I am Groot Gregory and a resident of Newton for a little over 20 years. I have been an advocate and active participant promoting STEM education since moving to Massachusetts in 1987 and more recently extending my activities to City affairs through the Newton Highlands Area Council.

I am running for the Charter Review Commission to investigate and suggest ways to improve how our City is structured so its residents have a greater voice in the policy process and so we can reduce the politics in making small local decisions. I feel residents are able to affect changes on a block by block basis but feel left out when envisioning what we all want Newton to be and become in the future. I believe the Charter offers this opportunity and I believe that I can play a positive role evaluating potential changes, evaluating the benefits and consequences, and presenting a plan to the whole community.

I have stated that I like the idea and the role that Neighborhood Area Councils can play, providing community engagement and a focused forum for our diverse villages. I am not a fan of term limits but can see staggered terms as a way of promoting more competitive electoral races. And the question of City Council (BOA) size must be coupled with the roles and responsibility we, as residents, bestow upon our elected officials.

I have limited experience in the public domain spending most of my career in the private technology sector. In industry, my job is comprised of listening to the market, proposing product changes, and building consensus within my organization to improve what we can offer. In my mind, those skills are not too far from what will be needed on the Charter Commission.

I look forward to hearing from you and ask for your vote on November 3rd.

Groot Gregory
296 Lake Ave
www.grootgregory.com

Note: This statement is posted to Village 14 and the Newton Tab Blog.