Ward 8 Candidates Advocate Radical Ideas

Winning the Ward 8 Aldermanic Debate from barbara John on Vimeo.

I just got a chance to watch the Ward 8 candidate debate that I moderated during the summer and was surprised by the bold (some would say rash) ideas being proposed by some of the candidates.  All three candidates demonstrated strong command of the issues and gave some thoughtful answers, but they also said a few things that might raise eyebrows.

Before you vote this Tuesday, you should watch this video to find out:

- Which Ward 8 candidate thinks the Community Preservation Act (CPA) has run its course in Newton and should be repealed?

- Which candidate thinks that the potential impact on school overcrowding should not be a consideration when the Board of Aldermen deliberates Special Permit applications for new housing developments?

- Which candidate wants to cut special education spending?

- Which candidate thinks that Mayor Warren's budget process is exactly the same as Mayor Cohen's?

You might be surprised by the answers. . .

Solve the federal budget deficit

The NY Times has published a fun interactive graphic that lets you do what Congress and the President have not been able to manage:  balancing the federal budget.

Try your hand at it:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html

Then email it to the candidates for U.S. Senate and ask them to fill it out.  Any that refuse to reveal their preferences don't deserve serious consideration.

Amazon.com: please charge me sales tax

I love Amazon.com, but it is not fair to brick and mortar retailers that Amazon gets away with undercutting prices by avoiding sales tax.  Also, it reduces state tax revenue, forcing us to cut back services or pay more in other taxes and fees.  As a loyal Amazon customer, I ask you:  please start chargning me sales tax.

Where's the snow?

I got an automated call from the City of Newton last night at 4:22 AM informing me that a snow emergency had been declared.  Did anyone else get awakened by this informative message or was I the only recipient?  It is a little cool for June 25, but I don't see any flakes (although there may be some running Newton's automated calling system).