July 24, 2015
Newton TAB
To the Editor, ( Published July 31, 2015)
I urge Newton voters to support Susan Albright, Ward 2 Alderman at large, on September 17th and again on November 3rd in Newton's municipal elections. Susan has been a thoughtful and effective elected official, for eight years on the School Committee followed by 12 years as an alderman.
In the early 1990s Susan led an advocacy group of school parents that played a critical role in getting the school department to look more broadly at space issues in the schools. I sat on the School Committee at the time and was impressed by her professional planning skills and her ability to constructively lead a parent group, focusing on analysis, solutions and the big picture. The professional tone Susan set produced results: the school system re-focused on system-wide space and longer range planning that laid the ground work for addressing not only the immediate need for middle school space,but the future need for more high school space and the eventual need to upgrade elementary facilities.As a school committee member herself in the later 1990s and afterwards as an alderman Susan has remained involved in the expansion and overhaul of school space. Her experience in this area is enormous.
Later I served with Susan on the School Committee and learned to value her advice on many matters. I appreciated her focus on workable solutions to challenges, not just her own opinion. More recently I've been before aldermanic Public Facilities Committee several times representing Historic Newton. Susan,a long serving member, is the committee's vice chair. Her straight talk, willingness to raise concerns, yet focus on solutions have been evident at virtually all the hearings I've attended. Newton is fortunate to have Susan as an Aldermen. Help re-elect her on September 17th and November 3rd.
Sincerely,
Anne M. Larner
68 Myrtle St
West Newton
Newton TAB
To the Editor, ( Published July 31, 2015)
I urge Newton voters to support Susan Albright, Ward 2 Alderman at large, on September 17th and again on November 3rd in Newton's municipal elections. Susan has been a thoughtful and effective elected official, for eight years on the School Committee followed by 12 years as an alderman.
In the early 1990s Susan led an advocacy group of school parents that played a critical role in getting the school department to look more broadly at space issues in the schools. I sat on the School Committee at the time and was impressed by her professional planning skills and her ability to constructively lead a parent group, focusing on analysis, solutions and the big picture. The professional tone Susan set produced results: the school system re-focused on system-wide space and longer range planning that laid the ground work for addressing not only the immediate need for middle school space,but the future need for more high school space and the eventual need to upgrade elementary facilities.As a school committee member herself in the later 1990s and afterwards as an alderman Susan has remained involved in the expansion and overhaul of school space. Her experience in this area is enormous.
Later I served with Susan on the School Committee and learned to value her advice on many matters. I appreciated her focus on workable solutions to challenges, not just her own opinion. More recently I've been before aldermanic Public Facilities Committee several times representing Historic Newton. Susan,a long serving member, is the committee's vice chair. Her straight talk, willingness to raise concerns, yet focus on solutions have been evident at virtually all the hearings I've attended. Newton is fortunate to have Susan as an Aldermen. Help re-elect her on September 17th and November 3rd.
Sincerely,
Anne M. Larner
68 Myrtle St
West Newton
Please join me on Sept. 17 and Nov. 3 in re-electing Susan Albright, Alderman at-large, Ward 2. (published August 22, 2015)
All of Newton can vote for Susan. (published August 8, 2015)
I am a long-time resident of the city, not an elected official. Others can speak to her professional qualifications and accomplishments. I want to address her personal qualities, with which I am well acquainted. I have known her for nearly 20 years, first when we were active in our local schools and then when we were both asked to serve on an off-leash task force. I have sat with her through hundreds of hours of meetings. I have often watched as she discusses concerns with citizens and delves carefully into issues affecting our city.
Susan is deeply principled and speaks honestly and with courage. She is unfailingly clear, sincere and direct, regardless of her audience. She also listens carefully and respectfully, revealing a profound concern for our city and the needs of its residents. Addressing constituencies, sometimes with divergent views and needs, she gathers data and carefully considers options with the goal of finding unifying and common-sense solutions.
