Blue Ribbon Commission Chair,
Paul Levy, Endorses Setti Warren for Mayor

Cites Need for Executive Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2009

Newton, October 26th – The Setti Warren campaign today announced that Paul F. Levy, Chair of the 2007 Blue Ribbon Commission, has endorsed Setti Warren for Mayor. In doing so, Mr. Levy pointed to several factors in his decision.

“I came to this conclusion after closely watching the campaign and reviewing the statements of the candidates, but, most importantly, after considering their personal characteristics," said Levy. "I believe that Newton needs a person with executive experience. Being mayor will require thoughtful and decisive action. The hard decisions that must be made will not come out of more blue ribbon panels or feel-good consultation with multiple constituencies. It will require someone who has demonstrated a willingness to take the responsibility and set forth an agenda for the City that garners public support. In short, we need a leader.”

The Blue Ribbon Commission was charged by Mayor David Cohen in late 2006 to review all aspects of Newton’s projected financial resources and expenses so that citizens and officials might have a better idea of what to expect over the course of several years. Its conclusions, echoed again this Spring in the Citizens’ Advisory Group report, pointed to an on-going structural deficit and the need to take strong steps to balance expenses and revenue.

“I am deeply honored to have Paul Levy’s endorsement,” Warren said. “His work on the Blue Ribbon Commission, in many ways, set my campaign in motion. His forthrightness, his willingness to honestly confront this city’s problems was an inspiration to me. As an executive, Paul understands that we must move beyond talking and into action. I look forward to working with him to help Newton live up to its full potential.”