Priorities

Newton is at a pivotal point in our history.

We have huge challenges to overcome, issues to discuss, choices to make, and actions to take. Decisions made now will set the tone for the next decade and your input will make all the difference.

Here are a few things I am working to improve:

1. I’m working hard to improve city communication, and work to encourage public input before the fact…rather than after it’s too late. We have a right to 100% Total Transparency in local government. To start, we must better utilize the city’s website and all available technologies and communication methods to inform and engage the public. Every budget. Every contract. Every public works project. Every commercial development proposal. Everything. It should all be easily and instantly accessible to you, your group, or your neighborhood in a useable format when you want it.

We’ve made some immediate progress by driving forward the effort to redevelop the Board of Aldermen website. Packed with information, it’s now easier to navigate, more visually pleasing, and with an improved menu structure you can now connect to most areas of the city web site with just one click. (this work was accomplished between the election and the date I was sworn into office!)

2. I’m working hard to strengthen Newton’s fiscal policy, support long range planning, and oppose budgets where expenses outpace revenue. An override should only be an absolute last resort – not a first option. The key is to ensure proper planning to avoid the need altogether.

3. I’m working hard to protect the individual character of Newton’s neighborhoods and support our schools. Since it’s been proven that overrides are no longer acceptable to the majority of voters, we need to look at new sensible “Smart realistic Growth” initiatives and ways to be business-friendly to help generate additional city revenue, while always maintaining the character of our neighborhoods, and avoiding large developments which increase school class sizes.

I’m also working to minimize the need for future residential property tax hikes and fight to ensure that the city services we value are delivered in the most cost-effective way possible.

4. I’m working hard to promote programs that will help our seniors afford to stay in their homes and encourage affordable housing.

If you agree that we need to reform city government, I need your help. Please tell your friends and neighbors to visit voteshapiro.org. Your contributions are also appreciated.