Newton Residents Form Committee To Support Override Ballot Questions

NEWTON, MA — A group of Newton citizens has formed "Vote Yes for Newton," a ballot question committee calling on voters to pass three override questions.

According to the group, the questions would modernize three aging school buildings, support educational excellence and student wellbeing, improve streets and sidewalks, revitalize parks, fields, courts and playgrounds, expand services for our older residents, grow the city's tree canopy, and reduce Newton’s carbon footprint.

Vote Yes for Newton is a grassroots organization co-chaired by Newton residents Christine Dutt and Kerry Prasad. It was created in response to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s Oct. 17 proposal to the City Council to raise $14.9 million in additional tax revenue to address critical city needs.

Once the City Councilors approve the override request, Newton voters will be able to vote for the override on March 14, 2023.

“We know that the education we provide for our children and the services we offer our older residents define us as a community,” Prasad said in a statement. "The proposed override is great for Newton because it will rebuild three elementary schools and invest $9,175,000 annually into city services, including $4,500,000 to Newton Public Schools and funding to expand services for our older residents. It has become clear that the restrictions of Proposition 2 1/2 on our tax levy will not enable us to address these critical needs in the near term.”

“The override questions will fund improvements that touch the daily life of all Newton residents. Aging and obsolete schools at Countryside, Franklin, and Horace Mann will be renovated or replaced,” Dutt added. "Students at these schools will have right-sized classrooms and common learning spaces that every school needs today. Our city will move closer to environmental sustainability and climate resiliency by transitioning city and school buildings away from fossil fuels and by replanting our tree canopy. Our roads and sidewalks will be repaired so we can safely walk, bike, and drive in Newton.”

In the coming weeks and months, Vote Yes for Newton will reach out to individuals and groups throughout the community. Those who are interested in volunteering or have questions may email info@VoteYesforNewton.org.