Both John Chaimanis and Fred Smith are correct. John is correct that Newton cannot build its way to affordability. The rule of supply and demand would need a catastrophic assist. Fred is correct that vertically built, multi-family housing offers the most promise to alleviate the region’s severe housing shortage. The problem is that Newton does not want multi-family housing for economically disadvantaged families.

What Newton wants is housing for those who can afford upscale units. I do not say this rashly or without cause, but with a history of 50 years of participation in and observation of the problem.

Homeowners want to protect their neighborhood from change; developers want to make profit. The City wants to increase its tax base; the do-gooders want to share suburban safety; there are advocates that remember the difficulties that accompanied the “projects” of the 1950’s and the 1960’s. There is a conflict at every turn; discussions become emotional arguments; aspersions abound. Which is the best path — “My way or the highway” or “Compromise”?  Who gives in first?

We need a new housing plan. My opinion is that building apartment buildings and multi-unit market rate condos is not the answer. It may be that the time has come for the City to become involved, once again. When Oak Hill Park was built, the City of Newton was the moving party. It constructed the infrastructure, it hired an architect, it designed the houses, it set the prices, it found a builder.

We may need dense housing communities in all our villages. We may need unwanted and costly parking spaces for tenants. Before we build, we should agree upon who are we building for: low-income families, upscale tenants, or downsizing seniors. Will our first concern be the builder’s profit or the quality of life of the tenants?

Peter F. Harrington
Newtonville

We often hear about the need for affordable housing in Newton—usually focused on people who want to move here, including younger adults hoping to return. But there’s another affordability crisis that deserves just as much attention: the challenge facing Newton’s Seniors who already live here and want to remain in their homes.

For many older residents, Newton has been home for decades. Seniors have invested their lives, raised families, paid taxes, and contributed immeasurably to the character of our community. Yet staying here is becoming increasingly difficult. Living on fixed retirement incomes while facing constantly rising property taxes is pushing many Seniors to the breaking point. Even those who have paid off their mortgages struggle with the ever-growing cost of simply staying put. Seniors shouldn’t be forced to leave their familiar neighborhoods, friends, and community support networks because of poor
fiscal decisions at City Hall.

Unfortunately, responsible financial management has been lacking in Newton for too long. The Fuller Administration is leaving behind a troubling financial picture — one built on overspending, short-term fixes, and missed opportunities. Too much money has gone to flashy “pilot” projects, consultants, and temporary programs instead of maintaining our aging infrastructure and easing the burden on homeowners.

That’s why I’m supporting John Chaimanis for City Council. John brings real-world financial expertise — a Villanova graduate with a Babson master’s degree and a successful clean-energy finance entrepreneur. He understands budgets, data, and responsible spending. John has practical ideas for securing grants and building public-private partnerships that will stretch every tax dollar further.

Newton’s Seniors deserve a City that values fiscal responsibility and protects their ability to age in place. John Chaimanis will fight for that future.

Barbara Darnell
Newton Highlands

On November 4th, Newton voters will have the opportunity to elect new members to the City Council. For this election, I am endorsing John Chaimanis and Lisa Gordon for Councilor At-Large, and Julie Irish for Ward 5 Councilor.

John has fought for social justice in education and the environment and currently runs a small business that he founded which builds and finances solar projects across the country. Lisa, a longtime community advocate who is the Executive Director of the Acton Food Pantry and the Ward 6 Democratic Committee Secretary. Julie Irish has a Ph. D. in Social Psychology and works as a medical research consultant for local hospitals and medical schools.

With his work in the sustainability industry, John Chaimanis will be a much-needed voice as the City Council updates the Climate Action Plan. And he will also be the only small business owner on the Council — which is important because Newton is going to need to prioritize economic development to spur our commercial tax revenues.

As a mother of two NPS graduates, Lisa Gordon will work tirelessly in trying to find new ways to raise City revenues, so we can fully fund Dr. Nolin’s vision. She also wants to be a voice and advocate for seniors living in Newton.

Julie Irish has been a community advocate in Newton for many years. She’s the current President of the Upper Falls Area Council and a former Co-President of the Countryside PTO. She’ll bring her experience and dedication to Ward 5, which includes the villages of Waban, Upper Falls, and parts of Newton Highlands. And the number one role for a Ward Councilor is to be an advocate for residents.

Please join me in voting for John Chaimanis, Lisa Gordon, and Julie Irish on November 4th.

Tarik Lucas
Newton City Councilor

As a longtime Newton resident, I take seriously the responsibility of evaluating City Council candidates and casting an informed vote. Local government decisions—on housing, zoning, transportation, budgeting, and environmental priorities—directly affect our quality of life. That’s why I make a point of learning about each candidate’s record, approach, and understanding of the city’s challenges.

I am voting for John Chaimanis because he demonstrates thoughtful preparation, respect for diverse viewpoints, and a commitment to data-driven decision making. He is committed to doing the hard work: evaluating budgets, engaging with residents beyond election season, and understanding how policy choices affect different neighborhoods.

John Chaimanis has accomplished a lot in his life as a co-founder of a school and founder of a clean energy company. His life’s works have had positive impacts on the world — fighting for social justice as an inner-city educator, and fighting practically against climate change.

Temperament and collaboration are equally important to me. City government works best when Councilors listen respectfully, seek common ground, and approach disagreements with civility. John Chaimanis treats others with professionalism — even when opinions differ — and works to build the trust needed for progress. I am confident that he will be a highly effective City Councilor.

I also value transparency and accountability. Voters deserve representatives who communicate clearly, explain their reasoning, and welcome scrutiny. John Chaimanis sees public service as an opportunity to contribute constructively, rather than to score political points or pursue pre-determined ideologic agendas. John Chaimanis has earned my confidence.

My vote goes to a John Chaimanis because he pairs practical knowledge with genuine dedication to the community — a person who shows up prepared, asks good questions, listens actively, and works tirelessly for the good of Newton’s residents. That’s the kind of leadership our city needs and deserves.

Carolyn Jacoby Gabbay
Newtonville

I am voting for John Chaimanis. Why? Because he is a leader who brings new ideas and solid experience with budgets and fiscal planning.

Newton needs this. In many ways, we’re in a rut—facing financial problems that show up in our sidewalks and roads, our schools, our small businesses, our commercial centers, and our real estate. We need someone who listens and acts on our behalf, someone with experience and balance.

Wherever John goes and no matter with whom he speaks, people feel that he is really listening and caring about their concerns. He has in-depth experience with finance and has managed many large projects, which can help our leaders make informed decisions. He runs a clean energy investment company. He cares about the environment, about our schools, and about Newton’s future. He has lived here for decades, has children in the schools, and runs his business right here in Newton. He is real and believes in transparency. We need him. He cares, and we are lucky to have him.

Carol Todreas
Waban