School Committee Member Geoff Epstein Endorses Ken Parker
Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 09:46PM Newly-elected School Committee member Geoff Epstein announced his support today for Alderman Ken Parker for Newton Mayor in 2009 and will co-chair the Education Policy Subcommittee of the Ken Parker for Newton Mayor 2009 Exploratory Committee. Mr. Epstein is a fresh new voice on the School Committee in support of strong math and science programs in Newton Schools and has taken a collaborative approach to soliciting community input.
The Ken Parker for Newton Mayor 2009 Exploratory Committee is a group of over 100 citizens who are working together to establish a plan to restore Newton’s excellence. The group is divided into three subcommittees—Education, Environment & Sustainable Growth, and Finance & Management—which are working over the summer to develop specific policy proposals to improve Newton government and services.
“Geoff Epstein is a creative thinker who has demonstrated his ability to reach out to the community to solicit input and ideas on how we can improve our schools,” said Alderman Parker. “With Geoff working on our education platform, I know we will put together a great plan for the future of public education in Newton. I am honored and humbled by Geoff’s support and can’t thank him enough for joining our effort and for all his work on behalf of our community as a member of the Newton School Committee.”
“Alderman Parker’s vision for Newton includes innovation and excellence in our schools as well as a strong commitment to improve math and science education,” said Epstein, “As Mayor of Newton, Ken will use his leadership skill, management experience and strong policy knowledge of the inner workings of Newton’s government to the benefit of our school system and our entire community. I’m excited to be part of this effort to develop a blueprint for the future of the Newton Public Schools and to bring such durable, enthusiastic and open leadership to the executive office at Newton City Hall."
All Newton residents are encouraged to participate in this collaborative process. More information can be found on www.parker2009.org or by contacting the Exploratory Committee Field Director Shawn P. Fitzgibbons at shawn@parker2009.org or (617) 997-2577.
UPDATE (June 17) ...Geoff Epstein's letter to the TAB in support of Ken follows....
I am writing to announce my support for Ken Parker for Mayor and to urge my fellow Newton residents to join Alderman Parker’s exciting effort to explore new ideas for improving Newton government and services.
As a new member of the School Committee, it has been my privilege to work with other elected officials, parents and members of the community to develop creative ideas for improving our schools. But for real change to take place, we need a leader who is not afraid to question assumptions and find new ways to tackle the challenges that face us.
Ken Parker has demonstrated, both as an Alderman and community leader and as a company executive and entrepreneur, that he has the skills needed to get Newton back on the right track. As an Alderman, Ken has shown unswerving commitment to the search for innovative ways to improve services and to lower costs. His broad policy knowledge, business management experience and open, collaborative leadership style will be a strong asset not only for our schools, but for all our city’s programs and services. Many of us have been inspired by Ken Parker’s ability to bring people of different viewpoints together for the common good.
I am pleased to join the Ken Parker for Newton Mayor 2009 Exploratory Committee as a co-chairman of the Education Policy Subcommittee. I urge my friends and supporters and everyone who cares about the future of the Newton Public Schools to join our effort to develop new ways to provide better educational services while controlling costs.
In these challenging times, Ken will be a strong, effective advocate for change. As Newton’s mayor, he will restore our city’s excellence. Please visit www.parker2009.org and join our effort today.
School Committee, Ward One