Watch the conversation here:
Here’s a 300-word summary of the episode, framed to match John Chaimanis’s campaign priorities and bio:
Host Ken Parker opens this pre-election “Common Ground” by restating the format and urging civic participation. He then introduces the two citywide council candidates: incumbent Tariq Lucas and first-time candidate John Chaimanis, a Ward 4 At-Large contender, entrepreneur, finance professional, and parent of three in Newton Public Schools. Chaimanis says he’s running to bring facts-based, budget-savvy, sustainability-forward leadership to the Council, drawing on his experience co-founding Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure and managing clean-energy investments. (johnchaimanis.org)
On governance and process, Chaimanis emphasizes constructive dialogue and data-driven decision-making—“measure, analyze, adjust”—to improve outcomes while keeping government accountable to residents and small businesses. He favors aligning ordinances so they work in concert, not at cross-purposes, citing tree protection and stormwater rules as an area to streamline without weakening environmental goals. This echoes his platform of practical climate action that preserves canopy, expands solar where feasible, and balances cost with impact. (newtonbeacon.org)
On zoning and housing, he cautions that broad by-right upzoning can sideline public input, preferring targeted special-permit engagement to shape projects and secure community benefits. His housing stance prioritizes protecting naturally occurring affordable housing and strengthening the Affordable Housing Trust (e.g., calibrating developer payments to market conditions). (League of Women Voters Newton)
On schools and budgeting, Chaimanis notes the Council’s indirect but crucial role—capital planning, buildings, and the overall budget—and commits to clear financial analysis and collaboration with NPS and the School Committee so investments match needs and timelines. (newtonbeacon.org)
On economic development, he argues Newton must shift from reactive to proactive: recruit and retain neighborhood-serving businesses, support shared workspaces and incubators, and use effective public-private partnerships—tools he’s used in his energy career—to diversify revenues without over-reliance on tax hikes. He also proposes piloted, data-checked mobility improvements (traffic-calming, timed signals, strategic bike connectivity, and privately supported shuttles) to reduce single-occupancy trips while respecting real transit options. (newtonbeacon.org)
Overall, the episode presents Chaimanis as a pragmatic, fiscally responsible problem-solver focused on schools, sustainability, and a stronger local economy—consistent with his campaign message. (johnchaimanis.org)