Newton's Ward 3 Scandal: Cote Calls For Malakie, Norton To Resign

NEWTON, MA — Ward 3 Newton City Council candidate Jim Cote has called for Councilors Julia Malakie and Emily Norton to resign following what he is calling an "illegal smear campaign" that was brought to light days after the 2021 election.

The issue was first reported Nov. 3 by Newton resident Jerry Reilly, who shared information on Village 14 about several last-minute efforts that seemed like an attempt to sabotage Cote's campaign, including an email sent out by a fake political group and the dispersal of fliers labeling Cote a Trump Republican.

A door camera photo unveiled that the fliers were being dispersed by Norton, a self-proclaimed Malakie supporter who said she was not trying to hide her identity while handing them out and simply wanted to warn voters of Cote's conservatism. However, Cote said he has worked with Norton for eight years and his political leanings have always been out in the open.

"As an experienced, former City Councilor I ran a positive high energy campaign based on my accomplishments and potential for you as the resident," said Cote in an email to West Newton residents Wednesday. "I personally knocked on 2,795 doors, hand delivering my initial flyer of introduction, raised campaign funds from over 50 individuals, stood outside in all weather conditions at the schools and intersections for 2 hours each morning for the month prior to the election, and sought out endorsements from the widest range of endorsers, of many different backgrounds and issues never previously seen by one candidate in recent memory."

Cote also said Malakie "focused on the negatives" during her campaign and "misrepresented" his positions, claiming he did not fire back in return.

"Not once did I make a negative comment about my opponent nor did I attempt to represent her views to the voters," he said.

Following the "political ambush," Malakie said in an email that she did not know about the fake email or the flier until they were already released and had no part in attempting to bring down Cote's campaign.

Since the election, Cote said he has filed a police report with the Newton Police Department that has made its way to the Attorney General's office and the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance. As of Tuesday, the email list vendor identified at least two falsely set up accounts, but the names of the people involver have not been released.

Cote is now calling for Malakie and Norton to resign and for the city to call a Special Election, arguing that it Is the only way to right these wrongs and maintain the faith of voters.

"Not taking these actions will mean that future candidates will think twice before running for office," he said. 'The games played by these City Councilors mean that you can campaign as hard as I did, and then a criminal conspiracy is put together to torpedo these efforts in the days prior to the election. Who would run with this game in play?"