Welcome

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my web site.

I am also experimenting with a blog (www.ruthannefuller.blogspot.com). I will occasionally post some thoughts on the issues Newton is facing, information about topical meetings and events, and my perspective as a freshman on the job of an Alderman at Large. Feel free to stop by the blog for a visit — to read and perhaps to comment on what I’m noticing and what you’re finding — Newton needs residents to voice their opinions as we make difficult choices. 

You can also be in touch with me via email (ruthannefuller@gmail.com) or by telephone at 617-738-5311 if you have a question or to let me know about an issue that concerns you.

I ran for Newton’s Board of Aldermen for the first time in 2009 because I believed that the City of Newton needs to implement significant changes in 2010. With an energized Board of Aldermen working with our new Mayor, Setti Warren, Newton can create a clear vision and economic plan for the City’s future consistent with both the values of its citizens and a sober analysis of available resources.

I believe Newton needs policies that will:

• Provide strong financial management
• Increase the productivity of our government
• Preserve our neighborhoods while increasing economic development
• Invest in our infrastructure

My goals as an Alderman are to:

• Increase the productivity of our municipal government, especially through the creative use of technology, and consolidation, outsourcing and regionalization;
• Restore our crumbling school and municipal buildings, roads, equipment and parks;
• Pursue “smart growth” development opportunities that ensure the economic vitality and diversity of our commercial centers while preserving our residential neighborhoods;
• Moderate the growth in all aspects of the City’s costs, reducing the scope of services where appropriate;
• Encourage and support the School Committee as it develops innovative teaching paradigms and deploys educational technology that provide our children with an excellent education in a cost effective manner;
• Act transparently and resolutely in making the need for difficult choices clear to all our citizens; and,
• Modernize management practices, financial planning, and the zoning process by working closely with city employees.

Committee Assignments: I’m looking forward to getting traction on these ideas on the committees that the President of the Board of Aldermen, Scott Lennon, has assigned me:

• Finance Committee (financial policy, oversight and review; operating and capital budget; auditing and accounting)
• Public Safety and Transportation Committee (police, fire, civil defense, traffic, public transportation)
• Committee on Community Preservation (historic preservation, open space, affordable housing)
• Long Range Planning Committee

A Fresh Approach and Responsible Change: The Board of Aldermen needs to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. Newton needs to be clear about its goals, put resources towards the highest priorities—schools, fire and police, roads and parks, and neighborhoods—and measure the results relentlessly.

Aspirations: Beyond fiscal responsibility and efficient public administration, I have greater aspirations for the City of Newton and its government:

• We should build strong neighborhoods in which we know our neighbors and help look out for them,
• We should strengthen our village centers so that are vibrant, providing gathering places and stores and shops that satisfy our everyday needs.
• We should encourage the building of a variety of housing types to meet the different needs of our residents.
• We should provide high quality yet cost efficient city services, including schools, parks, police and fire, and libraries.
• We should help take care of our children, our seniors, and those with special needs or family circumstances.

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