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<h3>My Professional Life</h3>I am one of the founders and the former managing partner of my Boston-based law firm, Laredo, Smith &amp; Kane, LLP, where I concentrate my practice in the areas of business litigation and general business law. A considerable amount of my practice has involved working with small and medium-size businesses, advising them on issues such as the initial formation and maintenance of the business entity, contract and employment matters, crisis situations, and exit strategies. I know how to manage an organization and resolve the issues that businesses face on a daily basis.&nbsp;Early in my career, I served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Bureau of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, where I handled appellate cases and economic crimes prosecutions and wrote the winning brief in a case that was decided by the United States Supreme Court.I am honored to have been selected by Super Lawyers as one of the Top 100 lawyers in Boston. I have also been active in professional affairs, including serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Massachusetts Law Review, an author of numerous articles, a speaker at many continuing education programs, and a member of the Boston Bar Association’s Law Firm Leadership Forum.

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A MAYOR FOR ALL NEWTON RESIDENTS

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“I love this city and have proudly served its residents for over 20 years. I am profoundly grateful to have been raised in Newton and to have raised my family here. As your Mayor, I will be transparent, open-minded, and always put Newton residents first.”

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As your Mayor, I will always remember that I work for you - the nearly 90,000 residents of this city.

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<h2>Privacy Policy</h2>This Privacy Policy describes how your personal information is collected, used, and shared when you visit <a href="http://www.teamschwartz.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.laredofornewton.com</a> (the “Site”).​PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECTWhen you visit the Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies that are installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Site, we collect information about the individual web pages or products that you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Site, and information about how you interact with the Site. We refer to this automatically-collected information as “Device Information.”We collect Device Information using the following technologies: “Cookies” are data files that are placed on your device or computer and often include an anonymous unique identifier. For more information about cookies, and how to disable cookies, visit <a href="http://www.allaboutcookies.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">http://www.allaboutcookies.org</a>.“Log files” track actions occurring on the Site, and collect data including your IP address, browser type, Internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps.“Web beacons,” “tags,” and “pixels” are electronic files used to record information about how you browse the Site.Additionally when you submit a form or make or donation through the Site, we collect certain information from you, including your name, billing address, email address, and phone number. We refer to this information as “Order Information.”When we talk about “Personal Information” in this Privacy Policy, we are talking both about Device Information and Order Information.HOW DO WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?We use this Order Information to:Communicate with you;Screen our orders for potential risk or fraud; andWhen in line with the preferences you have shared with us, provide you with information or advertising relating to our products or services.We use the Device Information that we collect to help us screen for potential risk and fraud (in particular, your IP address), and more generally to improve and optimize our Site (for example, by generating analytics about how our customers browse and interact with the Site, and to assess the success of our marketing and advertising campaigns), and may use this information to provide retargeting advertising at a later date.SHARING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATIONOur organization maintains strict privacy policies to protect the personal information of our users obtained for text message communications. This information is never sold, rented, released, or traded to others without prior consent or legal obligation. Any sharing of information with third parties is solely for the purpose of fulfilling the organization's obligations to the user. We guarantee that it will never be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.OPT-OUTSMS Opt-Out: If you are receiving text messages from us and wish to stop receiving them, simply respond with either “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE” to the number from which you received the message. Once we receive your message, you will no longer receive further text messages from us.​DO NOT TRACKPlease note that we do not alter our Site’s data collection and use practices when we see a Do Not Track signal from your browser.YOUR RIGHTS IN EUROPEIf you are a European resident, you have the right to access personal information we hold about you and to ask that your personal information be corrected, updated, or deleted. If you would like to exercise this right, please contact us through the contact information below.Additionally, if you are a European resident we note that we are processing your information in order to fulfill contracts we might have with you (for example if you make an order through the Site), or otherwise to pursue our legitimate business interests listed above. Additionally, please note that your information will be transferred outside of Europe, including to Canada and the United States.DATA RETENTIONWhen you place an order through the Site, we will maintain your Order Information for our records unless and until you ask us to delete this information.MINORSThe Site is not intended for individuals under the age of 18 by election day.CHANGESWe may update this privacy policy from time to time in order to reflect, for example, changes to our practices or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons.CONTACT USFor more information about our privacy practices, if you have questions, or if you would like to make a complaint, please contact us by email at <a href="mailto:team@teamschwartz.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">team@laredofornewton.com</a>

<h2>We need your help!</h2><h3>Fill out your information to learn how you can help Team Laredo, including:</h3><ul><li>Offering your public endorsement</li><li>Having a lawn sign</li><li>Sending emails and/or making phone calls</li><li>Hosting an event</li><li>Canvassing in your neighborhood</li><li>Working the polls on election day</li></ul><h4>Every minute of your time makes an impact. Anyone can get involved. We're grateful for your support!</h4>

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<h3>My Personal Story</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/2aaa079f-124b-4998-a27e-e5403420b536/f40b34e8-2114-4b8f-a5f6-c9c102f9c885/f40b34e8-2114-4b8f-a5f6-c9c102f9c885.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C193%2C262&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">My parents were Jewish immigrants from Europe.&nbsp; My father left Nazi Germany as a teenager in 1938, and my mother came to the United States from Czechoslovakia in 1948, after having been a child survivor of the Terezin concentration camp and as the Communist regime was taking power.We moved to Newton when I was a small child, and I attended the Newton Public Schools (Cabot, Bigelow, and Newton North), as did my younger brother and sister. At Newton North, I ran cross-country (where I was one of the captains) and indoor and outdoor track, wrote for the school newspaper, and was the co-business manager of the high school yearbook.Growing up, my parents instilled in us a love of this country, the value of education as a path to success, the need to work hard, and the importance of being involved in our community.&nbsp;As a small child, I remember standing at the polls while my mother held a sign for a candidate.&nbsp; Voting was a sacred obligation, because it represented the importance of democratic government and an especially important right of citizenship for my immigrant parents.I had my first official job when I was 11 years old, delivering newspapers before school.&nbsp; When I was in high school and during part of college, I worked as a busboy, waiter, short order cook (a surprise to my family since I am the worst cook among us) and night manager at the Pewter Pot restaurant in Newtonville. At the same time, I spent several summers working for the City of Newton’s Recreation Department as a playground leader.But I also know from first-hand experience that appearances are not everything.&nbsp; My father was diagnosed with leukemia when I was a teenager and died after my sophomore year of college, and my family had serious financial difficulties during this time.&nbsp; I had to give my paper route savings to help my family get by.&nbsp; Yet, none of our friends or neighbors knew about these troubles.After my father’s death, my mother insisted that I return to college, and my brother, sister, and I earned undergraduate and graduate degrees.&nbsp; I was fortunate enough to attend Cornell University (where I met my wife Roberta) and the University of Pennsylvania Law School with the help of considerable scholarships and loans, as well as full-time jobs in the summer and part-time jobs during the school year.Roberta and I returned to Newton to raise our three children, who are now 34, 31, and 19, and all are graduates of the Newton Public Schools, as is our daughter-in-law.&nbsp; Roberta is a dietitian with a private practice in Newton Centre, the co-President of the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood, and a member of Temple Emanuel’s board of directors. As do many families, we have juggled raising our family with our work and community activities.

