4 Area Councils Debates October 18th & 19th Zervas Schedule
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Julia Anne Malakie
Oct 12, 2025, 11:24:16 AMOct 12
to West Newton Community, Unite! West Newton
West Newton residents,
See below for the complete schedule of next weekend's debates, as well as profiles of the moderators. This a great opportunity to see all the candidates in contested races live in person if you choose (or on Zoom).
Regards
Julia Malakie
Ward 3 Councilor
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When responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is public record and therefore cannot be kept confidential.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Christopher Pitts <cbp...@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2025 3:28:42 PM
To: Chris Pitts <cpi...@newtonma.gov>
Subject: 4 Area Councils Debates October 18th & 19th Zervas Schedule
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2025 3:28:42 PM
To: Chris Pitts <cpi...@newtonma.gov>
Subject: 4 Area Councils Debates October 18th & 19th Zervas Schedule
[DO NOT OPEN links/attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. ]
Dear Newton Neighbors,
You’re invited to the Four Area Council Candidate Debates—a community forum informing Newton voters since 2013—presented by the Waban, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, and Upper Falls Area Councils.
Drawing on findings from our recent citywide survey, moderators will ground their questions in real resident concerns, giving candidates a chance to address what matters most to you. Led by experienced, well-informed Newton citizens, these debates offer a fair, substantive opportunity to hear how candidates for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee plan to meet the challenges ahead.
All debates are free and open to the public. Attend in person at Zervas or watch the livestream; links will be available on the Area Council websites and Facebook pages, and via Fig City News and The Beacon.
Event Details
Dates: Saturday, October 18 &
Sunday, October 19
Location: Zervas Elementary, 30 Beethoven Ave, Newton, MA
Livestream: wabanareacouncil.org and all Area Council websites
Saturday, Oct 18
-
Mayor — 60 min — Moderator: Marjorie Arons-Barron — Start: 1:00 PM
-
Ward 6 City Council (At-Large) — 45 min — Moderator: Alan Spatrick — Start: 2:15 PM
-
Ward 4 City Council (At-Large) — 45 min — Moderator: Alan Spatrick — Start: 3:15 PM
-
Ward 5 City Council (Ward) — 30 min — Moderator: Chris Markiewicz — Start: 4:15 PM
Sunday, Oct 19
-
Ward 8 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Adam Bernstein — Start: 2:00 PM
-
Ward 2 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Adam Bernstein — Start: 2:45 PM
-
Ward 6 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Amy Sangiolo — Start: 3:30 PM
-
Ward 5 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Amy Sangiolo — Start: 4:15 PM
Moderators (left to right)
Marjorie Arons-Barron — Former Editorial Director, WCVB-TV; producer/host of Five on Five; commentator; blogger at marjoriearonsbarron.com; Editorial Advisory Council, The Newton Beacon; 2019 Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee; moderator at every 4 Area Councils debate since 2013.
Chris Markiewicz — Newton resident for 34+ years; management consultant to Fortune 100 firms and governments; CPA; former 6-year Newton City Councilor; board member, Charles River Watershed Association and All Newton Music School (former Board President, 2014–2017).
Amy Sangiolo — Attorney, community advocate, and former Ward 4 City Councilor (20+ years); currently the 11th Middlesex State Representative; former mayoral candidate; long-time champion of policies benefiting Newton and the Commonwealth.
Alan Spatrick — Newton homeowner since 1993; reporter and board member, Fig City News; board member, Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation; Managing Principal, Meketa Investment Group; CFA; Brandeis University graduate.
Adam Bernstein — Director, Fig City News; Newton resident; interviewer of local candidates and leaders; NPS parent; policy-focused journalist drawing on prior energy-policy research experience; Emory University and Dartmouth College graduate.
Please feel free to forward.
Regards,
4 Area Council Debates
When responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is public record and therefore cannot be kept confidential.
Nancy Finn
Oct 12, 2025, 4:56:34 PMOct 12
to westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
Julia in my opinion the traffic calming on Washington street is an accident waiting to happen.
Potted plants shocking and absurd.
Newton is not Cambridge.
