Marc Laredo

Marc Laredo is a candidate for Newton Mayor. Learn more about his views from his campaign website, the Beacon’s profile, and his responses to the Beacon’s candidate survey:

How would you improve CITY FINANCES in Newton?

We will be transparent, candid, and clear regarding the state of the city’s finances. We will carefully review city expenditures to make sure that we are providing city services efficiently and effectively, and we will explain to our residents the important tradeoffs that we have had to make in order to live within our financial means. As noted below, we will take a more proactive approach to economic development which, in turn, will help the city’s financial situation.

How would you improve PUBLIC EDUCATION in Newton?

The Newton Public Schools are a critical priority. I am a proud graduate of the Newton Public Schools, the parent of three children (and a daughter-in-law) who also are graduates of the Newton Public Schools, and served as a member of the School Committee for eight years, including as vice chair and then chair. 

I will work closely with Superintendent Anna Nolin and the School Committee to ensure that we fund our schools in a predictable, sustainable way; promote academic excellence; bolster our extracurricular activities; and make sure that every child feels safe and secure in school. 

How would you improve TRANSPORTATION and INFRASTRUCTURE in Newton?

As someone who walks, runs, bikes, and drives in Newton, I am keenly aware of the need to improve the condition of our streets and sidewalks. We will undertake a comprehensive review of our roads program to do this work more efficiently and effectively and enhance our communications with our residents regarding expected construction work.

Working closely with our state and federal legislative delegations, as well as the leaders of neighboring communities, we will advocate for better commuter rail and transit services in Newton and the region.

How would you improve PUBLIC SAFETY in Newton?

We have excellent public safety services in Newton, and I am proud to have been endorsed by all three public safety unions (the two police unions and the firefighters union). We must ensure that our police and firefighters have up to date facilities and equipment and first-rate training.

How would you improve PARKS and RECREATION in Newton?

The Parks and Recreation Department provides vital city services that bring residents together. We will create a strategic plan to review the condition of all our athletic fields, playgrounds, open spaces, and other recreational areas, including Crystal Lake.  We then will implement that plan. We also will continue and enhance the successful programs that are so important to Newton residents.

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

We need a more proactive approach to economic development.  We will listen to local business owners, commercial landlords, and other local business leaders to understand their needs and concerns.  We then must do our best to address those needs, including taking affirmative steps to make each of our village centers thrive.  It also means that we will reach out to businesses elsewhere in Massachusetts, in the country, and internationally to promote Newton as a great place to have a business.

Arts and Culture are an important part of our local economy.  I will establish a separate department of Arts and Culture dedicated to promoting and enhancing arts and culture in the city.

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 continuing and enhancing those efforts in ways that meet our environmental goals while also ensuring that any requirements we establish are fair and reasonable. This will include addressing stormwater issues, preserving our open spaces and tree canopy, and reducing our carbon footprint in the Garden City.

How would you improve SENIOR LIFE in Newton?

I am excited about the opening of the Cooper Center for Active Living. This new facility, which will be operated by the Senior Services Department, will allow us to greatly expand the program offerings for our seniors. We also need to be proactive in helping our most vulnerable seniors, including those with mobility issues, financial difficulties, and/or lack of support from family and friends.

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

Yes, We must have a strong case to make to the voters before even considering the possibility of an operating override.  First, we need to ensure that we are providing municipal and school services in as efficient a manner as possible.  Second, we must reach a point where additional high-value services can only be provided with additional funding and cannot be provided with existing resources. Third, we must be thoughtful and deliberate before we ask the voters to increase their taxes, and I will not do so lightly. 

Do you support increasing school budgets and, if so, how would you pay for it aside from passage of an override and School Choice?

I will be fully supportive of the Newton Public Schools and will do my best to increase funding for them – they are a key priority for me and for our entire community.  At the same time, we also must provide the other city services that our residents need and expect: our streets and sidewalks, excellent public safety; athletic fields, playgrounds, and open spaces; and services to our seniors, among others. We will always look for efficiencies in how we deliver city services.

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

Newton is a highly desirable city, and that also makes it a more expensive place to live. We have approved multiple new developments in the city (and I expect more in the future) and those will help provide additional housing options.  Making Newton more affordable also means being thoughtful and careful about tax increases and fees for city services.

Would you support keeping Newton’s “welcoming city” ordinance if it may mean losing millions of dollars in federal funds? (The “welcoming city” ordinance, approved in 2017, prohibits local law enforcement and city officials from arresting, investigating or alerting federal authorities about someone based solely on immigration status, with some exceptions.)

Yes. As the son of immigrants, I fully support the “welcoming city” ordinance.  It’s the right policy—in terms of public safety, health and city services–and it’s also the right moral position for our city.

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

Keeping. I believe that the winter parking ban serves important public safety purposes, especially in winters with heavy snow. However, I will respect the will of the voters and, if they vote to eliminate it, will not try to undo that vote.

How should the city address the rise in crime seen over the past few years?

Different types of crime required different responses. I support our police officers, and it is important that they have the resources, including proper staffing levels as well as social workers, to do their work.

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

Municipal government is about the basics: top notch schools; maintaining streets and sidewalks; and making sure that the trash is picked up, the streets are plowed after a snowstorm, and police and fire respond when needed. But a great city – and Newton is a great city – goes beyond the basics by providing robust arts and culture; well-maintained athletic fields, playgrounds, recreational facilities, and open spaces; and exciting programs for all age groups. Every single day we will strive to deliver excellent services, provide outstanding customer service, and promote a sense of community among the residents of Newton.