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<h3>My Civic Life</h3>I am the President of the Newton City Council and have been an elected member of Newton’s city government since 2002. I first served for eight years on the School Committee (where I served as vice chair and then chair) and then, after a two-year break, as a City Councilor-at-Large from Ward 7 since 2012.In addition to serving as an elected official, I have also been actively involved in other community activities, including at Temple Emanuel, where I served on the Board of Trustees and co-chaired the Nominating and Governance Committee; a member of the Board of Directors of Middlesex&nbsp; Partnerships for Youth; the chair of the Ward 7 Democratic Committee; and a Newton youth soccer coach for many years.

Highlights from my time serving Newton's residents:

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"My personal, professional, and civic experience shapes my leadership approach and vision for Newton. I grew up in Newton, raised my family in Newton, and have served our city government for over 20 years."

<h4>Meet Marc: Personal Life</h4>Watch Marc discuss his personal background, in the inaugural video of our ongoing "Meet Marc" series. Learn more about Marc's many years in Newton, including his industrious beginnings as a paperboy and short order cook!

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<h3>Marc's Civic Life</h3>Listen to Marc explain the principles that have guided him through 14 years on the City Council and 8 years on the School Committee.

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As your Mayor, one of the most important responsibilities I will have is creating and managing the city’s budget each year. This entails being clear and transparent about city revenues and expenditures, considering all needs and then explaining funding decisions. I will carefully scrutinize our spending to make sure that we are using our money wisely and efficiently to address current needs, invest for our future with capital expenditures, maintain appropriate reserves for emergencies, and meet our long-term pension and other commitments to our former employees.Under state law, Newton is obligated to fully fund our pension obligations by 2040, and our city’s retirement board has required us to complete this funding by 2032. (Under state law, the retirement board has the unilateral right to make this demand).&nbsp; Meeting this obligation will put a significant strain on city finances for the next eight years.&nbsp; As Mayor, I will consult with financial experts and relevant stakeholders for thoughtful, creative ways to address this issue.

Delivering a balanced budget requires making difficult choices and carefully scrutinizing our spending. As Mayor, I will ensure we are spending wisely and efficiently so that we can fully address our current needs, plan for unforeseen emergencies, and make investments in our future.

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Maintaining sound fiscal policies

Dear friends,Happy New Year! This month, I will preview key issues for the City Council in 2025, share information about the city’s recently completed “Aging in Newton: A Community Needs Assessment,” summarize the importance of the recently enacted BERDO ordinance, and give an update on my campaign.City Council Work in 2025Much of the City Council’s work relates to zoning and land use issues, and 2025 will be no exception. Here are a few topics of note:<ul><li>The Zoning and Planning Committee will continue to consider responses to teardowns of less expensive homes to be replaced by larger and more expensive ones, as well as how to help new development fit in better with its surroundings. In addition, it will also work on adjusting the existing ordinances about accessory apartments to meet recent changes in state law, modifying the Village Center Overlay District zoning as needed to comply with state law, having the zoning match the underlying use where feasible, and making the rules for commercial and industrial zoning fit better with the properties they affect.</li><li>The Land Use Committee is likely to see the return of the Riverside (for the fourth time!) and Northland projects as the developers seek to change their mixed-use proposals to ones that are entirely or primarily apartments. While I understand the economic realities that developers throughout the region are facing due to the lack of demand for certain types of commercial space, as a city we should be concerned about this trend. Commercial development is critical for our city’s finances – it is taxed at a higher rate and uses far fewer city services than residential development. As Mayor, I will lead our efforts to think creatively about how we encourage commercial development in the city.</li><li>The Real Property Reuse Committee will receive the report of the Joint Advisory Planning Group (JPAG) for the Walker Center (the property in Auburndale next to Williams Elementary School) and then will be tasked with determining how to best reuse that parcel. This may require resolving potentially competing priorities: expanding Williams School and providing additional multi-family housing in the city.</li><li>Electrification will be an important topic for the Public Facilities Committee as we continue our efforts to transition from fossil fuels. This is a particularly challenging task for our City Council given the relatively limited regulatory authority that local municipalities have regarding utility companies.</li><li>As always, we will undertake our annual budget review in April and May.</li></ul>Aging in NewtonIn conjunction with the groundbreaking for the new Cooper Center for Active Living (set to open in the fall of 2025), the city’s Department of Older Adult Services commissioned an assessment of our services for older adults in Newton. Tonight (January 7), there will be a presentation on the assessment in the Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free Library (you also can attend virtually – email <a href="mailto:seniorprograms@newtonma.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">seniorprograms@newtonma.gov</a> or call 617-796-1675 for the link).The report prepared by the University of Massachusetts Boston, entitled “<a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Mjg3NDA4NTIzMjIxNTkzMixcInJcIjoxNDI4NzQwOTk1NTA1MjExMjJ9IiwicyI6Ijg2NWE1MDhjZWJlNzgxMTUifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Aging in Newton: A Community Needs Assessment</a>,” is an important guide for how we can improve our older adult services. As a City Councilor now, and hopefully as your Mayor, I am keenly interested in your feedback on this report and any other ideas you have on making Newton an even better place to live for our seniors.BERDOOn December 16, the City Council passed the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), a significant step in addressing climate change in Newton. Our BERDO ordinance requires commercial building owners to report on the level of greenhouse gas emissions from their buildings and, in future years, take active measures to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, these emissions. After considerable debate, we decided not to extend these requirements to multi-unit residential buildings or individual homes. Likewise, Newton-Wellesley Hospital was exempted from many of the requirements because of its unique issues as our city’s only hospital.BERDO demonstrates the tradeoffs among competing priorities that can exist in creating new legislation. On the one hand, climate change must be addressed. At the same time, we must consider the costs associated with these new reporting and reduction requirements, including expenditures that will make housing more expensive in an already costly housing market. The Zoning and Planning Committee, working with the Administration and listening closely to residents and businesses, did an excellent job balancing these competing interests and Zoning and Planning Committee Chair Lisle Baker and Vice Chair John Oliver deserve special thanks for their efforts in getting this new ordinance enacted.The city will now be developing regulations to implement BERDO. As City Council President, I will nominate four of the nine members of the BERDO Advisory Commission, the group charged with creating the new regulations (the mayor appoints four other members and the Newton Citizens Commission on Energy appoints one member). We need volunteers, so please email me at my city&nbsp;government email address (<a href="mailto:mlaredo@newtonma.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mlaredo@newtonma.gov</a>) if you are interested in serving!Our work on the new BERDO ordinance is illustrative of the promise that I made when I became the City Council President that Vice President David Kalis and I would “work closely and collaboratively to ensure that all of our members feel heard, all perspectives can be shared and discussed, and all deliberations are respectful.” We will continue this collaborative, consensus-building approach as we tackle the issues that we will face in 2025!Campaign UpdateHere are some highlights of the campaign to date:<ul><li>I have been listening to residents throughout the city at small group meetings. Let us know if you'd like&nbsp;to host or attend one.</li><li>Our list of public endorsers continues to grow, and we now have over 300 people on the list. Please let us know if we can add your name!</li><li>Check out our <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Mjg3NDA4NTIzNzQ1ODgxOCxcInJcIjoxNDI4NzQwOTk1NTA1MjExMjJ9IiwicyI6IjgxOGVmYjdiMjJkYWZkZTQifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Mjg3NDA4NTI0MTY1MzEyOCxcInJcIjoxNDI4NzQwOTk1NTA1MjExMjJ9IiwicyI6IjA3Y2E4NmQ1NGVlYzMyMGMifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Instagram</a> pages and sign up to follow the campaign.</li><li>We raised over $85,000 from more than 250 donors in 2024.&nbsp;Donations are critical to the success of a campaign. If you have not done so, please donate – the link is <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Mjg3NDA4NTI0NTg0NzQzNixcInJcIjoxNDI4NzQwOTk1NTA1MjExMjJ9IiwicyI6ImIxODY4OWRjOTcxZjk0ZmUifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.</li></ul>As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and criticismsThanks, Marc

