The Davis Square Community

Thanks for the question svilleswift - and thank you for checking out my Facebook page.

When I served with the Attorney General's office, I prosecuted a number of individuals seeking to defraud the State and various cities and towns in connection with public works projects. I am currently in private practice and much of my focus is working on a similar type of case. My clients include 40+ municipalities, states, and the federal government. Because of this, I have worked with numerous cities, towns, and state agencies, and I have a solid understanding of how public works projects operate in the real world -- including what happens when thing go very wrong. But when I referred to the experience to fight attempts to kill the Green Line, I was not only speaking about my experience with municipal and public works, but also the fact I have spent my career helping to build strong communities, first as an AmeriCorps member, and then as an attorney. I understand that communities need leaders prepared to fight for them. Expanded public transportation is something that I believe our community needs for economic and environmental reasons, and has been promised to us. And I am prepared to stand up and fight for it if need be.

Edited Date: 2015-09-08 11:41 pm (UTC)

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Great question! Our schools have been steadily improving, especially the grade schools, thanks to the hard work of our teachers, staff, and Schools Committee. But I've heard concerns from many Brown School parents (and potential future parents) about the cramped quarters at our neighborhood school. A friend who is helping with my campaign has substitute-taught at the Brown School, and he said it was super sad to see the sixth graders eating lunch at their desks, like little office workers.

Test results don't tell the whole story, and as an educator (I work in curriculum development and hold a master's from the Harvard Graduate School of Education) I believe that relying on test results, even positive ones, can be very damaging to our students. Tests are a useful way to make comparisons and pinpoint problems, but an over-reliance on tests leads to, among other problems, the de-emphasis and sometimes complete abandonment of key contributors to a child's social, emotional, and intellectual development, such as art, music, recess, and pleasure-reading.

There's a lot of research to back up the importance of an active recess and unstructured down-time to a student's ability to learn. Here's one example. (http://healthland.time.com/2012/12/31/yay-for-recess-pediatricians-say-its-as-important-as-math-or-reading/) From the article: “Children need to have downtime between complex cognitive challenges,” says Dr. Robert Murray, a pediatrician and professor of human nutrition at the Ohio State University who is a co-author of the statement. “They tend to be less able to process information the longer they are held to a task. It’s not enough to just switch from math to English. You actually have to take a break.”

The Brown School is doing fabulous work with the resources it has! But I'd like to help the Brown School, and all our city's schools, to have the facilities necessary for students to reach their full potential.

-Elizabeth

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svilleswift.livejournal.com

I appreciate your thoughtful response to my question. Just as an fyi, the school department is removing the sixth grade from the Brown after this school year. This should free-up space and resources for the remaining grades and also give the sixth graders the facilities they require for their greater educational needs. As a personal observation, it always seemed as if the sixth graders were ready to move-on and, as part of that, self-separating from the rest of the school. Having had direct experience with one of the big, new K-8 Somerville schools, the close quarters of the Brown builds a camaraderie and respect across the grades that we didn't see at the big school. Also, because of the small size very little time is spent getting kids from place to place.

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To the third question: Somerville is not blessed with the commercial tax base that some of our neighbors enjoy. This results in a disproportionate burden on taxpayers, which is only compounded as home values continue to rise year after year. These factors are a big part of what contributes to the affordability crisis we currently face. But it also represents an opportunity. The proposed new Zoning Ordinance calls for increased commercial development in designated areas. I think we can push even harder for significant new commercial properties -- large offices and lab space -- in new development areas where we, as a community feel it is most appropriate. Robust commercial development brings increased property tax revenue as well as a significant amount that would be paid into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund through linkage fees. The Trust Fund supports programs to increase the stock of affordable units, preserve units as affordable, and fund other programs that help low to moderate income families remain in Somerville and continue to be a part of our community. This is just one piece of an overall solution to mitigate the impact of rising housing costs, which is the single biggest challenge we face as a city. It is imperative that we implement an array of measures designed to protect the character and diversity of this city.

