Rena Getz for City Council

Rena Getz for Ward 5 Newton City Council At-Large

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<h2>Hi, I'm Rena!</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/1fa4de7e-73e4-4e81-8811-14e123d30866/5ff2ef70-aa34-4a09-bbfa-7e91bd1d12ae.webp?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%2C4096%2C2914&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">My full name is Rena Louisa Getz Escudero de Geltman. I was born in Spain and was fortunate to grow up in many different parts of the world due to my parents’ professions – my father was an international public servant, and my mother was an agricultural engineer, the first woman of her country, Colombia, in this profession. I am fortunate to have had this lived experience, as it enriches my worldview, but more importantly it gave me an appreciation of cultural differences, and the ability to interpret and act on differences of opinion.I am a scientist, trained in neurochemistry. In my career, I have worked in a research at Massachusetts General Hospital studying neurodegenerative diseases before committing to raising our children full time.Life in Newton Like many, we moved to Newton to raise our family. We chose Newton because of its walkable neighborhood schools, historic village centers and abundant green open space. Our three children are all graduates of the Newton Public Schools. We are fortunate they have all chosen to return to the Boston area to pursue their professional careers after attending graduate school.Volunteerism within the community is important to me and on a personal level enriches my life. During my children’s primary education. I served on the Angier School Building Committee and co-chaired the Respect for Human Differences Committee for the years my youngest daughter attended Angier School.Community EngagementMy civic engagement in Newton began over a decade ago through my relationship with my dear friend and mentor, Brian Yates. Brian was our former longstanding Councilor At-Large from Ward 5 and an exemplary humanitarian. I knew him well as both a dedicated public servant and as a friend. I had the privilege of running his last three election campaigns, along with other citizen volunteers. His passing motivated me to run for office, to honor his priorities and the vision he held for Newton--a city rooted in “village values – protect the environment, preserve the villages and prevent overdevelopment.” I share Brian’s sensibilities and a passion for my community and a belief that city government needs to care for the most vulnerable among us, as well as to respect and to preserve the uniqueness of each of our villages. I am committed to valuing these priorities and to being a true voice for the residents of Newton.More recently, I became involved with Neighborhood Area Councils. I am a founding member and the current President of the Waban Area Council, on which I have continuously served in leadership since 2013. On the Council, I serve to educate my community on pending City legislation, as I believe a well-informed and engaged citizenry is foundational for good governance. We, the residents, are the most important and affected stakeholders of any proposed changes to our municipal governance, whether it’s our zoning code or the billing rate for water. In addition, I have been active with The Friends of Hemlock Gorge, and I am a Board member. Hemlock Gorge is a treasure in Newton and is well worth the visit!Political ActivismI was elected as a delegate to represent Ward 5 at the 2023 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, held this last fall. The discussion of the Party Platform was interesting and the speeches given by leadership thought provoking but what I enjoyed most was seeing so many friends from all over Massachusetts.I continue my interest in learning everything I can about housing and zoning through my active participation in regional planning groups. I am a member of Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) and the Congress of the New Urbanism (CNU). I wish to be well-informed on regional housing policy as well as recently adopted state legislation, (Section 3A of the Zoning Act or otherwise known as the MBTA Communities Act).I am ready and able to serve as your Newton City Councilor – I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family and is the place we call home.