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January Update

Dear friend,I hope that everyone is having a good fall. This month, I want to share my observations on the recent election, note important events that I have attended, and provide an update on the campaign.Election ResultsFor many in our community (myself included), the national results on Election Day were very disappointing. But regardless of how you feel about the outcome of the election, we live in a democratic society and that means respecting the will of the voters. Still, it is clear that we have deep divisions in this country.&nbsp;So, what will I do as Mayor to help bridge those divides? It starts with encouraging all of us to listen – really listen – to those who disagree with us and respect their views. We do far better as a community when we are willing and able to have difficult conversations in a respectful manner and build consensus whenever possible.Important City EventsOne of the most enjoyable (and important) aspects of being a city leader is attending the array of events in our city. Here are some that I have attended recently:<ul><li>Italian Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall.</li><li>Swearing-in for 22 firefighters and nine officers' promotion.</li><li>Oath of Office Ceremony for our three new police officers.</li><li>Indigenous People’s Day celebration held at Albemarle Field.</li><li>Newton Food Pantry fundraiser.</li><li>Myrtle Baptist Church 150th birthday celebration.</li><li>Charles River Chamber of Commerce’s annual business gathering.</li><li>Veteran’s Day ceremony at Post 440.</li><li>Mass Clean Energy Week 2024, where I presented awards to Green Newton and Newton North teacher Garrett Tingle.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/2aaa079f-124b-4998-a27e-e5403420b536/38520612-4e72-4f45-ad8e-e0f30199695c/38520612-4e72-4f45-ad8e-e0f30199695c.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=18%2C0%2C1118%2C446&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="base"></li></ul>Campaign UpdateHere are some highlights of the campaign over the last month:<ul><li>Our list of public endorsers continues to grow. We now have over 250&nbsp;public supporters, including 28 current and former elected officials Please let us know&nbsp;<a href="https://www.laredofornewton.com/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a> if we can add your name!&nbsp;</li><li>We have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laredofornewton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laredofornewton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Instagram</a> pages – please check them out!&nbsp;</li><li>Since the beginning of May, we have raised over $73,000 from over 200 donors. Donations are critical to the success of a campaign. If you have not done so, please donate – the link is <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/marclaredo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.</li></ul>Finally, as we gather for Thanksgiving (one of my favorite holidays!) with family and friends, this is a good time to remember the less fortunate among us, many of whom often silently endure hardships right here in our community. We have an array of organizations in Newton that provide services to our most vulnerable residents, including The Second Step, Welcome Home, the Newton Food Pantry, the Nonantum Children’s Christmas Party Association, Newton Neighbors, and many others. Please consider how you can help those need.As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and criticisms!Thanks,Marc

November Update

The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. I am proud of Newton’s strong track record of taking action to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.&nbsp; However, there is much more we can do, and I look forward to working with the City Council and our many committed and knowledgeable community groups and residents to promote energy efficiency and speed our transition to clean energy to heat and cool our buildings and power our vehicles.&nbsp;As Mayor, I also will invest more in protecting Newton residents and businesses from the impacts of climate change that are already here, such as more intense flooding and extreme heat. We will invest more in our urban tree canopy and upgrade our stormwater management rules in order to ensure new development reduces the risk of flooding rather than exacerbates it.&nbsp; Together, we will foster a sustainable future –making Newton a model for local action on a global challenge.

The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. We have a responsibility at the local level to address this challenge head on. I have, and will continue to be, fully supportive of those efforts.

Leading on climate change

"All residents of Newton owe Mayor Fuller a debt of gratitude for her many years of hard work on behalf of our city.&nbsp;She&nbsp;leaves a strong legacy of accomplishment, and I look forward to working with her during the remainder of her term in office."You can find my quote in local press coverage:<ul><li><a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/03/metro/longtime-newton-mayor-says-she-will-not-seek-re-election/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Boston Globe</a></li><li><a href="https://patch.com/massachusetts/newton/newton-mayor-announces-she-will-not-run-relection" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Patch.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2024/12/03/newton-mayor-ruthanne-fuller-says-shes-not-running-for-re-election/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Boston.com</a></li><li><a href="https://figcitynews.com/2024/12/mayor-fuller-announces-that-she-will-not-run-for-a-third-term/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Fig City News</a></li><li><a href="https://www.newtonbeacon.org/laredo-praises-fuller-boasts-big-campaign-cash-haul/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Newton Beacon</a></li></ul>Below is Politico Magazine's coverage in the MA Playbook:<img src="https://run.imgix.net/2aaa079f-124b-4998-a27e-e5403420b536/f1c332fb-8d09-47f5-a7bb-efd7da57d953/f1c332fb-8d09-47f5-a7bb-efd7da57d953.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1428%2C926&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="base">

My Statement on Mayor Fuller's Announcment

NEWTON [September 10, 2024]—Marc Laredo has formally announced his candidacy toserve as Newton’s next Mayor. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Laredo brings apragmatic approach to issues, combined with a successful private sector career and publicsector leadership roles.Laredo is the President of the Newton City Council, where he is serving his seventh term asa Councilor-at-Large from Ward 7. Before being elected to the City Council, Laredo servedon Newton’s School Committee for eight years, including being elected by his colleagues asvice chair and then chair. Professionally, he has had a successful legal career as co-founderand managing partner at the Boston law firm of Laredo, Smith &amp; Kane, LLP, a boutique firmthat focuses on business litigation, business law, employment law, white collar criminaldefense, and government investigations.Laredo has an extensive history of public and community service, including serving as aMassachusetts Assistant Attorney General in the Attorney General’s Criminal Bureau, amember of Temple Emanuel’s Board of Trustees, a director of Middlesex Partnerships forYouth, Inc., Editor-in-Chief of the Massachusetts Law Review, chair of the Newton Ward 7Democratic Committee, and a Newton youth soccer coach.In announcing his candidacy, Laredo stated that:“As your Mayor, my goal will be to make Newton the best place to live for all of ourresidents, in all thirteen of our villages. I plan to accomplish that goal by following severalcore principles:<ul><li>Work hard, and listen thoughtfully and carefully</li><li>Make pragmatic decisions based on data and analysis</li><li>Build consensus whenever possible</li><li>Seek and accept feedback</li><li>Act fairly and with the highest ethical standards</li></ul>Most importantly, I will always remember that I work for you — the nearly 90,000 residentsof this city.”Laredo grew up in Newton and attended Cabot Elementary, Bigelow Junior High, andNewton North High School, before graduating from Cornell University and the University ofPennsylvania Law School. Marc and his wife Roberta are the parents of three children, ages34, 31, and 19, all of whom graduated from the Newton Public Schools, as did theirdaughter-in-law.More information about Laredo can be found at his campaign website.<a href="http://www.laredofornewton.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.laredofornewton.com</a>

NEWTON [September 10, 2024]—Marc Laredo has formally announced his candidacy to serve as Newton’s next Mayor. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Laredo brings a pragmatic approach to issues, combined with a successful private sector career and public sector leadership roles.

