Local News Report: Ex-Kerry Aide Voted 1st Black Mayor in Newton

By WHDH-TV Staff and Associated Press

updated 11:49 p.m. ET, Tues., Nov . 3, 2009

NEWTON, Mass. - Iraq war veteran Setti Warren has been elected the next mayor of the city of Newton, becoming the first black to hold the job in the upscale western suburb of Boston.

Warren, a former aide to Sen. John Kerry, defeated state Rep. Ruth Balser. Balser has represented the city in the state Legislature since 1999, after eight years as a city alderman.

Incumbent Mayor David Cohen decided not to seek reelection after a dozen years in office.

Source: MSNBC