Preserve the current ward system

I am OPPOSED to any change in our current ward district system.

Perhaps, we should have faith that there was great wisdom when our current Newton government was established, just as our United States democracy was founded on the principal that all men are created equal ...

There are many controversial issues facing Newton citizens, especially in the areas of development, housing and zoning that will be a constant in one neighborhood or another.

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To put the power of decision making into the hands of so few and to remove the one ward councilor that is voted on only by their ward is to remove the democratic process. Though this proposal is purported to be more democratic, it simply cannot be. And I hope Newton residents, many of whom seem to be sadly unaware of the Charter Commission and what it is proposing, will wake up and see what is happening.

Twenty-four councilors may have its challenges, but in the end it gives all citizens in our large city at least a chance of having their opinions heard.

I will be voting against this when it comes to a public vote.

S. Barbier

Newton

http://newton.wickedlocal.com/news/20170415/newton-tab-letters