Cambridge Municipal Election News - 2023 Municipal Election

Who has been raising and spending money? [Feb 2, 2022 - present]
(source - Mass. Office of Campaign and Political Finance)
Note: Expenditures last updated Jan 31, 2024.
Note: You may have to “Clear Cache” in order to refresh some of the embedded charts/tables for campaign finance.

City Council Campaign Finance - Sorted by Receipts

2023 Cambridge Candidate Pages     Calendar of 2023 Election-related events

City Council Campaign Finance - Sorted by Expenditures

Periodic OCPF Bank Reports

Union Contributions to Candidates - Incumbency Protection

School Committee Campaign Finance

Cost per #1 Vote - City Council 2023	Cost per #1 Vote - School Committee 2023

April 5 - I read this today in that godsend known as TGIF from The Free Press:
→ Seattle drops accelerated courses: Seattle, seeing that the kids testing into accelerated schools were “disproportionately” Asian and white, has decided to eliminate accelerated programs entirely. Now, everyone will remain in the same class, studying the same material on the same day. (Suburbs and private schools, expand the playgrounds, add a carpool lane, brace for flight.)

Meanwhile, the L.A. Times is arguing that Algebra 2, traditionally taught as third-year high school math, should be eliminated as a requirement for certain elite public universities since. . . you guessed it. Algebra 2 is hard, and it’s unfair to require it. The paper’s editorial board writes: “Algebra 2 is more abstract than data science, a form of applied mathematics that combines math, statistics, and other tools to provide a wide range of useful information for many professional careers. That could include predicting side effects to medication, consumer buying trends, or matching couples on dating apps.” The answer to any observed difference is always the same: take away the class. Cancel that math. Learning to code — you could be the dev responsible for optimizing a dating app! — is much more important than learning how a dumb triangle works. Every time I think this movement is done, it goes and takes a new city. Seattle has fallen. College math is next. I promise reading is around the corner.

When some evil tech bros announced a new math and English learning product, a local San Francisco activist had this to say: “Why do these folks want kids learning math so fast? They want their labor and productivity to ‘accelerate human achievement.’”

Ew, human achievement. Terrifying. Who would want that?

City of Cambridge Awarded $2.4m Federal Grant to Fund Design of Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Crossing MBTA Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line

Mar 28, 2024 – The City of Cambridge announced the award of $2.4 million in federal funds for the design of a critical off-road bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the MBTA Fitchburg Commuter rail line in North Cambridge. The federal funds will be combined with an existing $600,000 of City matching funds to complete the design of this bridge crossing that will help connect the Rindge Avenue neighborhood to Danehy Park. The project also includes planning and design of a multi-use path parallel to the rail line, creating connectivity to the crossing from many local points, as well as providing more convenient access to the Alewife Red Line transit station.

The City of Cambridge completed a design feasibility study for this crossing in 2023, which included a public process and examination of design alternatives. The study concluded it was feasible and suitable to construct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge and the City submitted a Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods (RCN) grant application in September 2023. On March 13, 2024, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Cambridge was among the recipients of the RCN grant awards.

In addition to feasibility, the grant considered the potential community benefit and impact of the proposed project. The project will create a safe and dedicated path of travel between a densely populated area on Rindge Avenue to Danehy Park – the largest open space in Cambridge - as well as Fresh Pond Mall. This path will provide residents direct access to grocery stores, clothing and other retail outlets, as well as work force training and employment opportunities. The bridge crossing project, which includes several connector paths, will become a key link in the greater bicycle and pedestrian network. Just to the north, paths will connect to Linear Park, the Minuteman Path, and the Somerville Community Path and directly to the south, will connect to Fresh Pond, the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway, and the Danehy-New Street Connector path, which is under design.

“This award allows us to make meaningful progress on a project that will be of great benefit to residents in this neighborhood,” said Iram Farooq, Cambridge Assistant City Manager of Community Development. “There is a true revitalization movement underway in this region of our City, with recent rezoning accomplishments that have encouraged development of housing and mixed-use buildings. Mobility and access to local open space, businesses, and other resources is key to building a community. The rail crossing and multi-use paths will transform the way people are able to navigate, experience, and enjoy the neighborhood.”

