Newton VOL 2, NO 3
NEWTON’S VOICE
Feb. 7 - Feb. 21, 2017
Photo | Owen O'Rourke Newton Mayor Setti Warren set to enter the gubernatorial fray… Probably.
Warren sets sights Sanctuary city issue on governor’s job remains unchanged Editor’s note: The following article appeared in the Daily Item of Lynn and on its website Itemlive.com recently. It is a wide-ranging look at Mayor Warren’s early efforts at the gubernatorial run he is contemplating. The fact he was in Lynn on the North Shore checking out the territory is hardly a coincidence. Former Governor Deval Patrick — a Warren supporter — found very fertile territory in Lynn during his administrations. The discussion with Item reporter Bridgette Turcotte was very telling regarding exactly what Warren is thinking about. We are pleased to re-print the story.
By Alexander Culafi
The Voice The great sanctuary city debate in Newton comes to a potential climax this week as the issue hits City Council on Wednesday. Of course, the situation has gotten murkier.
By Bridget Turcotte
The Daily Item Newton Mayor Setti Warren, who will likely be a Democratic candidate in the 2018 governor’s race, on Wednesday said a millionaire’s tax can help pay for needed state education, transportation and housing initiatives. The veteran, who campaigned for Hillary Clinton, said fellow Democrats are afraid to call for more revenue. “We’re not making investments that matter,” Warren said. “We have economic growth but people are struggling. There is a case to be made that we can do better.” Warren outlined his views in an interview with the Item editorial board. He said he
will make a final decision on running for governor in four to five months. “I want to sit down with people before I saw I’m doing this,” he said, adding, “I am very serious about this candidacy. Before I make any final announcement or decision, I want to talk to people.” His focus is on improving education, housing and transportation in the state with funding from a Massachusetts Tax for Education and Transport proposed for the November ballot, which he will support and advocate for. The measure, known commonly as a
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President Trump signed an executive order on January 25 that would stop federal grants from going to “sanctuary cities,” municipalities that do not cooperate with immigration authorities. Should Newton choose to adopt a sanctuary city policy and protect undocumented individuals from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, they stand to lose millions of dollars. Newton received approximately $12 million in fiscal 2016. And yet, the factions are mobilizing. The way I see it, there are three main groups in the sanctuary city debate. Mayor Warren, alongside City Council President (and mayoral candidate)
Scott Lennon, and Police Chief David MacDonald wish to implement many sanctuary city-like policies without going into full-on sanctuary city territory or using a label like "sanctuary city". Mayor Warren’s ordinance, initially presented two months ago, says, “Newton is a welcoming and inclusive city for all.” It adds, “Immigration status shall have no bearing on a person’s treatment by officials and employees of the city. There is no expectation that officials and employees of the city will report persons to federal immigration authorities based on immigration status.” Unfortunately, neither Mayor Warren nor Councilor Lennon returned our requests for comment. Then there’s the “Welcoming City Ordinance,” proposed my several
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