Primary Election Date: 09/15/2009
General Election Date: 11/03/2009

Who Am I?

For nearly twenty years Ruth Balser has been a dedicated
Public official. As a Newton Alderman, from 1988-1996; and as a State Representative now in her sixth term, Ruth has been an effective problem solver and leader. A clinical psychologist, Ruth had a thirty year career in the mental health profession that included providing and managing services in both the private and public sectors. Having lived in Newton all of her adult life, Ruth has been an active member of her sons' PTOs, as well as civic, political and religious organizations.
The daughter of two schoolteachers, Ruth developed a lifelong appreciation of and commitment to public education. Following her graduation from the University of Rochester, Ruth was awarded a PhD from New York University. Both of her sons are Newton Public School graduates and doctoral candidates as well. As an Alderman and a State Representative, protecting and improving public schools has been her top priority.
Recognizing that working families in Newton needed support, Ruth was a founding member of the Newton Child Care Commission. As a member, and then Chairperson of the Public Safety and Transportation Committee of the Board of Aldermen, Ruth worked with neighborhoods to solve traffic problems and led successful efforts in traffic control. Valuing her managerial experience, Mayor Ted Mann appointed Ruth to the commission that professionalized the position of Newton's Chief of Police. Recognizing the need to create more diverse housing stock in the city without changing its neighborhood character, Ruth led the successful effort to pass the accessory apartment ordinance.
Ruth brought the same problem solving approach to the State House. It was Ruth's legislation that extended the terms of a state loan that has allowed the City to finance the repairs of a Newton fire station; she achieved the bond authorization to improve Needham Street; and a Massachusetts Highway Department traffic study on Route 9. Moreover, she worked hard to make sure that Newton North would receive its fair share of funding from the State's School Building Assistance program.
Representative Balser has been a leading progressive legislator for ten years. She supported Marriage Equality, protected a woman’s right to choose, and has protected the rights of the disabled. If you speak to anyone in Massachusetts, they will tell you that she has been an asset to the progressive movement. Ruth has championed healthcare for children, mental health parity, and protected our senior citizens. Throughout her career, she has stood up for the most vulnerable citizens of the Commonwealth.

Why Am I Running?

Newton is a great place to live. Unfortunately, over the
past years the level of services has eroded. The Schools are cutting back, Branch Libraries have been closed, and our infrastructure needs repair.

As Alderman and State Representative, I have accomplished a great deal for the people of Newton by reaching out to others, working with them to solve problems and to bring about change when and where it was needed. Those are the qualities we need in our next mayor - someone who can bring people together for a common purpose - to solve our problems, to meet the challenges Newton faces, and to bring about responsible change.

This is the type of leadership that I would like to bring to the office of Mayor. I want to build community in Newton, while working collaboratively, therefore making it a better place to live, raise a family, and grow older.

Hold Me Accountable!

As mayor, my top priorities will be:
• Improving our Schools. l will make protecting and improving our public education system my top concern.
• Facing our Fiscal Challenges. I will face our fiscal challenges with a deep sense of urgency. I will work with you and our community to find the creative and bold solutions that will allow our city to have the resources it needs to protect and improve vital services.
• Building Community. I will listen carefully and work energetically to bring people with different perspectives together. By rebuilding confidence and trust and a strong sense of shared values, I have no doubt that together, we will make Newton better.

My DFA values:

As an Alderman for Ward 8 in Newton, I believed in
progressive ideas and values. During those eight years, I was a leader on the issues of affordable housing and child care.

As a Representative in the Massachusetts House, I was a leader on marriage equality, a woman's right to choose, stem cell research, universal health care, protecting the rights of the disabled, seniors, the mentally ill, and the poor. I was a leader for prison reform, and providing substance abuse and mental health services instead of incarceration for those who are ill. Over the course of my career, I have been a leader who makes sure that the state protects the most vulnerable citizens of the Commonwealth.

As Mayor, my top priority is to ensure that the people of Newton have quality services. Newton has always been a pioneer among cities and towns of the state. I would like to keep that tradition. But, we have seen an erosion in our level of city services. I am committed to finding forms of new revenue that will help to fund the future of Newton.

I am and have been a supporter of legislation that would give municipalities a tool box of revenue generators to cope with the realities of today’s economy. The new municipal relief package now being considered at the State level would allow municipalities to employ new revenue streams. Through this proposal, public/private partnerships, examining new growth, and by other creative means, my administration would work hard to find efficiencies and new sources of income that would ensure the taxpayers better services from the City.

My Campaign is People-Powered!

I have already began a grassroots campaign. We are
currently running a “Coffee with Ruth” field program where we are invited to supporters’ homes filled with family and friends who are truly interested in working to make Newton a better place to live. Up to this point, we have held twelve house parties, and have filled up our calendar until well into May. We will intensify this program through the spring and summer months.

At this very early stage of the campaign, we are working hard to identify new supporters, while creating a real network of people in the community to advance our message and our goals. Our support is broad based; diverse in back ground and profession, and they are energized. We are looking forward to a great grassroots campaign.

Volunteer opportunities at this point include organizing neighbors and friends, phone banking, and logistical help. We anticipate a full field operation including a signature drive, canvassing, phone banking, and fundraising.