I am Dr. Ludmilla Mecaj a Candidate for Newton Town Council 2024.

I first settled in Newton in 1995 from an ex-communist country, became a naturalized citizen, and now teach at a NJ university. I am now deeply embedded in Newton, where I own several properties. I am a proud parent, a responsible landlady, a guiding/advisor professor, and a community servant: for 4 years I was Vice Chair of the Newton Recreation Committee and Chair of the Little Miss and Mr. Newton contest, where I was able to make all participants feel like winners. I participated in college-level government as an Adjunct Faculty Representative in the College Senate and served on the College Planning and Utilization Committee.

Why I’m running and why should I be on Newton Council?

Newton has faced significant challenges, including overspending and infrastructure neglect. As a resident, I’m committed to addressing these issues. If elected, I’ll prioritize fiscal responsibility, (ACCOUNTABILITY to local government), infrastructure improvements, property tax relief, public safety, and economic development. The nature of our town has changed over the last three decades. We’ve gone from a family friendly community to one in which our community members feel unsafe.

Pragmatic — I accomplish what I set out to do. In 2018, my successful drive to consolidate the municipal and general elections resulted in increasing voter participation (thus giving a more realistic voting result) and in saving taxpayers $20,000 every two years.
Economical— I will control expenses through a thorough analysis of the pros and cons of all proposals.
Creative — Practical strategies to invigorate Newton, bringing Spring Street to life with innovative tax and leasing arrangements

Here are the top three things I aim to accomplish if elected

I’m committed to improving Newton’s fiscal responsibility, community safety, and governance. Specifically, I’ll address budget overruns, ensure accountability for taxpayer funds, and conduct thorough analyses of all proposals. For community safety, I’ll advocate for a modernized model that includes stricter landlord accountability and collaboration with law enforcement. To enhance governance, I’ll prioritize transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness in town management. We need term limits for Councilmembers. I believe every resident’s voice should be heard and valued without fear of retribution.

What makes me the best candidate for this position?

I’m a results-oriented candidate focused on action, not empty promises. In just 11 days, I gathered enough signatures that resulted in the 2018 referendum to combine the May municipal election with the November general election. This initiative has saved taxpayers $60,000 so far. This will save Newton taxpayers $100,000 every ten years. I believe in transparency in local government. Leadership comes from willing to speak out against abuses of the taxpayer. I have always been a taxpayer first candidate, seeking to bring accountability to our town management.

As a longtime Newton resident and current New Jersey University professor, I am deeply concerned about the decline of our town. Despite years of waiting, necessary changes have not been implemented.

I believe Newton should be a safe and affordable place to raise families. Unfortunately, mismanagement has led to the opposite. As a concerned citizen, I will advocate for accountability and transparency in our town government.

I have much work to do, and I will lead a great change. Decisions made by the current Council have caused a tax burden to property owners; seniors are perhaps the most vulnerable. I am a homeowner and responsible landlord and have seen absentee landlords create problems in public health and safety problems.
Please join the grass roots, taxpayer focused campaign to put NEWTON First.

Vote MECAJ for Newton Town Council 2024!