The RCN grant award will fund the planning and design of the bridge crossing project but is not intended to fund construction. The City is working to add the project to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) in order to seek state and federal funding for future construction. The RCN grant award confirms the viability of the project and the validity of the rationale, improving the chances of garnering funding for future stages.

Please visit the project website for more information on the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line Crossing Study:
https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/communitydevelopment/fitchburgcommuterraillinecrossingstudy

To learn more about the RCN program and grant recipients, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation:
https://www.transportation.gov/grants/reconnecting-communities/reconnecting-communities-fy23-awards

The Prophets: Bayard Rustin

The 1960s civil rights hero, who was sidelined because he was gay, predicted the rise of identity politics and affirmative action
  – and how they would divide us today. (by Coleman Hughes, The Free Press, March 9, 2024)

Why schools should bring back eighth-grade algebra

Lack of diversity in advanced math classes is a problem, but leveling down is the wrong solution.
by Marcela García, Boston Globe Columnist, Mar 8, 2024

Official Cambridge results from the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary:

Presidential Preference and State Committee (PDF)

Democratic Ward Committee (PDF) [Note: I was elected as a write-in candidate to the Ward 6 Committee. - RW]

Republican Ward Committee (PDF)

Libertarian Ward Committee (PDF)

Very Sad News

Paul Ryder (Mar 8, 1952 - Feb 26, 2024), former Director of Recreation for the City of Cambridge, passed away yesterday (Feb 26, 2024). Paul’s family is currently in the process of making arrangements. Paul was a great friend to many. - RW
Keefe Funeral Home

“Nobody or nothing else was like Paul Ryder.” David Gardiner

Paul Ryder, a longtime resident of Stoneham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024, at the age of 71 following a brief but devastating lung disease. He was surrounded by his dear family. Paul was married to the love of his life, Sheila, for 45 years. He was the proud and loving father to his two children, Alex and John. Born in Warwick, Rhode Island, he was the younger son of John and Peg Ryder. Paul was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Sheila; his daughter Alexandra Ryder and husband, Adam Carver of Deerfield, New Hampshire; his son John Ryder of Stoneham; his brother Alan Ryder (Nancy d.) of Cranston, Rhode Island; sisters-in-law Paula Whitesides (Walt) and Donna Mazzone (Elmo) as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins and wonderful friends.

Paul embraced life and played hard, established life-long friendships wherever he went. He called Rhode Island, Stoneham and Cambridge home. We knew him as a sentimental guy who retold stories of childhood baseball games, high school athletic feats, URI escapades, holiday card games and victories on golf courses nation-wide (most notably the Member/Guest championship in August 2023 at Cape Neddick Golf Course).

Paul was still closely connected with friends from Wyman Elementary School and Pilgrim High School. Paul went off to college at URI in 1970, with an eye on physical education and doing some good in the world. He met Phi Mu Delta brothers there and maintains those dear friendships to this day. After college, Paul taught in RI and Massachusetts before becoming Director of the newly refurbished Bird Street Community Center in Dorchester.

In 1982, he moved on to the City of Cambridge to serve as the Director of Recreation in the Department of Human Services Programs while not knowing single person in Cambridge. When he retired in 2016, he may have known every person in Cambridge. It was a perfect match for his idealism and enthusiasm. The city, the position and the people captured his heart. He guided construction and renovations of parks and athletic spaces and created recreation and social programs to enrich the lives of all Cambridge citizens. The Cambridge Program, The City Run, Jazz at Danehy, Fresh Pond Golf Course, Danehy Park, West Cambridge Youth Center, Old Timers Baseball Game and DePasquale Universal Design Playground all have his mark.

He was equally active in his community of Stoneham – a vocal coach in youth sports and most recently a member of the Stoneham School Building Committee. He loved his local golf league. He served on the Board for 10 years and also as Board Chair of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Paul worked with CHAMPSBoston and Robert Lewis Jr. to establish training programs for youth coaches and was recognized by The Boston Foundation as a “Changemaker of the Year” in 2012. He proudly received many honors and recognitions throughout his career.

