To the Editor:

At a time when federal politics has become a synonym for “the grift,” Newton residents should expect their local government to be the ethical antidote. Instead, our City Council is signaling that its top priority is not the community’s benefit, but its own compensation.

The first 100 days of a new administration define an agenda. By choosing to prioritize a salary and benefits increase, our Council has told us exactly what it values. It is a bold move for a body that remains paralyzed by petty infighting and an inability to tackle pressing issues.

Consider the “do-nothing” ledger of this bloated, 24-member Council: They failed to pass a basic Code of Conduct. They have ignored urgent charter changes that would right-size the Council or at least move costly, low-turnout local elections to the federal calendar. They have made zero substantive changes to a calamitous budget process that left our schools scrambling for funds during recent years. They haven’t even addressed the urgent safety repairs needed for a dangerous dam.

Instead of leading, this Council relitigates the same stale fights over parking and zoning. Public service should be about sacrifice and solutions, not the preservation of power for a political class entrenched in City Hall.

Mayor Laredo promised that he wouldn’t levy more taxes for public education unless the investment could be justified. He has repeatedly insisted that “Newton should be different.” If that is true, how can his administration justify asking residents to pay more for the salaries of a School Committee and Council that has yet to produce results for the people?

If our politicians want a raise, they should try earning one first by doing the public service they were elected to do.

Sincerely,

Enrique Rosero
Newton Centre