Public Safety / Snow & Sidewalks

Public Safety

We are very fortunate to live in one of the safest communities in America.  It’s my intent to do everything possible to keep it that way.   Over the past decade we’ve seen our police force and firefighters asked to do more with less. We must re-commit to providing the consistent resources our first responders need to provide the level of public safety we expect – on the streets, to and from school, in the office, and at home.
Public safety is the foundation upon which our quality of life can flourish.

Your support for Alderman Shapiro’s re-election means you’re supporting public safety as a core priority for all of Newton.

Snow & Sidewalks

It’s as a matter of safety to encourage kids and others to use the sidewalks and stay off the street, especially in the winter. We should encourage outdoor activity year round as well as provide walkable and passable sidewalks for all.

When a proposal was introduced to legally require residents to shovel the city sidewalks (and levy hefty fines on those who don’t), I was concerned. First, it’s troubling to have the city offload (by law) its responsibilities onto private citizens.  Second, It puts an additional burden onto seniors and those of modest incomes. Third, it’s more cost efficient for the city to retain its responsibility and encourage those who are able to help…to help.

I’ve always believed that residents who are capable should help shovel the city sidewalks. I clear mine and I help neighbors needing assistance and many others across the city do the same. But to make it a law..and one with no fines…makes little sense. So, I voted against the sidewalk shoveling ordinance of 2011 I was joined by the president and vice president of the Board of Aldermen, along with others who shared similar concerns.

My alternative solution is to spread the cost of sidewalk clearing evenly across the city. This would have been a less expensive option for each household. Now the hype of the vote is over, this and other options are once again being considered. We must continue to do all we can to work on the issue in a fair and equitable fashion with consideration for all…while providing better access and keeping our city safer.

Your support for Alderman Shapiro’s re-election ensures a logical and pragmatic thought process on how to provide needed services while protecting the safety of our residents.