Pride in my Newton, Massachusetts community

There are frequently occasions when I feel somewhat embarrassed by my home city of Newton, Massachusetts. Generally, those occur when some member or members of the Board of Alderman presumptuously undertake to have my city make policy pronouncements on national or international issues instead of sticking to the local matters they were elected to address. Recent examples include proposed or actual resolutions inviting released Gitmo terrorist suspects to come live in Newton, condemning the U.S. war in Iraq and limiting the portion of the federal budget to be spent on the military to 25%.

The recent work of a volunteer committee consisting of both public and private members, however, should make all Newton residents beam with pride. That committee was formed almost immediately after the tragic death of Newton resident Jeff Beatrice, a well known father, husband and youth sports coach. Beatrice was only 49 and his sudden death devastated his wife and seven school-aged children not only with the loss of his love and emotional support, but also the loss of their home and only source of income. The volunteer committee, known as the "Beatrice Family Fund" stepped in to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay off the Beatrice's home's mortgage and stave off threatened foreclosure.

Kudos to this volunteer committee for putting together their compassion, time and skills to accomplish such a noble endeavor. Additional kudos for their setting up the ongoing "One Newton Foundation" to help any other local families facing similarly drastic situations. For all its foibles and quirks, Newton truly is a caring community.

Newton Mayor Setti Warren Setting the Right Tone

Newton Massachusetts inaugurated a new mayor last month, Setti Warren. In contrast to his dawdling predecessor, Mayor Warren has thus far begun to establish an assertive and confident leadership style. During the transition between his election and inauguration, Warren took to the time to closely examine all city departments and their leaders. This resulted in a selective "cleaning house" pursuant to which several long-tenured department heads were let go, saving the City thousands of dollars and sending a message about Warren as an executive who would demand accountability and efficiency.

Mayor Warren also hired an experienced and much-respected former Newton official, Bob Rooney as his chief operating officer to work with remaining department heads to find ways to enhance the provision of city services. Additionally, in the face of a budget deficit of approximately $11 million, Warren is holding a series of "Town Hall" meetings with Newton residents to hear their thoughts on which services should be cut and which should be retained. The initial consensus among civic-minded Newtonians is that Mayor Warren is not only willing to make some painful cuts if necessary, but that he will only do so after careful consideration and listening to the voices of the people. And it's not just the local "gadflies" who are impressed with him so far, it's also, according to my sources within the Department of Public Works and the Police Department, those who work for the city.

Kudos to Mayor Warren for the way he's starting out as our new mayor!