As city councilor, I want to:

• Represent a population that is currently overlooked
• Look out for the future of Cambridge and usher a new generation of civic participation
• Improve basic municipal services such as snow removal, sidewalk maintenance, traffic enforcement, synchronize traffic signals, and bike paths
• Oppose zoning ordinances or variances that rubberstamp infill development and displaces green space
• Invest in our neighborhoods and foster small business growth while retaining the diverse, urban, and international culture of Cambridge
• Create more opportunities that increase homeownership while expanding open space and developing parkland for active/passive recreation activities
• Implement diverse and cultural after school programs
• Return good governance like transparency and open meetings

Municipal Improvement

Municipal services such as sidewalk maintenance, snow removal, traffic enforcement, and synchronization of traffic signals should be better than what they are today. Quite frankly, I am tired of smelling urine and waste on the streets and in squares. I am frustrated with the buildup of ice on sidewalks and streets as a result of poor snow removal. Drivers running red lights is far to frequent and the ability to drive through Cambridge is innately difficult as a result of traffic signals that are not synchronized.

Point One of my platform returns the focus of the city on municipal service and it aggressively improves these services through new strategies. Those strategies include:

Zoning

The issue of zoning is rather contentious because some feel as though government should not intrude on one's property, while others see government oversight as critical to protecting communities against over development. My approach is balance.

Economic Development

Residential property taxes account for approximately one-third of Cambridge's tax base, with commercial property taxes making up the additional two-thirds. The Fiscal Year 2007 residential tax rate in Cambridge is $7.48 per $1,000 of assessed value.

While Cambridge is one of the strongest cities in the Commonwealth, it has struggled to retain small businesses. Businesses that had operated for more than 30 years are leaving due to the high cost of rent, taxes, and operation. It is imperative that the city adopts policies that encourage businesses to come to Cambridge and allows them to flourish so they become members of the community. Also, it is critical to protect those businesses that reflect the culture of Cambridge.

Homeownership

According to the City of Cambridge Assessor's Office, in 2005, the median value of a single family home was $651,600; a two-family home $669,100; a three-family home $781,100; and a condominium $365,850. These prices are staggering for young professionals and recent college grads.

Too many young people who love Cambridge leave because they cannot afford to settle down and purchase a home here. Personally, I know many couples that have fled Cambridge only because the opportunity to purchase a home was elsewhere. The high cost of living prevents more people from living here for longer periods of time and becoming active members of the community.

Parkland and Green Space

Cambridge is densely populated and many neighborhoods have limited access to green space or parkland. In fact, Area 4, Mid-Cambridge, and Agassiz neighborhoods have the least amount of green space per 1,000 people. Green space adds to the quality of life and the current amount of park space does not meet the demand of the population. There needs to be more parks for active recreation sports and passive recreation activities.

Education

The Cambridge Public School District has improved significantly since the arrival of superintendent Thomas Fowler-Finn. While more work needs to be done, I feel hopeful and optimistic that Fowler-Finn's vision and innovations will carry our public schools to new heights.

I believe that supporting the superintendent and committing to his plan will provide the consistency that our district needs in order to progress further. As city councilor, I will work constructively with school officials and I will promote our school district's achievements. Also, I will ask tough questions that focus on how CPSD can continue to improve.

Parking

Parking is a significant problem in Cambridge and it discourages people from visiting and shopping in our community. While it is important to encourage the use of public transportation and bicycling as mush as possible, we must recognize that some situations require a car. There should be reasonable parking available in the city.

After School Programs

After school programs play a critical role in the lives of our youth. After school programs provide an opportunity and outlet for kids to develop their skills and prepare for life’s challenges. Also, they are a great way to involve people in their community. I believe we need to invest in after school programs and make them accessible to people from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Examples of programs that I would like to fund are:

Creative Land Use

While there exists a lot of blacktop, concrete, and brick, Cambridge is not fully developed. It is still possible to shape our city in a way that is functional and modern, and utilizes natural beauty. Let’s shape our city in a way that reduces waste and maximizes potential to increase the quality of life in our community. Let’s:

Environment

It’s important to encourage best practices that work in collaboration with our environment. My platform builds upon Cambridge’s environmental policies.