Newton City Council President Announces Mayoral Candidacy

A key strength of Newton is our year round support for arts and culture. Newton boasts over seventy arts organizations ranging from music and dance to pottery and painting. As Mayor, I will continue our long tradition of supporting art and artists. As one example, I support creating a Washington Street Cultural District as a way to promote Newton as a destination for arts and culture. I will work closely with our city staff and our many community organizations to make Newton a place where the arts and culture flourish.

One of the things that makes Newton a great community is our strong support for arts and culture. I am committed to maintaining that investment in our city's arts and ensuring that the Newton Free Library, which I have visited regularly since I was a child, has the resources to continue its excellent work.

Enhancing our arts and culture

Laredo praises Fuller, boasts big campaign cash haul

Green Newton Exchange Podcast

I am profoundly grateful to have benefited from an exceptional education in Newton, a privilege shared by my siblings, three children, and daughter-in-law. Throughout my two decades of public service, I have consistently championed the Newton Public Schools. In the role of Mayor, which includes serving on the School Committee, I am eager to continue supporting this vital aspect of our community. Together with the members of the School Committee and our outstanding Superintendent, Anna Nolin, I am committed to steering our schools towards a future where every child can achieve their highest potential.An outstanding education starts in the classroom, with the goals of achieving academic excellence and preparing for the future success of all students.&nbsp; It continues with the rich array of extra-curricular activities that we offer, especially at our high schools.&nbsp; And it also means that we are providing the appropriate social and emotional supports for all of our children.&nbsp; As Mayor, I will work to provide our teachers and staff with the tools to do their jobs well, including prioritizing small class sizes, appropriate administrative supports, and up-to-date curriculum materials.Providing an excellent education also requires the right infrastructure within which our students learn, and our teachers teach. My tenure on the School Committee was marked by proactive efforts to modernize and improve our educational facilities, notably leading the initiative to construct the new Newton North High School. It was a difficult task but one that was worth the effort. My support has been steadfast for all subsequent school building projects across our city. As Mayor, I will continue to advocate for the necessary renovations or replacements of our facilities, including the Mason-Rice, Peirce, Underwood, and Ward Elementary Schools.

As the former chair of the School Committee, I understand that providing an exceptional education requires investing in our schools. As Mayor, I will work to provide teachers and staff with the tools they need, and continue to advocate for the necessary investments in our facilities.

Investing in our schools and students

Development is one of the more contentious issues our community has faced in recent years. I believe we can keep what we love about Newton - our network of thirteen villages, tree-lined streets, and suburban feel - while recognizing that we cannot stay stagnant. Responsible and appropriate development is good for our city: it increases tax revenues, provides more diverse housing choices, and ensures Newton does its part to address the regional housing challenge. On the City Council – first as Chair of the Land Use Committee and then during my first term as President – I have overseen the approval of numerous projects including Austin Street and Trio in Newtonville, Northland on Needham Street, and many other projects throughout the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Mayor, I will be committed to supporting our local businesses, helping them navigate City Hall and streamline approval processes so they can grow and thrive.&nbsp; In doing so, we will expand our commercial tax base and create a more robust and diverse local economy that can support and sustain our community's needs and aspirations.I will work to implement the new zoning that we enacted under the MBTA Communities Act and promote thoughtful, responsible development that creates additional housing opportunities for current and future residents. Maintaining our current affordable housing in good condition and constructing additional affordable units is an especially important challenge for us to meet.&nbsp; It starts with doing a thorough review of our subsidized housing stock, ensuring that we have an accurate inventory of our units and enough resources allocated to keep them in good condition.&nbsp; It continues with streamlining the process for eligible individuals and families to apply for housing, carefully exploring expansion opportunities, either in existing affordable housing sites or through new development. All of this work must be done in a financially prudent manner so we spend our funds wisely and effectively.&nbsp; Newton must remain a welcoming and vibrant community for everyone, and we can do this in a way that preserves what we all enjoy about our city.

Responsible and appropriate development is good for our city. As Mayor, I will continue to advocate for development that will help our local businesses thrive and expand high-quality affordable housing opportunities.

