is desirable to maintain our tree canopy?

Bixby and Holt referred to the impact of gas leaks on tree health. Bixby added that she recently had a new tree planted with the Tree Conservancy and believes that we should raise awareness that other areas in Newton do not have enough trees. In addressing gas leaks, Holt would like to put a tax on utilities for escaped gas and use the receipts to invest in the community. Gordon supports the tree ordinance.

Should the Newton Centre Triangle Parking Lot be developed for Mixed Use?

Holt said no. Gordon argued that businesses need the parking. Bixby was neither a yes or a no.

Public Transportation:  What would you do to improve City proposals for parking requirements and public transportation initiatives, and to fix our streets? 

Bixby, who recently broke her arm from a poorly repaved road – and walks and bikes with her kids every day to school – believes in safe cycling infrastructure and that investments can be made to unlock state and federal funding. She made reference to the loss of the City’s 311 app but said citizens can help with reporting.

Gordon, who also bikes and walks, said we need safer routes to schools. She said that the community – aging population and young families – needs cars, so parking is needed. She said that the condition of the roads, potholes, and sidewalks are a major concern. 

Holt, who said he has participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge for years, says the focus should be on routes to make sure that passage is safe – not just signage – and suggested raising money from owners of electric cars as they pay no gasoline taxes and create more pressure on roads due to the weight of electric cars.

If the City suddenly had an extra $1 million to spend, what would you do?

Gordon would like to see more 100% affordable housing development and referenced the Hamlet and Castleman House. She would like to do more to help some of the most vulnerable, including providing energy vouchers. She would like more money to go into schools like extracurricular activities, as well as streets, and sidewalks.

Holt would like to make a downpayment to acquire the former Mishkan Tefila property on Hammond Parkway to build affordable housing and expand easements.

Bixby would like to create safer and more accessible routes in parks and pilot a public bathroom access program, though she suggested her kids would want her to say put air conditioning in schools.

If the City were considering a new public infrastructure project in the City, how would you evaluate whether it was worth implementing?

Bixby would look to see if the project were fiscally feasible, and see how and if the proposed project fits with Newton’s plans. She supports having a community input process.

Gordon would look at costs and long-time maintenance and any new finances that may be taken in as well as who will be served by the proposed project and what other projects we would not be doing in order to implement the project.

City finances: Is the City adequately funding OPEB. If not, what would you do differently?

Gordon said we need to look at finances and said she supported the Councilors’ efforts to use ARPA funds for schools. She added that we need to look at what the budget is and ensure we are spending funds appropriately. 

Bixby said it is all about balance and made reference to past decisions where there was underpayment but acknowledged the current schedule is aggressive. She is grateful for the City coming together to restore class sizes, and she credits advocacy for changes that were made.

Holt believes this is a fundamental problem and there is no control over stocks and market performance, and that a fiscal study is needed.

How did you vote on the three override questions last March?

Bixby and Gordon voted YES on all 3. Holt voted YES on the schools but NO on the operating override.

What can Newton do to address gas leaks? Do you support banning the use of gas in new, large developments?

Gordon credits the City Council’s work and is supportive of the Energy Coach’s work with residents. She believes that we should be focusing on big development and requiring developers to use electric and not gas, adding a passive house requirement standard for development over 7 stories.

Bixby suggested looking at all externalities regarding gas leaks including lack of accountability and the need to repair and repave roads. She supports a ban on gas hookups on new construction and supports efforts for more residents to share their experiences and benefits of electrification, referencing the recent Garland Road showcase event.

Holt believes that the economics make it outrageous to put a full stop on use of gas. He suggested purchasing Quebec hydropower and said that the effor is being delayed on Beacon Hill. He said that the role of a City Council should also include being a lobbyist to Beacon Hill and advocate on both the state and federal levels.

A recent release of statewide data on police misconduct listed incidents involving nine Newton police – none since 2021. Their conduct was listed as unbecoming. Is this an accurate reflection of the City’s Police Force?

All candidates expressed gratitude to the Newton Police. Holt said we have an outstanding police force. He added that he was recently interviewed by a police officer and was disappointed to hear that the police officer was not living in the community.  

Bixby is grateful for the response of first responders (when she recently broke her arm). She acknowledged and recognized that her experience is not everyone’s.

Gordon praised the new police chief and said he has done an excellent job responding to complaints and has taken them seriously. She said it was very sad that the police have had to respond to very tragic events this summer. She said she believes the police have been acting in a proper and upright way, and overall there are not a lot of complaints.

