A leader with Fresh Ideas

I've  worked on large and small issues - nothing is too large or too small.    For example, constituents may call about a crosswalk not clearly marked,  or to remove a rotted tree ,or to fix a street in need of repair.  A constituent  whom i knew was stricken with ALS  and asked for a repair to her sidewalk now that she needed a wheelchair.  City staff have helped me solve all these problems. But there are many issues that effect the whole city.   On the Land Use Committee I've reviewed, commented and voted on large projects such as the Street or Chestnut Hill Square.   On the Public Facilities Committee I review site plans for Schools and Fire Stations. I'm proud to be a member of the Cabot School Building Committee.  Some of  my accomplishments are described below

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Ensuring modern educational buildings

Participating in the process to renovate Angier, Zervas and Cabot is extremely rewarding.  While the high  and middle schools have been attended to,  with the exception of the three so-called “tier-one” schools, not much had been done for the elementary schools. I am proud to be a member of the Cabot School Building Committee. 

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Restoring our aging infrastructure

As part of the Public Facilities Committee I have participated in Newton's unprecedented planning and implementation process  to restore our aging infrastrucure.  Listen to this recent story on NPR on the importance of restoring the pipes  and how Newton is far ahead in its efforts.


Restoring the Civil War Monument:
Problem solving: getting things done

before

I  became aware in 2010 that the Civil War Monument in the Newton Cemetery had fallen into extreme disrepair.  The monument, one of the first civil war memorials in the country, was paid for by donations from  Newton school children.  I spoke with the Cemetery Director and found the restoration stalled since a 2005 report   I lobbied he Mayor and COO that the city should apply for CPA funds to restore the monument.  I sent the picture above to Mr. Rooney.  As you can see by the picture below - the monument has been restored with CPA funds.

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after

Citizen engagement:  NNHS construction project

As a School Committee member  I voted to rebuild Newton North High School.  As a member of the Public Facilities Committee I was able to participate in  the process to accomplish the goal.

To enhance citizen participation, I brought a Land Use Committee tool to the construction process and with my Ward 2 colleagues, recommended a neighborhood Liaison Committee.  This tool brings neighbors and developers together to solve problems.   All four sides of the school were represented and for two years this was the place to air issues and concerns.

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Off-leash dog ordinance: getting things done

As a new Alderman I headed a task force on problem of off-leash dogs all over the city.   After many lengthy and contentious meetings,  the task force with the law department, drafted an ordinance which passed the Board  and afforded the ability to create off-leash sites.
Working the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and his Off-Lease Advisory Committee we now have seven legal sites.  Newton citizens spend $50 for a medallion which supports

• fencing
• upkeep and
• an Off-leash  Specialist who, along with the Animal Control officers, enforce the ordinance

This is self-sustaining effort and over 1000 citizens have purchased medallions. 

 Information Technology: Tools for efficient work and citizen engagement

 Mayor Warren created a committee to advise the administration on how to modernize technology in the city.  The committee, comprised of  expert citizens, city staff and myself published a report that led to the creation of a CIO position in city government and the creation of a city high speed fiber optic network- just recently completed.  Much more work is required to enhance the way our employees work  and for citizen engagement with city government

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Some Images of Off-leash areas in Newton

The newly renovated Cabot Off-leash park

A dog visiting Cabot park