Promoting thoughtful development

Dear Friends,In this newsletter, I will focus solely on the school budget — the most important issue the city is currently facing.Debate over the school budget has dominated local news since March, when the School Committee and Superintendent Anna&nbsp;Nolin proposed a budget that exceeded what Mayor Fuller had allocated to the school system. That debate continues now that the Mayor has presented her allocation budget (not the one that the School Committee wants) to the City Council.&nbsp;In this update, I will:<ol><li>Provide information about how our schools are funded.</li><li>Explain our current situation and potential next steps.</li><li>Set forth my plan for tackling the difficult issue of school funding in future years as your next Mayor.</li></ol>How are our schools funded?Our city expenditures are traditionally divided between direct spending for our schools and all other spending, including city services, pension obligations, and payments for capital improvements (either directly or by paying for the cost of bonds to do this work). Direct school spending is more than half of the total city budget. However, within the rest of the budget are expenses for school-related items, such as school nurses. When our total spending is considered, more than two-thirds of all city revenues are used to support our schools.Under our city charter, the Mayor controls how much the city will spend in each fiscal year (the fiscal year runs from July 1 – June 30). Typically, in January she tells the School Committee how much money she intends to provide for the schools for the next fiscal year. The School Committee then must work within that allocation to create a school budget. The School Committee’s budget is then presented to the City Council.Meanwhile, in mid-April (traditionally the day after Patriot’s Day), the Mayor presents her total budget (including her allocation for the schools) to the City Council. Over the course of the next month, the City Council reviews that budget. However, while the City Council engages in a thorough review of the budget, it does not have the authority to either increase spending or shift spending from one area to another. Even if the City Council rejects the Mayor’s budget as being insufficient or disagrees with her allocation of funds among departments, it still goes into effect. Thus, the Mayor has almost complete control over all city spending.What about "free cash"?In addition to the budget itself, the Mayor also submits her proposal for spending from “free cash.” Free cash is the amount of money that is left each year after paying all expenditures. It is prudent to have some amount of free cash available each year to pay for unanticipated expenses (such as when a school boiler unexpectedly breaks, extra police and fire overtime, or unusually large snow removal costs). The Administration also has been using a significant amount of freecash each year to pay for ongoing road maintenance. In recent years, the Administration has had larger than anticipated amounts of free cash for multiple reasons, including one-time settlements with utilities; relatively mild winters; and higher than budgeted interest income. Notably, the City Council must approve proposed free cash expenditures.In early 2024, when we had an extraordinary amount of free cash due to a one-time settlement with a utility, the Mayor and the City Council placed $22 million of that free cash into an Education Stabilization Fund to help fund the schools operating expenses for several years. Last fall, when free cash was again robust, the Mayor placed an additional $2 million into the Stabilization Fund.What was proposed for this year’s school budget?This year, in response to the Mayor’s allocation, Superintendent Anna Nolin presented a series of alternative budget scenarios to the School Committee. Her “level funding” budget exceeded the Mayor’s allocation by approximately $4 million. The School Committee then voted to approve Superintendent Nolin’s level funding budget.On April 17, the School Committee met with the City Council’s Programs and Services and Finance Committees to present its budget (the budget that was greater than the Mayor’s allocation). The Committees deferred action on the proposal until after the Mayor presented her budget.What happens next at the City Council?On April 22, the Mayor presented her budget to the City Council along with her proposals for the use of free cash. Included in that presentation was a plan to use free cash to pay for an unexpected increase in health insurance and an array of maintenance, equipment, and supplies for the schools but not for the staffing needs identified by the Superintendent. The Mayor’s budget did not contain any further increases to the schools’ allocation.Over the course of the next month the City Council will discuss and debate the budget and the proposed use of free cash. During that process, the City Council may submit non-binding resolutions to the Mayor requesting changes in spending. Ultimately, unless the City Council votes to reduce the budget, it will go into effect on July 1 as proposed. While the Council does have the authority to reject the Mayor’s free cash proposals, it&nbsp;cannot then redirect how that money is spent.How will I fund the schools to meet the educational needs of our students as mayor?I have stated repeatedly that education will be my top priority as Mayor. I am a graduate of the Newton Public Schools, as are my younger siblings, our three children, and our daughter-in-law. I am grateful for the excellent education that we all received. I served on the School Committee for eight years, including as its chair, and have tremendous respect and appreciation for the work of our educators, administrators, and staff. Our public schools are our most important asset, and we need to work together to continue to build trust in our schools and make them thrive.If elected, I will inherit Mayor Fuller's school budget for the first six months of 2026 and that is the budget under which we will operate. With that said, it is common for financial challenges to present themselves while managing budgets and I will work cooperatively, collaboratively, and creatively with my leadership team, the School Committee, the Superintendent, and the residents of our city to address them. Those challenges are likely to include cuts in federal (and indirectly state) funding because of the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce federal spending.Our work for fiscal years 2027 and thereafter will start immediately after I am elected, with clear, straightforward discussions about city finances, including the following:<ul><li>What funding sources are utilized to support our schools (both in direct allocations to the school budget and support for the schools from the city side of the budget).</li><li>How to best estimate revenues and expenses in a conservative, but not overly conservative, manner.</li><li>What risks do we face to the entire budget because of the Trump Administration’s actions.</li><li>How to fully fund our outstanding pension liability before the state-mandated 2040 deadline in a manner that is both fiscally responsible and does not place undue strain on current budgets.</li></ul>Students today face challenges that did not exist when I was growing up here or even pre-COVID. Here is what we will do together to address them:<ul><li>Promote academic excellence for all students.</li><li>Make sure that every child feels safe and secure in school.</li><li>Strengthen our extracurricular activities at all levels (including those run by our partners at the elementary After School programs, the Boys and Girls Club, and the YMCA).</li><li>Address the mental health issues that many of our students are facing.</li><li>Support initiatives to help students quickly and effectively when there are behavior problems or learning issues so that these students can thrive now without far costlier interventions in the future.</li></ul>Together, I am confident that we will develop a long-term, sustainable plan to fund the schools to the best of our ability and ensure that they provide an outstanding education for our children. As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and criticisms!Thanks,Marc

School Budget Update

MA Lawyers Weekly: "Mayoral bid triggers transition in Boston firm’s leadership"

Dear friend,Much of my campaign is devoted to speaking with residents all across our city and listening to their concerns and priorities.&nbsp;What I’m hearingTwo issues I am consistently hearing about are education, and the condition of our streets and sidewalks.&nbsp;While there is great praise for our superintendent, Dr. Anna Nolin, there is concern about the lasting effects of the pandemic, especially in terms of learning loss, and students’ mental health.&nbsp; Regarding streets and sidewalks, there is frustration about their condition, especially when compared to our neighboring communities.I share these concerns and frustration. That is why these two issues – education and streets and sidewalks – are at the top of my list of <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDMwMDY5NDIyOCxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6ImUzOTIyNDc0NDQzMDc2ZWYifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">priorities</a>. I am confident that, as your Mayor, we will address these issues successfully.Campaign Updates<ul><li>We posted our first list of <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDMwODAzNDI2OSxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6ImM0N2ExNTc5MjI3MTI1ZWQifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">public endorsers</a>! We have 25 current and former elected officials and 181 residents of Newton who have endorsed me.&nbsp; Please let us know if we can add your name <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDMxMzI3NzE1OSxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6IjMyMGZmMDI0MTQ5ZDhmZGYifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>!</li><li>We now have <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDMxODUyMDA0OCxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6ImYyZGI4MDhiMDc1OTNlYjYifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDMyMzc2MjkzNSxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6ImEzNmQwNmNlNjAyNDEyNzMifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Instagram</a> pages.&nbsp;</li><li>Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly published <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDMyOTAwNTgyOCxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6ImNmYjIzOWU5NTYyMGM3YTIifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">an article</a> on my campaign and the transition of leadership at my law firm.&nbsp;</li><li>Fig City News wrote about the campaign, check it out <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDMzMzIwMDEzNyxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6IjdlMGU3OTkxNDBmZmYxNGYifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.</li><li>I am honored to have been named one of the Top 100 attorneys in Massachusetts in the 2024 edition of Massachusetts Super Lawyers.</li><li>Since the beginning of May, we have raised almost $70,000.&nbsp; Donations are critical to the success of a campaign.&nbsp; If you have not done so, please <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDM0MDU0MDE3OSxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6IjEwMjI3NTk0YmNjMzFkMWEifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">donate</a>. </li></ul>Attend a CoffeeAs we move into the fall, I will continue to meet with Newton residents, both at public events and in one-on-one communications, and I will be setting up coffees and other small group settings. Please let us know if you would like to host or attend one.Police Chief Search Committee AppointmentsAs City Council President, I make appointments to certain boards, commissions, and working groups (the Mayor makes many more such appointments – an important function of the position).&nbsp; As a result of the recent resignation of Police Chief John Carmichael, I have appointed two of the nine members of the search committee for a new chief – one a current City Councilor and the second a resident of Newton. The Newton Police Association has appointed one member to the search committee and the Mayor has appointed the remaining six members: a business executive; an attorney; an active or retired judge; a member of the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association; and two Newton residents. The appointments (except for the Police Association designee) must be approved by the City Council.&nbsp; The search committee recommends five to seven candidates to the Mayor, who then appoints a new police chief (if none of the candidates is successful, the process begins again).Working in close consultation with City Council Vice President David Kalis, I have appointed Tarik Lucas as the City Councilor and Dr. Lauren Solotar as the Newton resident.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/2aaa079f-124b-4998-a27e-e5403420b536/a03835df-d7b4-4dde-8241-fb599b9ce03c/a03835df-d7b4-4dde-8241-fb599b9ce03c.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1480%2C848&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" variant="base">Councilor Lucas has been a Councilor at-Large from Ward 2 since 2021, and serves on the Public Safety and Transportation Committee. He is a former vice president of the Newtonville Area Council and the Newtonville Historic District Commission and for 20 years has been a youth soccer and basketball referee. He works in book publishing for Harvard University Press.Dr. Solotar is a licensed clinical psychologist and the President and CEO of the May Institute, a national non-profit organization with 1,800 employees that serves individuals across the life span with special needs, including autism, developmental disabilities and brain injury. As part of her work, she has designed and led training programs for police departments about how to interact with autistic individuals and individuals with mental illness. She also served as the Chief Psychologist at Tufts New England Medical Center for ten years. Dr. Solotar and her husband, Dr. David Gansler, have lived in Newton for 32 years and have two grown children.Voting for the November 2024 electionElection Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and you can vote by mail, vote early from October 19 - November 1, or vote in-person on November 5.The City Clerk has provided information about how to vote by mail: find it <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDM0NTc4MzA2NCxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6IjQ1ZjcwNGU0OWUxOTA4MjIifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>. For early voting hours and locations, please <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDM1MzEyMzEwMSxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6ImU1ZTVkMTE3YWMzZTY3ZWYifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">click here</a>.&nbsp;Find out where to vote in-person <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDM1OTQxNDU2NSxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6ImFkNWQ0MjQ4YWQ0NGU0ZTIifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;a map of the polling places in Newton&nbsp;<a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjEzNDYyNzA1NDM2NDY1NzQ1MCxcInJcIjoxMzQ2MjcwNTg1OTI1MTU3MzF9IiwicyI6ImViNjExYTg4OGYwNjdmNDYifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.A New ArrivalWe are grandparents! Our granddaughter, Dahlia Glenn Laredo, was born on September 26. Although she is too young to vote, she has strong ties to Newton! Her parents, our son Matt, and his wife, Joanna Yelen, are 2011 graduates of Newton North High School and Joanna’s parents, Charlie Yelen and Barbara Newman, live in Newton. Needless to say, we are all thrilled.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/2aaa079f-124b-4998-a27e-e5403420b536/7e5b1624-d20f-460f-8ccc-94a5e7317468/7e5b1624-d20f-460f-8ccc-94a5e7317468.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=228%2C454%2C2614%2C2749&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="32.5" variant="framed">As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and criticisms!Thanks,Marc

