Setti's Preliminary Speech
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

My name is Setti Warren and I decided to run for Mayor more than a year and a half ago. At that time I saw a City whose residents had lost confidence in local government. Important decisions were getting bogged down in process, and the tone and tenor of our discourse had become poisoned. And while our community was divided, the cost of Newton North skyrocketed, the renovation of Newton Center was neglected, and our elementary schools and roads and municipal buildings crumbled. I began this campaign because THAT WAS UNACCEPTABLE.

Over the course of the last nine months, I have knocked on more than 10,000 doors. Let me repeat that – I have knocked on more than 10,000 doors and you – and together we’ve have knocked on nearly 20,000 doors.

I have met with residents in nearly 70 living rooms and I have heard the same thing over and over again. Newton is a remarkable community. A truly special place that is not living up to its full potential. To do so, Newton NEEDS NEW LEADERSHIP.

Today, at the polls, the voters of Newton took an important first step to make that happen.

I want to pay special tribute to the candidates who are not moving on at this point to the General Election. First, to Bill Heck. Bill and I are as far apart on the issues as any two candidates could be but I know we agree on two things – our love for this City and our commitment to make it better. Thank you Bill for having the courage of your convictions. And to Paul Coletti – a man I now call my friend. Dolores and Paul have devoted their lives to this city. No man understands the City’s budget like Paul. No man has committed more hours over a lifetime to making the numbers work for the residents of Newton.

Ken Parker. Ken, too, has devoted his entire adult life to the City of Newton. And in this campaign he set the bar for substance on a range of issues. He made us all better candidates, debating those issues – and debate we did – 25 forums in all – and Newton is better off for Ken’s efforts.

I also want to thank Ruth Balser for her victory this evening and her years of dedicated public service. I look forward to a spirited campaign.

But our work isn’t done. We must continue to reach out to the voters of Newton with our message of New Leadership.

I believe that we can come together and move Newton forward again. I believe we can have the best school system in the state – nothing short of a model of excellence for 21st century learning. I believe we can have a city that runs effectively and efficiently, that plans for the long term and embraces innovation wherever it can make us better. And I know all of you share those beliefs.

We can, and we WILL have a local government that is transparent and accountable, a community where people work together to address the challenges we face and a Mayor who is open and flexible but isn’t afraid to make the tough calls.

This election is about the future of Newton. It is about electing a Mayor who has the skills and experience necessary to heal our wounds, find common ground, and, move this city forward NOW.

This election isn’t just about who has the best ideas. This election isn’t about who has passed the most ordinances or legislation. This election is about LEADERSHIP.

I am the only candidate who has managed a large staff of public employees through significant change. I am the only candidate with breadth of experience at all levels of government. I am the only candidate who brings a truly fresh perspective to City Hall.

Over the next six weeks, I intend to continue the unique campaign we’ve run; bringing my message of change and new leadership directly to the voters of Newton. And I intend to govern as I am campaigning. Reaching out to residents, listening to their concerns, responding to their questions openly and honestly and being willing to make the tough calls that will be necessary.

But tonight, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come together. I thank the thousands of residents who voted for me today, for the tremendous honor of their support. Tomorrow, I expect to see every one of you at 797 Washington Street, as the work begins for a victory on November 3rd.

Thank you.