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Newton's top issues

I will continue to advocate for zoning that values our human-scaled villages, existing neighborhood fabric, historic resources, and disincentivizes environmentally wasteful tear-downs.Most importantly, during this time of change for Newton, I will always prioritize listening to you--the residents, and incorporating your feedback into the decision-making process.I support citywide resident-led participation and involvement early in the planning process.As the “Garden City” it is vital that we value and act to preserve our existing tree canopy through zoning. It is also as important to respect our existing topography and to better regulate and enforce allowable grade changes in new development.The City Council Zoning &amp; Planning Committee have been working on 2 concurrent rezoning plans for Newton’s Village Centers and surrounding parcels with the Planning Department and the hired consultant, Utile. The proposed Village Center Overlay Districts zoning <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/110958/638301396732800000">Version 3.0</a> and the proposed <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/110960/638301396738430000">citywide map </a>(shown below) and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/111318/638315220933700000">individual maps</a> localize where the proposed zoning will be in effect.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/28ecab7a-9e8f-41e9-b658-58e490a419ee/28ecab7a-9e8f-41e9-b658-58e490a419ee.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%2C1838%2C1566&amp;w=1500" alt="Village Center Overlay Districts" title="" caption="Village Center Overlay Districts Map" align="center" alignwidth="47" variant="framed">Village Center Overlay Districts MapCurrently, a property owner has the option to “opt in” to the proposed Village Center Overlay District (VCOD) zoning or utilize the existing zoning. The proposed zoning is a type of form-based zoning code that uses dimensional standards, such as the building setbacks and building footprint and height (maximums) to define the upper limits of a building’s massing. It is important to understand that lot standards (minimum lot size, frontage, and lot coverage) are no longer utilized in this zoning. Other zoning tools such as FAR limits (floor area ratio - the ratio of building to the lot area) are also not utilized in the VCOD zoning.The VCOD zoning will permit by-right significantly larger and taller buildings on individual lots.At the same time, Newton is facing an end-of year deadline to comply with the State mandated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="applewebdata://89DD9E84-FB45-4B5D-9040-173A57F757F1/Newton%20is%20facing%20an%20end-of-year%20deadline%20to%20comply%20with%20the%20state%20mandated%20MBTA%20Communities%20Act.">MBTA Communities Act</a>. The city is required to adopt zoning district(s) for the by-right build of 8,330 multi-family housing units within 0.5 mile of a commuter rail station, rapid transit stop, or bus station. The adoption of a “reasonably sized” zoning district(s) for a housing unit capacity of 25% of our existing housing stock, is regulated by the Department of Housing &amp; Community Development (DHCD), now the Executive Office of Housing &amp; Livable Communities (EOHLC) through issued <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/multi-family-zoning-requirement-for-mbta-communities#section-3a-guidelines-">Guidelines</a>.How, where and at what housing density Newton chooses to enact the zoning is a choice. I believe that Newton is best served by complying with the MBTA Communities Act required zoning for the 8,330 housing units, but no more. I do not support the zoning proposed in the other Village Centers and commercial corridors (Newton Corner, Nonantum, Auburndale, Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Four Corners, and Thompsonville). I am concerned that we need to phase the proposed zoning (VCOD zoning) and concurrently assess the impact on infrastructure and city services. The MAPC issued the same recommendation in a proposal - “Let’s Be Reasonable” on November 17, 2021.

I will continue to advocate for zoning that values our human-scaled villages, existing neighborhood fabric, historic resources, and disincentivizes environmentally wasteful tear-downs.

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Zoning that Serves the Residents

As a city in the Metro Boston region, the cost of housing is escalating rapidly. I will work with my fellow Councilors to find viable long-term solutions for providing and supporting home ownership opportunities as well as rentals at reasonable market rates. I will work on the retention and expansion of our existing affordable housing.A healthy community is one that values people at various income levels living throughout the community. We want to support and increase the economic diversity of people choosing to live in Newton. We, the environment, all benefit when housing stock is diversified so that young professionals, young families, veterans, and seniors can find housing they are able to afford without being either rent or mortgage cost-burdened.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/3ab92df8-0bff-462a-9b8b-5bad1b7cd6da/224d194b-8032-4043-be45-7baff203a5ba.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=9&amp;con=28&amp;sat=20&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=361%2C379%2C2416%2C1322&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="47" variant="framed"> West Newton Armory Project

We all benefit when housing stock is diversified so that young professionals, young families, veterans, and seniors can all find housing they are able to afford without being either rent- or mortgage-burdened

