Hi, I'm Rena!
My full name is Rena Louisa Getz Escudero de Geltman. I was born in Spain and was fortunate to grow up in many different parts of the world due to my parents’ professions – my father was an international public servant, and my mother was an agricultural engineer, the first woman of her country, Colombia, in this profession. I am fortunate to have had this lived experience, as it enriches my worldview, but more importantly it gave me an appreciation of cultural differences, and the ability to interpret and act on differences of opinion.
I am a scientist, trained in neurochemistry. In my career, I have worked in a research at Massachusetts General Hospital studying neurodegenerative diseases before committing to raising our children full time.
Life in Newton
Like many, we moved to Newton to raise our family. We chose Newton because of its walkable neighborhood schools, historic village centers and abundant green open space. Our three children are all graduates of the Newton Public Schools. We are fortunate they have all chosen to return to the Boston area to pursue their professional careers after attending graduate school.
Volunteerism within the community is important to me and on a personal level enriches my life. During my children’s primary education. I served on the Angier School Building Committee and co-chaired the Respect for Human Differences Committee for the years my youngest daughter attended Angier School.
Community Engagement
My civic engagement in Newton began over a decade ago through my relationship with my dear friend and mentor, Brian Yates. Brian was our former longstanding Councilor At-Large from Ward 5 and an exemplary humanitarian. I knew him well as both a dedicated public servant and as a friend. I had the privilege of running his last three election campaigns, along with other citizen volunteers. His passing motivated me to run for office, to honor his priorities and the vision he held for Newton--a city rooted in “village values – protect the environment, preserve the villages and prevent overdevelopment.” I share Brian’s sensibilities and a passion for my community and a belief that city government needs to care for the most vulnerable among us, as well as to respect and to preserve the uniqueness of each of our villages. I am committed to valuing these priorities and to being a true voice for the residents of Newton.
More recently, I became involved with Neighborhood Area Councils. I am a founding member and the current President of the Waban Area Council, on which I have continuously served in leadership since 2013. On the Council, I serve to educate my community on pending City legislation, as I believe a well-informed and engaged citizenry is foundational for good governance. We, the residents, are the most important and affected stakeholders of any proposed changes to our municipal governance, whether it’s our zoning code or the billing rate for water. In addition, I have been active with The Friends of Hemlock Gorge, and I am a Board member. Hemlock Gorge is a treasure in Newton and is well worth the visit!
Political Activism
I was elected as a delegate to represent Ward 5 at the 2023 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, held this last fall. The discussion of the Party Platform was interesting and the speeches given by leadership thought provoking but what I enjoyed most was seeing so many friends from all over Massachusetts.
I continue my interest in learning everything I can about housing and zoning through my active participation in regional planning groups. I am a member of Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) and the Congress of the New Urbanism (CNU). I wish to be well-informed on regional housing policy as well as recently adopted state legislation, (Section 3A of the Zoning Act or otherwise known as the MBTA Communities Act).
I am ready and able to serve as your Newton City Councilor – I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family and is the place we call home.