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cos

I'm interested to know, from each candidate, what sorts of businesses/offices (retail or service) you think Davis Square currently lacks or could use more of, and how you plan to attract them to the area? Sure there are lots and lots of restaurants/cafes of just about every sort, but are there enough grocery stores, health clinics, hardware stores, bookstores, community centers available for local groups to use, dance studios/spaces, government service offices (like unemployment, social security, etc.), tailors, ... everything else, whatever you can think of, what do you think Davis Square could benefit from or really needs?

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First, quick thanks to Ron for putting this together and to the DSLJ community for your interest in the race. It's a testament to the smart, engaged community here in Ward 6 that Amy and I have appreciated for so many years. So, business in the Square. This is a great question and a topic that was discussed a great deal when the first two proposals for the Social Security Building (World of Beer and Beer Works) were submitted. I completely agree that we need business that serve the resident community. Clearly a small-format grocery store is at or near the top of the list and the hope remains that the owners of 240 Elm will be successful in discussions with such a tenant. That could check a number of needs off the list (produce/fish/meats/etc.). I still mourn the loss of McIntyre and Moore and it certainly would be nice to be able to pick up some basic hardware needs beyond what can be found at CVS/Rite-Aid or Family Dollar. All of these ideas sound good but the real challenge is enabling such a business to succeed in the high-rent environment we currently have. One piece of the solution could be a Formula Retail Ordinance, similar to what was in the proposed new Zoning Ordinance. Requiring a public process before a chain business is allowed to move into the Square would enable community input as Davis Square evolves. The City already has a Small Business Development Initiative and this is another tool that could be used to attract and support the kind of business we'd like to see in the Square. It's great that Davis Square has become a destination as the vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene has grown but we can't loose sight of the fact that, fist and foremost, it is our home and the center of our community.

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Because somebody asked me offline: McIntyre and Moore was a fabulous used bookseller located where Foundry on Elm now operates.

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Goodness, shall I pull out my wish list?

A full grocery would be really beneficial to the greater Davis area; many of us were excited about the Roche Brothers bid on the old Social Security building, and it is a shame that the landlords ill-keep of the property led to the abandonment of that project. That said, what we need is not a fancy place like Roche (we do have Pemberton Farms already, after all), but something more affordable. The already high cost-of-living is exacerbated by having the nearest supermarket be the expensive, mediocre, and not particularly nearby Star Market in Porter. Moreover, an affordable grocery wouldn't compete as much with the wonderful, independent specialty foodstores -- like Dave's Fresh Pasta, Pemberton Farms, When Pigs Fly, McKinnons, and Pepe Bocca -- that are an integral part of Davis's character.

Another item on my wish list is a nightlife venue focused on live music, dance, and art. With the upcoming departure of Johnny D's, we'll have an opening for a new live music venue in Davis. We're already a regional hub for nightlife, and while we definitely do not need another straight-up bar or pub, a new arts venue would help maintain Davis's reputation as a center for cultural nightlife (rather than just for drinking). I'm also always in favor of helping our city's large population of musicians and performers to present their work in exciting venues right in Davis.

Edited to add:

The new zoning code holds a much higher bar for chains in Davis (and Union), and I think this is appropriate. It should be easier to open an independent business than a chain, and I am glad to see that the city will be showing its support for local businesses by requiring chains to pursue more permits and zoning exceptions. We don’t want to ban chains altogether: a chain drugstore provides services that a mom-and-pop cannot, a few well-chosen retail establishments increase foot traffic and drive business to other establishments, and several studies have shown that the addition of a Starbucks actually increases business at nearby local cafes (as anyone who has been to Diesel at peak hours would agree!). The important thing is to put potential new chains through an approval process that ensures that all new chains are serving a need for the immediate community and complementing the character of the neighborhood.

Edited Date: 2015-09-08 11:49 pm (UTC)

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Like most people I speak with, my biggest wish as a resident is a grocery store at which I can pick up last minute dinner supplies on the way home from work. There are lots of other businesses I'd love to patronize - a book store to replace the Book Shop in Ball Square, speaking as a former bagel baker, I'd love to have a solid bagel shop (respect to Magnificent Muffins), and of course I am excited about the renovation of the West Branch Library to include proper community spaces.

