December 2020 Survey
It’s Newton Democracy’s #1 job to keep YOU the taxpayer informed and educated; and lawmakers accountable. Earlier in December we commissioned a phone survey and also bolstered it up with a website survey too.
1,418 Newton Residents took part in the survey.
There is a Special Newton City Election this March for City Councilor At-large in Wards 1 and 2. All Newton voters are eligible to vote in this Special Election. Will you plan to vote in the March Citywide Special Election?
Yes
82.79%
No
17.21%
There will be several ways to vote in the citywide Newton Special Election in early 2021. Please indicate your preferred method of voting
Vote in Person on Election Day
25.39%
Vote by Mail
54.42%
Vote Early in Person
20.19%
What local Newton issue is most important to you:
Green & open space preservation
9,89%
Increased density & zoning redesign
26.36%
Addressing racial, climate & housing justice
17.43%
Road conditions, construction & traffic
20.05%
Fiscal responsibility & transparency
11.38%
The Newton Public School system
14.89%
The Newton City Council will be voting in 2021 to eliminate all single-family zoning citywide. This will allow homeowners to divide their property up to 6 multiple units by right and increase Newton’s housing density. Where do you stand?
Support the Newton City Council eliminating all single-family zoning citywide to permit property owners to convert up to 6 units, to increase Newton’s housing density
21.21%
Do not support the Newton City Council eliminating all single-family zoning citywide to permit property owners to convert up to 6 units, to increase Newton’s housing density
78.79%
In your opinion, should the decision to eliminate all single-family zoning citywide and permit property owners to convert up to 6 units, to increase Newton’s housing density be made by the Newton City Council or by the voters of Newton on the ballot?
No, the decision should be made by the Newton City Council
15.24%
Yes, the decision should be made by the voters on the ballot
84.76%
Do you currently have children in the Newton Public Schools?
You do not currently have children in the Newton Public Schools
73.79%
Currently all of your school-aged children are in the Newton Public Schools
18.19%
You have taken any children out of the Newton Public Schools
8.02%
Neighboring school districts including Brookline, Wellesley, Weston and Needham have had up to 81 more days in person than the Newton Public Schools. Do you think the Newton Public Schools took too long to decide to safely reopen adhering to public health official guidelines for students, parents and staff who feel comfortable returning?
Took too long
54.49%
Took appropriate amount of time
45.03%
Do you believe the future of the City of Newton is headed in a positive direction?
Yes
46.98%
No
53.02%