October Update – with bonus grandbaby pic!

With eyes on mayor’s office, Laredo wants to reshape how City Hall does business

Dear friends,I hope that everyone is staying warm and enjoying another New England winter! In this month’s newsletter, I will discuss how as Mayor I will help our local businesses, the recently enacted limits on tobacco sales, our water meter replacement project, and the status of my campaign.Supporting Our Local BusinessesA strong local business community is critical to the health of our city. As I have been meeting with Newton’s business owners and representatives of the Charles River Chamber of Commerce, which is a strong advocate for our local businesses, I am listening carefully to their concerns.Here are some ways that as Mayor I will work with our business community:<ul><li>Listen to our business owners. What do they need from the city and how can we help?</li><li>Recognize that not all local businesses are alike and strive to address their individual needs. For example, retail establishments differ from businesses that use office, lab or manufacturing space.</li><li>Work collaboratively whenever we try out new ideas by including business owners as part of our planning team before projects are launched and incorporating their suggestions and addressing their concerns as we proceed forward.</li><li>Help our businesses navigate City Hall. We will proactively work with our business owners to enable them to obtain necessary permits and approvals quickly and efficiently.</li></ul>Together, we will make Newton an even better place in which to start and grow a business!Tobacco Sales in NewtonOn January 21, the City Council voted 19-4 to ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after March 1, 2004, rather than the current restriction preventing sales of tobacco to anyone under the age of 21. A similar Brookline ordinance was upheld by our state’s Supreme Judicial Court.After carefully listening to my colleagues, I joined with the majority in voting in favor of the ordinance. All of us agreed that smoking is highly addictive and bad for our individual and collective health. The proponents of the ordinance cited that as sufficient reason to enact the legislation and noted that no one who can currently purchase tobacco products will be banned from doing so. Opponents, while fully agreeing about the harmful effects of tobacco, were concerned about restricting some adults from ever buying a legal product.More important than our vote, however, was the process that led up to it. There were discussions in the Programs and Services Committee before it even reached the full Council. In the full Council, there was a thoughtful, passionate and respectful debate on both sides of the issue. This is how our City Council, and all government leaders, should address complex issues!Water Meter Transmission Unit ReplacementOver a decade ago, the city replaced all residential water meters with external meter reading transmission units that allowed the city to collect and bill for water usage without entering individual homes. In 2019, many units began to malfunction and did not transmit readings. The city then began issuing estimated water and sewer bills until new meters could be installed.As of mid-January, the city has replaced 90% of the meters. But there are still nearly 3,000 that need to be replaced, and we need residents’ help to get this work done. If your meter has not been updated, please visit <a href="http://www.newtonmeters.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.newtonmeters.com</a> or call 1-866-983-8080 to schedule an appointment.The Department of Public Works also has created a new portal - Neptune 360 – that will allow residents to better monitor their water usage. Here is how to sign up:<ul><li>Activate your City of Newton account at <a href="http://newtonma.my360-app.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">newtonma.my360-app.com</a>.</li><li>Enter your account number and your full name or street address.</li><li>Click create account and accept terms and conditions.</li><li>Enter the bill number (without dashes).</li><li>Enter the account holder's full name as it appears on the bill and the street address.</li><li>Provide three security questions with answers.</li><li>Enter your email address.</li></ul>A link will be sent to the email for account activation. Then create a password and you are all set. (thanks to our new DPW Commissioner Shawna Sullivan for providing this information).Campaign UpdateHere are some highlights of the campaign to date:<ul><li>I attended an array of events throughout the city, including the Police Promotional Ceremony where Chief George McMains was sworn in as our new police chief; Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Post 440; the Martin Luther King Celebration organized by the Harmony Foundation at the First Unitarian Universalist Society; a pizza party at City Hall to thank our election poll workers; the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at the Newton Free Library; the Soup Social at the Hyde Center; a tour of the John M. Barry Boys &amp; Girls Club; and a Chinese New Year celebration with the Newton Alliance of Chinese Americans. See some pictures below!</li><li>We are scheduling coffees and fundraisers throughout the city – please email us to attend or host one.</li><li>Our list of public endorsers continues to grow, and we now have over 350 people on the list. Please let us know if we can add your name!</li><li>Check out our <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0NTM0MjYwMzQ1MzI2OTczOSxcInJcIjoxNDUzNDI2MTc0NjAxNDczNzB9IiwicyI6ImUzNGFjNGRiMzkzMzIzMmEifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0NTM0MjYwMzQ1NjQxNTQ2OSxcInJcIjoxNDUzNDI2MTc0NjAxNDczNzB9IiwicyI6IjI3MmJkMTEzMDE1MjViYmQifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Instagram</a> pages and sign up to follow the campaign.</li><li>Donations are critical to the success of a campaign. If you have not done so, please donate – the link is <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0NTM0MjYwMzQ1OTU2MTE5OSxcInJcIjoxNDUzNDI2MTc0NjAxNDczNzB9IiwicyI6IjJkMjkyMzZiNjZhZjEyNTMifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.</li></ul>As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and criticisms!Thanks, Marc

February Update

Hate has no place in Newton.&nbsp; Everyone in our city should feel welcome and respected and we all have a stake in promoting understanding, tolerance, and pluralism. The rise of surging antisemitism reminds us that we cannot be complacent on this issue. People should expect their leaders to model and support the kind of discourse and behavior that draws us together rather than drives us apart. As your Mayor, I will work closely with our City Council, School Committee, and school and police departments to lead our efforts to fight all forms of bias and prejudice; ensure that every child feels safe and secure in school, free from bullying and harassment; and encourage residents, especially those who might be reluctant to interact with our police officers, to report hate crimes, and then make sure that they are fully investigated and prosecuted.