That said, my focus as Alderman would be less about advocating for what I want in a particular location than ensuring that a proposed business serves our neighbors and the people who live in Ward 6. I will work to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of what businesses are seeking to join our community. I will also facilitate an open and transparent process by which proposed new ventures can share their vision for supporting our community, we can provide feedback, and together we can decide if there is a fit.

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Hi DSLJ! I just got home from canvasing, and I'm getting ready to answer your questions in a few minutes. I'm looking forward to speaking with you all!

To get us started, you can find more info about me at:
Website (http://www.elizabethweinbloom.com)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WeinbloomforSomerville)
Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/lizweinbl)

Elizabeth

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ron_newman

To all candidates: What current city policy or practice is most in need of change, and how would you change it?

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Thanks for the question, Ron! I can tell you that far and away the most frequent policy change that I hear about at the doors is the snow emergency parking bans. Specifically, people want to alternate odd side/even side each year. I know that this idea has been discussed previously and, to be honest, I've yet to hear a compelling reason why it can't be done. Perhaps there is one but I certainly would support having the discussion anew, particularly after what we experienced last winter.

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The diminishing supply and diversity of affordable housing is our city's greatest crisis at this moment. Changing the city's inaction on this serious issue is the primary reason why I am running for Alderman.

As an almost entirely residential city, we have a responsibility to ensure a diverse housing stock with suitable homes for residents of all ages and incomes. Moreover, our position as a residential city means that we should be able to experiment and innovate, and help to lead other cities in dealing with their affordable housing shortages.

There are many possible avenues that the city can pursue. I like the idea of a “benevolent landlords” program, which would reward offer incentives to good landlords who use their position of power to support the community; designation as a benevolent landlord could be assigned for charging reasonable rents, increasing the energy efficiency of rental units, or creating family-sized units. Another intriguing recommendation is a transfer tax on property sales above a certain (high) threshold, which the city would use to directly fund affordable housing in the form of permanently-affordable units and mortgage guarantees.

I am excited by these and many other ideas put forth by the Sustainable Neighborhoods committee and other affordable housing experts. Helping our housing market to become more sustainable, diverse, and affordable IS possible, but it will require the committed attention of City Hall. That is why I pledge to make affordable housing the center of my agenda if elected Alderman.

-Elizabeth

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Edited to add:

One specific policy I would seek to change is the limit on the number of unrelated tenants who can share a unit. This is an antiquated regulation that has been maintained in the proposed rewritten zoning code. Such restrictions are often justified as a response to dangerous overcrowding. If a unit is dangerously overcrowded with five unrelated tenants, it would also be dangerously overcrowded with five brothers. Safety and overcrowding should be regulated on the basis of a unit’s square footage and modes of egress, not by blanket limitation of the number of tenants. Another justification is that larger units should be reserved for families with children. But the way to give families access to larger units is not to prohibit friends, cooperatives, and found-families from larger units; it’s to encourage the construction of more such units and the general easing of rent prices.

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When I talk with our neighbors, the concern I hear most is around the issue of housing affordability. To me, this is one of the biggest issues facing our community and must be one of the City's top priorities. There are a number of steps that I have been advocating that our city can do to work on this. I support a revised zoning ordinance that will encourage smart, transit-oriented development and an increase in the inclusionary zoning requirements to 20% affordable housing set-asides. I support the recent increase in linkage fees and support a transfer (house flipping) tax on short-term property holdings that would help fund the development of affordable housing, and assistance to homebuyers and renters in the City. In addition, earlier this summer on DSLJ I proposed a new idea to provide incentives to landlords of long-term tenants to encourage them to help keep families here for the long term.

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laryu.livejournal.com

Thank you all for joining in this discussion; it's really helpful. I'm hearing a lot of agreement about motherhood, apple pie and affordable housing. I'd be curious to hear makes you different from the other candidates, from a policy or mindset perspective. Thanks.

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Thanks for asking this: I totally agree that in terms of politics we're not all that different. The key differences between the candidates, I believe, are a matter of priorities, both in terms of priorities for the city and the candidates' priorities in their lives.

