Vision

Newton is a remarkable community. I feel fortunate to have grown up here and benefited from a great family, strong schools, and supportive neighbors. The education I received here, the experiences I had, the people I got to know -- these created a foundation for everything in my life that has come since. My wife and I live in the house where I grew up, and, as proud parents of a new daughter, we look forward to seeing her benefit as well from all that this community has to offer.

Like the rest of the nation, however, we are facing tough challenges. If we are to turn things around, preserve what we have built, and indeed make Newton the model of excellence we know it can be, we must bring everyone together with a level of openness, honesty and accountability we have lacked.

I believe we can have the best school system in the state -- nothing short of a model of excellence for 21st century learning. I believe we can have a city that runs effectively and efficiently, that plans for the long term and embraces innovation wherever it can make us better.

Throughout my campaign for Mayor, I went door to door, bringing my message of change and leadership to over 12,000 homes. And I intend to govern as I campaigned. Reaching out to residents, listening to their concerns, responding to their questions openly and honestly and then making the critical decisions necessary.