Cambridge Voters for Good Government is a grassroots coalition of residents and business
owners that supports City Councillors and candidates for City Council who are qualified and
respect the principles of democratic government, transparency, inclusivity and accountability.
owners that supports City Councillors and candidates for City Council who are qualified and
respect the principles of democratic government, transparency, inclusivity and accountability.
OUR VISION
The city council realistically addresses critical priorities while acknowledging their interrelatedness and impacts on each other.
Environment
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Cambridge must do its share to meet the global climate emergency and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. Two important mitigation strategies: move away from fossil fuels as rapidly as possible, and prioritize making all neighborhoods greener...enhance parks, gardens, other open spaces, and the tree canopy.
To effectively address the climate crisis requires Cambridge to coordinate with the state officials and regulators, EverSource, energy suppliers, local businesses, property owners and residents. Policies need to be based on current scientific information and broad and regular engagement with citizens. |
Housing
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The city's long-standing policy of rapid commercial development has allowed residential taxes to remain relatively low and has contributed to the housing shortage. Across the region, limits on buildable land, focus on luxury or market rate housing, and high interest rates compound the problem. Consequently, Cambridge has seen increased gentrification and housing inequality while owning or renting grows beyond the reach of many.
Cambridge cannot solve the regional deficit in housing but must do its part by continuing to support sustainable, affordable housing and expand its housing stock without compromising livability. |
Transportation
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Cambridge streets serve both local and regional needs. Public transit is currently in crisis; the MBTA cannot be counted on for dependable, efficient, safe service. Commercial developments in Kendall and other districts have raised demands on the city’s streets. Infrastructure designed to improve safety for bikers has had negative impacts on local businesses, increased vehicular back-ups, and caused congestion on residential streets not designed to handle overflow traffic.
The city needs a balanced transportation strategy that improves public transportation, mitigates congestion, maintains safety, focuses on enforcement of existing laws for pedestrians and all road users, and provides essential parking for residents and businesses. Our transportation challenge is in part a regional one and needs to be addressed in a more comprehensive and coordinated way with various stakeholders working cooperatively. |
Neighborhoods
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In Cambridge, neighborhoods have long mattered...they represent real diversity and are seen as distinct places with unique histories, architecture, ambiance,and streetscapes. Neighborhoods shape the quality of life for families and residents of all ages; here is where the impacts of many city policies are most directly felt. The grass roots of democracy grow in neighborhoods.
Cambridge must recognize and support the institutions such as neighborhood associations and conservation districts that sustain and improve the quality of life, historical character, environment and sustainability in our diverse neighborhoods. |
Inequality, Diversity and Civic Engagement
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Across America, economic inequality is historically high. In our city, it is extreme. Residences commonly sell for over $2 million in neighborhoods where many children qualify for subsidized school lunches and elderly live in subsidized senior housing. There is also wide racial, ethnic and generational diversity within our population which can be tapped as a strength. But to actualize the strength of that diversity will require a shared sense of purpose and identity, starting in the City Council and actively promoted by councillors' words and actions.
Our City Council must truly and collectively "own" a common sense of purpose and be willing to collaborate to ensure that all citizens’ interests and values are weighed equally. |
Fiscal Responsibility
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The city's annual budget is nearly $1 billion. Given large local employers are cutting back on staff and office space and the market for lab space is cooling, there is no guarantee the commercial tax base we depend on will grow as in past decades. Recent policy choices have committed large amounts to key projects.
Increased transparency about spending and fiscal accountability is called for. The city council must be more upfront than it has been about the collective burden of their policy choices and how they will be paid for. |
Cambridge Voters for Good Government:
Mary Jane Kornacki, Meeting Convener
John Gorman, Treasurer
Mary Jane Kornacki, Meeting Convener
John Gorman, Treasurer
Cambridge Voters for Good Government is a Political Action Committee filed with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance
For more information, email [email protected]
For more information, email [email protected]