First: personal priorities. Being an Alderman is a major time commitment -- I'm told by other aldermen that to do the job right takes upwards of 20-25 hours per week. Lance and David are both lawyers, a profession not especially known for easy schedules. I am a freelance curriculum developer, working from home and completely on my own schedule. I have been easily able to cut my workload in half in order to focus on this campaign; I will have no difficulty making my day job secondary to the needs of the city. I'm also around the ward during the day but keep a young person's late hours: this makes me accessible for folks who have their free time during business hours or at night. In addition, I do not have any family commitments to compete for my attention, time, and energy.

Second: city priorities. As you can see from our responses to Ron's question about the city policies most in need of change, David and I are both focusing on affordable housing, which we've identified as the city's biggest issue. Although snow removal is an important topic for many Ward 6 residents, my current top priority is to address the needs of those who are struggling to continue living in their homes and their cities.

My election would also maintain the number of women on the Board of Aldermen, double the number of elected officials who are tenants (2/3 of our city's residents rent their homes), and double the number of aldermen under 40 (ditto). I'm also an educator, and I believe that adding an educator to the BOA would not only increase the professional diversity of the aldermen, but also would contribute to greater collaboration and communication between the BOA and the Schools Committee.

Edited Date: 2015-09-09 01:51 am (UTC)

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Thanks Laryu,

I think what Somerville needs this year is a leader who is more committed to public service than politics, and who can be a strong advocate for our community. I believe my background makes me the best candidate for this role.

In 1999, I left my junior year at Boston University to serve as an AmeriCorps member in City Year Boston. Every day I crossed Tremont Street — one of the wealthiest in Boston — to work with underserved students in a Boston Public School and Villa Victoria community center. At City Year, I saw first-hand the positive impact that committed individuals can have on the lives of others. I was so inspired by that idea that I spent the next year helping to found City Year, Washington D.C.

After City Year, I returned to finish college and went on to law school. After graduation, I served as a prosecutor with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, fighting environmental crimes and corruption and fraud. There, I learned that the work of building a community needs to be coupled with the resolve to stand up against those who seek to profit by endangering the public good.

As I go door-to-door and speak to our neighbors, I hear again and again concern that unless we act, we risk losing the character that brought us to this community in the first place. We need a leader with the experience and resolve to stand up for Somerville and for our neighborhood to get a fair and honest deal. Throughout my career, I have been devoted to working for the public good, and as an attorney I have been a zealous advocate working on issues of importance to my community.

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Liz makes an excellent point about the time commitment for an Alderman. If I am chosen to serve as Alderman, I am planning to move to a part-time schedule at my law firm.

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I am heartened that the three candidates participating in this forum all recognize the clear challenges that face our city. In the fourteen years Amy and I have been here, we've seen the city, and especially Ward 6, change tremendously. We decided to raise our family here because Somerville has such incredible diversity and a powerful sense of community. We want our children to grow up in an environment where there are dozens of languages spoken in the schools and many cultures represented among their friends. We must not lose sight of those values... but they are at risk. As housing costs continue to rise, long-time residents are being forced out due to higher property taxes and insurance costs. New residents -- at a range of income levels -- find it harder and harder to stay in the city, put down roots, maybe raise a family. As that happens it weakens our community. I have fought to strengthen this community for fourteen years. I've worked together with, and butted heads with, many of our current elected officials and even though we've disagreed at times, they've seen how hard I will work and how passionately I care about this city. Amy and I work to support the Somerville Homeless Coalition, we volunteer in the kids' school, and as a leader of Progress Together for Somerville I spent countless hours -- far more than 20 hours a week at times -- working to protect the public school system for all students, citywide. My kids have always understood that these things are important... that giving back to your community is not a choice but a responsibility. With your help, we can continue to make Somerville a vibrant, diverse city where everyone can live and thrive.

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m1lesteg.livejournal.com

To all candidates: Somerville has among the most artists per capita of any city in the country. What is your commitment to supporting the arts and artists in Somerville?

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Somerville's creative energy is why our city is so popular these days. But that popularity also means rising rents that push artists and performers to live in Medford and beyond, sends a game-changing hub like Artisan’s Asylum looking for a new home it can afford, and incentivizes owners of landmark arts venues like Johnny D’s to convert their beloved club into condos. Somerville is great at supporting the arts. But it has a ways to go in supporting the artists. I will aggressively pursue affordable housing policies that will help Somerville’s artists stay in Somerville.

