These are some of the issues I look forward to working on:
Affordable & Stable Housing
The housing affordability crisis is one of the most significant challenges that we face and addressing it will be my top priority once in office. Everyone deserves a home they can afford and a path to stay in Somerville long-term. I’ll support renters, help first-time homebuyers, and fight to preserve and expand affordable housing.
I will look at our inclusionary housing ordinance to consider a higher percentage of affordable units, push to integrate housing in any large scale commercial development, and to allow for increased housing density near transit while keeping what we love about Davis and Teele Squares. I will look for creative solutions like tax relief for small landlords who keep rent below market.
I would also advocate for and support home rule petitions to allow for rent stabilization in Somerville and to establish a small transfer fee on high-end real estate transactions to create dedicated funding for affordable housing production and preservation.
Safe Streets & Sidewalks
After housing costs, the safety and ease of getting around Somerville is one of the top concerns I hear from Ward 7 residents and an issue I care about deeply. I will work to make our streets safer for everyone, whether you’re walking, biking, driving or taking the T. We need to keep improving our infrastructure to make the streets safer for all forms of transportation and all residents, with the goal of zero traffic fatalities and major injuries.
I will prioritize ensuring that our sidewalks are in good repair and shoveled in the winter, and that our street crossings are safe for pedestrians of all ages and abilities.
We also need reliable and accessible public transportation that meets residents’ needs. I’ll fight for a fare-free MBTA with improved routes and hours of service. I will also fight for micro-transit with improved north-south connectivity.
Environmental Justice & Climate Resilience
The more prepared we are for climate changes, the more equitable the impacts will be, and the more resilient our city will be in the years to come. I’ll support bold local climate action, prioritize creating green jobs, and make sure we’re prepared for extreme heat, flooding and rising energy costs.
This includes everything from upgrading our stormwater infrastructure, to planting more trees, planning for more shade and cooling features throughout the city and transitioning our energy from fossil fuels to healthier, safer and cleaner alternatives.
Supporting Children, Youth & Seniors
A strong future starts with strong schools. I’ll fight for investments in early education, after-school and summertime programs, and vocational-technical training. I will work to ensure that swift progress is being made to rebuild the Winter Hill school and Brown and ensure that the other buildings are receiving the maintenance and upgrades that they need.
We need community spaces for all ages: parks, playgrounds, green space, youth centers and more.
I will advocate for seniors to have a voice in city government and policies that help seniors stay in their homes, such as home modification grants for the installation of accessibility features. I will also work to fund the Council on Aging at sufficient levels to have staff to support seniors and make sure they are connected to the services they need. I will also advocate whenever possible for policies to support homesharing and intergenerational living.
Accountable Government & Democratic Rights
You deserve to know what’s happening at City Hall and have a voice in the city government. I will send regular updates and newsletters about what I’m working on and hold regular office hours. I intend to be a councilor who is available and transparent!
I will also stand up for our immigrant neighbors, oppose federal overreach, and ensure residents know their rights.
Constituent Services & Quality of Life
From rats to potholes, to clean parks and playgrounds, basic city services matter —and Somerville can do better.
I’ll push for a more responsive 311 system and ensure residents get the services they deserve. I will also fight to give the rat problem the attention and resources it deserves. We need to move forward with municipal curbside composting to get our food waste out of garbage cans where rats can get it, and enforce fines for businesses and landowners who don’t eliminate known rat habitat and food sources.