Who ever designed this should be fired.
Bike paths on rte 16 Washington street are unsafe.
Nancy E. Finn, MEd, CAGS
Life long resident of Newton
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 12, 2025, at 11:24 AM, Julia Anne Malakie <juliaann...@gmail.com> wrote:
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Michael Halle
Oct 12, 2025, 5:21:52 PMOct 12
to westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
It's still early in the pilot yet, but since the pilot was installed in early July, crash rates on this section of Washington St are below historical levels, while crashes on other parts of Washington have been fairly typical. Most crashes to date have been blamed on inattention by the driver.
There certainly hasn't been an increase of crashes.
That's according to data that Newton Police provided to the state.
Anecdotally, vehicle speeds are down and yielding to pedestrians and other drivers are better than before. Parking is being used more frequently on the south side of the street than in the past. The dog park gets regular use by people arriving by car and foot.
I have seen nothing to indicate that the "bike path is unsafe" (note that it's a path shared by bicyclists, walker, and runners). Dozens of Newton North students and other people have been using it every day, especially because of the nice weather.
If you haven't walked or biked it yet, I think it's worth it to try it out. It's actually more pleasant than I expected it to be. The plants are nice.
--Mike
> On Oct 12, 2025, at 4:56 PM, Nancy Finn <nef...@msn.com> wrote:
>
> Julia in my opinion the traffic calming on Washington street is an accident waiting to happen.
> Potted plants shocking and absurd.
> Newton is not Cambridge.
>
> Who ever designed this should be fired.
>
> Bike paths on rte 16 Washington street are unsafe.
>
> Nancy E. Finn, MEd, CAGS
> Life long resident of Newton
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Oct 12, 2025, at 11:24 AM, Julia Anne Malakie <juliaann...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> West Newton residents,
>> See below for the complete schedule of next weekend's debates, as well as profiles of the moderators. This a great opportunity to see all the candidates in contested races live in person if you choose (or on Zoom).
>>
>> Regards
>> Julia Malakie
>> Ward 3 Councilor
>>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
>>
There certainly hasn't been an increase of crashes.
That's according to data that Newton Police provided to the state.
Anecdotally, vehicle speeds are down and yielding to pedestrians and other drivers are better than before. Parking is being used more frequently on the south side of the street than in the past. The dog park gets regular use by people arriving by car and foot.
I have seen nothing to indicate that the "bike path is unsafe" (note that it's a path shared by bicyclists, walker, and runners). Dozens of Newton North students and other people have been using it every day, especially because of the nice weather.
If you haven't walked or biked it yet, I think it's worth it to try it out. It's actually more pleasant than I expected it to be. The plants are nice.
--Mike
> On Oct 12, 2025, at 4:56 PM, Nancy Finn <nef...@msn.com> wrote:
>
> Julia in my opinion the traffic calming on Washington street is an accident waiting to happen.
> Potted plants shocking and absurd.
> Newton is not Cambridge.
>
> Who ever designed this should be fired.
>
> Bike paths on rte 16 Washington street are unsafe.
>
> Nancy E. Finn, MEd, CAGS
> Life long resident of Newton
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Oct 12, 2025, at 11:24 AM, Julia Anne Malakie <juliaann...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> West Newton residents,
>> See below for the complete schedule of next weekend's debates, as well as profiles of the moderators. This a great opportunity to see all the candidates in contested races live in person if you choose (or on Zoom).
>>
>> Regards
>> Julia Malakie
>> Ward 3 Councilor
>>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
>>
>> From: Christopher Pitts <cbp...@gmail.com>
>> Sent: Friday, October 10, 2025 3:28:42 PM
>> To: Chris Pitts <cpi...@newtonma.gov>
>> Subject: 4 Area Councils Debates October 18th & 19th Zervas Schedule
>>
>> [DO NOT OPEN links/attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. ]
>> Dear Newton Neighbors,
>> You’re invited to the Four Area Council Candidate Debates—a community forum informing Newton voters since 2013—presented by the Waban, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, and Upper Falls Area Councils.
