Newton Candidate Profile: Rena Getz Is Running As A Write In

NEWTON, MA — There will be several contested races in this fall's election, including for school committee, at-large city councilors and several ward councilors. Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Rena Getz, 61, lost the preliminary election in September, 46 votes shy of the Kathryn Winters who came in second, nine votes behind Bill Humphrey. Still, Getz isn't giving up on the Ward 5 councilor seat.

Getz and her husband Paul Geltman moved to Newton 25 years ago and together have three children Isabella is a nurse practitioner, Julian is at MIT studying architecture and Ana works with a public health organization worker. Getz herself has a bachelors in biology and chemistry from University of New Mexico. She went on to do course work at George Washington University for a PhD in biochemistry and Neuroscience. For the past seven years she's been a neurochemist.

This isn't Getz's first foray into local politics. She was a founding member of the Waban Area Council and is current vice president.

She took a minute to answer a list of question we sent her. Here's what she said. Her answers have not been edited.

Previously: Newton Election Calendar 2019: What To Know About Election

Are you running for office in Newton? Contact Jenna Fisher at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Newton Patch.

The single most pressing issue facing Newton is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Transparency and meaningful resident participation in our local government and land use planning. I will promote and advocate for resident-led, community- based village center master planning for the three village centers in Upper Falls, the Highlands and Waban.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The years of experience I have in actively participating in our city governance and civic affairs and my deeply rooted belief that I am to represent my Ward's constituents as their local voice and chosen advocate on the City Council.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

The Ward 5 Ward Councilor seat is the open seat and the seat of the people of Ward 5.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

A greener Newton, with strong climate change resiliency supporting amendments to our current zoning code. Supporting the creation of genuine affordable housing, both at market-rate and subsidized, without reliance on high-density luxury units that drive up rental costs and housing prices. Protection of, and additions to, open spaces. parks, playing fields and tree canopy. Policies to help working and middle-class families and local businesses to be able to afford to remain in Newton.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have held Officer positions on the Waban City Council since its inception, currently the Vice President, and have recently co-hosted forums on the proposed new zoning code. I co-chaired the Respect for Human Differences Committee for years while my children attended Angier School and am on the Board of The Friends of Hemlock Gorge.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

"Actively listen to learn what is being said. You can learn something new."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have lived in Newton longer than anywhere else (25 years), and I and my family consider Newton our home. All of my children attended and graduated from the Newton Public Schools.

My favorite aspect of this city is...

The robust level of community volunteerism I see present and active in the city. It makes me proud to be a member of this community. The level of commitment and giving is inspirational and a defining strength of the fabric of our community.

More on Newton Elections:

• Newton Election Calendar 2019: What To Know About Election
• Ward 5 Residents To Head To The Polls Sept. 10
• Humphrey, Winters Win Preliminary Election In Newton's Ward 5

More candidate profiles:

• Kathryn Winters - Ward 5
• Bill Humphrey - Ward 5
• Andreae Downs - At Large Ward 5
• Deb Crossly - At Large Ward 5

• Emily Norton (Incumbent)- Ward 2
• Bryan Barash - Ward 2
• Jake Auchincloss(Incumbent) - At Large Ward 2
• Susan Albright (Incumbent) - At Large Ward 2

Are you running for office in Newton? Contact Jenna Fisher at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Newton Patch.