Newton City Council Caucus - December 4, 2025

Newton City Council Caucus - December 4, 2025

Executive Summary: The Newton City Council Caucus convened on December 4, 2025, to elect the President, Vice President, and President Emeritus for the upcoming term. Councilor-Elect John Oliver was elected President with 13 votes, and Councilor-Elect David Kalis was elected Vice President by acclamation. Councilor-Elect R. Lisle Baker was elected President Emeritus by acclamation. The caucus also adopted its rules of procedure.

Meeting Date: December 4, 2025 Governing Body: Newton City Council Caucus Type of Meeting: Caucus Attendees:

• Councilor-Elect Albright
• Councilor-Elect Baker
• Councilor-Elect Bixby
• Councilor-Elect Block
• Councilor-Elect Charm
• Councilor-Elect Donovob
• Councilor-Elect Farrell
• Councilor-Elect Getz
• Councilor-Elect Golden
• Councilor-Elect Gordon
• Councilor-Elect Greenberg
• Councilor-Elect Grossman
• Councilor-Elect Irish
• Councilor-Elect Kalis
• Councilor-Elect Kelley
• Councilor-Elect Krintzman
• Councilor-Elect Leary
• Councilor-Elect Lucas
• Councilor-Elect Malakie
• Councilor-Elect Micley
• Councilor-Elect Oliver
• Councilor-Elect Roach
• Councilor-Elect Silver
• Councilor-Elect Wright

I. Call to Order and Attendance

• The meeting was called to order by City Clerk Drew Willis.
• Attendance was taken, with 24 Councilors-Elect present.

II. Selection of Temporary Presiding Officer

• Motion: To appoint Councilor-Elect R. Lisle Baker as the temporary presiding officer.
• Discussion: None.
• Vote:
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Ayes: All present Councilors-Elect.
  • Nays: None.

III. Adoption of Caucus Rules

• Motion: To adopt the caucus rules governing the selection of the President, Vice President, and President Emeritus.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor-Elect Baker clarified that the process requires 13 affirmative votes for each officer. If a candidate does not receive 13 votes, other candidates can be nominated.
  • The Law Department advised that the caucus operates under Open Meeting Law, and breaks should avoid serial conversations that might violate the law.
• Vote:
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Ayes: All present Councilors-Elect.
  • Nays: None.

