Financial executives donate $45k to Newton override campaign
Three financial executives donated a total of $45,000 to the committee pushing an override in Newton, contributing to an overwhelming funding advantage the group has over the city's anti-override group.
More than half of the nearly $89,000 the city's pro-override group, Move Newton Forward, raised since January was contributed by Bain Capital executives Andrew Balson and Matthew Levin, and Morgan Stanley executive Scott Oran. Balson donated $25,000; Levin gave $15,000; and Oran contributed $5,000.
"They are very committed citizens who want to see Newton maintain excellent schools and great city services," said Rob Gifford, co-chairman of the group, who said he did not know the men well. "They came forward of their own volition in support of our campaign efforts."
Gifford, a real estate developer, and his co-chairmen, attorney Sarah Ecker and venture capitalist Christopher Hill, each donated $1,600. Current and former School Committee members, Susan Heyman and Anne Larner, donated $1,500 apiece. The group also received in-kind donations valued at more than $9,000.
In contrast, the city's anti-override group, Newton for Fiscal Responsibility, raised $6,946. Its largest donations were from Charlie Grant, who gave $1,000, and David Weinstein, who contributed $500.
"They have the money people. It's the people who have the money that are willing to buy their way out of every problem,'' said override opponent Jeff Seideman. "On the no side, we have the sweat equity. We have lots and lots of volunteers."
Newton voters go to the polls next Tuesday to consider the $12-million override.
-- Rachana Rathi
Disgraceful. So 3 VERY wealthy people in the city have this much power! Say no to that!
If they have the money, why not donate it directly to the schools rather than to this campaign? It seems like the wealth is being misdirected here.
Why donate the money to the schools instead?
Those donations are still cheaper than sending kids to private schools. But part of the idea of a commonwealth is that there is only so much of a burden that people can bear. Force less affluent families out with higher taxes and then you can make your "public" schools more like private schools. Massachusetts' richest communities might as well be gated communities. And don't get me started on the Community Preservation Act. Look at the towns that are taxing themselves extra in order to get the state match and you will see towns that are already pretty well preserved.
We need to eliminate the property tax altogether and raise the income tax, then distribute funds to communities on a per capita basis. Neither our highways or our schools should have "lexus lanes". Return the common back to the "Commonwealth".
Blah blah blah. I can't wait for these big mouths cry babies to move out of town. I applaud these people who are looking to keep Newton competitive and help provide the very best in education and schools for our kids. Whine, whine, whine, maybe it's time to move down south where you can afford to live. Cry babies.
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