>> Drawing on findings from our recent citywide survey, moderators will ground their questions in real resident concerns, giving candidates a chance to address what matters most to you. Led by experienced, well-informed Newton citizens, these debates offer a fair, substantive opportunity to hear how candidates for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee plan to meet the challenges ahead.
>> All debates are free and open to the public. Attend in person at Zervas or watch the livestream; links will be available on the Area Council websites and Facebook pages, and via Fig City News and The Beacon.
>> Event Details
>> Dates: Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19
>> Location: Zervas Elementary, 30 Beethoven Ave, Newton, MA
>> Livestream: wabanareacouncil.org and all Area Council websites
>> Saturday, Oct 18
>> • Mayor — 60 min — Moderator: Marjorie Arons-Barron — Start: 1:00 PM
>> • Ward 6 City Council (At-Large) — 45 min — Moderator: Alan Spatrick — Start: 2:15 PM
>> • Ward 4 City Council (At-Large) — 45 min — Moderator: Alan Spatrick — Start: 3:15 PM
>> • Ward 5 City Council (Ward) — 30 min — Moderator: Chris Markiewicz — Start: 4:15 PM
>> Sunday, Oct 19
>> • Ward 8 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Adam Bernstein — Start: 2:00 PM
>> • Ward 2 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Adam Bernstein — Start: 2:45 PM
>> • Ward 6 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Amy Sangiolo — Start: 3:30 PM
>> • Ward 5 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Amy Sangiolo — Start: 4:15 PM
>> Sent: Friday, October 10, 2025 3:28:42 PM
>> To: Chris Pitts <cpi...@newtonma.gov>
>> Subject: 4 Area Councils Debates October 18th & 19th Zervas Schedule
>>
>> [DO NOT OPEN links/attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. ]
>> Dear Newton Neighbors,
>> You’re invited to the Four Area Council Candidate Debates—a community forum informing Newton voters since 2013—presented by the Waban, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, and Upper Falls Area Councils.
>> Drawing on findings from our recent citywide survey, moderators will ground their questions in real resident concerns, giving candidates a chance to address what matters most to you. Led by experienced, well-informed Newton citizens, these debates offer a fair, substantive opportunity to hear how candidates for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee plan to meet the challenges ahead.
>> All debates are free and open to the public. Attend in person at Zervas or watch the livestream; links will be available on the Area Council websites and Facebook pages, and via Fig City News and The Beacon.
>> Event Details
>> Dates: Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19
>> Location: Zervas Elementary, 30 Beethoven Ave, Newton, MA
>> Livestream: wabanareacouncil.org and all Area Council websites
>> Saturday, Oct 18
>> • Mayor — 60 min — Moderator: Marjorie Arons-Barron — Start: 1:00 PM
>> • Ward 6 City Council (At-Large) — 45 min — Moderator: Alan Spatrick — Start: 2:15 PM
>> • Ward 4 City Council (At-Large) — 45 min — Moderator: Alan Spatrick — Start: 3:15 PM
>> • Ward 5 City Council (Ward) — 30 min — Moderator: Chris Markiewicz — Start: 4:15 PM
>> Sunday, Oct 19
>> • Ward 8 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Adam Bernstein — Start: 2:00 PM
>> • Ward 2 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Adam Bernstein — Start: 2:45 PM
>> • Ward 6 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Amy Sangiolo — Start: 3:30 PM
>> • Ward 5 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Amy Sangiolo — Start: 4:15 PM
>> <Moderators2025v2_Optimized.jpg> Moderators (left to right)
>> Marjorie Arons-Barron — Former Editorial Director, WCVB-TV; producer/host of Five on Five; commentator; blogger at marjoriearonsbarron.com; Editorial Advisory Council, The Newton Beacon; 2019 Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee; moderator at every 4 Area Councils debate since 2013.
>> Chris Markiewicz — Newton resident for 34+ years; management consultant to Fortune 100 firms and governments; CPA; former 6-year Newton City Councilor; board member, Charles River Watershed Association and All Newton Music School (former Board President, 2014–2017).