Hate has no place in Newton. Everyone in our city should feel welcome and respected. As your Mayor, I will work to lead our efforts to fight all forms of bias and prejudice and ensure that every child feels safe and secure in school.

Fighting all forms of hate

From a young age, my parents instilled in me a love of the outdoors. Some of my most memorable times with my family have been spent exploring the Appalachian Mountain Club huts in the White Mountains and visiting our amazing national parks.&nbsp; This love for the outdoors resonates with my vision for Newton, a city blessed with remarkable, albeit occasionally overlooked, open spaces. Crystal Lake, Cold Spring Park, Edmands Park, Bulloughs Pond, and the iconic Charles River, which gracefully borders our city, are jewels in our city’s landscape.&nbsp;Athletic fields, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities are critical to the well-being of children and adults of all ages.&nbsp; This need is particularly acute as our population increases in coming years.&nbsp;As Mayor, I will protect and enhance these important assets by engaging closely with the community to devise and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for our open spaces, including athletic fields, playgrounds, and other recreational amenities. This plan will not only aim to preserve and improve our existing natural and recreational resources but also to ensure they are accessible and enjoyable for all residents. By fostering a collaborative approach, we can ensure that our city's green spaces and recreational facilities continue to thrive and serve as a source of health, enjoyment, and pride for our community.

My parents instilled in me a love for the outdoors from an early age. I am committed to protecting and enhancing our city's natural assets, green spaces, and recreational facilities like athletic fields and playgrounds.

Preserving our open spaces

Enhancing the quality of our streets and sidewalks will be one of my top priorities. Throughout my tenure as a City Councilor, the most consistent feedback I've received from residents relates to the condition of our roads. Though progress has been made, it's clear that our efforts must be intensified to meet the needs and expectations of our community.As Mayor, I will accelerate the process of repairing our streets and sidewalks to make them safer&nbsp;for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. This initiative is not just about infrastructure; it's about enhancing the quality of life for all residents, promoting sustainable transportation options, and ensuring the safety of our community members.By prioritizing these improvements, we will create a more connected, accessible, and safe environment for all who live in, work in, and visit our city.

Enhancing the quality of our streets and sidewalks will be one of my top priorities. I have heard your feedback on the condition of our roads. While we are doing better, it is not nearly enough. I am committed to accelerating the repair of our city's roads and walkways.

Improving streets and sidewalks

Politico: "Newton City Council President Marc Laredo is launching his campaign for mayor today"

Dear friends,I hope that everyone had a good Thanksgiving and is getting ready for the start of a new year! This month, I want to give an update on my campaign, share my thoughts on an exciting initiative from the Newton Public Schools, and provide some information on Newton Community Education.Campaign UpdateYesterday, Mayor Fuller announced that she will not be running for a third term. I am grateful to Mayor Fuller for her many years of hard work on behalf of our city. She leaves a strong legacy of accomplishment, and I look forward to working with her during the remainder of her term in office.Here are some highlights of the campaign to date:<ul><li>We have over 250 public endorsers. Please <a href="https://www.laredofornewton.com/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">let us know</a> if we can add your name to our list!</li><li>Check out our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laredofornewton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laredofornewton" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Instagram</a> pages and sign up to follow the campaign.</li><li>We have raised over $75,000 from over 220 donors since the beginning of May. Donations are critical to the success of a campaign. If you have not done so, please donate – the link is <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/marclaredo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.</li></ul>Alumni Event for Newton Public SchoolsOn Wednesday, November 27 (the day before Thanksgiving), the Newton Public Schools sponsored an alumni breakfast to gather feedback on the NPS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/district-at-a-glance/district-strategic-plan-and-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Portrait of a Learner initiative</a>&nbsp;and discuss future alumni engagement.I am very excited about creating a Newton alumni network. Having helped organize several of my Newton North class reunions, I can attest to how many alumni still feel a connection to the Newton Public Schools and, at the same time, how difficult it is to locate classmates.Building an alumni network would have multiple benefits for our school system, including fundraising and networking opportunities for current and past students. We do not have to start with a blank slate - colleges and universities throughout the country do it successfully and we can use them as a model. But it does require resources, including staff support and building a database of alumni, and, as Mayor, I will be fully committed to this effort.Newton Community EducationNewton Community Education (NCE) was created by city ordinance in 1991 to provide community education for Newton residents as a component of the Newton Public Schools. In the aftermath of the pandemic and the teachers’ strike, NCE is facing serious financial difficulties.NCE is a critical part of our community – providing summer camps, after school activities, and an array of classes for personal well-being and intellectual growth – and we should be doing everything possible to help it grow and thrive in a financially prudent way. As Mayor, I will ensure that our various city departments, including Parks and Recreation, Senior Services, and the Library, work collaboratively with NCE to avoid duplicative courses, encourage joint and inter-department efforts, and build on the strengths of each organization. You can help NCE today by signing up for courses and camps now at <a href="http://www.newtoncommunityed.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">their website</a>.As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and criticisms!Thanks,Marc

December Update

The roles of police officers and firefighters have always been challenging, a fact that has become even more apparent in recent years as we navigate the complexities of ensuring community safety and security. My experiences as an Assistant Attorney General, working closely with law enforcement, have given me valuable insights into the demands and pressures faced by these professionals.We have excellent leadership in our police and fire departments, and I remain confident in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence in our public safety departments.&nbsp; We must continue to employ best practices in the hiring, training, and retention of our officers and firefighters and in maintaining public safety in our city.Our police officers and firefighters need the facilities, equipment, and training to do their jobs properly.&nbsp; Our police station is in disrepair and as Mayor I will lead our efforts to build a facility that meets the needs of the 21st century.&nbsp; Likewise, our officers and firefighters need regular replacement of vehicles (purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles whenever feasible) and equipment, and access to high-quality continuing education. Our officers and firefighters increasingly deal with serious mental health issues in our community and I will coordinate efforts among public safety officials, our health department, and our schools to address them in a holistic manner.

Maintaining the safety of our community is of the utmost importance. As Mayor, I will work hand-in-hand with our public safety leaders to maintain the highest standard of excellence across our police and fire departments, and ensure they have the resources and training needed to support our community.