Susan has a remarkably insightful and creative intelligence, and her many years of experience serving Newton in varied ways affords her a sophisticated and detailed knowledge of our city. Thus, she is often able to offer creative resolution to knotty problems, and to foresee possible consequences of a particular proposed course of action. She does not look for easy or simplistic answers. She searches for real, workable, enduring solutions to our challenges. She is also impressively energetic. She takes her duties seriously and devotes an enormous amount of time in order to get it right.
Susan Albright has the essential qualities I look for in my elected representatives.
Thank you.
Amy Koel
All of Newton can vote for Susan. (published August 8, 2015)
I am a long-time resident of the city, not an elected official. Others can speak to her professional qualifications and accomplishments. I want to address her personal qualities, with which I am well acquainted. I have known her for nearly 20 years, first when we were active in our local schools and then when we were both asked to serve on an off-leash task force. I have sat with her through hundreds of hours of meetings. I have often watched as she discusses concerns with citizens and delves carefully into issues affecting our city.
Susan is deeply principled and speaks honestly and with courage. She is unfailingly clear, sincere and direct, regardless of her audience. She also listens carefully and respectfully, revealing a profound concern for our city and the needs of its residents. Addressing constituencies, sometimes with divergent views and needs, she gathers data and carefully considers options with the goal of finding unifying and common-sense solutions.
Susan has a remarkably insightful and creative intelligence, and her many years of experience serving Newton in varied ways affords her a sophisticated and detailed knowledge of our city. Thus, she is often able to offer creative resolution to knotty problems, and to foresee possible consequences of a particular proposed course of action. She does not look for easy or simplistic answers. She searches for real, workable, enduring solutions to our challenges. She is also impressively energetic. She takes her duties seriously and devotes an enormous amount of time in order to get it right.
Susan Albright has the essential qualities I look for in my elected representatives.
Thank you.
Amy Koel
Susan Albright for Ward 2 Alderman at Large
To the Editor, (published August 22, 2015)
Newton needs Susan Albright to be re-elected as an Alderman at Large for Ward 2. She is a critical asset on the Board of Aldermen.
Recently, I’ve been part of a group trying to prevent a parking lot from being built in Cabot Park as part of the much-needed renovation to Cabot School. Susan has been an important resource and ally in this process.
From her years of involvement with the school, Susan knows how much the school renovation is needed, but she also knows the value of the park and does not want it to be diminished. She is a good listener and is responsive to the wishes of the neighbors, who do not want to lose their green space, and to those outside the neighborhood who value the space for passive recreation that would be greatly reduced if the parking lot were built.
Susan is a natural collaborator who works hard to help people see and understand each other’s points of view and to persist until they find a solution that will benefit everyone as much as possible.
Over the past two decades, I’ve worked with Susan both as an Alderman and in her previous role as a School Committee member. Having served on both boards, she has the valuable and unusual ability to see important issues from those perspectives—and others as well. Because of her many years of service to the City, Susan also possesses vital institutional memory. She is familiar with the significant decisions made throughout the city over the past two decades. That knowledge is important for informing the decisions of today’s board.
I hope that Newton residents will go to the polls to vote for Susan Albright on Thursday, September 17, and again on Thursday, November 3.
Beth Wilkinson
To the Editor, (published August 22, 2015)
Newton needs Susan Albright to be re-elected as an Alderman at Large for Ward 2. She is a critical asset on the Board of Aldermen.
Recently, I’ve been part of a group trying to prevent a parking lot from being built in Cabot Park as part of the much-needed renovation to Cabot School. Susan has been an important resource and ally in this process.
From her years of involvement with the school, Susan knows how much the school renovation is needed, but she also knows the value of the park and does not want it to be diminished. She is a good listener and is responsive to the wishes of the neighbors, who do not want to lose their green space, and to those outside the neighborhood who value the space for passive recreation that would be greatly reduced if the parking lot were built.
Susan is a natural collaborator who works hard to help people see and understand each other’s points of view and to persist until they find a solution that will benefit everyone as much as possible.