IV. Selection of President

• Nominations:
  • Councilor-Elect Tarik J. Lucas nominated Councilor-Elect John Oliver.
    • Councilor-Elect Lucas stated he did not have the necessary votes for president and hoped the next president would address issues such as updating the city charter for more council influence on the budget, increasing proclamations for Newton residents and businesses, and inviting State House delegation members for updates.
  • Councilor-Elect Alison M. Leary nominated Councilor-Elect David Kalis.
    • Councilor-Elect Leary highlighted Councilor-Elect Kalis's experience as Vice President and his ability to bridge divides among councilors.
  • Councilor-Elect Stephen Farrell seconded the nomination of Councilor-Elect Kalis, citing his experience in bridging gaps between different viewpoints.
• Motion: To close nominations for President.
• Vote:
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Ayes: All present Councilors-Elect.
  • Nays: None.
• Candidate Statements:
  • Councilor-Elect John Oliver:
    • Expressed gratitude for the nomination.
    • Stated his goal as President would be to build stronger relationships across the community, including special interest groups and PTOs.
    • Emphasized the need for compromise and collaboration among the 24 councilors and 88,000 residents to achieve resolutions efficiently.
  • Councilor-Elect David Kalis:
    • Expressed honor and humility for the nomination.
    • Highlighted his varied experience on the council, professional experience in managing people and budgets, and a leadership style grounded in listening, respect, and collaboration.
    • Identified three core responsibilities:
      1. Ensuring smooth council operations, where every council member feels heard and respected, and processes are adhered to, in active partnership with the clerk's office.
      2. Building strong collaborative relationships with the school committee and administration, emphasizing communication and shared priorities.
      3. Representing the body at public events, showing engagement and respect for community concerns.
    • Stated his guiding principles would be respect, collaboration, and commitment to strong, transparent processes, fostering active listening and trust.
    • Pledged to ensure committee assignments are based on leadership potential and include diverse viewpoints.
    • Committed to working with the mayor's office to improve processes for resident clarity, transparency, and trust.
• Discussion on Candidates:
  • Councilor-Elect Grossman expressed disappointment with a statement made by another councilor-elect regarding a previous election, stating it was not a clear issue for voters and that the focus should be on unity.
  • Councilor-Elect Leary supported the candidate referenced, stating he would have been a great city councilor and that the campaign against him was "bullying."
  • Councilor-Elect Andreae Downs urged the caucus to focus on selecting a leader for the council, emphasizing unity and collaboration. She praised Councilor-Elect Kalis's ability to wrestle with decisions and represent the council's views, particularly with a new mayor and clerk.
  • Councilor-Elect Albright reflected on past council divisions and the need for a president who can bring both sides together. She expressed support for Councilor-Elect Kalis, noting his ability to see both sides and work towards consensus.
  • Councilor-Elect Getz, as a member of the queer community, spoke about the pain within that community from recent months and the need for a president who prioritizes inclusion and equity. She expressed her intent to vote for Councilor-Elect Kalis due to his spirit of inclusion and equity.
• Roll Call Vote for President:
  • Outcome: Councilor-Elect John Oliver elected President.
  • Votes for Councilor-Elect John Oliver (13):
    • Councilor-Elect Albright
    • Councilor-Elect Block
    • Councilor-Elect Donovob
    • Councilor-Elect Farrell
    • Councilor-Elect Getz
    • Councilor-Elect Golden
    • Councilor-Elect Gordon
    • Councilor-Elect Lucas
    • Councilor-Elect Malakie
    • Councilor-Elect Micley
    • Councilor-Elect Oliver
    • Councilor-Elect Silver
    • Councilor-Elect Wright
  • Votes for Councilor-Elect David Kalis (11):
    • Councilor-Elect Baker
    • Councilor-Elect Bixby
    • Councilor-Elect Charm
    • Councilor-Elect Greenberg
    • Councilor-Elect Grossman
    • Councilor-Elect Irish
    • Councilor-Elect Kalis
    • Councilor-Elect Kelley
    • Councilor-Elect Krintzman
    • Councilor-Elect Leary
    • Councilor-Elect Roach

V. Selection of Vice President

• Nominations:
  • Councilor-Elect Joshua Krintzman nominated Councilor-Elect David Kalis.
  • Second: Unidentified Councilor-Elect.
• Motion: To close nominations for Vice President.
• Vote:
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Ayes: All present Councilors-Elect.
  • Nays: None.
• Motion: To elect Councilor-Elect David Kalis as Vice President by acclamation.
• Vote:
  • Outcome: Passed by acclamation.
  • Ayes: All present Councilors-Elect.
  • Nays: None.

VI. Selection of President Emeritus

• Councilor-Elect John Oliver, as President-Elect, assumed the chair for this item.
• Nominations:
  • Councilor-Elect Albright nominated Councilor-Elect R. Lisle Baker.
  • Second: Unidentified Councilor-Elect.
• Motion: To close nominations for President Emeritus.
• Vote:
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Ayes: All present Councilors-Elect.
  • Nays: None.
• Motion: To elect Councilor-Elect R. Lisle Baker as President Emeritus by acclamation.
• Vote:
  • Outcome: Passed by acclamation.
  • Ayes: All present Councilors-Elect.
  • Nays: None.

VII. Adjournment

• Motion: To adjourn the meeting.
• Second: Unidentified Councilor-Elect.
• Vote:
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Ayes: All present Councilors-Elect.
  • Nays: None.
• The meeting was adjourned.