I’m Alan Lobovits, a retired pediatrician of over 40 years from Newton Highlands. On January 1, 2024, I was sworn in as Ward 6 City Councilor At-Large. I feel very honored and grateful to have this opportunity to serve.
I started my candidacy in 2023 when I began to hear about proposed changes to the zoning and development patterns in Newton coming from both City Hall and from the State House, but the information available didn’t tell me enough. I then learned that areas in some – but not all – villages were designated to be rezoned, and I was shocked that every resident hadn’t been mailed a map showing the proposed changes. I asked my neighbors what they knew about it, and many didn’t know, and once they did, they were not happy about the proposed zoning plan being implemented without their knowledge, nor any opportunity to vote on it.
I began to watch online meetings of the City Council’s Zoning and Planning committee and was dismayed to see the way that properties were added or subtracted from the areas set to be rezoned. I believe Newton residents deserve complete transparency about what would be rezoned, and accurate information about how rezoning would change Newton.
I also believe residents should be treated with respect when they exercise their right to speak up. Many of the City Council hearings I attended were very disappointing in the manner with which residents who attended were treated. I ran for Newton City Council to give residents a voice, and a more inclusive local democracy, one in which their views would be heard with respect, and their priorities incorporated in local decision-making. During my campaign, and now as a City Councilor, I have learned so much from every person I have listened to along the way. Thank you for teaching me about your hopes for our Garden City.
To every resident of Newton, I will always endeavor to be the best City Councilor I can be, to advance the vision of residents for Newton. I will rely on you for your wisdom, expertise, honest opinions, and support. As an at At-Large City Councilor, all Newton residents are my constituents, and I will continue to work hard for all of you. I look forward to collaborating with residents, stakeholders, and my fellow City Councilors to chart, together, a course for Newton that is appealing to all.
Letter of Endorsement
Fig City News, October 31, 2023