Over the past two decades, I’ve worked with Susan both as an Alderman and in her previous role as a School Committee member. Having served on both boards, she has the valuable and unusual ability to see important issues from those perspectives—and others as well. Because of her many years of service to the City, Susan also possesses vital institutional memory. She is familiar with the significant decisions made throughout the city over the past two decades. That knowledge is important for informing the decisions of today’s board.
I hope that Newton residents will go to the polls to vote for Susan Albright on Thursday, September 17, and again on Thursday, November 3.
Beth Wilkinson
Susan Albright: An asset to the City (published Aug 8, 2015)
Please join me in voting to re-elect Susan Albright, Ward 2 Alderman-at-large in the primary election onThursday, September 17 and the general election on Nov 3.
Susan has been an asset to the Board of Aldermen and the City of Newton. Her contributions to the schools, capital building projects, and many other areas have improved the quality of life in Newton.
We have benefited greatly from Susan’s background as a leader in the Information Technology field. Her professional advice and advocacy have contributed to the improvement of the City’s IT department and helped move forward the expansion of Newton’s fiber network that benefits the City, the schools and public safety.
Susan is not only a leader in her field but has shown to be a leader in the City. She served as Chair of the School Committee, Chair of the Aldermanic Committee on Community Preservation and currently chairs the Real Property Reuse Committee. Her ability to look at the big picture while paying attention to the details is a rare quality.
In addition to being a productive member of the Board she has gone above and beyond by serving on working groups on a variety of issues. She is thoughtful and takes a collaborative approach on every issue which has had a positive impact on the Board.
I have had the privilege of serving with Susan for the past 12 years. We share an interest in making sure taxpayer money is spent responsibly and that citizens views are well represented. Susan is a strong advocate and is committed to making Newton a great place to live.
Cheryl Lappin
Please join me in voting to re-elect Susan Albright, Ward 2 Alderman-at-large in the primary election onThursday, September 17 and the general election on Nov 3.
Susan has been an asset to the Board of Aldermen and the City of Newton. Her contributions to the schools, capital building projects, and many other areas have improved the quality of life in Newton.
We have benefited greatly from Susan’s background as a leader in the Information Technology field. Her professional advice and advocacy have contributed to the improvement of the City’s IT department and helped move forward the expansion of Newton’s fiber network that benefits the City, the schools and public safety.
Susan is not only a leader in her field but has shown to be a leader in the City. She served as Chair of the School Committee, Chair of the Aldermanic Committee on Community Preservation and currently chairs the Real Property Reuse Committee. Her ability to look at the big picture while paying attention to the details is a rare quality.
In addition to being a productive member of the Board she has gone above and beyond by serving on working groups on a variety of issues. She is thoughtful and takes a collaborative approach on every issue which has had a positive impact on the Board.
I have had the privilege of serving with Susan for the past 12 years. We share an interest in making sure taxpayer money is spent responsibly and that citizens views are well represented. Susan is a strong advocate and is committed to making Newton a great place to live.
Cheryl Lappin
Editor: ( Published July 31, 2015)
Join me in voting for Susan Albright on Thursday (not the usual Tuesday!), September 17. I’m so glad Susan is running for re-election as an Alderman at Large in Ward 2. Everyone in Newton can vote for Susan in this primary.
Susan has a good heart, strong values and a deep commitment to our citizens. From her twelve years on the Board and her leadership on the School Committee before that, she has developed an unusual understanding of the issues facing us. Her interpersonal and professional skills enable her to propose and explore innovative solutions. She collaborates well with her colleagues. Plus, she has an unusual ability to listen to divergent ideas and help us find common ground. (She did just this as we tackled setting up dog parks.)
One of my key priorities has been addressing the financial and management issues facing the City of Newton. Susan shares my passion for these issues. From her years of experience, her inquisitive nature, keen intellect and diligence, she brings a thorough understanding of the financial implications of matters brought before the Board.