Supporting public safety

One of the most common complaints I hear about life in Newton is traffic congestion. Some of this is outside our City’s control. However there are steps we can take to reduce congestion, such as upgrading traffic signals to better accommodate traffic demand and encouraging walking and biking to school.Another important way to reduce congestion is to encourage the use of public transportation. We are fortunate that Newton has numerous public transportation options, including the MBTA Green Line, commuter rail, and bus lines. It was welcome news that the MBTA recently eliminated Green Line slow zones, and announced that it will upgrade the Newtonville commuter rail stop for accessibility. But there is much more to do, including more reliable bus service and investments in the West Newton and Auburndale commuter rail stops.&nbsp;More broadly, however, Newton will benefit from investments regionally to improve travel on public transit. As your Mayor, I will ensure Newton is a leader, working in partnership with other communities, to make better transportation throughout the region and the state a reality.&nbsp;

We need far more robust local public transit options, as well as expanded rail service in Massachusetts. As your Mayor, I will ensure our city is a leader, working in partnership with other communities throughout the state, to build more robust transportation options across the region.

Expanding our transportation infrastructure

Laredo Lists School Committee Endorsements

The Heights: "Multitasker Marc Laredo Is All In on Newton Mayoral Run"

Dear Friends,I hope that you are getting through the winter and looking forward to the start of spring. In this month’s newsletter, I will focus on supporting our schools, parking in our village centers, upcoming budget deliberations, the status of my campaign, and notes about Newton Community Education program registration and PorchFest 2025.Supporting Our SchoolsA key priority for me as Mayor will be to work closely with the School Committee and the leadership of the Newton Public Schools to ensure that all students receive an excellent education. Our three children and I are beneficiaries of a great education in the Newton Public Schools, and I am proud of our school system!Although the last few years have been a difficult time for our schools, I am confident that under the excellent leadership of Superintendent Anna Nolin we are going to meet our challenges. Here are three ways I intend to lead in this area:<ol><li>Work closely with Dr. Nolin and the School Committee to improve the quality of education, including ensuring that we have consistent high standards across all schools and that decisions as to best teaching and learning practices are based on evidence and data.</li><li>Listen carefully to and improve our communications with all residents (not just those with school-age children) and other stakeholders (including teachers and staff) about what we are doing in our schools and the financial support our schools need.</li><li>Ensure that every school building is equipped to meet the needs of 21st century learning. While we have made considerable progress in constructing new buildings and rehabilitating existing ones, we have a lot of work ahead of us that will take time and money.</li></ol>Working together, I am confident that our schools will thrive!Parking in Village CentersParking in our village centers is challenging. Our local business owners – whose success is critical to our local economy and the vibrancy of our village centers – are emphatic about the need for convenient, safe parking for their customers and employees. At the same time, measures to improve pedestrian safety and other forms of transportation can lead to a loss of parking. We also have zoning rules that require businesses to individually provide parking that are frequently waived in the special permit process. Here is how I will approach balancing those competing interests:<ul><li>Recognize the importance of parking for the vitality of our businesses and therefore preserve and, where appropriate, enhance public parking in and near village centers.</li><li>Develop a customized approach for each village to best address its parking needs. This will include:<ul><li>making sure that our villages are safe for pedestrians, cyclists, public transportation, and automobiles.</li><li>providing spaces for employee parking.</li><li>examining time restrictions on parking spaces.</li><li>creating safe loading zones for deliveries and pick-up services.</li></ul></li><li>Consider the private lots that are frequently (if not always legally) used for public parking (such as the Star Market lot in Newtonville and the Walgreen’s lot in Newton Centre) and what effects the loss of this de facto public parking will have on parking in the rest of the village.</li><li>Eliminate zoning requirements that require first floor small individual businesses to provide parking, but only after we have successfully implemented public parking plans in each village.</li></ul>By listening carefully and building consensus, we will successfully tackle the issues of parking in our village centers.Budget DeliberationsIn February, the Mayor met with the City Council to provide a preview of the upcoming budget, for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 20, 2026). In fiscal year 2026, revenues are likely to be stable and spending will increase modestly over fiscal year 2025. Our biggest unknown is federal spending. While we are not heavily dependent on federal funds, any loss of funding will either lead to a reduction in a federally funded program or a reduction elsewhere if funds are shifted within the budget to level fund the affected program. Furthermore, the state receives significant federal funding, and the loss of those funds will, in turn, affect the ability of the state to provide funding for some of our priorities.Find&nbsp;the report on her budget presentation and the presentation itself <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/td/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Nzk1NDU0MTQyNzQyNjk5NixcInJcIjoxNDc5NTQ2MTI2NzkyMTQzMjl9IiwicyI6ImUwMmJmOTU5NThhMTIzOGMifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.Campaign UpdateTeam Laredo recently launched the first of a series of short videos that highlight my personal story, work and civic experience, leadership style, and where I stand on key issues. We will be sending them out via email, and they also will be available on my <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/td/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Nzk1NDU0MTQ0MzE1NTY1MyxcInJcIjoxNDc5NTQ2MTI2NzkyMTQzMjl9IiwicyI6Ijk3OTc3NWQzNDlmMDhiOGYifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">website</a>.I continue to meet with residents and business owners both individually and in small groups. These conversations are an excellent opportunity to listen to your questions and concerns. Please email me at <a href="mailto:marc@laredofornewton.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">marc@laredofornewton.com</a> if you can host or want to attend an event.We have over 300 public endorsers! Please let us know if we can add your name. Also, check out our <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/td/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Nzk1NDU0MTQ1MjU5Mjg0MyxcInJcIjoxNDc5NTQ2MTI2NzkyMTQzMjl9IiwicyI6IjUzYjcwNWQ0ZTk1NmMwOGIifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/td/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Nzk1NDU0MTQ2MjAzMDAzMSxcInJcIjoxNDc5NTQ2MTI2NzkyMTQzMjl9IiwicyI6IjhmMjFmNmQxNWFmMzYzOTYifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Instagram</a> pages to follow the campaign.Finally, donations are critical to the success of a campaign. If you have not done so, please <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/td/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Nzk1NDU0MTQ3MDQxODY0NCxcInJcIjoxNDc5NTQ2MTI2NzkyMTQzMjl9IiwicyI6Ijk1NTE1YmM1Njg2MDY4YjMifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">donate here</a>.Newton Community Education and Newton PorchFestNewton Community Education’s spring programs are open for registration! Whether you are looking to try a new hobby, get active, or gain new skills, there is something for everyone. Learn more or enroll today at <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/td/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Nzk1NDU0MTQ3Nzc1ODY4MSxcInJcIjoxNDc5NTQ2MTI2NzkyMTQzMjl9IiwicyI6IjNiZWY4ZWMyOThjZmQ3OGMifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Newton Community Ed's website</a>.Newton PorchFest is an afternoon of free music performed outside of people’s homes in Auburndale, Lower Falls, Waban, and West Newton. PorchFest 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 12pm to 6pm. Sign up to participate or to learn more about Porchfest 2025 <a href="https://rogwb.clicks.mlsend.com/td/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjY2MzkxLFwibFwiOjE0Nzk1NDU0MTQ4OTI5MzAyNCxcInJcIjoxNDc5NTQ2MTI2NzkyMTQzMjl9IiwicyI6IjI5ZjdhMGNiYmJmNDdjZDcifQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>. As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and criticisms!Thanks,Marc

March Update

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Click the link below to read Fig City News' article about our campaign announcement!

Fig City News: "Newton City Council President Marc Laredo will run for Mayor"

Official campaign website of Marc Laredo, candidate to be the next Mayor of Newton, Massachusetts