>> Amy Sangiolo — Attorney, community advocate, and former Ward 4 City Councilor (20+ years); currently the 11th Middlesex State Representative; former mayoral candidate; long-time champion of policies benefiting Newton and the Commonwealth.
>> Alan Spatrick — Newton homeowner since 1993; reporter and board member, Fig City News; board member, Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation; Managing Principal, Meketa Investment Group; CFA; Brandeis University graduate.
>> Adam Bernstein — Director, Fig City News; Newton resident; interviewer of local candidates and leaders; NPS parent; policy-focused journalist drawing on prior energy-policy research experience; Emory University and Dartmouth College graduate.
>> Please feel free to forward.
>> Regards,
>> 4 Area Council Debates
>> Marjorie Arons-Barron — Former Editorial Director, WCVB-TV; producer/host of Five on Five; commentator; blogger at marjoriearonsbarron.com; Editorial Advisory Council, The Newton Beacon; 2019 Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee; moderator at every 4 Area Councils debate since 2013.
>> Chris Markiewicz — Newton resident for 34+ years; management consultant to Fortune 100 firms and governments; CPA; former 6-year Newton City Councilor; board member, Charles River Watershed Association and All Newton Music School (former Board President, 2014–2017).
>> Amy Sangiolo — Attorney, community advocate, and former Ward 4 City Councilor (20+ years); currently the 11th Middlesex State Representative; former mayoral candidate; long-time champion of policies benefiting Newton and the Commonwealth.
>> Alan Spatrick — Newton homeowner since 1993; reporter and board member, Fig City News; board member, Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation; Managing Principal, Meketa Investment Group; CFA; Brandeis University graduate.
>> Adam Bernstein — Director, Fig City News; Newton resident; interviewer of local candidates and leaders; NPS parent; policy-focused journalist drawing on prior energy-policy research experience; Emory University and Dartmouth College graduate.
>> Please feel free to forward.
>> Regards,
>> 4 Area Council Debates
>> <4AC LogosNew (1).png>
>>
>> When responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is public record and therefore cannot be kept confidential.
>>
>>
>> --
>> If you'd like to be added to this discussion group, visit this group at the link below, or simply send email to gswi...@alum.mit.edu with your name and affiliation with West Newton.
>> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "West Newton Community" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to westnewtonneighbo...@googlegroups.com.
>> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/CAHuKTxhofw2SeFqCSYyxozFD%3D-8_e0%2B8eReTE%3DepcBom06gftg%40mail.gmail.com.
>
> --
> If you'd like to be added to this discussion group, visit this group at the link below, or simply send email to gswi...@alum.mit.edu with your name and affiliation with West Newton.
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "West Newton Community" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to westnewtonneighbo...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/SJ0P220MB0526CAFD56EA853D0B5EC82FC1EDA%40SJ0P220MB0526.NAMP220.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM.
>>
>> When responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is public record and therefore cannot be kept confidential.
>>
>>
>> --
>> If you'd like to be added to this discussion group, visit this group at the link below, or simply send email to gswi...@alum.mit.edu with your name and affiliation with West Newton.
>> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "West Newton Community" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to westnewtonneighbo...@googlegroups.com.
>> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/CAHuKTxhofw2SeFqCSYyxozFD%3D-8_e0%2B8eReTE%3DepcBom06gftg%40mail.gmail.com.
>
> --
> If you'd like to be added to this discussion group, visit this group at the link below, or simply send email to gswi...@alum.mit.edu with your name and affiliation with West Newton.
> ---
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didi_614
Oct 12, 2025, 5:21:54 PMOct 12
to westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
Thank you Nancy - I agree with you 100 %. It is an accident waiting to happen and we avoid driving on Washington Street. We dont even go to Trader Joes - Prefer to go to the one in Needham- even though it is further away it is safer than trying to drive to the one in West Newton.
Joanne
didi_614
Oct 12, 2025, 5:25:20 PMOct 12
to westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
The reason that there is less crashes is that ALOT of us are avoiding driving on Washington Street. I am sure that the number of cars are Very much reduced on that street now.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/B799D59D-2CCA-4E5B-9D43-2E186C69E35B%40halle.us.