Susan’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and her extensive knowledge of educational issues have been essential in the discussions of the new Angier and Zervas School building projects. We presently serve together on the Cabot School Building Committee. She thoughtfully considered the question of whether we should build new or renovate. She continues to help us find the optimal transportation solution and relationship with the park. Once again, our priorities are aligned to achieve a high quality school for teaching and learning that works in the Cabot neighborhood.
Vote for Susan Albright. We need her experience, sound reasoning and common sense on the Board. The preliminary is Thursday, September 17 and the final election is on November 3rd.
Ruthanne Fuller
Join me in voting for Susan Albright on Thursday (not the usual Tuesday!), September 17. I’m so glad Susan is running for re-election as an Alderman at Large in Ward 2. Everyone in Newton can vote for Susan in this primary.
Susan has a good heart, strong values and a deep commitment to our citizens. From her twelve years on the Board and her leadership on the School Committee before that, she has developed an unusual understanding of the issues facing us. Her interpersonal and professional skills enable her to propose and explore innovative solutions. She collaborates well with her colleagues. Plus, she has an unusual ability to listen to divergent ideas and help us find common ground. (She did just this as we tackled setting up dog parks.)
One of my key priorities has been addressing the financial and management issues facing the City of Newton. Susan shares my passion for these issues. From her years of experience, her inquisitive nature, keen intellect and diligence, she brings a thorough understanding of the financial implications of matters brought before the Board.
Susan’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and her extensive knowledge of educational issues have been essential in the discussions of the new Angier and Zervas School building projects. We presently serve together on the Cabot School Building Committee. She thoughtfully considered the question of whether we should build new or renovate. She continues to help us find the optimal transportation solution and relationship with the park. Once again, our priorities are aligned to achieve a high quality school for teaching and learning that works in the Cabot neighborhood.
Vote for Susan Albright. We need her experience, sound reasoning and common sense on the Board. The preliminary is Thursday, September 17 and the final election is on November 3rd.
Ruthanne Fuller
To the editor: ( Published July 31, 2015)
I enthusiastically support Susan Albright and Marcia Johnson for re-election as Ward 2’s Aldermen-at-Large, and you should too. Here’s why.
For the past 12 years, Susan Albright has set a lofty standard for public service to the City of Newton as an alderman, and for 8 years before that as a member and Chair of the School Committee. As a lifelong resident who both attended and put her children through the Newton Public Schools, Susan has a deep understanding of and commitment to making Newton a great place to live, work and learn. She is a stalwart advocate for the schools, affordable housing, strengthening our villages, and making Newton a welcoming, accessible community for all. It has been my privilege to serve with her on the Land Use Committee, and on the Community Preservation and Real Property Reuse committees which she chaired.
Marcia Johnson has been a distinguished leader on the Board of Aldermen now for the past 16 years where she has lived for over 30 years and raised her children. It has also been my privilege to serve with Marcia on both the Programs & Services and Zoning & Planning Committees, which she has chaired. Marcia has been an effective leader and a tireless advocate for the schools, affordable housing, smart growth and effective planning for future development. Drawing on her professional experience in human resources, Marcia has also been a leader in developing selection criteria and evaluating core competencies of city department heads, and played a critical role in the hiring of David Olson as City Clerk, where he has done an outstanding job.
Together, Susan Albright and Marcia Johnson make a great team of experienced leaders. Please join me in voting to re-elect these “Two for Two” as Ward 2’s Aldermen-at-Large.
Ted Hess-Mahan,
Alderman-at-Large, Ward 3
I enthusiastically support Susan Albright and Marcia Johnson for re-election as Ward 2’s Aldermen-at-Large, and you should too. Here’s why.
For the past 12 years, Susan Albright has set a lofty standard for public service to the City of Newton as an alderman, and for 8 years before that as a member and Chair of the School Committee. As a lifelong resident who both attended and put her children through the Newton Public Schools, Susan has a deep understanding of and commitment to making Newton a great place to live, work and learn. She is a stalwart advocate for the schools, affordable housing, strengthening our villages, and making Newton a welcoming, accessible community for all. It has been my privilege to serve with her on the Land Use Committee, and on the Community Preservation and Real Property Reuse committees which she chaired.
