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Posts published in “Guest Columns (Op-Eds)”

We publish here guest columns (op-eds) with the intent to reflect a broad range of opinions and insights of those who live and/or work in Newton. Please note our submission guidelines and send submissions to info@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.

Humphrey: Why I should be the 12th Middlesex District State Representative

I’m Bill Humphrey, and I’m asking for your vote by September 3rd in the Democratic State Primary for the 12th Middlesex House district of Newton & Brookline.  I’m running because I want Massachusetts to be a Commonwealth for everyone and a beacon for the nation. This race is about what…

Lipof: Why I should be the 12th Middlesex District State Representative

I was born and raised in Newton and after 22 years serving as your City Councilor at-Large, I’m running because I am uniquely qualified to forward our district’s values and needs. I will look to bring as much local funding as possible to our district for education, infrastructure, seniors, mental…

Jablon: Why I should be the 11th Middlesex District State Representative

Newton is more than just my hometown; it’s the community that shaped who I am today. Growing up here, I’ve seen both the challenges our city faces and the immense potential within our community and its residents. We need proactive, bold leadership to harness this potential and address the pressing…

Sangiolo: Why I should be the 11th Middlesex District State Representative

I’m running to be the next State Representative for the 11th Middlesex District. I served for 20 years as a Newton City Councilor and currently work at the Attorney General’s office as a consumer specialist in housing. This is a critical time as we face a number of challenges: a…

OP-ED (McNeil): Remembering Phil Herr

Many in Newton have felt such deep sorrow since learning that our friend Phil Herr passed away peacefully in his sleep early on Tuesday morning, April 16th at the Adelaide Memory Care Facility in Newton Centre. So many were fortunate to have worked with him over many years. It was Phil’s planning…

OP-ED: An Open Letter to Newton: How will we heal?

For two weeks, from January 19th to February 2nd, I was out of school. My educators were on strike, negotiating with the Newton School Committee in hopes of settling a contract. For the first three days, I felt promise. While little ground was made during negotiations, I felt proud of…

OP-ED: How to talk to your child about the Teachers Strike

On January 19, 2024, after months of unsettled educator contract negotiations with the Newton School Committee, the Newton Teachers Association announced a strike. The sudden shut down of schools presents challenges for students, families, and the community, and parents may struggle with how to explain what’s happening to their children.…

OP-ED: A student-journalist’s perspective on the negotiations

I don’t think I would know anything about the NPS/NTA contract negotiations if it weren’t for The Lion’s Roar newspaper. As young(ish) students, we are privileged enough to believe that “ignorance is bliss” when we see our teachers “coincidentally” wear blue shirts on Tuesdays, or rally outside of the building…

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