We are writing this letter to alert the voters of Newton of an effort to impersonate us to spread misinformation leading up to the upcoming November 7 municipal election.
Our group, Newton for Everyone, is a coalition of civic, housing and climate activists, clergy, and local businesses supporting the proposed Village Center Overlay District currently under consideration by the Newton City Council.
Our coalition does not endorse political candidates. Our purpose is to educate the public about a proposal we believe will make Newton more welcoming and affordable and will be beneficial to our planet.
But someone, or some group, has been using social media and paid online ads purporting to endorse City Council candidates both under our name and under the similar name “Newton for Everybody,” including registering a “Newton for Everyone PAC” with the state Office of Campaign Finance.
It’s disheartening that someone, or some group, would resort to using disinformation to confuse the public rather than engage in an honest discussion about issues that are paramount to Newton’s future.
We urge these impersonators to end these deceitful tactics immediately.
Dan Ruben, Green Newton Building Standards Committee
Rev Cheryl Kerr, Newton Interfaith Coalition for Housing Equity
Greg Reibman, Charles River Regional Chamber
Kathy Pillsbury, Engine 6: Newton Housing Advocates
Newton For Everyone