VOTERS FOR A VIBRANT NEWTON ENDORSES TWO CANDIDATES FOR THE MARCH 2021 SPECIAL ELECTION

Newton, MA, February 8, 2021 - Voters for a Vibrant Newton (VVN) announces its endorsement of two candidates for the upcoming Special election in Newton on March 16, Madeline Ranalli for Councilor at-Large in Ward 1 and Bryan Barash for Councilor at-Large in Ward 2.  These candidates can be counted on to support VVN’s vision of Newton as an open and welcoming city with vibrant village centers, environmentally sustainable living, and diverse housing options. VVN was successful in helping elect 10 progressive City Councilors in November 2019. 

“There are significant differences in the positions taken by these two candidates and their opponents.  Maddy and Bryan have fought tirelessly to ensure that Newton remains true to its inclusive values by supporting initiatives that will significantly expand the number of affordable homes available to young families, older adults and people who work in Newton but cannot afford to live here.” said Allison Sharma, chair of Voters for a Vibrant Newton. 

Ward 1 at-large - MADELINE RANALLI  
Maddy is a lifelong Newton resident with a forward thinking perspective on critical issues facing our city - housing, transportation, racial justice and the environment.  She has worked on sustainability and climate change at the Massachusetts Department of Energy. She also served for two years as the Political Director of March for Our Lives: Massachusetts lobbying for gun violence prevention legislation.  Maddy represents a new generation of leaders and will bring refreshing energy to the City Council.

Ward 2 at-large - BRYAN BARASH 
As a tireless advocate for social justice, Bryan has served on the Newton Human Rights Commission and has worked collaboratively to promote affordable housing and transit-oriented development.  He will use his experience as General Counsel to State Senator Harriette Chandler, on the Newton Human Rights Commission, and on the boards of the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA) and the New Art Center, to act in our best interests and fight for environmental sustainability, racial justice, and strong schools.
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​Voters for a Vibrant Newton is endorsing Maddy and Bryan because they share our commitment to a city that is vital, welcoming, diverse and accessible. To reach those goals, VVN supports policies that:

• Encourage the creation of affordable and attainable housing options;
• Build communities that attract people of every age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status;        
• Make our village centers vibrant hubs to live, work, play, learn, and engage;
• Address climate change by focusing on reducing Newton’s carbon footprint; and,
• Expand our tax base to ensure our city remains financially healthy and able to provide excellent services.     

​About Voters for a Vibrant Newton
Voters for a Vibrant Newton is a Political Action Committee formed to keep Newton an open, welcoming city with vibrant village centers that provide environmentally sustainable living and put Newton on a solid fiscal footing. More information can be found online at https://www.vibrantnewton.org/.