The Formosa Association of Student Culture Ambassadors (FASCA) Boston Chapter visited Newton City Hall on April 18, where John Rice, the city’s former councilor and current Chief of Community Services, gave students an in-depth tour of the historic building and shared insights into Newton’s evolving political landscape. Director Jeff Kao of the Culture Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) also joined the tour.
Located about 8 miles west of Boston, Newton has an estimated population of 91,623 and is home to the Culture Center of TECO. Settled in 1630, incorporated as a town in 1658, and established as a city in 1874, Newton comprises 13 villages and is governed by a 24-member City Council, with three representatives from each of its eight wards.
Constructed in 1932, Newton City Hall serves not only as an administrative center but also as a cultural and civic landmark. The building features a multifunctional room equipped with a grand piano, where Timothy V. Cohoon was recently sworn in as Newton’s police chief on March 4. It also houses Newton’s War Memorial and a Veterans Wing, which displays military artifacts and honors the city’s service members.
The City Council chamber, where Rice spent years serving alongside fellow councilors, has been modernized with technology that enables livestreaming of public meetings, also ensuring transparency in local government. Growing up in Newton as a second-generation resident, Rice said his parents inspired his commitment to civic engagement.
During a visit to the archival room, he highlighted the significant demographic shifts on the City Council over the decades. “Newton’s city council was originally dominated by white males,” Rice explained. “Over time, we’ve seen people of color join, followed by women. Today, women comprise half of our city council.”
That progress culminated in a historic milestone: the election of Ruthanne Fuller as Newton’s first female mayor, serving from 2018 to 2026, a testament to the city’s commitment to diverse and inclusive leadership.
“Newton is a welcoming city,” Rice concluded with a smile, reflecting on his extensive tenure in municipal service. He also expressed enthusiasm for working with newly elected Mayor Marc Laredo on continued community service and for collaborating with FASCA in Newton.
Each year, FASCA students bring energy and dedication to Newton Taiwan Day, assisting with logistics and, most importantly, introducing Taiwanese culture to the community. The students left the visit grateful for the opportunity to learn about Newton’s civic history and the democratic processes that shape the local government.
