Seideman For Alderman-At-Large In 2009

     I've known Jeff for years and work with him on the Board of NewTV.  With his skills, knowledge and focus he'd be a tremendous addition to the Board. I enthusiastically support his candidacy.
     Former Mayor Tom Concannon

     Jeff Seideman would definitely be an asset to the Board of Aldermen. His extensive knowledge of city govern- ment and his ability to act as a fiscal watchdog are just what we need in the city of Newton as we tackle the difficult times ahead. Jeff will examine all sides of an issue and he will be open and transparent in everything he does. I look forward to working with him on the Board
     Alderman Jay Harney

     Jeff has been a constant voice articulating the various ways we have lost our way as a city. The time is right for Jeff Seideman to make his mark 'inside the system.' Having seen what happens when a Board of Aldermen won't stand up to a mayor who's off-track, I strongly support the addition of...Jeff to this body come November.
     Dan Fahey, Newton 20/20

     He has the intellect, disposition and analytical skills to be a wonderful Alderman.  I'm pulling for him all the way.
     Mike Striar, former mayoral candidate

     I am thrilled to be able to vote for Jeff Seideman. He has been the voice of reason from the outside all these years.  I want him front and center repre- senting me from now on.
     Emily Norton, education activist

      Questioned at a recent candidates debate by challenger Jeff Seideman, Ward 7 Alderman-at-large Sydra Schnipper was unable to substantiate her claim that Newton’s new garbage and recycling contract is saving the city $7.5 million over the next five years.
     Schnipper has repeatedly claimed during the campaign that the new contract she negotiated as chair of the Solid Waste Commission, is saving the city $1.5 million per year.  Seideman quoted figures from the proposed 2010 budget showing that the new cost for garbage and recycling is the same as previous solid waste contracts.  Read the full story here.
Listen to the exchange yourself.

     On Nov. 3, Newton will face its most important election in decades.  Not only will it pick a new mayor, but voters may place a majority of new faces on the School Committee.  The Board of Aldermen has the opportunity to join this march toward renewal with new faces, new ideas, new energy and, most importantly, new ways of doing things...Read the full op-ed here

    NEWTON – Sept. 18, 2009 – The candidates for Alderman-at-Large from Ward 7 hold strikingly different views on the role of Newton’s Board of Alderman and Mayor.
     In a debate taped last night for Veracity, that will be cablecast next month, Jeff Seideman asserted the Board is a co-equal branch of government, while Sydra Schnipper and Ruthanne Fuller said the Board is subordinate to the Mayor.
     “If we‟ve learned one thing, the hard way, in the last 12 years, it‟s that a weak and obsequious Board encourages reckless behavior by the Mayor. It‟s not just Newton North or poorly maintained infrastructure, it‟s also the abuse of the firefighters and mindless layoffs and program cuts."
     "Regardless of whom our next Mayor is, the Board must grow a backbone,” says Seideman, adding, “starting off with a belief that the Board is subordinate to the Mayor is the wrong way to go.”  (Read the full press release.)

     I'm often asked, "What's your platform?" as if I'm going to propose something that no one ever thought of. 
     The fact is, I want the same things you want -- great schools and libraries, first rate police and fire protection, enriching and supportive programs for the elderly, well lit and maintained parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and roads, protection for the environment, smoothly functioning city services, respect for a diversity of ideas and beliefs, municipal employees who are excited to go to work and a government we can be proud of.  (For a detailed platform, see The Plan.)
     The key to understanding this election and picking a candidate is that it's not about ideology.  Potholes aren't liberal or conservative.  It's about electing leaders with the vision, understanding and courage to straighten out our finances so we can have the resources to get what we want.
     I'm asking for your help and support so I can represent you on the Board of Aldermen just as I have represented you as a reform leader -- with vigilance, knowledge, common sense and courage.  That's how we mobilized the city to defeat an ill conceived override, how we won a unanimous Supreme Court decision to protect our CPA fund, how we pushed for a firefighters contract and how we've won major victories for transparency in city government.  (For Jeff's complete background, see Experience.)
    I hope after reviewing the material here you'll join my campaign.   I span the political divide.  I'm a lifelong Democrat who's supported by Republicans and Independents, an experienced community activist beholden to no one, and an independent thinker, a unifier, who stands for constructive change.
     I need your help in every area of campaigning -- general campaign help, locations for lawn signs, phone callers, and, yes, donations.  Whatever you can do will be a great help and truly appreciated.
     Together, we can win this and make our dreams come true.
 
(Click here for Jeff's short handout (PDF) or a one-page backgrounder (PDF).
or final campaign flyer.  Also, you can jump to The Plan or Experience pages.)