With the election around the corner, many people are beginning to ask “who are you voting for”? I’ve made no secret that the most important issue to me is getting a Fair Contract for the NTA — something I feel will benefit not only the teachers, but everyone in Newton, as it will allow us to avoid the staffing crisis that is just around the corner if their contract negotiations fail.
However, in the three years that I’ve been doing advocacy work, it’s just hitting me now that there is an even more critical issue. Our city government is failing. We are a wealthy community that won’t pay its teachers. We have a zoning proposal that is tearing the community in two.
Our City Council seems unable to collaborate. Listed below are three candidates I’m voting for (or would vote for if I could). In my extensive conversations with them, I’ve found them to be both supportive of NPS and interested in promoting a more collaborative approach.
At Large Elections (Everyone can vote for up to two candidates.)
- Ward 5: Rena Getz
- Ward 6: Alan Lobovits
Ward Elections (You can only vote if you live in this ward.):
- Ward 2: David Micley
I’m sure people who have been following along closely will realize that none of my candidates support the current zoning proposal. Whether you agree with the proposal or not, I believe that lack of collaboration is what is causing so much polarization in our community. Any plan that generates this much controversy didn’t get enough input in the initial stages. (Or input was given, but not incorporated.)
We’re fortunate to have many good candidates running this year. Wishing luck to all the candidates. This has been a particularly difficult time to be campaigning.
Alison Lobron
West Newton