Lisa Gordon: Ward 6 At-Large

Lisa Gordon is a candidate for the Newton City Council in Ward 6 at-large. Learn more about her views from his campaign website , profile, and her responses to the Beacon’s candidate survey:

How would you improve CITY FINANCES in Newton?

I will be transparent about the City’s finances, reviewing expenditures and identifying opportunities to both reduce costs and increase revenues. This includes improving efficiencies through technology, pursuing new economic development while supporting existing businesses, and seeking out grant funding. I am excited to work together to advocate for the City’s long-term financial health.

How would you improve PUBLIC EDUCATION in Newton?

I will continue to build a strong relationship with Superintendent Anna Nolin and the School Committee to ensure that our schools are funded in a predictable and sustainable way. While the City Council does not set educational policy, it can play an important role by supporting our Superintendent, teachers, and staff; promoting excellence in academics, arts, music, and athletics; and ensuring a cohesive approach to budgets, facilities, and long-term planning so that every child feels safe and supported.

How would you improve TRANSPORTATION and INFRASTRUCTURE in Newton?

Modernizing how we plan and track road and sidewalk work, improve communication with residents about projects, and find data-driven solutions to recurring issues like flooding. At the same time, we must push for better regional transit by advocating with MassDOT, state and federal leaders, and neighboring communities to improve the T, commuter rail, bus service, and school transportation, so that all of Newton’s villages are better connected.

How would you improve PUBLIC SAFETY in Newton?

The City Council should actively support efforts that strengthen public safety across all departments, including police, fire, health and human services, traffic, and public works. This means ensuring our first responders have modern facilities, up-to-date equipment, and the best possible training to keep the community safe.

How would you improve PARKS and RECREATION in Newton?

Recent investments in facilities like Albemarle, Gath Pool, Burr, and McGrath have been important steps forward, but concerns remain about fees, outside use of fields, and access to restrooms—issues I am committed to resolving. These spaces are vital to community life, and we must also strengthen the recreational programs that make them such a valued part of Newton. And we have to do a better job of making these recreational spaces accessible and available to the residents who want to use them (i.e. the tennis court lights scheduled at NNHS and NSHS, the soccer nets lock/unlock system, etc).

How would you improve COMMERCE and the LOCAL ECONOMY in Newton?

Newton needs a more proactive approach to economic development. The City should invest in people and resources to promote Newton and attract new businesses, while also addressing concerns about an unpredictable and confusing permitting process. I will listen to local business owners, landlords, and community leaders to understand their needs, take steps to support them, and help our village centers thrive.

How would you improve CLIMATE RESILIENCY and the NATURAL ENVIRONMENT in Newton?

Newton has been a leader in addressing climate change, and I look forward to building on those efforts that continue to preserve our open spaces and tree canopy and maintain Newton’s identity as the Garden City. We urgently need a biodiversity plan in addition to the existing climate action plan. Climate resilience is a critical component of fiscal stability and health.

How would you improve SENIOR LIFE in Newton?

I am very familiar with the challenges Newton’s older adults face as someone whose mother lives in the same house I grew up in. I will draw on my experience to support efforts on housing, transportation, and rising costs across the board. We also must be proactive in taking care of our most vulnerable seniors, including those facing mobility challenges, financial difficulties, or limited family support, ensuring they can live safely and with dignity in our community.

Would you support a Proposition 2 1/2 operating override to fund schools and other city expenses?

The City has multiple opportunities to increase our revenues and ensure we maximize the efficiency of our expenditures. I strongly prefer that all of these options are exhausted before we consider an override.

How would you make Newton a more affordable place to live, for seniors and others?

Newton must consider how all policies affect the City’s overall cost of living, including housing, energy, parking, and utility costs. We must provide a range of housing and ownership opportunities throughout Newton. For example, I am a strong supporter of adaptive reuse as a way to create more housing options and potentially lower the cost of acquisition and construction. We need holistic views of policies that weigh all impacts carefully.

How would you attract more businesses to Newton?

In addition to focusing on economic growth, Newton appeals to both small and larger businesses. Small businesses thrive in our village centers, while larger businesses benefit from locations near Rte. 9, 128, and I‑90. We should actively promote Newton not just for its locations, but for everything the City has to offer, positioning it as a highly competitive place to do business.

Would you support keeping Newton’s “welcoming city” ordinance if it may mean losing millions of dollars in federal funds?

Yes. The Welcoming City ordinance protects those who live here and from a legal perspective, Newton’s ordinance is in compliance with state law — which I would proudly commit to uphold as part of the oath of office of City Councilor in Newton.

Would you support extending the city’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance to include more buildings?

The first buildings just submitted reports about 10 days ago, so I’d need to see positive results for both Newton and building owners and managers before commenting fully.

Do you support keeping or repealing the city’s winter overnight parking ban?

Keeping. I am glad this question is being to put to the residents, and I will respect voters’ decisions if they choose to repeal it, but the City Council will still need to balance community preferences with maintaining parking controls. I see the parking ban issue as a symptom of the larger cause: we need to better manage citywide parking. Regardless of the outcome of the vote the City Council should create a comprehensive parking plan that will work for all neighborhoods and not burden residents. For example, I am concerned that with the reduction in parking for new developments our streets will become more trafficked. For this reason we need a comprehensive plan.

What one big idea or initiative would you champion, once elected?

My #1 priority is that all Newton voices are heard and we work together to strengthen our great City and meet the challenges of the future. As your Ward 6 Councilor-at-Large, I will use a systems-based, whole-of-issue approach to confront everyday challenges facing Newton residents. I will advocate for residents’ concerns and make sure that they have a voice at City Hall. An initiative I will champion is an improved process for residents to log and track sewer issues such as flooding and basement back-ups. I have firsthand experience with this: it happened to both my family and my mom’s!