Running was a wonderful part of Paul’s life, perhaps from the early days when he would run home for lunch from Wyman Elementary School. He ran a 4.24 minute mile in high school and, as co-captain of the Pilgrim High School track team, led the team to its first state championship. In 1989, he ran the Falmouth Road Race in honor of dear Alex. He organized countless road races throughout the years, hollering out directives to his colleagues, and enjoyed being there at the end to make sure the runners were comfortable at the finish line. He loved the VIP tent at The Boston Marathon and the Cambridge Classic Races, especially when John joined him in the works.

Fun, Friendship and Family were his creed. He loved and was loved beyond measure. Long may you run, Paulie.

Please join Paul’s family in a Celebration of Life
Thursday March 7, 2024
Cocktail Hour and Greeting 12pm-1pm
Words of Remembrance 1pm-2pm
Reception and Celebration 2pm-4pm
Bear Hill Golf Club
2 North Street Stoneham, MA 02180

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
The Cambridge Program https://www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP/Recreation/specialneeds
c/o Janice Alger/DHSP - City of Cambridge
51 Inman St
Cambridge, MA 02139

Nicholas Shannon Memorial Fund
16 Pond Street
Stoneham, MA 02180

Advance Removal and Depositing of Ballots for the Presidential Primary, March 5, 2024

Under the provisions of “The Votes Act”, early voting ballots may be processed in advance of Election Day. The City of Cambridge Election Commission will conduct advance removal of voted Presidential Primary ballots on Monday, February 26th, Tuesday, February 27th, Wednesday, February 28th and Thursday, February 29th beginning at 9:00am at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room. The voted ballots will be removed from their sealed envelopes and prepared for advance depositing. The advance depositing of voted Presidential Primary ballots will be conducted on Friday, March 1, 2024, beginning at 9:00am at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room. The voted ballots will be placed in a tabulator and counted.

Both processes will be open for public observation. If you have any questions, please call (617) 349-4361.

Project of the Week — Local News Sources
If you have any additions or suggestions, let me know.

Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission Members Sought

Feb 26, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission (LGBTQ+ Commission).

The LGBTQ+ Commission was established under Chapter 2.125 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. The function of the Commission is to advocate for a culture of respect and monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and to promote policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of all persons who live, visit, or work in the city with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and must live or work in Cambridge.

Commissioners are expected to:

• Attend monthly meetings;
• Participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events;
• Promote the principals of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
• Work with LGBTQ+ Commission staff.

The City of Cambridge and the LGBTQ+ Commission are committed to advancing a culture of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion and is seeking Cambridge residents who represent the diversity of Cambridge. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to participate in a collaborative process, consider diverse ideas and perspectives, and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, persons of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The LGBTQ+ Commission consists of up to 20 members appointed to 3-year terms.

• Meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of every month, 6-8pm., though the meeting schedule may be reassessed to accommodate Commissioners’ needs.
• Under the provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, meetings are usually required to be in person at 51 Inman Street; although the LGBTQ+ Commission has shifted to meeting hybrid under the temporary Open Meeting Law provisions.
• The LGBTQ+ Commission will continue to utilize remote capabilities whenever public health needs arise.

Board and commission members in Cambridge do not generally receive compensation for their time. However, the city has explored the possibility of offering a stipend for high time commitment boards. Serving on the LGBTQ+ Commission does not require a high time commitment and therefore is not under consideration for a potential stipend at this time.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, March 25, 2024. Applications can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume, or an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications can also be obtained at the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

For more information, contact Carolina Almonte at 617-349-4396 or calmonte@cambridgema.gov.

Random Thoughts - February 14, 2024

In addition to the romanticism of Valentine’s Day, this day also marks the day I moved to the Cambridge/Boston area - 46 years ago. While this means that I can never be a True Cantabrigian, my consolation is that many lifelong Cambridge residents have adopted me as a kind of lost cousin. In fact, my move to Cambridge happened on the first day that buses were running from New York to Boston after the Blizzard of ’78, so it’s always easy for me to remember when I first washed up on the shores of the People’s Republic.

I spent a couple of hours yesterday attending a Special City Council meeting called for the purpose of updating the City Council Goals that were most recently updated over 5 years ago in October 2017. It’s likely that the statement of Guiding Principles and City Council Goals will change little, though perhaps they’ll get a bit more specific than the rosy generalities issued in 2017.

