Issues
Strengthening Our Schools
Understanding that our schools are the bedrock of our community is critical for any elected leader. Following through on that knowledge is even more important. For the 14 years I have served on the City Council, I have consistently fought for funding, resources, and attention to our schools. Our students deserve the best academic resources, teachers, and facilities. Working with our Mayor and the full City Council, we have invested in many new schools including Zervas, Angier, Lincoln-Eliot, and Horace Mann to name a few. This dedication to the school is not only driven from being an elected official, but I know the power of a great education. I, as well as my kids and many of their cousins went through the schools and are thankful for the results. I am committed to ensuring our schools remain a top priority.
Investing in our Infrastructure
Newton’s roads and sidewalks are critical to ensuring residents can get around and enjoy our beautiful City. I will continue to advocate for extensive paving, traffic calming, and road solutions in high density locations to ensure safety for all who use the roadways. I also have supported and will continue to support the extensive bike facilities we are building throughout the City. We also need to make sure we are investing in our fire houses and police station, which needs an urgent overhaul. This will be a priority in my next term.
Taking the lead on the Environment
Having served as Vice Chair of Public Facilities, I am keen on ensuring our City lead on environmental issues. We have a terrific citizens group, the Newton Energy Commission, partnering with the administration and Utilities to accelerate Newton's electrification, and seeing this to fruition is of great importance. I support solar placements throughout the City and look forward to working on issues of phosphorus reduction, solid waste, and recycling in the next term.
Responsive Constituent Services
If there is one thing I've learned in my years of service, its that constituent services takes a backseat to no other issue. I have worked with residents to solve their zoning issues, traffic concerns, water and flooding issues, pothole and sidewalk concerns, and how to navigate City Hall. I enjoy helping people and this part of the job is the most satisfying. I'm also a huge proponent of community involvement and hearing from residents on all issues. The City belongs to its residents and elected officials should listen first, and then act.
"We had requested that the unpaved berm in front of our house be paved for years. Nothing was ever done. Then we asked Dave to get involved, and although it took a year, he got it done." Dedham Street resident
"For the average Newton resident, navigating City Hall can be quite confusing. David has been extremely helpful in understanding the paths available to us, and in representing our concerns to the various government entities." Winchester St. resident
Pragmatic Development that Supports Affordable Housing
Development is an issue that has been debated over and over again within the City Council, within our thirteen villages, and within our neighborhoods. It's a complex issue. I believe that thoughtful, community oriented development is good for our City. Not only does it increase housing options, but it also increases our tax revenues, allows many to age in place, and is part of the solution to the regional housing crisis. I also support ways to ensure Newton promotes affordable housing. I've voted to increase our inclusionary zoning policies, to expand our Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU's) policies, and am currently working with the Zoning and Planning Committee to develop approaches to maintain (instead of tearing down) smaller properties that are often naturally affordable.
Standing Up to All Kinds of Hate
Everyone deserves to live in a City where people are treated equally, without bias and with opportunity for all. Hate of all forms is not only demeaning and wrong, but it divides our community instead of unifying and strengthening where we live. I am not only committed to speaking out against hate of all forms, but modeling the inclusive and respectful behavior we should all strive to exhibit..
Fiscal Responsibility with Vision
I’ll work with the Administration to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, balancing today’s needs with long-term sustainability. Given we are limited under proposition 21/2, we need to look to alternative ways to generate funds including payments & services in lieu of taxes, attracting and retaining businesses, and potentially restructuring debt, if interest rates allow.