Housing Affordability

Like many of you, my husband, Paul, and I moved to Newton to raise our family. We chose Newton because of its walkable neighborhood schools, historic village centers and abundant green open space. Our three children are all graduates of the Newton Public Schools (Angier/Brown/Newton South High School). We are so proud and fortunate they have all chosen to return to the Boston area to live and to pursue their professional careers after earning graduate degrees.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/8e9f7876-c927-4503-80a2-553fc5968c6a/8e9f7876-c927-4503-80a2-553fc5968c6a.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%2C8%2C1196%2C793&amp;w=1500" alt="Angier Elementary School" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="45" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Today Newton Public Schools (NPS) are facing budgetary challenges and I am saddened by the staffing cuts throughout the NPS system; the elimination of “Advanced Options” in middle schools; and in course offerings for students at the high school level. We are on the verge of a staffing crisis. And all of this is occurring at a time when there is excess free cash in the city coffers.I support a Fair Contract for the teachers, but understand that negotiations are never easy and it’s only through compromise, that resolutions are reached.It is critical that we prioritize and support our schools, our teachers and our NPS families, especially those still impacted by the pandemic and years of interrupted learning. Even today, there still is a need among our students. I will advocate for regaining our stature of academic and sports excellence throughout the Newton Public Schools.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/14912761-c61b-4875-9be4-e8af7c9a2855/75e35b32-40ac-401d-910c-fdd2ac78bbe1.webp?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%2C4096%2C3932&amp;w=1500" alt="Alison Lobron" title="" caption="Alison Lobron, Parent/Educator Collaborative" align="left" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Alison Lobron, Parent/Educator Collaborative"I’ve found Rena Getz to be both supportive of the Newton Public Schools and interested in promoting a more collaborative approach." - Alison Lobron, Parent/Educator Collaborative<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/a2de80b0-4cca-4211-9ca3-7cc902a18634/d9767de8-9dfc-4647-ad2e-db39c1ffc3a1.webp?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=1181%2C301%2C767%2C810&amp;w=1500" alt="Sumukh Tendulkar" title="" caption="Sumukh Tendulkar, Newton Public Schools parent" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Sumukh Tendulkar, Newton Public Schools parent"As a parent of children in the Newton Public Schools, we feel many of our local elected officials simply ignore our concerns. Concerns around learning, deteriorating parks and playing fields, and traffic. I know Rena and she will listen to us. She has a track record of championing residents’ issues and will represent our priorities."

It is critical that we prioritize and support our schools, our teachers and our families with children in the Newton Public Schools.

Investing in our Public Schools

Our City Councilors are accountable to you--the residents. I will work hard to ensure this becomes the norm, not the exception.I pledge to:<ul><li>Make my votes publicly available on my website</li><li>I will work to make all City Council votes public on the City website</li><li>I will hold monthly office hours for Newton residents</li><li>Publish monthly newsletter</li></ul>

I pledge to publish a monthly newsletter, make my votes publicly available on my website, work to make all City Council votes public on the City website, and to hold open office hours for Newton residents.

Transparency &amp; Acountability

Arts &amp; Culture are so important to our Newton community. I volunteered as a steward of the Waban Artful Piano to encourage public music. As a City Councilor, I will work with residents to support our vibrant arts community which makes Newton such a beautiful place to live.The heartbeat of any community resonates through its Arts and Culture. I was personally enriched and transformed by participating as a member of the Spanish Dance Society during my graduate school years.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/cfdf5ce6-5551-4ff0-a61f-5ffc1c851e07/cfdf5ce6-5551-4ff0-a61f-5ffc1c851e07.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%2C2048%2C1536&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Let’s not just talk about the value of the Arts; let’s act. By pioneering and implementing dynamic funding strategies, such as the "percent for the arts program", we can directly channel resources from new developments into the heart of our artistic community. It's time for us to unite, weaving a tapestry of vibrant arts and culture in Newton.Cultivating this rich tapestry will bring Newton life and vigor and bind us closer as a community. And it’s not just a matter of the heart; it’s smart economics, as highlighted in this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tinyurl.com/2by8bevs">recent study</a> by the Brandeis Heller School for Social Policy and Management in partnership with Newton Community Pride.Whether I'm absorbed in the melodies from Newton's musical performances, being captivated by theater presentations, or proudly serving as a “Piano Pal” in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://newtoncommunitypride.org/artful-pianos">Newton Artful Piano initiative</a>, my commitment to elevating the Arts in Newton remains unwavering.

As a City Councilor, I will work with residents to support our vibrant arts community which makes Newton such a beautiful place to live.

Supporting Newton's Arts &amp; Culture

<h4>Conservation</h4><img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/81f8bb4c-0947-4cb5-bdd9-a737e9cacade/b561c589-e744-4501-964c-0668e95db825.webp?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%2C4096%2C3072&amp;w=1500" alt="Picture of Friends of Hemlock Grove members" title="" caption="Rena Getz and other members of the Friends of Hemlock Gorge" align="left" alignwidth="45" variant="framed">Rena Getz and other members of the Friends of Hemlock GorgeRena has served on the Board of the Friends of Hemlock Gorge for the last four years. The city of Newton is blessed with many glorious open spaces.We have DCR Reservations (Charles River and Hemlock Gorge) and Park Lands (Quinobequin Road). As this generation’s stewards of the “Garden City”, we need to value these treasures and habitats, and prioritize their preservation and betterment, as well as increase accessibility for all to enjoy. Let's protect, maintain and augment our open space, ecosystems and habitats!<h4>Sustainability</h4>I will do everything in my power as City Councilor to protect, maintain, and add to our open space, parks, playing fields and tree canopy. I will insist on green standards in all new development and promote adaptive re-use of existing buildings. I will advocate for additional revisions to our zoning code that support municipal Climate Change Resiliency.As a scientist, I value data and scientific assessments. I will support strategies for climate change adaptation to be implemented in Newton.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/85c822dd-63ec-410b-b389-0ef77609e0a2/85c822dd-63ec-410b-b389-0ef77609e0a2.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%2C600%2C450&amp;w=1500" alt="Photo of a vista of Echo Bridge" title="" caption="Echo Bridge Vista" align="right" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Echo Bridge Vista<h4>Tree Canopy</h4>One of Newton’s richest assets is our urban forest and existing tree canopy. We need to value it and understand how strengthening the tree protection ordinance will do more for the overall environmental resiliency in Newton than any other act. Trees are a vital component of&nbsp;offsetting climate-change causing carbon, because trees lock away carbon in a more permanent way than other plant species. Trees also reduce urban heat islands by shading pavement and buildings, and reducing the need for air conditioning in warm weather.

