As part of its Village Day celebration, the Newton Highlands community honored its longtime Alderman (City Councilor), George Mansfield, who died last year. At a ceremony highlighting his years of service to the city, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller delivered a Proclamation designating June 9, 2024 as “George Mansfield Day” in Newton. The Newton City Council, where Mr. Mansfield served as Ward 6 Alderman from 1984 to 2009, delivered a “Memorial Resolution Honoring George E. Mansfield.”
Many of Mr. Mansfield’s colleagues joined in the ceremony marking his commitment to his community. Julia Mansfield, his only child, joined in the ceremony honoring her father. Both the Mayor’s Proclamation and the City Council’s Resolution noted his contributions, among them:
- His strong advocacy for the Newton Free Library, where his daughter now works;
- His commitment to protecting open space and “encouraging environmental sustainability policies, advocating for municipal infrastructure and supporting Newton’s fiscal strength…(Mayor’s Proclamation)…”;
- His “professional expertise as a City Planner (in Carlisle)…providing insight and understanding that would not have otherwise been available…” (City Council Resolution); and
- His eight years as Vice President of the Board of Aldermen.
Before his election to the Newton Board of Alderman, Mr. Mansfield was a member of the Newton Highlands Neighborhood Area Council.
Commemorating the many civic contributions of George Mansfield on this Village Day was the inspiration of Kenneth Parker, who served with him on the Board of Alderman and is also a Newton Highlands resident. Mr. Parker enlisted support in drafting the resolution from City Council President Marc Laredo and President Emeritus Lisle Baker. Mr. Parker said he approached Mayor Fuller, who was very supportive. Former Ward 6 City Councilors Dick Blazar and Greg Schwartz were on hand to celebrate Mr. Mansfield’s civic life. City Clerk Carol Moore helped “get the word out.” Current City Councilor Vicki Danberg brought a large “George Mansfield Day” cake to mark the event. In September, as an on-going tribute to Mr. Mansfield’s contribution to the Newton Highlands village, the community will dedicate the George Mansfield bench in the Hyde Playground.
Reflecting on his late colleague, Mr Parker said:
The enthusiastic and unanimous support for declaring June 9 to be “George Mansfield Day” is a testament to George’s ability to work collaboratively, earning him the respect and admiration of people across the political spectrum in Newton. …Everyone I talked with about the event expressed their love and appreciate for George and his many years of service to Newton. Despite the rain, there was a terrific turnout at the event. And the skies cleared just in time for us to celebrate and remember a wonderful public servant and human being.
Former Alderman Ken Parker
