Should Newton Aldermen Change Title to Councilor?

The Newton Democratic Committee recently endorsed a proposal to change the title of the Board of Aldermen to “City Council.”

The committee said the gender-neutral term will encourage more woman to seek office.

“Our members clearly thought it was time for a change,” said committee member Shawn Fitzgibbons in a statement. “We need to make it crystal clear, through the language we use, that women deserve an equal seat in government. The term Alderman is from a different time and just doesn’t accomplish that goal.”

The board could decide on the proposal in the coming weeks.