Alderman Jay Harney Endorses Setti Warren For Mayor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2009

For the past year, I have attended numerous forums and debates, discussed the mayor’s race with many neighbors and friends, I have sat down face to face with both candidates, and I must say that the residents of Newton are extremely fortunate to have two very good candidates to choose from. After many weeks of serious thought and careful consideration regarding the strengths and weaknesses of each of the candidates, I have made the decision to support Setti Warren for Mayor of Newton because I believe that he will not conduct business as usual, but rather he will bring an exciting new, energetic and fresh approach to running the executive office.

Over the last few years, it has been very disheartening to see how negative and cynical the atmosphere in the city of Newton has become, and I believe that Setti has the personality and skills to help heal the wounds and bring together in a positive way people from many diverse groups around the city. Setti will listen to all points of view and get as much information as possible before making important decisions that affect the future of Newton. And I believe that Setti will not be afraid to admit when a mistake has been made, to learn from mistakes, to put the brakes on when necessary and to go back to the drawing board in order to move forward in a positive and productive way.

I have followed all of the candidates very closely for the past year, and I have been extremely impressed at how quickly Setti has grasped what is on the minds of the residents. It is clear that he has learned a tremendous amount in a short period of time. As he has traveled door to door throughout Newton, he has taken the time to listen to thousands of residents and this will help guide him as he develops plans to address the many challenges that we are now facing.