Council Unanimously Approves Rhonda Irani Famili for Newton Energy Commission

In a recent meeting of the Public Facilities Committee in Newton City, Massachusetts, significant discussions centered around the nomination of a new member to the Energy Commission. The committee expressed enthusiasm for the candidate, Rhonda Irani Famili, highlighting her expertise and vision as valuable assets for the commission. Councilor Kelly, representing the ward where Famili resides, made a motion to approve her nomination, which received unanimous support from the committee members.

The meeting also addressed the importance of effective communication between National Grid and the community. Rhonda Famili noted that the utility company often struggles to engage with residents, a sentiment echoed by committee members. This acknowledgment suggests a potential collaboration aimed at improving community outreach and transparency regarding energy issues.

After a brief procedural hiccup, where Councilor Danberg missed the initial vote, the committee moved to reconsider the nomination to ensure all members could participate. The motion to approve Famili was reiterated and passed again unanimously, demonstrating a strong consensus on her candidacy.

Additionally, the committee amended the name of the commission from the "Citizens Commission on Energy" to the "Newton Energy Commission," reflecting a more streamlined and relevant title for its mission. This change was also approved without opposition.

The nomination will now proceed to the full council for final approval at their upcoming meeting on August 11. The discussions during this meeting underscore the committee's commitment to enhancing community engagement in energy matters and ensuring that the Energy Commission is equipped with knowledgeable members to address local energy challenges effectively.