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- Which Ward 8 candidate thinks the Community Preservation Act (CPA) has run its course in Newton and should be repealed?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

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.

If you have questions that you would like me to ask the candidates, please email your suggestions to ken@kenparker.org.

What do you think about Setti's job so far?
I’ll reserve comment on that until after Mayor Warren presents his Fiscal Year 2012 budget.

If you got elected mayor, would you be making an announcement about higher office 14 months into your term?
No, I spent eighteen years on the Board of Aldermen learning about the operation of Newton’s government.  It would have taken me at least a full four-year term to address our major challenges, such as the structural deficit and consolidating redundant departments and functions.  I would not have considered a run for higher office during my first term.

What is your reaction to the announcement? Do you think Setti would be able to work full-time as Newton's mayor and campaign at the same time?
I do not fault Mayor Warren for considering a run for the U.S. Senate, although I worry that even testing the waters may be a distraction.  However, I will be very critical if he becomes a candidate without resigning his position as mayor, as I do not think he can run for statewide office while giving the job of mayor full-time attention.

Is he leaving too soon?
If he is more passionate about serving in Washington than dealing with local issues like streets, snow, and schools, then by all means he should run for the Senate.  But he should not attempt to do both jobs at the same time.  If he wants to serve in the U.S. Senate, he should give the campaign his full attention and allow someone else to give the City of Newton his or her full attention.

Ironically, these programs are among the most efficent and effective initiatives funded by the Federal government, requiring only modest investments of public dollars to do a great deal of good in communities around the country, while helping to develop leadership skills and traditions of public service.

I'll be traveling to Washington, DC next week to participate in an effort to inform Congressional leaders of both parties how valuable these programs are to communities across America.  If you agree that Americorps is a worthwhile program, please contact your Representatives and Senators in Washington today.  To find out how you can get involved, please visit http://www.saveservice.org/pages/action-center/.

If we fail to act now, a generation of young Americans may be denied the opportunities for public service that have have benefited so many of us as participants and have helped people in need throughout America for generations.

1.  What's your assessment of Setti Warren's first year in office.  How
about the current Board of Aldermen?

2.  Some have used the word "honeymoon" to describe Setti's year, and
suggested the Board has not been active or aggressive enough in capital
planning, do you agree?  Disagree?

3.  What do you think will be the big tests of the administration in 2011?
This could be a financial or political decision, whatever you think is
brewing out there...

Erica tells me the article will probably be published in Thursday or Sunday's Globe West edition.

The show is focused on substantive issues, not rhetoric. You might just learn more about the candidates to lead our state by watching this episode of Common Ground than from watching the actual candidates debate.

Don't miss it!