Marcia Johnson has been a distinguished leader on the Board of Aldermen now for the past 16 years where she has lived for over 30 years and raised her children. It has also been my privilege to serve with Marcia on both the Programs & Services and Zoning & Planning Committees, which she has chaired. Marcia has been an effective leader and a tireless advocate for the schools, affordable housing, smart growth and effective planning for future development. Drawing on her professional experience in human resources, Marcia has also been a leader in developing selection criteria and evaluating core competencies of city department heads, and played a critical role in the hiring of David Olson as City Clerk, where he has done an outstanding job.
Together, Susan Albright and Marcia Johnson make a great team of experienced leaders. Please join me in voting to re-elect these “Two for Two” as Ward 2’s Aldermen-at-Large.
Ted Hess-Mahan,
Alderman-at-Large, Ward 3
Albright and Johnson: Dedication, Integrity, Experience (Published Sept 13, 2015)
On Thursday, Sept. 17, a citywide preliminary election will hone a field of five candidates for the two alderman at-large seats from Ward 2. I am eager to vote to re-elect Aldermen Susan Albright and Marcia Johnson, so they may continue to serve our city with their unique brands of passion, dedication, integrity and fortitude.Both women are sensitive, aware, thoughtful, and compassionate individuals, who believe in public service and love our community.
Both women bring extensive knowledge of the city, useful professional experience and the intelligence and wisdom needed on the board as we work to balance limited resources and craft meaningful solutions to the tough problems facing Newton. Both are unafraid of the commitment, hard work and long hours it takes to problem solve in a public forum, and have strong records of accomplishment as a result.
I have observed both Aldermen Albright and Johnson as they skillfully manage a robust and engaging public process on many topics. Both continually seek input from constituents, listen well, do their homework and then act with courage and conviction as they seek always to achieve the best result for the community. This is nowhere more evident than in their strong commitment to thoughtful plans to develop much-needed, smaller housing options in commercial centers, promote safe, walkable villages and well-managed, sustainable growth.
I have worked closely with Susan Albright on three key committees over six years: Land Use, Public Facilities (where she and I collaborate as chair and vice chair) and the Real Property Reuse Committee, which Susan chairs. Her leadership and decision-making style is consistently one of close attention, careful research and critical analysis. These qualities are particularly important as we must continually assess and prioritize funding capital work needed to support key city programs, and evaluate needed improvements to the city physical plant.
I have also worked closely with Marcia Johnson, particularly on the zoning reform effort, and watched closely as she steadfastly led the Zoning & Planning committee through Phase I of this complex, detailed effort. Working with spare resources, she has skillfully managed a process that is forging consensus among disparate views. I have worked with Marcia specifically on the subcommittee she formed and leads to improve the accessory apartment ordinance. Here we have simplified the process to expand opportunities for families to remain in their homes while providing needed housing options.
For all if these reasons and many more, please join me on Sept. 17 to reinstate Aldermen Albright and Johnson to continue to work for Newton. —
Deborah Crossley,
alderman at-large, Ward 5
On Thursday, Sept. 17, a citywide preliminary election will hone a field of five candidates for the two alderman at-large seats from Ward 2. I am eager to vote to re-elect Aldermen Susan Albright and Marcia Johnson, so they may continue to serve our city with their unique brands of passion, dedication, integrity and fortitude.Both women are sensitive, aware, thoughtful, and compassionate individuals, who believe in public service and love our community.
Both women bring extensive knowledge of the city, useful professional experience and the intelligence and wisdom needed on the board as we work to balance limited resources and craft meaningful solutions to the tough problems facing Newton. Both are unafraid of the commitment, hard work and long hours it takes to problem solve in a public forum, and have strong records of accomplishment as a result.
