We’re lucky to live in a city with so many talented public servants and engaged citizens.
Seven made the courageous decision to run for mayor. We should celebrate each of them—and our City Council and School Committee candidates. It is hard and humbling work to put yourself out there in this way.
The remaining two are some of our finest residents, our favorite neighbors. It’s not an easy choice. Many believe they’d be well-served by either.
I’ll be casting my vote for Ruthanne Fuller on November 7th. I hope you will, too.
I’m compelled by her commitment to service, her character, and her clear fit for City Hall.
She was one of the first people I met when my family moved here years ago. A mutual friend introduced her as “incredibly committed and dedicated to making Newton a better place.” That is exactly who Ruthanne is.
She gets into the arena, gets into the details, and gets things done. Her long-standing leadership on the City Council is compelling but her lifelong commitment to this work is even more impressive. She’s raised her children to be servant leaders, too.
She has endless energy and boundless compassion. I’m always struck by her warmth, as friendly and funny with my wife and me as with our three young kids (and any four-legged friend in sight).
She has the courage and creativity to take on our (many) looming challenges. She works tirelessly. She can work with anyone. And she never forgets who she is working for: you.
A mayor must match his or her city. I’ve had the great privilege to work for two exceptional city leaders in Mayor Menino and Mayor Bloomberg. They fit their cities and Ruthanne fits ours.
We’re a community with strong convictions. We’re not afraid to disagree, agreeably, over leaves, lots, charters, and more. That’s who we are and proudly so. Among 89,000+ people and 13 villages, many voices need to be heard.
But progress requires tough choices and we need a leader who can listen respectfully, speak honestly, and then act. Ruthanne’s record shows she’ll do just that.
She is the right CEO for our city. More importantly, she has surrounded herself with an incredibly talented team. She’ll do the same in City Hall.
At its core, government is about helping people. So is Ruthanne. I couldn’t be more excited to see her as our next mayor.
Matt Segneri