I have to say that I have never enjoyed meetings like this where participants stumble about trying to say something relevant that might get the attention of the facilitator. I will add that these exercises often seem more like justifications for keeping “facilitation companies” going than actually producing anything useful. I might say the same thing of most “team building” exercises and virtually all “trainings” - online or in-person. Especially in the context of elected officials who are endlessly competing for credit or attention, the notion that you can train competition into collaboration seems a bit naive. They’ll either do it or they won’t.

That said, there were a few moments of wisdom, reality, and perhaps even redefinition. For example, at least one councillor noted the difference between City Council orders and committee work. This is something I appreciate – over the years I have come to view many policy orders as “drive-by orders” where some random idea is tossed into the public arena or perhaps lifted from some other municipality. Committee work used to be more like a serious detailed discussion that welcomed public participation. That hasn’t really been the case in recent years - unless you are one of the privileged few who function more like “10th councillors” thanks to your affiliation with a lobbying group that also endorses candidates in the municipal election. Everyone else just gets their two or three minutes to make a short statement before being terminated by the Chair. I liked it better when if you actually offered constructive ideas at a committee meeting you might actually be involved in a back-and-forth discussion with the councillors. Nowadays you just perform and exit - unless you are among the politically privileged.

One suggestion made at yesterday’s meeting was that the City Manager and staff should send out weekly general updates of current topics being worked on by City staff. City Manager Yi-An Huang welcomed the idea but also expressed concern about “granularity” as he noted that at any given time there are ~2000 employees working on different things. Was the suggestion to have “weeklies” really be just about getting updates on the usual “hot topics” like bike lanes, BEUDO, and plans for recently-acquired City properties? It was also not made clear if these “weeklies” would be just for councillors or if they would be publicly available. Also unanswered was how such a protocol might mesh with the current daily updates to which many of us are subscribed.

One suggestion was that there should be a 311 system - a single point of contact for resident complaints and inquiries. This brought two things to mind. First, this sounds a lot like SeeClickFix – which is supposed to be the place for residents and elected officials alike to report problems. There seemed to be some sense that this system may not be functioning as well as it should be, and that when there is no response or action the calls go to city councillors. My experience has been that some kinds of SeeClickFix reports get an almost immediate response, and others languish for months or even years. It doesn’t help that some people view SeeClickFix as just another social media outlet on which they can bitch and moan about things that often go well beyond what the City can or should do. The other thing that came to mind was the proposal from over 20 years ago to create an Ombudsman Office that would respond to resident requests. That proposal went down in flames when councillors realized that responding to such complaints was an essential part of their political existence and that transferring that responsibility would only hurt their role in providing “constituent services”. In short, councillors often benefit from the existence of a problem.

Yesterday’s facilitator suggested that city councillors should be asking questions more than making statements. The response from some councillors was that this really doesn’t work in the context of a City Council meeting where you have to wait your turn to be recognized by the Chair and where technically all remarks are made through the Chair. I would note that in committee meetings this kind of questioning and back-and-forth conversation at least used to be common (and useful). It was also pointed out that the Open Meeting Law actually thwarts this kind of questioning and collaboration.

When the facilitators displayed their distillation of apparent City Council priorities (presumably based on some kind of questionnaire), the results were both predictable and misleading. The same can be said of the periodic Resident Surveys conducted on behalf of the City. Affordable housing always tops the list but rarely, if ever, is there any clarification of what that actually means. In one sense, it’s likely that 100% of residents want their housing to be affordable, but does that mean that they want to be able to buy a home on the open market at an affordable price, or does it mean that they want the City to subsidize the purchase? The same goes even more significantly when it comes to renting an apartment. I believe most renters simply want to see more affordable rents, and not necessarily that they want the City to subsidize those rents, but you would never know that from the Resident Survey or from the councillors’ prioritization.

It is worth noting that many, perhaps most, things that residents care about are not directly addressable by city councillors, the City administration, or from any level of government. Kindness, mutual respect, neighborliness, and voluntarism form the glue of society and likely have more to do with the satisfaction of living in a town or city than anything that was ever woven into a City Council policy order.