I have observed both Aldermen Albright and Johnson as they skillfully manage a robust and engaging public process on many topics. Both continually seek input from constituents, listen well, do their homework and then act with courage and conviction as they seek always to achieve the best result for the community. This is nowhere more evident than in their strong commitment to thoughtful plans to develop much-needed, smaller housing options in commercial centers, promote safe, walkable villages and well-managed, sustainable growth.
I have worked closely with Susan Albright on three key committees over six years: Land Use, Public Facilities (where she and I collaborate as chair and vice chair) and the Real Property Reuse Committee, which Susan chairs. Her leadership and decision-making style is consistently one of close attention, careful research and critical analysis. These qualities are particularly important as we must continually assess and prioritize funding capital work needed to support key city programs, and evaluate needed improvements to the city physical plant.
I have also worked closely with Marcia Johnson, particularly on the zoning reform effort, and watched closely as she steadfastly led the Zoning & Planning committee through Phase I of this complex, detailed effort. Working with spare resources, she has skillfully managed a process that is forging consensus among disparate views. I have worked with Marcia specifically on the subcommittee she formed and leads to improve the accessory apartment ordinance. Here we have simplified the process to expand opportunities for families to remain in their homes while providing needed housing options.
For all if these reasons and many more, please join me on Sept. 17 to reinstate Aldermen Albright and Johnson to continue to work for Newton. —
Deborah Crossley,
alderman at-large, Ward 5
August 21, 2015
Newton TAB
254 Second Street
Needham, MA 02494
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am writing to urge you to support the re-election of Susan Albright, Alderman-at-Large for Ward 2 in the primary election on Thursday, September 17 and the general election on Tuesday, November 3.
I have been impressed by Susan’s effective, steadfast, hard-working, and collaborative approach to getting things done over the past twelve years as Alderman, and in her many years prior as a School Committee chair and member. Never shy from the challenging issues of the day, you can count on Susan to be providing leadership, engagement and focus to many of the quality of life assets we enjoy in our City - our schools, open/space, adaptive property reuse, affordable housing, technology, historic preservation and balanced, vibrant village centers. Her tenacity in working with very challenging issues and getting them resolved is exemplified by her successful work with the Dog Parks - a model for other communities.
Susan has the pulse on things. Recently I contacted her regarding a public construction matter in our neighborhood. She not only was familiar with the issue, but she quickly connected me with City staff and other community advocates regarding this matter. In all her communiques, what struck me most was her kindness and appreciation to all those involved. After the issue was resolved, she identified a larger systemic issue and docketed an item to improve City construction contracts.
We in Newton expect the best, with Susan we get it. Please join me in voting to re-elect Susan Albright.
Thank you,
Daphne M. Collins
Member, Economic Development Commission
Newton TAB
254 Second Street
Needham, MA 02494
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am writing to urge you to support the re-election of Susan Albright, Alderman-at-Large for Ward 2 in the primary election on Thursday, September 17 and the general election on Tuesday, November 3.
I have been impressed by Susan’s effective, steadfast, hard-working, and collaborative approach to getting things done over the past twelve years as Alderman, and in her many years prior as a School Committee chair and member. Never shy from the challenging issues of the day, you can count on Susan to be providing leadership, engagement and focus to many of the quality of life assets we enjoy in our City - our schools, open/space, adaptive property reuse, affordable housing, technology, historic preservation and balanced, vibrant village centers. Her tenacity in working with very challenging issues and getting them resolved is exemplified by her successful work with the Dog Parks - a model for other communities.
Susan has the pulse on things. Recently I contacted her regarding a public construction matter in our neighborhood. She not only was familiar with the issue, but she quickly connected me with City staff and other community advocates regarding this matter. In all her communiques, what struck me most was her kindness and appreciation to all those involved. After the issue was resolved, she identified a larger systemic issue and docketed an item to improve City construction contracts.
We in Newton expect the best, with Susan we get it. Please join me in voting to re-elect Susan Albright.
Thank you,
Daphne M. Collins
Member, Economic Development Commission