You’re invited to the Four Area Council Candidate Debates—a community forum informing Newton voters since 2013—presented by the Waban, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, and Upper Falls Area Councils.
Drawing on findings from our recent citywide survey, moderators will ground their questions in real resident concerns, giving candidates a chance to address what matters most to you. Led by experienced, well-informed Newton citizens, these debates offer a fair, substantive opportunity to hear how candidates for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee plan to meet the challenges ahead.
All debates are free and open to the public. Attend in person at Zervas or watch the livestream; links are below.
Event Details
Dates: Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19
Location: Zervas Elementary, 30 Beethoven Ave, Newton, MA
Livestream: wabanareacouncil.org and all Area Council websites
Saturday, Oct 18
- Mayor — 60 min — Moderator: Marjorie Arons-Barron — Start: 1:00 PM
- Ward 6 City Council (At-Large) — 45 min — Moderator: Alan Spatrick — Start: 2:15 PM
- Ward 4 City Council (At-Large) — 45 min — Moderator: Alan Spatrick — Start: 3:15 PM
- Ward 5 City Council (Ward) — 30 min — Moderator: Chris Markiewicz — Start: 4:15 PM
Sunday, Oct 19
- Ward 8 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Adam Bernstein — Start: 2:00 PM
- Ward 2 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Adam Bernstein — Start: 2:45 PM
- Ward 6 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Amy Sangiolo — Start: 3:30 PM
- Ward 5 School Committee — 30 min — Moderator: Amy Sangiolo — Start: 4:15 PM

Moderators (left to right)
Marjorie Arons-Barron — Former Editorial Director, WCVB-TV; producer/host of Five on Five; commentator; blogger at marjoriearonsbarron.com; Editorial Advisory Council, The Newton Beacon; 2019 Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee; moderator at every 4 Area Councils debate since 2013.
Chris Markiewicz — Newton resident for 34+ years; management consultant to Fortune 100 firms and governments; CPA; former 6-year Newton City Councilor; board member, Charles River Watershed Association and All Newton Music School (former Board President, 2014–2017).
Amy Sangiolo — Attorney, community advocate, and former Ward 4 City Councilor (20+ years); currently the 11th Middlesex State Representative; former mayoral candidate; long-time champion of policies benefiting Newton and the Commonwealth.
Alan Spatrick — Newton homeowner since 1993; reporter and board member, Fig City News; board member, Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation; Managing Principal, Meketa Investment Group; CFA; Brandeis University graduate.
Adam Bernstein — Director, Fig City News; Newton resident; interviewer of local candidates and leaders; NPS parent; policy-focused journalist drawing on prior energy-policy research experience; Emory University and Dartmouth College graduate.
Please feel free to forward.