I was especially impressed when Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan noted that a major portion of City expenditures are in infrastructure, yet there was not even a mention of this in the list of City Council priorities. Perhaps this serves to highlight the difference between the politics of being an elected councillor and the management by City administration. Indeed, one of the greatest problems with a popularly-elected mayor as CEO is that it almost guarantees a greater share of attention and resources toward popular concerns and a corresponding decrease in focus on matters like infrastructure and municipal finance. I hope our current group of councillors keep this in mind as they debate possible Charter changes. It is, in fact, this focus on such matters by City management that allows the elected councillors to focus on more visible populist concerns.

Mayor Simmons bemoaned the fact that DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) was way down on the list of priorities, but stated that “this should be the lens through which we look at things.” It’s certainly one such lens, but fiscal responsibility, effective service delivery, responsiveness, and transparency are also pretty good lenses through which to look at and evaluate what we do as a city.

There was an interesting back-and-forth about the Envision plan and how it is often quoted or ignored depending on what you want or don’t want. There also continues to be a lot of misinterpretation of the goals and metrics in that report - especially in the area of housing.

Regarding Central Square, City Manager Huang stated that many of the goals contained in past studies have already been implemented - noting, in particular, bike lanes and outdoor dining. In fact, there is little mention of bike lanes in these past studies (perhaps due to how long ago the studies were produced), and much of the outdoor dining came about not from past studies but as an emergency response to the Covid epidemic as a means of helping some local businesses to economically survive. Indeed, the only significant new developments in Central Square happened independently of past studies, e.g. the Mass & Main (Normandy/Twining) zoning petition. It is my understanding that some new zoning proposals may be forthcoming based, in part, on some of the considerations of the C2 Study (from over a decade ago), but we’ll have to see where that road leads. – Robert Winters

Comments?

Members Sought for City of Cambridge Danehy Park Improvements Plan Working Group

Feb 13, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang seeks volunteers to serve on a new Working Group to help guide the Danehy Park Improvements Plan Project.

Working Group members will have two general responsibilities:

• Serve as community representatives to help guide the City Manager and staff on key issues related to the design of improvements to Danehy Park;
• Help communicate the process and design of the project back to the larger community.

Danehy Park is 30 years old and needs a fresh look. The City of Cambridge has contracted with a landscape consultant team to plan the next 10-20 years of improvements to the park. The goal is for Danehy Park to be an exceptional public park that residents of Cambridge will continue to be proud of and cherish. The Capital Improvement Plan will identify improvements for Danehy Park that:

• complement the essential natural, historic, and visual character of the site;
• are based on a strong public engagement process that prioritizes outreach to traditionally underrepresented groups. In addition to the Working Group, there will be a community engagement process for additional public participation;
• provide access to and protect the plants and animals of Danehy Park;
• address future flooding and heat impacts due to climate change;
• allow people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to relax, play, exercise and connect with other people in the park;
• judge the condition and quality of the parks features and systems; and
• propose a series of distinct projects and phased improvements to the park.

The Working Group will be made up of 10-15 members, representing a diverse set of interests. This will help ensure that multiple perspectives are heard and that there is appropriate representation reporting back to the larger community. The Working Group will include residents, institutional representatives, and a variety of people that currently use Danehy Park. It is anticipated that the group will meet six to eight times between April 2024 and December 2024. Meetings of the Working Group will be open to the public.

Individuals who want to shape the future of Danehy Park and want to collaborate with City of Cambridge staff to realize the goals above are encouraged to apply. The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Working group members should have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, Black, Indigenous and other people of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Persons interested in applying can do so through the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and select “Danehy Park Improvements Working Group” in the list of Current Vacancies. A letter of interest can be submitted during the online application process.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, March 11, 2024.

Members Sought to fill Cambridge Library Board of Trustees Vacancy

Feb 12, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees for the Cambridge Public Library.

Library trustees are volunteer community representatives, library advocates, and leaders in the establishment of goals and policies for the Cambridge Public Library system. Trustees are a vital link between the library staff and the community and work to ensure the quality of library services, collections, and programs, and to make certain that the library reflects and is relevant to the community.

