On May 5, the Newton Election Department made nomination papers available for City Council and School Committee races. As of Tuesday, May 13, twenty-three candidates for City Council and nine for School Committee have taken out papers. Candidates have until July 22 to return nomination papers with signatures to be certified.
Thus far, there will be a contested race for Ward Councilor in Ward 5. Ward 5 Councilor William (Bill) Humphrey is stepping down, and two newcomers, Julie Irish and Garry Miller (K. Garrett Miller) are vying for the seat. For the two At-Large seats, incumbent Andreae Downs indicated that she will not run again, incumbent Rena Getz is running for re-election, and Brittany Hume Charm is also running.
In Ward 6, two incumbents — Alan Lobovits, At-Large and Martha Bixby in Ward 6 — have taken out papers. However, long-time At-Large City Councilor Vicki Danberg has not indicated if she is running for re-election. Sean Roche, who has formed a political committee, has not yet taken out nomination papers.
There are currently contested School Committee races in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8. In Ward 5, Jenna Lauter Miara and Benjamin Schlesger are running for the seat held by longtime member Emily Prenner, who is not running for re-election. In Ward 6, Mali Lipchik Brodt and Jonathan Greene are running, and Paul Levy is not running for re-election. In Ward 7, incumbent Alicia Piedalue and Bruce Hedison are running. In Ward 8, Victor Lee and Jim Murphy are running, and Barry Greenstein is not running for re-election.
Incumbents City Councilors in Ward 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 have taken out papers and so far have no challengers.
Marc Laredo, President of the Newton City Council and mayoral candidate, will be vacating his Ward 7 At-Large seat. Albert Cecchinelli, Jr., is also running for Mayor.
Ed. Note: We updated this article to include candidates for Ward 7 School Committee and to correct the name of K. Garrett Miller.