I am deeply invested in the local arts scene as a creator, performer, and consumer. I am an amateur cellist and blues/swing dancer, and I helped found a Somerville-based living room theater troupe. I also worked with the Somerville Arts Council to produce the Ides of March street fair (http://somerville.wickedlocal.com/article/20140318/News/140316517) in Union Square last year, so I have seen first-hand what wonderful things the SAC can create with remarkably little funding. As alderman, I will seek to further support the SAC and other organizations and grant-makers that fund local artists.

I've committed to supporting local artists with my campaign business as well. My posters were designed and letterpressed by Eli Epstein at Union Press on Somerville Ave. And Somerville musician Amy Kucharik wrote a campaign song for me! Stay tuned for the premiere of her music video.

Eli's beautiful poster:
(http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/lizforalderman/76344686/1282/1282_original.jpg)

Edited Date: 2015-09-09 12:57 am (UTC)

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Thanks M1lesteg -

If you ask anyone about their favorite things about Somerville, arts will top the list. From Open Studios, to Honk Fest, to Porchfest to Winters Tale that MaidenPhoenix just performed at Powder House Park - these are the things that make Somerville special.

I think it all starts with a housing policy that allows artists to live and thrive in our city. I began my campaign by sending out surveys asking people what issues are important to them. One of the most poignant responses I received was from someone who identified him or herself as "30 years in Somerville, well-known artist" and said they were thinking about starting a new project, decided not to and realized the reason was because he or she couldn't stay here indefinitely as a tenant. That is a massive loss to our community and its something worth investing in to protect.

As I've said, I don't believe its hopeless. I think a revised zoning ordinance is a great start - particularly one which, as proposed, expands zoning for live-work spaces; creates zones specifically for arts exhibition, shared work spaces and similar uses; and permits artist studios in residential zones. Beyond that, I would point you to the other housing policies I have suggested that will assist us in maintaining a diverse community.

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Before I start, I have to concede, Elizabeth, that poster is very sharp! Couple of quick points: the proposed Johnny D's Uptown Gardens would consist of apartments, not condos. More details are available here: http://davisactiongroup.com/?p=262. At the time of the public meeting Carla DeLellis (Johnny D's owner) was in talks with a venerable Cambridge music venue about a second location, which I think many of us would love to see happen. Nothing was set, so fingers crossed that those talks pan out.

One of the hallmarks of Somerville's revival has been it's fantastic artist community. From Porchfest to Open Studios, to ArtBeat, to the in-development ArtFarm, not to mention countless other festivals, programs, and events, the City, and the Somerville Arts Council, have done a commendable job fostering a thriving art scene. But I agree with Elizabeth that the core of this community is at risk due to rising housing costs. The solutions are largely the same solutions that we've all discussed throughout this conversation but there also are additional steps that can be taken, including the 5% set-aside for leasable arts and creative use spaces that was included in the proposed Zoning Ordinance.

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markk02474.livejournal.com

Liz and others, I'm just tuning in, but was surprised by your call for a more affordable grocery store in Davis that helps artists survive. With limited car access and limited parking, there is only so much sales volume that foot and bicycle traffic can sustain at a store selling a broad spectrum of products in order to offer lower prices. How can you expect anything but high prices when the square has been made to keep out customers who would come by car, thereby limiting sales volume? I'm sorry, but people will just have to expect specialty shops and generally higher prices. McKinnon's is a rare gem made possible by its niche focus.

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Cyclists, pedestrians, and those who use public transit need just as much food as drivers; we just have to go to the store more frequently.

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ron_newman

It's now 9:30 pm, so I'm going to request that nobody submit any more questions here tonight. You may instead e-mali them to diane.masters@gmail.com for possible use at this Thursday evening's live candidate forum.

Thank you

lancedavisward6,

dwslieberman, and

lizforalderman for participating in this DSLJ post!

I will lock and un-sticky this post later tonight.

Edited Date: 2015-09-09 01:44 am (UTC)

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Thank you for organizing, Ron, and thanks to everyone who participated and followed along!

- Elizabeth

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