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Posts published in “Letters to the Editor”

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We publish here Letters to the Editor with the intent to reflect a broad range of opinions and insights of Newton residents. Please note our submission guidelines and send letters (maximum of 300 words) to letters@figcitynews.com.

All views expressed in any signed article, letter, column, or post
on Fig City News are those of the writer and not Fig City News.

Downs: Will not seek re-election

After much deliberation, I am deciding that I’m not running for re-election this year. Being a city councilor is a great job—one I’m honored to be allowed to do. Much of the good government can do is done here, at the local level—help people, protect public schools and civil rights,…

Minaker: Asking Mayor to host Town Hall meeting

I watched the City Council discuss city issues with the Mayor. The meeting was conducted in a very polite and civil manner. The real tough questions facing Newton and its residents were not laid out in a comprehensive way. What I find missing from the Mayor’s leadership is a satisfactory…

Gladman: Appalled at discriminatory tobacco ban

I was appalled to learn that Newton’s City Council has overwhelmingly approved a ban on tobacco sales to people born after a particular date. If approved by the Mayor, this law will set a dangerous precedent by creating separate classes of citizens with different legal rights. If this is accepted,…

Albright: Protect young people from starting a smoking habit

Last March, the Supreme Judicial Court upheld Brookline’s innovative Bylaw, The Nicotine-Free Generation. Following Brookline’s lead, I with colleagues docketed an ordinance change to protect Newton’s young people from starting a smoking habit. This new law would prevent the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1,…

Allon: Impressed with the quality of Fig City News

We recently made a donation to Fig City News. Fig City News is critical in keeping the citizens of Newton informed of what is happening locally and remaining engaged in our city government. We are impressed with the quality of Fig City News and honored to support the Fig City…

Leary: Medicare for All wins hands down in Newton

Access to high quality healthcare is a human right. This was made explicitly clear by the residents of Newton who live in Representative John Lawn’s 10th Middlesex district. In the recent election, the 10th Middlesex voted over 68% “YES” on a non-binding ballot question supporting universal coverage and eliminating premiums, deductibles,…

Spring: Finding harmony in Newton — a community that feels like home

Growing up in Thonotosassa, FL, I was surrounded by a small-town community where people knew their neighbors, and connections were meaningful. Since moving to Newton, MA, (3 years and counting!) I’ve realized that, despite the differences in pace and setting, the sense of community here feels just as strong—if not…

Sangiolo: Thank you, Newton voters

Thank you, Newton voters, for your support for my campaign for State Representative. I am honored to receive your support, and I look forward to being your partner at the State House. Special thanks to my husband John — my best friend and most patient partner through all of my endeavors.…

Minaker: No more overrides

I am disgusted to read about Mayor Fuller’s spending plans of the past six years and her demands for future spending. In Newton there are many families who will experience financial shock when the two existing overrides kick in over the next three years. Many people of all ages simply…

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