The immediacy of Climate change requires swift enactments that will incentivize and support municipal Climate Change Resiliency throughout the city.

Climate Change and the Environment

The primary responsibility of our elected officials is to ensure good governance in the city of Newton. Any long-term municipal policy, large development proposal, or significant zoning code revision would benefit from a requirement of a citywide fiscal impact analysis and a certifiable plan of robust resident engagement before its final approval or enactment.I will continue to advocate for more opportunities for our seniors to engage in the community and to have a choice of housing options.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/03a000be-ae0b-4e13-8b04-e8aecbbceae8/ecb9aaf5-ef88-4a67-bd7d-e8ac9f5b1555.webp?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%2C3072%2C3360&amp;w=1500" alt="Newton City Hall" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="47.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

The primary responsibility of our elected officials is to ensure good governance in the city of Newton.

Good Governance

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/705e2a4e-eb60-44d8-b19a-19df302cfd0c/705e2a4e-eb60-44d8-b19a-19df302cfd0c.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%2C1545%2C2000&amp;w=1500" alt="Fiscal Impact Report cover" title="" caption="Fiscal Impact Report" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Fiscal Impact ReportAny long-term municipal policy, large development proposal, or significant zoning code revision would benefit from a requirement of a citywide fiscal impact analysis and a certifiable plan of robust resident engagement, before its final approval or enactment.I will work hard to ensure that this becomes the norm, not the exception.

I will work hard to ensure that citywide fiscal impact analyses and plans for robust resident engagement are the norm, not the exception.

Responsible Fiscal Management

As a Latina woman, I have lived experiences that inform my opinions and perspectives. I wish to broaden the perspectives of legislative decision-makers and to give voice to my Hispanic heritage and community. If we, as a community, espouse inclusivity, then it requires supporting a goal of diversifying the representation within our elected bodies.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/3e6d400b-23d8-4152-a609-330fb4f9fada/3e6d400b-23d8-4152-a609-330fb4f9fada.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=-4&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=21&amp;rect=0%2C121%2C3024%2C3911&amp;w=1500" alt="Rena in front of the Waban Library" title="" caption="Rena at the Waban Library Center" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">Rena at the Waban Library Center

As a Latina woman, I have lived experiences that inform my opinions and perspectives. If we, as a community, espouse inclusivity, then we must also diversify the representation within our elected bodies.

The Power of Diverse Voices

I value the historic assets that define a “sense of place” in each of our thirteen distinctive village centers. Existing built environments are living history and they teach today's Newtonians and future residents our unique local history. Throughout the years, I have led in preservation efforts to protect significant buildings throughout the city, but most recently in the landmarking of historically significant buildings in Waban Village Center. Fortuitously, both the Staples-Crafts-Wiswall Farm and the Strong Block are now city landmarks.The teaching of local history can also occur through the installation of Interpretive signage. I am proud to have been a member of the work group here in Waban that recently collaborated with the city of Newton to install two Interpretive signs in Waban Village Center.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/059bbf5c-830d-4b1e-a46d-6de0eff77343/2c239ed9-0ddd-49da-a5aa-095039224753/2c239ed9-0ddd-49da-a5aa-095039224753.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=11&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4000%2C2998&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="Dedication of Waban West Interpretive Sign" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">Dedication of Waban West Interpretive Sign

Newton's historic assets define a rich “sense of place” in each of our thirteen distinctive village centers.

Historic Preservation

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<h2> All Newton Voters can vote for Rena</h2> The Ward 5 At-Large City Council seat is voted on by all Newton Voters.

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