Newton Mayoral Race Is More 'Friendly' Than 'Fire'

NEWTON, MA — One thing that has been missing on the campaign trail so far in Newton as seven mayoral candidates vie for the city to vote for them to be the person calling the shots from city hall, is vitriol.

For some, that's on purpose, for others that's just how Newton operates.

"We have a real opportunity to set an example here coming off the national example. There’s a generation of kids who see politics that way," said Scott Lennon regarding the fighting and contention that happened in the US Elections last year.

"That’s not politics. We right now between the three of us are tying to set an example of being cordial talking about issues. The beauty of politics is really being involved in local community. Not that crap you’re seeing there on the national level," he said.

Amy Mah Sangiolo said she actually couldn't remember a time when a Newton Mayor's race got nasty.

"I think certainly during the forum and debates there haven't been much in terms of conflict," she said, adding she's not shied from pushing her fellow candidates when they've made statements she's thought were vague, particularly when it comes to financing. "Other, than that, no."

Ruthanne Fuller that civil tone highlights one of the special things about Newton.

"I'm so glad that here in Newton we're very different from what's happening elsewhere in the nation. I think we have great affection and respect for each other and i think every candidate who's running for mayor has a good heart and cares deeply for Newton and has a positive vision for Newton," she said.

And it hasn't even occurred to her to drag anyone through the mud, she said.

"I have great respect so it hasn't been a conscious decision. That's how I feel about this city and these candidates."

Eli Katzoff, the youngest mayoral candidate said it was one of the most surprising things about the race to him, a newcomer to politics.

"It's more than surprising to see how warm and welcoming all the candidates were to me," he said.

In fact, when Eli Katzoff suggested having all the candidates work together to create a unified video, to a person, all said they were delighted. Only one candidate couldn't participate on camera, because of the timing. But he supported the effort.

"The more I've gotten to know them, the more I realize that's something as a city that we have — this crop of people that all have a certain respect for one another. No one is at each other's throat," he said.

Following the events in Charlottesville, VA, Newton mayoral Katzoff reached out to his fellow candidates and made a video to show unity among the candidates running for office:

Katzoff's unity video ended up inspiring Fuller to push having all the candidates and the current mayor come together for a special fundraising phone-a-thon at the YMCA to raise money for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, she said.

"I hope we all continue to stay positive and focus on the issues in Newton and not personalities and partisan politics," said Fuller.

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Image via screen shots from youtube