Newton Mayoral Candidate Amy Sangiolo Speaks Out On Rat Problem

NEWTON, MA — Candidate for Mayor Amy Sangiolo has released a statement on Newton's rat problem, arguing that the city needs to take more responsibility preventing and eliminating rats.

Although rat infestations are a byproduct of construction and persist in many cities and towns in the Boston area, Sangiolo said that residents living in these areas should not "have their quality of life degraded and health put at risk."

"The city should step up and take responsibility to control the exploding rat population, instead of asking residents to address this public health problem on their own," said Sangiolo in a statement.

Sangiolo made the following recommendations for dealing with Newton's rat problem:

• Consult with other cities and towns on measures they are taking for rat control.
• Hire an environmental expert and rat control company to provide on-going pest control to those sections of the city that need it.
• Investigate and address all rodent sightings and provide a response to those reporting.
• Provide a regularly updated map of rat sightings throughout the city.
• Require rodent control plans from developers and levy harsh penalties for those who ignore/violate city policies related to construction site pest control.
• Provide residents with notification of area construction projects.
• Alert residents of rodent sightings in their neighborhood.
• Instruct residents to use the 311 function to report rodent sightings.
• Ensure parks and playgrounds are monitored.
• Hold neighborhood meetings to educate residents on steps they can take to protect their homes and properties from rodents.

More information about Sangiolo's campaign for mayor is available here.