Michael Halle
Oct 12, 2025, 5:36:09 PMOct 12
to westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
As part of the pilot evaluation, the city is collecting traffic counts on Washington Street and connecting roadways.
So we will see.
It took some time for people to get used to, but I find it more predictable to drive on now (except for Dunstan East construction vehicles, but that could have happened in the old configuration as well because of the lane reduction).
As for parallel roads, driving on Watertown Street through the different traffic signals is no great joy, nor is the Austin/Lowell intersection.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/2042287951.2149349.1760304312588%40mail.yahoo.com.
So we will see.
It took some time for people to get used to, but I find it more predictable to drive on now (except for Dunstan East construction vehicles, but that could have happened in the old configuration as well because of the lane reduction).
As for parallel roads, driving on Watertown Street through the different traffic signals is no great joy, nor is the Austin/Lowell intersection.
Ellen Whalley
Oct 12, 2025, 6:48:12 PMOct 12
to westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com, westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
I am interested in seeing how many folks are using the bike oath on a daily basis (wearing helmuts). So we basically have stopped traffic
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 12, 2025, at 10:36 PM, Michael Halle <m...@halle.us> wrote:
>
> As part of the pilot evaluation, the city is collecting traffic counts on Washington Street and connecting roadways.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/5AF3DFF6-82AA-4B72-B351-5B9E19828F4C%40halle.us.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 12, 2025, at 10:36 PM, Michael Halle <m...@halle.us> wrote:
>
> As part of the pilot evaluation, the city is collecting traffic counts on Washington Street and connecting roadways.
Ellen Whalley
Oct 12, 2025, 6:55:01 PMOct 12
to westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com, westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
The proof of the success of this project will be when the residents of Auburndale, West Newton, Newtonville and Nonantum vote in the city election in November. All I can say is please vote. Each of us makes a difference. We elect City Councilors to represent us at the city level on the City Council. Get informed. Read the candidates websites. Talk to your neighbors. Have an opinion. Vote for what you believe in, what you experience as a resident on a day to day level and vote for your values of how you want to live.
You matter!
Best regards,
Ellen
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 12, 2025, at 11:48 PM, Ellen Whalley <epwh...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I am interested in seeing how many folks are using the bike oath on a daily basis (wearing helmuts). So we basically have stopped traffic
You matter!
Best regards,
Ellen
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 12, 2025, at 11:48 PM, Ellen Whalley <epwh...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I am interested in seeing how many folks are using the bike oath on a daily basis (wearing helmuts). So we basically have stopped traffic
Michael Halle
Oct 12, 2025, 8:50:42 PMOct 12
to westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com, westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
About 90% of the students I have seen on the shared use path on 3 Wednesday mornings were wearing helmets.
"So we basically have stopped traffic" - I don't know what this means. In my experience, for more than 23 hours per day traffic on Washington Street moves with little backup. The backup that does happen is either construction related (Dunstan East / Armory), existing (Chestnut), or mostly because of the new safer left turn (Lowell).
In my experience, there is rush hour backup most weekdays for what seems like 20 minute periods. There were also backups before, but the queue is longer because it's one lane. Hopefully the signal can be adjusted so it doesn't impact side streets.
In exchange a growing number of students can get to school safer, and other neighbors have a new place to walk where they don't have to dodge cars.
In a future design, the shared path could be parkland separated from the road, the plantings more plentiful, and the lanes a little wider at some locations. The road would be cheaper and easier to maintain for the city. The street could have normal curbs and less distracting paint.
Snow will be the next test of the pilot, but there's a fair amount of space for snow storage. Hope DPW does a great job.
-Mike
From: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Ellen Whalley <epwh...@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2025 6:48:15 PM
To: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: Washington St (was: Re: [WNewton] 4 Area Councils Debates October 18th & 19th Zervas Schedule)
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2025 6:48:15 PM
To: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: Washington St (was: Re: [WNewton] 4 Area Councils Debates October 18th & 19th Zervas Schedule)
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/47B28AE2-1606-4374-9EFE-D3C3A2542290%40gmail.com.
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