John Oliver
At-large Councilor, Ward 1
Ward 1 City Councilor at-large
I grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan and attended Michigan State University (Go Green!). I began my career in the marketing industry which eventually led me to move to Massachusetts for a job opportunity in the Boston area.
In 2002 I moved to Newton from Michigan and immediately began to embrace Newton as home. The community, the people. Our Villages. Our place in the greater Boston area.
I ran for City Council in 2021 because I care about Newton and our community and I want to help shape what Newton will look like in the future.
As your representative my goal is to ensure that your voice is heard; that you feel welcome to participate and understand how decisions are being made. I will strive to provide the accessibility and transparency to our municipal government that you deserve.
I believe that when every resident is proud to live here, we have succeeded.
Why Support me?
I believe that Newton can be even better than it is today. We can continue to improve nearly every aspect of the city. We can make living here, working here and getting here better.
The passion that our residents have for every aspect of life in Newton all need to contribute to the greater good of the city. Challenging each other to work together toward a better Newton implies that we use a shared definition of ‘better’.
My Priorities
Because there are too many worthy topics to discuss here, below are the principles that guide how I think about the issues that come to the city council:
Timely, easy access to understandable information is critical, as is transparency to the city’s goals, plans and actions
None of the decisions we make exist in a silo; therefore considering the impacts (positive and negative) to our actions is central to this job
All voices - small and large - have to be heard during discussions that impact life in Newton
To be mindful of the difference between change and improvement as the city accommodates growth and adapts to change
My commitment to you is that I will try to bring this thinking to my work on your behalf every day. I’d love to get your feedback and hear what is on your mind and how I am doing, so please use this link to email me.
Residential Electrification
Shifting from fossil fuels (oil, gas) to electricity as our sole source of energy is underway and is likely to impact every home in Newton. What could this mean for you and your home?
Newton’s City Seal
The Mayor's Office is planning to replace Newton's Seal. There are currently 3 options under consideration.
Electrification Ordinance
Newton has decided to join the ‘Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Building Demonstration Program’ (aka ‘10 Communities Pilot’). What is this, why I supported it, and the challenges ahead.
Newsletter Archive
Serving our city
I joined the City Council in 2021 upon winning a special election. I have served on several committees including Finance, Zoning and Planning (ZAP), Public Safety & Transportation, Programs and Services, as well as Real Property Re-use. With your continues support, I look forward to continuing to represent you and your interests on the City Council.
Community Service
In 2012 my son started at Horace Mann elementary; I joined the PTO as Treasurer and later became Co-President, a role I held again at Newton North High School. I co-founded the Newton Athletic Fields Foundation, advocating to improve Newton’s fields. In 2019 the City Council appointed me to the Newton Community Education commission, I also volunteered with the Newton Food Pantry during the pandemic.
Commitment. Experience. Results.
