“Of all the people I have ever met who are or want to be elected officials, Steve is one of the smartest and most thoughtful.”.”
- Sean Roche, Newton Activist
Steve Siegel is an engaging and thoughtful candidate for Ward 5 School Committee. For years, Steve has shared his opinions and concerns regarding the state of our city and most importantly, the state of our school system– acknowledging its high quality yet recognizing its enormous potential to improve. His deep appreciation and respect for open communication and transparency in decision-making will foster greater dialogue with parents, teachers and the community at-large. I have no doubt that Steve’s experience and commitment will be a true asset to shaping the future of our schools..”
- Alderman Amy Sangiolo
“Steve really understands the important issues we are facing, and he will be a strong, new and independent voice on the School Committee. We definitely need his skills and his passion.”
- Alderman Jay Harney
“Steve is informed, thoughtful, and practical, and he cares deeply about schools and our city. I believe that he will bring an informed and independent voice to the School Committee. He is firmly committed to the need for effective collaboration between the School Committee and the Board of Aldermen. His skills and approach will be of great benefit to the School Committee and by extension to all of Newton.”
- Alderman Marcia Johnson
“Our School Committee, with charge over a significant operation and annual budget, needs members who ask critical questions and direct meaningful action. I have been struck by Steve’s inquisitive nature and the methodical way he applies his background and skills in pursuit of matters that are critical to the entire school system. He would make a terrific addition to the School Committee.”
- Alderman Stephen Linsky
“Having the fresh energy, perspective and deep thinking from someone like Steve Siegel would be a welcome and much needed addition to the School Committee. He is openminded, yet decisive. He is knowledgeable, yet still willing to learn. He is structured, but not set in his ways.”
- Alderman Greer Tan Swiston
“Steve also has great kindness and compassion and high respect for other people’s points of view. Steve has a remarkable ability to assimilate information and people’s input in a wide range of areas. And he is incisively analytic. I learn a lot from him.”
- School Committee member Geoff Epstein
“ He’s got my full support. Steve represents everything that is good about Newton.”
- Bob Burke
“I will be casting my ballot for Steve Siegel in the Ward 5 School Committee race. Steve has mastered a wealth of information about Newton’s schools and has continued to ask the right questions about the change needed both to put the system on a sound fiscal footing and to optimize our children’s educational experience. In the critical area of math education, Steve has made it clear to me that he will be very helpful in strengthening the curriculum.”
- Joshua Cohen
“ Steve is one of the most level-headed people I know, and when he speaks he just makes sense. Thorough in researching his positions. Strategically and tactically solid. I’ve been most impressed with how much more he’s thrown himself into NPS matters even since the last election. He would bring a tremendous amount to our School Committee at a time when our challenges are greater than ever.”
- Dan Fahey
“ Steve will be a tremendous asset to the school committee. I’ve met with him on a number of occasions to discuss educational issues and leave each conversation impressed with his intent to be well prepared for this position from day one. Steve asks questions about every educational issue imaginable but more importantly, he asks insightful follow up questions that demonstrate an ability to think on his feet and analyze information. He is open to change, but doesn’t want change just for the sake of it. Steve raises the level of dialog – he makes me think harder and more deeply about my profession.”
- Jane Frantz, Newton teacher (30+ years)
“ I urge voters to elect Steve Siegel to the School Committee. He brings a clear-eyed, analytical perspective on our school system’s strengths and weaknesses — and an open, collaborative and creative mindset for developing sensible solutions. I applaud Steve’s focus on partnering with teachers to achieve a contract that is financially sustainable and attractive to all. Steve’s earnest, thoughtful and capable. That he’s also a building design professional with experience we need for our elementary school projects is mere icing on the cake. He’ll be a great School Committee member.”
- Bruce Henderson
“ Candidates like Steve are why I’m registered in Newton.”
- Ben Miller
“Steve is an excellent listener, and a realist. He has an evolving personal vision that seeks what will be best for the community, and he has the ability to utilize resources and work well with others. He will do a great job if given the opportunity.”
– Nancy Minerva
“I always look forward to hearing what Steve has to say, whether it’s in his columns in the Tab or emails to the Newton Parents list or just talking to him one on one. He thinks carefully about the issues, researches what he doesn’t know, and only offers an opinion after considering all sides. I would feel like the future of NPS is in good hands with Steve as one of the helmspersons.”
- Emily Norton
“I know Steve from Temple and have been totally impressed with his ability to work with people, his intelligence and humor, his incredible energy, his kindness and ethics and drive to accomplish tasks. He has brought a wealth of information with him to our organization. He has effectively worked with different groups of congregants, committees, the board and the Rabbi to accomplish goals. We would be lucky to have his energy on the school committee.”
- Ellen Pashall
“I have worked with Steve on three pro-bono projects for the city:
- Fire Stations Facilities, Mass Building Code violations report.
- Crystal Lake, Adaptive Re-Use possibilities of the existing boathouse.
- Mayors Infrastructure Committee, public buildings report.
Steve is a smart, caring, problem solving type of individual who has skills that the school committee desperately needs. Couple this with his energy level and the city can get a very productive SC member who has been studying school related issues for many years. Lets reward Steve for his active thoughtful engagement with a seat at the School Committee table.”
- Mark Sangiolo