Newton commission reappoints mayor, selects vice mayor after tense debate over tradition and attendance

The Newton City Commission reappointed Rich as mayor and voted to install a vice mayor after a heated debate over tradition and attendance.

Commissioner (Speaker 5) nominated Rich to continue as mayor; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission then considered the vice mayor post. Speaker 4 nominated Commissioner Valentine to continue as vice mayor, prompting a sustained exchange about whether the customary practice — promoting the incumbent vice mayor to mayor and the highest vote-getter to vice mayor — should be followed.

Jason (Speaker 9), a newly elected commissioner, said he was not willing to overturn a long-standing precedent without a substantial reason and declined to support a move that would reverse tradition. A different commissioner (Speaker 8, who identified themself as the top vote-getter) argued that voters’ choices should be respected and that they had worked through personal constraints to serve. The chair (Speaker 1) described the mayor and vice mayor roles as largely ceremonial in Newton’s strong-mayor system and urged commissioners to focus on being present and engaged.

After discussion and an alternative nomination, the commission approved the vice mayor motion. The chair announced the motion carried 3 to 2.

The commission returned to regular business after the leadership votes.