Newly-Elected Councilmembers Ready to Hit Ground Running

It’s been less than 48 hours since the polls closed, but all three newly elected Belmont City Councilmembers are looking ahead to a busy agenda over the next four years. And there are a few things they plan to tackle right out of the gate.

Downtown With a Capital “D”

“I believe this new council will work collaboratively on downtown development,” said Warren Lieberman, who was elected to his third term on Tuesday.

Coucilmembers-elect Eric Reed and Charles Stone echoed Lieberman’s early focus on downtown development.

“This town deserves a downtown that’s more than just a point on a map. We need to make it a destination,” said Stone.

Stone added that he’s optimistic that council and staff will reach consensus a downtown development plan.

Reed emphasized that family- and business-friendly downtown development will not only improve the city’s sales tax receipts, it will prove that a well developed downtown can co-exist with vibrant neighborhoods and open space. 

“We need to make it easier for developers to come in and work in Belmont with both council and staff, and not be micromanaged,” said Reed, a former Belmont planning commissioner.

“Thus far it’s been tough for staff to bring these issues to the council. There are a number of tough issues that need to be tackled with regards to downtown,” added Lieberman.

Leveraging the Power of the People

All three also stressed the need to resurrect council subcommittees, and to tap into the collective wisdom of the city’s various special interest groups such as the chamber of commerce and the school community.

“There are a lot of people with great ideas in Belmont, and it would be smart to leverage that, “ said Reed, who added that the timing is right to bring back an economic development committee.

Stone says he, too, is looking forward to having subcommittees under the new council structure, stating that having these smaller groups allows the council to maximize its potential while exploring ideas.

“We need to maintain good relationships with our school community---both public and private,” said Stone, adding that he would like to create a standing education subcommittee.

And Lieberman, who says subcommittees were eliminated about four years ago, hopes to re-establish the task-specific groups to work collaboratively on hot issues such as traffic safety and Ralston Avenue mobility.

Concern over council compensation

Another area where the trio seems to be in sync is on the issue of council compensation---namely the $1,600 payout in lieu of medical benefits currently offered to the five city councilmembers, and the lifetime benefits extended to councilmembers.

“A return to civility”

Stressing the need for collaboration and respect, Lieberman, Reed and Stone all expressed a commitment to work as a team to bring about positive change.

“I’m honored that the voters of Belmont have given me a chance to help the city reach its full potential. I look forward to working with the other councilmembers and to see a return to civility on the council,” said Reed.

Stone says he welcomes the opportunity to help Belmont gain a reputation for being a city that behaves admirably and is willing to explore new ideas.

“The only way we will move on from the divisiveness of the past few years is to engage with each other and be transparent in our actions,” said Stone.

Lieberman, who has spent eight years on the Belmont City Council, says he’s ready to have productive discussions and move the city forward. As vice-mayor, he will most likely be nominated as mayor at the council restructuring in December.

“It is at the will of the council---we need to have a majority of the council for it to happen,” said Lieberman.

“We now have an opportunity to have honest debates and open dialogue, “ said Lieberman of the new council.

He said he looks forward to working with Reed, Stone and councilmembers Christine Wozniak and David Braunstein to ensure citizens feel good about the council representing them.

“I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to serve the people of Belmont,” he added.

Councilmembers Coralin Feierbach and Dave Warden did not seek re-election. Warden was elected to the Mid-Peninsula Water District board of directors on Tuesday. 

Lieberman, Reed and Stone will join Christine Wozniak and David Braunstein on the five-person council.