Fellow Newtonians

I notified the Newton Elections Commission today that I am a write-in candidate for the office of Mayor.

This action is prompted by my interest in encouraging you to vote on November 3.

Too many voters intend to sit out this election because they won't vote for either mayoral candidate. These voters believe that neither Ruth Balser and Setti Warren possesses the character, ability and force of will that is necessary to manage the city and schools in a disciplined and fiscally responsible manner.

Voters believe that both candidates will rely upon overrides for bailouts, and, consequently, these voters believe they have no choice and will not go to the polls on November 3.

I understand voter dissatisfaction, frustration and pain, but there is no valid reason to sit out the entire election. It is vital that voters recognize that they have an opportunity and responsibility to elect Aldermen and members of the School Committee who can make a difference.

As a salve to voter pain, I recommend that voters affirm their principles by writing in "Bill Heck" for Mayor, and then vote for the Aldermen and School Committee candidates who they, the voters, believe can make a difference.

I remind voters that the School Committee spends 62 pennies out of every dollar in Newton. While each School Committee candidate claims to love children, to care about the future and to support education, unfortunately, some candidates appear to have little-to-no intent, or capability, to get measurable and competitive value for taxpayer money that is spent in the school system.

I encourage all voters to demand fiscal responsibility from every candidate and to vote only for candidates who pledge to provide excellent city and schools services while resolving the $52M deficit without overrides.

Voters recognize that shallow proposals offered by candidates, such as bi-weekly payrolls and a master plan for capital, are small steps toward resolution of the deficit. Fiscal responsibility demands disciplined management and focused objectives, including, but not limited to, significant reduction in payrolls and their rates of increases, significant reductions in health care costs, significant reductions in pension costs, full-payment for all costs related to all out-of-district students in Newton schools, and a complete overhaul of special education.

Since neither mayoral candidate will identify line-item reductions and timetables that account for resolution of the $52M deficit, it is imperative to identify and elect Aldermen and School Committee members who will work for the interests of taxpayers.

I am watching each Alderman and School Committee race and listening to the candidates. On the weekend prior to the election, I will post my recommendations for each contested position in the Alderman and School Committee races on my website, HeckYesNewton.com.

If you are asking yourself whether you should vote, the answer is Heck Yes! Write in "Bill Heck" for Mayor; then vote for candidates who will make good Aldermen and School Committee members.

Sincerely,

Bill Heck

Write-In Candidate for Mayor

July 13, 2009:

Dear Newtonian,

I am running for Mayor of Newton because no other candidate promises to reorganize government and reduce taxes. I will.

The Citizen Advisory Group report graphically details Newton's $52,000,000 annual deficit. This deficit must be addressed head-on! Failure to do so is a complete lack of stewardship and a breach of fiduciary duty. Let me tell you what this means:

• Newton's annual deficit is $52,000,000
• There are 32,000 households in Newton
• The annual tax impact per household is $1,625

Do you want to pay $1,625 in additional taxes every year? I don't, and you shouldn't. You have a choice on September 15: Bill Heck or more taxes. You choose.

Here is the difference: I intend to put Newton's financial house in order to assure excellent municipal services and a top-quality school system without new taxes or overrides. The other candidates hide behind the coined term "structural deficit" and the other candidates will raise your taxes. They are already supporting more and higher taxes and overrides. I believe in getting more for the tax dollars that we already pay for good school and safety services.

Here's why you should vote, "HECK YES!" I have managed complex service businesses in the competitive private sector for years, and I know we're paying much too much for what we now get from Newton government. The mayor is responsible for managing a $300,000,000 budget, and I want competition at every level of government to assure the best for the least money. I will endure all of the fights that are necessary to get much more for your tax and school dollars, something the other candidates will not and cannot do.

The Newton TAB Editorial, Aug 26, 2009, page 12, states: "Without a doubt, the latest entrant to the mayoral race, Bill Heck, has the most extensive management background. Many could argue he has the only substantial management background. As an executive in the hotel management industry, Heck has managed people, operating and capital budgets, and contract negotiations. His resume alone says he's chief executive material."

If you vote, "HECK YES," I will seek ways to lower, not raise, your taxes. At $8,000 per household, our property taxes are now almost DOUBLE the state average. We are not getting our money's worth and raising taxes an additional $1,625 per annum is surely not the answer.

I pledge to turn this city around and manage it in the interest of taxpayers, and recognize that we, the taxpayers, control our destiny and well-being.

On November 3rd, you have a choice. I offer demonstrated skills and performance and I will obtain quality and value for our tax dollars without overrides or more taxes.

It's your choice: Bill Heck or more taxes and status quo. You choose.

Sincerely,

William Heck, Candidate for Mayor