Trustees are appointed by the City Manager following City Council confirmation to serve a 3-year term. Board members are expected to attend monthly board meetings, committee and community meetings, appropriate continuing education workshops or conferences, and library programs as their schedules allow. Monthly meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday of the month at 5pm, virtually and in-person in the Cambridge Public Library Board Room, 449 Broadway.

Ideal candidates will have an interest in and passion for public libraries and an understanding of the importance of the public library as a center of information, culture, recreation, and life-long learning in the community. Candidates should also have knowledge of the community, including an awareness of diverse social and economic conditions, needs and interests of all groups. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking skills are required. Trustees work productively as a team. It is also important for candidates to understand how the role of the public library is evolving and how information technology and societal changes inform the library’s future.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications can be submitted to the City Manager’s Office using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. For more information about the role of Library Trustees, contact Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries at mmccauley@cambridgema.gov.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, March 18, 2024.

Members Sought for City of Cambridge Planning Board

Feb 12, 2024 – The City of Cambridge is seeking members to serve on the Planning Board. All Cambridge residents are invited to apply.

The Planning Board is made up of Cambridge residents who make recommendations and decisions about urban development on behalf of the City of Cambridge. The Planning Board has seven full members and two associate members who are appointed by the City Manager, and then approved by the City Council to serve a 5-year term. All members can participate in Planning Board discussions.

The Planning Board meets regularly in a public forum to discuss the City of Cambridge’s urban planning objectives, and apply them in the following ways:

• Reviewing major urban development proposals, granting certain types of special permits when they are needed, and putting conditions on special permit approval. The Planning Board reviews about 20-25 special permit cases each year;
• Reviewing proposed amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, which sets rules for urban development, and making recommendations to the Cambridge City Council. The Planning Board reviews about 10-15 proposed zoning amendments each year;
• Making recommendations to the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) on some cases. The BZA is a different board that grants some special permits and variances.
• Discussing other City of Cambridge planning efforts.

Anyone who lives in Cambridge can apply to serve on the Planning Board. You don’t need to be a homeowner. The city is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, Black, Indigenous and other people of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

No specific professional background is needed to serve on the Planning Board. However, since a big part of the Planning Board’s role is reviewing building plans and designs, it is important that members have a strong interest and enthusiasm for urban design and how it shapes the community. Successful members of the Planning Board will be able to:

• Engage in a constructive discussion of urban planning topics, including urban design, transportation, housing, infrastructure planning, public space, and other topics;
• Listen to people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and consider different points of view;
• Visit and learn about different parts of Cambridge, and bring experience from other cities that members have visited, lived in, or learned about;
• Ask critical questions and make sure to get clear answers;
• Work toward constructive solutions to complex problems;
• Collaborate and build consensus with a group of people;
• Learn about and understand the laws related to planning and zoning; and
• Make reasonable decisions on behalf of the City that follow those laws.

We strongly suggest that people who are interested in the Planning Board attend or watch a Planning Board meeting. Visit www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard to learn about upcoming meetings. Archived video of meetings can be found on the City’s website here (then scroll to “Available Archives” / “Planning Board”).

By state law, all board members must complete a training in ethics and conflict-of-interest laws. The City’s Law Department also provides training and assistance to Planning Board members on legal issues. The City of Cambridge provides training to employees on topics including Preventing Sexual Harassment and Valuing Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These trainings will be available to Planning Board members and may be required.

The Planning Board is supported by professional planning staff in the Community Development Department, with added support from the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Department of Public Works, and others. Staff give written reports to Planning Board members on cases that are before them, and are also available if members have questions. Staff may also develop training on other topics that are relevant to the Planning Board’s work and may direct Planning Board members to training offered by outside organizations.

The Planning Board usually meets 2-4 times each month on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm. Meetings can last about 3-4 hours. Members are expected to attend most meetings. Members can expect to spend about 2-4 hours before each meeting reviewing materials such as plans and documents, which are sent to members about 5 days before each meeting. Some members find it helpful to visit sites that they are reviewing in person, but it is not required.

The Massachusetts Open Meeting Law usually requires meetings to be in person. However, the Planning Board has been meeting remotely under the temporary Open Meeting Law provisions established during the COVID-19 pandemic and may continue to meet remotely through March 2025. For remote meetings, Planning Board members must have a computer or other device with an internet connection, camera, and microphone that can support video conferencing. It is also helpful to have a private place to attend remote meetings without distractions.

