The Newton Gun Violence Prevention Collaborative is pleased to endorse Danny Gaynor for Ward 2 and Martha Bixby for Ward 6 in the upcoming Preliminary Municipal elections for City Council. Our endorsements reflect the candidates whose visions for gun violence prevention most closely align with ours: that is, a comprehensive approach that implements effective policies directed explicitly at reducing access to firearms, educational programs to reduce the risk of gun violence, and policies that reduce the social inequities that so often fuel gun violence. Increasing access to housing, mental health services, and social supports, and reducing racial, economic, and educational inequities are all important factors for effective gun violence prevention.
Newton is already a safe city, but is in no way immune from the threat of gun violence. Reflecting national trends, gun ownership in Newton continues to increase; in 2023, 2,586 residents had a license to carry, up from 1971 in 2018 and 1131 in 2008. Newton must continue to educate parents and residents about Massachusetts’ safe gun storage laws and Extreme Risk Protection Orders, two effective ways to protect loved ones who may be at risk of causing harm to themselves or others. We also must stay abreast of newer policies and programming that reduce the risk of homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings.
We need candidates who have a deep understanding of the nuanced issues that impact gun violence and who are committed to addressing its root causes. We believe Danny Gaynor (Ward 2) and Martha Bixby (Ward 6) best reflect this commitment and we encourage you to vote for them on Tuesday, September 12.
Newton Gun Violence Prevention Collaborative Co-Founders include:
Heather Tausig
Laura Towvim
Kate Wissel
Alexandra Wolf
Thank you.
Laura Towvim
