Setti Warren, a former Newton mayor, candidate for governor, and present director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard College, has died. He was 55.
Warren served as mayor of Newton for 2 phrases, from 2010 to 2018. He was the primary popularly elected African American mayor in Massachusetts.
Warren handed away instantly at his dwelling in Newton, in keeping with a number of statements saying his demise. There was no quick trigger given.
“He conscientiously and deliberately served residents in all 13 villages of Newton and continuously worked across divides,” mentioned Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, in a press release.
Warren additionally served as a particular assistant on the White Home in the course of the Clinton Administration and he was the New England director for FEMA from 2000 to 2001. He ran for governor in 2017, ending the marketing campaign in April 2018, citing the problem of elevating sufficient cash for the race.
Harvard officers expressed regret on the information of the colleague’s passing.
“We write today with profound sadness to share that Setti Warren, Director of the Institute of Politics, has passed away. Setti was a beloved member of our community, and we are devastated by this heartbreaking news,” mentioned Jeremy M. Weinstein, Dean of the Kennedy Faculty and David J. Deming, Danoff Dean of Harvard Faculty, in a joint assertion.
At Harvard, Warren served as Director of the Institute of Politics and, earlier than that, as Govt Director of the Shorenstein Heart on Media, Politics and Public Coverage.
“In these roles, he will probably be remembered as a visionary and tireless chief who helped steer these establishments as they hosted distinguished audio system and fellows from throughout the political divide, performed groundbreaking analysis, and fostered debate and engagement on probably the most difficult problems with our time. Most of all, he will probably be remembered at Harvard by the various college students he helped, Weinstein and Deming continued.
“Setti’s students loved him, and their impact –– like his –– will reverberate for generations to come,” they mentioned.
Fuller continued, praising his tenure as mayor: “He believed deeply in education and invested in the Newton Public Schools and its school buildings. He worked to spark the growth of Newton’s innovation economy. He reduced the City’s carbon footprint. He created a durable long-range transportation strategy. He kept the City’s finances strong.”
Warren was additionally remembered by elected officers within the state.
“I am devastated to hear about the passing of @HarvardIOP’s Director, Setti Warren,” mentioned Consultant Katherine Clark. “He was a beloved teacher, mentor, and leader. As former Mayor of Newton, he inspired students to love and participate in public service.”
Rep. Jake Auchincloss mentioned his entry into politics was impressed by Warren.
“Massachusetts has lost a bright light much too young. Setti Warren was my mayor, my friend, and an exemplar to everyone of public service. When I first ran for city council, it was his style of door-to-door dynamism that inspired me.”
Warren is survived by his spouse Tassy and youngsters Abigail and John, amongst different household, in keeping with the statements saying his demise. A service to honor Warren is being deliberate at Harvard. Funeral preparations should not but obtainable.