Planning Board members receive $6,000 per year as a stipend. This stipend is meant to offset the annual out-of-pocket costs that members might pay to make it possible to serve on the Planning Board, such as child care, transportation, and other expenses.

People interested in being considered should apply by using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Planning Board” in the list of Current Vacancies. During the application process, you should provide a cover letter to explain why you are interested in being on the Planning Board, and a résumé or summary of applicable experience. Experience can include both professional and volunteer work.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, March 18, 2024.

If you have questions, contact Swaathi Joseph in the Community Development Department at 617-349-4668 or sjoseph@cambridgema.gov or visit www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard

"Gerrymander" Born in Massachusetts

Feb 11, 2024 – On this day in 1812, a political monster — the “Gerrymander” — was born in the Massachusetts State House. Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a bill that created oddly-shaped voting districts in several parts of the state. The lines of these districts gave Gerry’s party an advantage in the upcoming election. An artist added a head, wings, and claws to the strange shape that was the governor’s new home district and declared it looked like a salamander. A quick-witted friend decided a better name was “Gerry-mander.” Within a month, the image appeared as a cartoon in the local papers and gerrymander [later pronounced with a soft “g”], entered the English language. The term has referred ever since to any deliberate redrawing of voting districts to influence the outcome of an election.

[Click here for the rest of the story.]

Note: Those of us who have a reverence for history pronounce “gerrymander” with a hard “g”. After all, a man’s name is a man’s name.

Two Former City of Cambridge Leaders Receive Fresh Pond Stewardship Award

Feb 1, 2024 – The City of Cambridge yesterday presented the 2024 Fresh Pond Stewardship Award to two former City of Cambridge Leaders, retired Deputy City Manager Lisa Peterson and retired Managing Director of Cambridge Water Department Stephen “Sam” Corda. Both recipients were honored for their long-standing commitment to and love for Fresh Pond Reservation.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Cambridge Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan commended the two recipients, acknowledging their deep roots in environmental stewardship and water quality preservation.

About the Recipients
Lisa Peterson started with the City of Cambridge in 1990 as Assistant to the City Manager. In 2001, she was named Public Works Commissioner. In 2013, she was promoted to Deputy City Manager and briefly served as Acting City Manager, from October to November 2016, prior to her retirement in January 2021. In all her various roles, Peterson always prioritized the needs and concerns of the city’s residents and was crucial to the successful creation, acceptance, and distribution of the Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan. With Lisa's support, the City of Cambridge shifted from a consultant led process to a true citizen-led process for organizing and writing the plan confirming the Master Plan vision. During her tenure, Peterson devoted her time to the betterment of the Cambridge community and its residents, chairing the Community Benefits Advisory Committee and the Community Preservation Act Committee, where she worked tirelessly to ensure that the City’s most vulnerable populations were being supported and included in the City’s decision making process;

Stephen S. Corda – known to all simply as “Sam” – began working for the City of Cambridge in 1991 as part of the Engineering Department, and after leaving for a period to work in the private sector, he returned to the City in 2000 as the Managing Director of the Cambridge Water Department. Corda was the second longest tenured Managing Director in the department’s history, overseeing a significant portion of the construction of the Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility. He also served on the Cambridge Water Board, the Fresh Pond Advisory Board, and the Massachusetts Water Resource Advisory Board. While serving as the Managing Director, Corda oversaw several Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan Implementation projects, including Little Fresh Pond Shoreline Restoration, Northeast Sector, Glacken Slope, Black’s Nook Pond Restoration, Kingsley Park Bowl, Huron Forest Restoration, Kingsley Park Woodlands, Pathways, Overlooks and Lawn.

Under both Corda’s and Peterson’s leadership, the City of Cambridge continuously developed and nurtured the improvement of Fresh Pond Reservation for enhanced water quality as well as the quality-of-life experience for all Reservation users.