Candidate questions to each other

Gordon asked Bixby if she supports the Village Center development proposal currently before the City Council (which would allow a 30,000 sq. ft. lot to be developed by-right, without onsite parking) and whether she would support a public vote on this. In response, Bixby said that we need to recognize what we need to do to build more housing, and she added that by-right does not mean no control and referred to the site-plan review process and zoning codes. She believes the proposal is appropriate. Gordon then asked to clarify the special permit process, suggesting that Bixby was not clear on it.

Holt directed a question to Bixby, asking how Bixby would address the fiscal challenge of paying for public education, given that she is the most outspoken [of the candidates] in favor of the MBTA Communities Act and for the establishment of more affordable housing. He called attention to projects like Avalon, which contributes only about $2,200/unit. Bixby responded that most of the funding comes from the State, and that when projects come in, studies have shown that there are overall fiscal benefits to our city, such as increases to our tax base and increases in the number of our residents who are contributing to our commercial base and students in our schools.

Bixby had intended to direct her question to either of the candidates but when forced to pick one, she directed her question to Holt. She asked what type of small business would he would like to see in Newton Centre or Thomsponville. Holt responded that he wants to ensure that we do not have a food desert. He noted problems in the placement of Wegmans – having to cross the street on Route 9. The problem with development and rezoning is that it will raise property taxes and existing landlords will have to teardown, build, and evict current tenants. Urbanization of city centers is dangerous without a fiscal study. Development will result in mostly concrete, and the production of concrete has very high emissions of greenhouse gasses. He added that in 2018, Newton created multi-family zoning across the city by allowing for accessory apartments.

With regard to supporting local businesses in village centers and the concern about preserving the character of the village centers, what specifically within the law can be done?

Gordon said Newton Centre has an incredible mix of restaurants and businesses, and they have said that the permit process is confusing and that they do not get help from City Hall. She would like to see the City create a liaison and utilize grants to have someone bring in new business and support existing ones. She said some communities prohibit large chains, and she does not want to see big-box stores in Newton Centre.

Bixby believes that the current zoning plans will create a range of sizes. She made reference to a visit to a new clothing boutique located in a small space, and she supports pop-ups and ordinances that create building diversity.

Holt is opposed to having zoning picking winners and losers among local and national businesses, and he emphasized his concerns about affordability of commercial rents, increased assessments, displacement, and elimination of parking.

Closing Statements

The candidates were given an opportunity to provide closing statements. (See video.)

Bixby said she has been a PTO President, soccer coach, and helped found the mutual aid organization, Newton Neighbors. She said she has been called on by residents to answer questions, and will continue to listen, talk with residents, and advocate for residents’ values and views in City Hall.

Gordon, after thanking everyone who put the forum together, or was participating, or showed interest in the issues said she was pleased to have an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing Newton. She said Newton is a wonderful place and together the community and the City Councilors can work together to continue growing it and making it a wonderful place to live – with emphasis on creating safe streets, investing in infrastructure, protecting the environment, ensuring schools are fabulous, and protecting quality of life. She looks forward to rallying the community around the arts and promises to listen – whether she agrees or not — because she believes all opinions are valid.

Holt said that when he moved to Newton with his wife more than 22 years ago, they chose Newton because of Newton’s commitment to education and appreciated the environment, the suburban-ness of Newton. He wants to leave it better for their children even though they are through consumption of the public school system. He reiterated that he is probably the most outspoken against the MBTA communities Act but emphasized the residents, in opposing the Act, would not be standing alone. He said that the Massachusetts Municipal Association has spoken against the Act and against the regulations. He does not believe that Beacon Hill should be imposing its will upon Newton, and he quoted President Adams saying, “Always stand on principle, even if you stand alone.” Hold concluded, “Newton will not be standing alone in opposition to this mandate.”

Ed. Note: Peter Bruce’s statement on road diets was updated to include his specific reference to the traffic levels on the eastern end of Washington Street being above the 20,000 car/day threshold recommended for road diets. These traffic levels were found in the 2014 study further east of the Lowell Ave endpoint of the Washington St. vision project.

Ed. Note: This article has been corrected.  When Peter Bruce said “the YIMBY Act,” he was not referring to the MBTA Communities Act, as we had originally written. The YIMBY Act is a bill in the Massachusetts House and Senate— An Act to Promote Yes In My Back Yard.