Progressive Newton

Dear Progressive Newton,

I hope you are doing well. I am proud to announce our 2023 endorsements for City Council.

• Daniel Gaynor (Ward Councilor, Ward 2)
• Doris Ann Sweet (Ward Councilor, Ward 4)
• Martha Bixby (Ward Councilor, Ward 6)
• Holly Ryan (Ward Councilor, Ward 8)
• Deb Crossley (Councilor At-Large, Ward 5)
• Andreae Downs (Councilor At-Large, Ward 5)
• Alicia Bowman (Councilor At-Large, Ward 6)
• Victoria Danberg (Councilor At-Large, Ward 6)

We reviewed all candidates who sought our endorsement holistically, looking at their past actions and experiences, as well as their present values and future commitments. We believe this cohort of endorsees will be excellent progressive champions on the Council. We will be in touch about future ways people can get involved to help these campaigns. 

Some important notes about the endorsement process:

1. After much deliberation, the Progressive Newton Steering Committee decided to only endorse in contested races. Still, we want to give shout-outs to the candidates in uncontested races who gave thoughtful answers to our questions: Andrea Kelley (Ward 3 At-Large) and Becky Grossman (Ward 7 At-Large). We encourage folks to read what they wrote. 
2. All candidates for City Council who are part of our organization recused themselves from the endorsement process. The endorsements above reflect the choices of Progressive Newton’s general membership. 
3. We are allowing all candidates to submit questionnaires until their elections. You can read all of the candidate questionnaires here. 

Additionally, here is information about the dates of every upcoming election in Newton. There is a preliminary in Ward 2 and Ward 6 on September 12th, so if you are in those two wards, stay informed! There is also early voting on September 5th and 6th at City Hall (see the link for more details). 

In Solidarity,

Andrew Steinberg

Progressive Newton Secretary

Dear Progressive Newton,

Over the last year, we have grown so much as an organization. From its inception, Progressive Newton was envisioned as a group that promotes progressive values on both the local and state levels. From the Fair Share Amendment campaign to supporting NPS students on ToBeGLAD Day, we have laid the groundwork for future victories because we have done the work at home. 

To continue this momentum, we have elected a new group of leaders who will steward our community into the next year. Progressive Newton’s 2023-2024 leadership is as follows:

Chair: 

Bill Humphrey

Secretary: 

Andrew Steinberg

Steering Committee:

Terry Altherr

Susan Davidoff

Warren Goldstein

Stav Keshet

Holly Ryan

Although I am still a part of leadership, this email marks my last act as the chair of Progressive Newton. I am fully confident in Bill and this new team to continue the organization’s mission and grow its impact. 

The opportunity to lead Progressive Newton in its first year after revitalization has been an absolute honor. Over the last year, I witnessed firsthand the power of community organizing and met progressive champions who I will call friends for the rest of my life. From the NTA to our Override allies, every person who has joined us over the last year deeply inspires me. As someone whose political adolescence began in 2016, I am energized by and grateful for your politics of hope. Thank you for all you do and all you will do. 

This type of grassroots organizing does not make one rich. It does not always earn glory, and setbacks often happen. Yet, the victories we achieve are because normal people decide to speak up for themselves and their neighbors. They do not remain silent in the face of injustice, and dream of what can be: a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, and have the opportunity to thrive. 

As I step off this virtual soapbox, I remain committed to this work more than ever before. Our air can be cleaner. Our schools can be better funded. Our neighborhoods can be safer – our job is not done. As Progressive Newton’s Secretary, I will continue to help this community and cause for which I am so grateful. If you know someone who would like to join us, please forward them this link and we can sign them up for our regular emails: https://forms.gle/MwSVsEZogamqGP757 

As revitalized Progressive Newton enters year two, we have a lot of major announcements and actions planned. Get ready and I am excited to see you soon! 

Forever In Solidarity,

Andrew Steinberg

Progressive Newton Chair