Politics & Government

Newton Mayor-Elect Announces Transition Team

Mayor-Elect Fuller invites all residents to join her at a series of 'Out-of-Office Hours' she will be hosting.

From Mayor-Elect Ruthanne Fuller: Mayor-Elect Ruthanne Fuller is pleased to announce the formation of the Transition Team. A three-member Executive Committee of co-chairs Sarah Ecker, Gloria Gavris, and Aaron Goldman and thirty-four committee members will assist the Mayor-Elect as she prepares to become Mayor on January 1, 2018.

Sarah Ecker is a community leader and former interim Community Engagement Director and Chief Financial Officer for Mayor Setti Warren and lives in Newtonville. Gloria Gavris is a community leader and Chair of the West Suburban YMCA and lives in Chestnut Hill. Aaron Goldman served as a long- time aide to Mayor Setti Warren throughout his two terms and lives in West Newton.

Transition Team Members Include: Alicia Bowman, Nicole Castillo, Al Cecchinelli, John Dalzell, Seana Gaherin, Tom Gloria, Holly Gunner, Kalpana Guttman, Adrienne Hartzell, Reverend Howard Haywood, Jennifer Huntington, Judy Jacobson, David Jellinek, Jonathan Kantar, Eli Katzoff, Anne Larner, Lois Levin, Jennifer MacIntyre, Arthur Magni, Howard Mintz, Srdjan Nedeljkovic, Chloe O'Neil (Newton North HS '18), Nathan Phillips, Angela Pitter-Wright, Tyrone Powell, Joe Prestejohn, Jack Prior, Jeffrey Sacks, City Councilor Amy Mah Sangiolo, Teresa Sauro, Sydra Schnipper, John Sisson, Rabbi Keith Stern, Jay Walter.

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The team, which was assembled following the election, will give recommendations for the incoming administration in six areas: Community Engagement & Community Life; An All-Age Friendly Newton; Village Vitality, Economic Development & Housing Affordability; Environmental Sustainability; Transportation & Infrastructure; and Public Safety & Public Health.

“I am thrilled to have such a diverse, talented, and committed group of citizens from all across Newton willing to lend their time and expertise to our Transition Team as we work to make Newton the best it can be,” said Mayor-Elect Fuller. “Each member has a deep knowledge of and love for Newton.”

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Mayor-Elect Fuller encourages all Newtonians to offer their ideas, comments, and suggestions on ways to move Newton forward to her and the Transition Team. Thoughts can be submitted through the Fuller for Mayor website here by clicking on the “Contact” tab on the main menu, or by emailing Ruthanne directly at ruthanne@ruthannefuller.com.

Mayor-Elect Fuller also invites all residents to join her at a series of “Out-of-Office Hours” she will be hosting across the city to directly engage with residents prior to her inauguration.

“During my campaign, I learned so much by knocking on doors and hearing from Newton residents on their own doorsteps and in their villages. I’m setting up these ‘Out-of-Office Hours’ to have casual conversations across Newton before taking office,” said Fuller. “All are welcome to attend—adults, families, and business people. Drop in for a few minutes to say hello or join us for the whole session. As Mayor, I plan to have an open door policy at City Hall as well as active outreach into the community—and this is a first step towards that goal. I hope to see you there!”

Mayor-Elect Fuller invites all to the following drop-in sessions between now and her inauguration on January 1, 2018.

Tuesday, November 28th, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

  • Breadsong Bakery/Auburndale Community Library, 349 Auburn Street

Tuesday, November 28th, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

  • Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant, 743 Washington Street

Wednesday, November 29th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

  • West Street Tavern & Restaurant, 7 West Street

Saturday, December 2nd, 3:00 - 4:30 pm

  • L’Aroma Café, 15 Spencer Street

Monday, December 4th, 5:00 - 6:30 pm

  • Shake Shack, The Street At Chestnut Hill, 49 Boylston Street

Tuesday, December 5th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

  • O’Hara’s Food & Spirits, 1185 Walnut Street

Saturday, December 9th, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

  • Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street

Wednesday, December 13th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

  • Dunn-Gaherin’s Food & Spirit, 344 Elliot Street

Thursday, December 14th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

  • Bill’s Pizzeria, 753 Beacon Street

Photo by Jenna Fisher (Patch)