Citizen involvement in local government has been one of Mayor Warren’s highest priorities since taking office and Newton has the good fortune to be home to a wealth of knowledgeable and talented individuals. Current opening for talented residents  to volunteer on a Board or Commission include:

BioSafety Committee
The Mayor is looking for volunteers to serve on the Biosafety Committee. This Committee oversees the use of recombinant DNA, infectious agents, and biohazardous materials in the course of research. The Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all applications, proposals, activities and facilities for the purpose of research. While the Committee has not met in more than 10 years, there is renewed interest in the economic development potential of biotech firms. The Biosafety Committee is comprised of nine (9) members including the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, two (2) members of the Newton Health Advisory Council appointed by the Commissioner, three (3) members appointed by the Mayor, at least one of whom is a scientist knowledgeable in the field of rDNA research and technology and the other two with experience in public health, occupational health, infectious diseases or environmental health and three (3) members appointed by the Board of Aldermen, one of whom represents public health. If interested, please send a resume along with a letter of interest to Reenie Murphy at rmurphy@newtonma.gov.

Traffic Council
The City of Newton is seeking a qualified Newton resident with expertise in traffic engineering or traffic planning to serve as the Citizen Representative on the Newton Traffic Council. The Citizen Representative will be appointed by the Mayor for a term of three (3) years. The Traffic Council reviews site-specific requests for traffic and parking changes and is composed of five voting members, including one Citizen, one Alderman, and three City staff members representing the Planning, Police and Public Works Departments. If interested, please send a resume along with a letter of interest to Reenie Murphy at rmurphy@newtonma.gov.

Youth Commission
There are several openings for membership on the Newton Youth Commission which is a volunteer body of high school students and adults working together to empower youth. The commission has seven voting members ages 13-19 from all over the city who are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Board of Aldermen. Commissioners learn about civic engagement and connect with city officials. Please visit www.newtonma.gov/youth for an application. Questions should be directed to Jenny O’Leary, Director of Youth Services, 617-796-1436, joleary@newtonma.gov.

Youth Advisory Committee
There are openings on the Advisory Board to the Youth Commission, which is appointed by the Mayor, with the advice of the youth commission. The advisory board has twenty youth and adult members selected to represent, police, schools, health, recreation and other public or private organizations concerned with youth. Adults interested in applying for the Advisory Board should submit both a resume and statement of interest. Youth interested should submit an application. Applications can be found at www.newtonma.gov/youth. Questions should be directed to Jenny O’Leary, Director of Youth Services, 617-796-1436, joleary@newtonma.gov.