Sam Corda and Lisa Peterson

Charles Fried, former US solicitor general and Harvard Law professor, dies at 88

Charles Fried, former judge and US solicitor general who changed course on abortion, dies at 88
By Bryan Marquard Globe Staff,Updated January 25, 2024

In Memoriam: Charles Fried, former U.S. Solicitor General and longtime Harvard Law School Professor (1935-2024)
Jan 26, 2024, By Christine Perkins, Harvard Law Today

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board Vacancies. Application Deadline Extended.

Nov 21, 2023 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking to fill vacancies on the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) Advisory Board. Applications are due by Monday, February 5, 2024.

What is the role of the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) Advisory Board?
The CCPD Advisory Board works to increase access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for people with disabilities. CCPD raises awareness of disability issues and promotes equal opportunity for people with a range of disabilities, including physical, mental, and sensory.

CCPD also provides information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals and their families, employers, public agencies, businesses and private non-profit organizations.

How long do members serve on the CCPD Advisory Board?
The CCPD Advisory Board has 11 members who serve as volunteers for three-year terms.

When does the Advisory Board meet?
The CCPD Advisory Board currently meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm.

What are the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of CCPD Advisory Board Members?
CCPD Advisory Board Members should be Cambridge residents representing different disabilities, diverse cultures and races, and all areas of Cambridge.

Members must attend monthly meetings, currently held virtually and also take part in Working Groups and work on projects as needed.

CCPD Advisory Board members work with other board members and office staff to carry out the CCPD Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.96).

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, though anyone with an interest in serving on the CCPD Advisory Board is welcome to apply.

When is the application deadline for the CCPD Advisory Board? How do I apply?
Applications are due by Monday, February 5, 2024.

Applications can be submitted to the City Manager’s Office using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter, resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process.

If you need help filling out your application or have any questions, please contact CCPD at:
• CCPD@cambridgema.gov   • Call 617-349-4692 (voice)   • 711 (relay)

Candidate slates in 2023 election:

Slate Voting - A Limited Comparison

Our municipal elections in recent years have seen the rise of political action committees and various candidate slates. The effectiveness of these slates is somewhat difficult to measure due to various confounding factors - the greatest of which is the role of incumbents who have a serious advantage in any election system due primarily to far greater name recognition. Suffice to say that good performance and poor performance as elected officials also are major factors in the value of incumbency. The presence of incumbents on a candidate slate surely gives an overall boost to that slate. The number of candidates on the slate also has an effect. Here are some comparisons of the various slates and pseudoslates in the 2023 municipal election (see above for acronyms) with number of candidates on slate and number of incumbents in parentheses):

“Voted Top 5” counts how many voters ranked their top 5 choices within the slate; “Voted Top 4” counts how many voters ranked their top 4 choices within the slate; “Voted Top 3” counts how many voters ranked their top 3 choices within the slate. There were 23339 valid ballots cast in the City Council election.

Having more incumbents on a slate clearly helped, but there were relative few voters who gave all of their highest rankings to all incumbents. As is often the case, many voters choose to rank one of two new candidates high on their list.

2023 City Council Candidates (and Political Action Committees) –

Don’t forget to file your year-end OCPF reports! January 22 is the deadline and you’ll be fined if you miss the deadline.
Awaiting Report:
Candidates: --- [Moree also, but he died on Election Day]
PACs: ---

2023 School Committee Candidates –
Don’t forget to file your year-end reports with the Election Commission! January 20 is the deadline.

It’s Mayor Simmons - and I couldn’t be happier

January 1, 2024 - E. Denise Simmons was elected Mayor at today’s Inaugural Meeting of the 2024-2025 Cambridge City Council. The vote was (eventually) unanimous. Marc McGovern was then elected Vice-Chair by an 8-1 majority.

For what it’s worth, control freaks should never be chosen as Mayor, so this was a good outcome.

The meeting was disrupted by the morons from the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and their allies chanting tired refrains such as “Justice for Faisal”, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, and accusations that most of the Cambridge City Council support genocide. Methinks PSL would be more appropriately named “Petulant Socialist Lunatics”. They also defaced the front stairs of City Hall with their various predictable catchphrases. Unless steps are taken to regulate the “time, place, and manner” of what they feel are their free speech rights, these lunatics will be back again and again and again, and Cambridge will be seen broadly as a sanctuary city for idiots. - Robert Winters