“How do you take something great and make it even better?” John asked. “You measure, you analyze, and you make adjustments.”
Read the full interview at: https://www.newtonbeacon.org/
As someone who co-founded a charter school and built clean energy projects powering thousands of homes, I’m excited to bring that same results-focused approach to Newton City Council. Here are the highlights from the article:
Transparency That Works
Newton deserves governance that operates in the sunshine. Residents shouldn’t have to decode complex PDFs to understand how their tax dollars work. Following the League of Women Voters’ transparency recommendations, I propose user-friendly Excel budget formats and department-level breakdowns online. With potential Proposition 2½ override discussions ahead, families need granular data to make informed decisions.
Supporting Local Business
Newton’s fiscal strength flows from business community vitality. Too many enterprises face antiquated permitting and regulatory delays that cost real money daily. Having built a business from scratch, I understand every closed day means lost revenue and community connection.
My vision includes public-private partnerships that leverage private investment for public benefit. Through energy finance work, I’ve seen performance-based contracts allow cities to modernize infrastructure without major upfront costs—contractors invest capital and recover through generated savings.
Sustainable Growth and Climate Leadership
Housing requires nuanced thinking. We must address affordability while preserving what makes Newton attractive to families. I support protecting naturally occurring affordable housing—aging homes to multigenerational residences—while encouraging sustainable housing diversification.
Newton can lead environmental stewardship without breaking budgets. Targeted transportation solutions, performance-based energy upgrades, and expanding partnerships like Newton Tree Conservancy reduce emissions while saving money. Trees provide carbon sequestration and natural cooling, creating win-win outcomes.
Moving Forward Together
How do you make something great even better? Measure, analyze, make thoughtful adjustments. Build consensus around shared goals while remembering that behind every policy decision are real families hoping for excellent schools and thriving neighborhoods.
Newton’s next chapter can be its brightest yet.