21st Century Information Technology

• Need for technology that links all departments together providing access to important data arcoss departments
• Need technology to support workers in the field
• Need technology to enhance citizen engagement with city government

Diverse Housing Options

• Need for policies that allow the creation of housing  for all income groups
  
• Need for policies that allow millennials and seniors to  live/stay in Newton
  
• Encourage business development in Newton supporting middle income workforce housing
• Support transit oriented projects like Austin St currently before the Board, in village centers which bring mixed income housing opportunities near transportation and shops.  In addition to housing these projects bring a critical mass of people to buy from village shops to enhance their commercial viability
  

Strong Schools

• Sufficient funds to recruit and maintain a high quality staff
  
• Physical infrastructure that supports a high quality education
  
• Evidence of the social contract at work only 27% of Newton’s households have school age children – the rest of us  are helping to keep the future for Newton strong by supporting our schools
  

Sound Infrastructure

• Maintenance of roads and sidewalks
  
• Sustainable renovation and maintenance of city and school buildings
  
• Advocate to underground our ugly wires to enhance our environment
  
• Continue our plans and implementation processes for water/sewer/storm water work
  

Strong Village Centers

• Modern parking meters (I proposed no meter payments in the weeks for before the holidays in December - what do you think? - let me know)
  
• Walkable
  
• Traffic controls that reduce congestion 
  
• Road/sidewalk infrastructure that supports pedestrians
  
• Healthy mix of uses in the village centers
  

Strong Tax Base

• Commercial growth in appropriate areas with sound planning
• Work with the Chamber to identify areas where city policy can support a strong business community
• Balance the budget needs of the now with the needs to build reserves for the future
  

Strong Commercial Base

• Commercial growth in appropriate areas under sound planning
  
• Work with the Chamber to identify areas where city policy can support a strong business community - Give my docket item to abolish meter payment in  certain village centers before the holidays a try! 
  

Accessibility

• Encourage accessible  stations along the commuter rail
  
• Advocate for appropriate curb cuts and cross walks throughout the city

Amenities for citizens

• Support increased funds for conservation areas
• Strengthen our parks
  
• Provide additional off-leash areas
  

Contact me

I would love to hear your concerns - and how you feel about mine.  Please let me know your thoughts.

Subscribe