School, override questions put Cohen on hot seat
A number of Newton officials and residents say their trust in Cohen has been eroded by a series of statements and characterizations he has made during the past six years about the Newton North project and the likelihood of City Hall seeking an override of Proposition 2 1/2. Some critics point to his earlier statements that the cost would remain at roughly $141 million, and his more recent insistence that the project is not the reason for his recent proposal to ask voters for a property-tax increase. ... "Even if the mayor is technically correct, it's beside the point," said Ward 8 Alderman at Large John D. Freedman, who joined the board this month. "He is simply mincing words. Newton North at its current cost has become so large, it essentially crowds out the ability to do any substantial work on other projects." More

Searching for another solution for Newton North
Reluctant to turn back on a project that has cost the city nearly $20 million so far, but unwilling to move forward with a $186 million new Newton North High School, some aldermen are seeking alternatives. Freshman Alderman John Freedman, who joined the board in January, is proposing a mix of new construction and reuse. He said that he is not the first to suggest a solution like this. “The city does not have any good options,” Freedman said in a phone interview. “Going ahead is not a good option.” But going back to the drawing board would take a minimum of two years, he added. “Time is money, and we would have no guarantee that [by going back] we would have anything better or cheaper,” he said. More

John Freedman wins election
(read Newton TAB article)

Freedman wins Alderman-at-Large seat; Comes out on top in four-way race
First time candidate John Freedman finished first in Newton’s race for Ward 8 Alderman-at-Large with 3492 votes. Incumbent Alderman Mitch Fischman will retain his seat by finishing second with 3327 votes. Former Alderman Myra Tattenbaum finished third with 2935, while Tom Sheff polled 1885. Full results are available at http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/Election/11062007-official-results.pdf