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Nov 18, 2024
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These essays originally appeared in The Alewife in 2006-2007.

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ANN CURBY

CURBY, Ann Ward Age 97, passed away in her sleep, at her home, October 27, 2024. Born in Newton, MA, Ann lived in Newton, until moving to East Cambridge in 1984. Ann is survived by her children, Catherine (Birch Pavelsky), Judith (Gayle Smalley) and Mark; and grandchild, Shai Pavelsky. Her husband Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Jr. died in 2011. Her marriage to William A. Curby ended in divorce in 1983.

Ann grew up in a family with a tradition of service. Her parents, Mark Hopkins Ward and Anna Rathbun Ward, served as medical missionaries to Armenian children in Harpoot during the Massacre; and many of her aunts and uncles were teachers and doctors in China, Lebanon and India. A graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, Ann worked as a computer systems analyst. Her first position was with Project Whirlwind at MIT in the early 1950’s, which involved identifying incoming air traffic for the Air Force. In the late 1950’s, as the mother of small children, Ann joined Computations, Inc. (“CompInc.”), a group of women who worked from home, and jokingly called themselves the “Pregnant Programmers.” Once her children were in school, Ann worked at Honeywell for decades, writing and maintaining the operating system for Honeywell’s mainframe computers; and even returned post-retirement in the late 1990’s to carry out “Y2K” programming. Ann spent summers at a beloved family cottage in Provincetown, MA throughout her life. She continued programming work there, often shooing her children out of the cottage during the day, so she could troubleshoot computer codes written in binary on reams of green bar pages spread across the dining room table.

An accomplished lifelong sailor, her father taught her to sail; and in turn she taught sailing to her children and their friends. But Ann’s true passion was working to make the world a better place. In Newton, she was active in the League of Women Voters, and a strong supporter of efforts to build affordable housing. For reasons never clear to her children, she had an old-style (“Ditto”) printer in the basement, used for producing newsletters for various causes. In Cambridge, Ann attended First Church, and became active in the Cambridge Cluster of the Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM). For 30 years, until age 90, she spent Thursday evenings serving meals and sharing friendship with guests off the street at the Harvard Square Churches Meals Program. After retirement, she participated in marches and rallies to bring awareness to the threat of global warming. She often reminded her family that “when you have white hair, you can speak your mind and people will listen!”

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, at 11:00am, in the Chapel at the Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut Street. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory would be gratefully received by the Harvard Square Churches Meals Program, c/o Christ Church, Zero Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Note: Ann Curby and her husband Tom Fitzgerald were among our most dependable volunteers when we first started Cambridge’s monthly Recycling Drop-Off that operated from 1989 through 1991 prior to the start of curbside recycling. I have very fond memories of both Ann and Tom. - RW

Restored Inscription - Front of Cambridge City Hall - Nov 2, 2024

Monthly Updates from City of Cambridge DPW Recycling Division - November 2024

Compost Program Surpasses 10,000 Tons Collected!

In 2014, the City started a 600 household pilot to collect food waste curbside. It’s hard to imagine that 10 years later, the program would be expanded citywide, offered in buildings as large as 500 units, and serve more than 70 foodservice businesses.

Thank you to everyone who has helped participate, promote, and encourage the compost program past the 10,000 ton mark! We would not be here today without your support and participation.

What are the benefits of the Compost program?
The financial benefits of composting have increased since 2014 when the cost to compost was 5% less expensive than trash. In 2024, it costs the City 42% less to compost than to trash our food scraps. The rodent management benefits of composting are significant too. The locking mechanism on compost carts deter rodents much more than trash carts.

One of the most important reasons to separate your food scraps from the trash are the environmental benefits. Last month, the Boston Globe covered a story on methane emissions. “Methane is a far more potent warmer of the planet than carbon dioxide...and is rising faster in relative terms than any other major greenhouse gas.... There’s no one source for the increased emissions. Rather, it is a combination of factors including more fossil fuel use, more beef consumption, and more waste (leading to methane releases from landfills)....”

Food waste is the primary contributor to methane emissions from landfills, so when we reduce it or separate it from the trash, we are taking a substantial step forward. The act of composting or anaerobic digestion yields a secondary climate benefit. In Cambridge, we contract with a processing facility for our food waste that uses anaerobic digestion. In this process, food waste is broken down to create clean energy. To read more about the process and the environmental lifecycle analysis, see here.

If you or a friend wants to get supplies to start composting, see here.

Pumpkins & Free Yard Waste Bags

We could use your help collecting the leaves from curbs and sidewalks while we are in peak yard waste season. If the leaves are swept by street sweepers, they must be sent to trash. However, if you collect leaves, you can help generate healthy soils. Sign up to receive the Cambridge Urban Forest Friends newsletter and you will be gifted free yard waste bags. Two bags per sign up, while supplies last. Sign up then email requesting yard waste bags!

Pumpkins: During Halloween, nearly 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills each year. Methane from pumpkins in the landfill is spooky and contributes to climate change! We could use your help diverting them.

Pumpkins should go in compost or in yard waste collection (cut down pumpkins if they don’t fit in cart). Please no candles or paint.
    • If putting in compost carts, no bag is necessary. Find a compost drop off location near you.
    • If putting in yard waste: put pumpkin in yard waste bin or lawn bag.

Zero Waste Master Plan--Seeking Feedback Through 11/30/24

On October 22, we presented to City Council our draft strategies for achieving the City’s Zero Waste goals. The draft strategies are:

• Require property managers to submit annual solid waste plans;
• Mandate food waste diversion for all residential and commercial buildings;
• Pilot methods to reduce move-out trash;
• Reduce single-use serviceware from food establishments;
• Improve location and accessibility of the Recycle Center;
• Enforce mandatory food waste diversion;
• Research and analyze whether City should implement Hybrid Pay-As-You-Throw;
• Provide technical assistance to commercial sector to facilitate reduce/reuse and improved recycling/composting;
• Work with CHA and other property managers to increase diversion and sanitation.

Throughout the month of November, we are seeking your feedback on these draft strategies. Review the news story, which includes a link to the City Council presentation, here.

Fill out this feedback form by November 30.

Reduce & Reuse Tips

Tip #1: Social Media zero waste tips.
Social Media has creative ways to reduce and upcycle waste. This month’s example: Making cinnamon rolls with old bananas! It’s not news to people that brown bananas can be used to make banana bread or other baked goods. But, this video shows a second environmental benefit of those leftover bananas. Click here to take your zero waste journey to the next level with a new use for banana peels.

Tip #2: Holiday leftover ideas.
There are so many opportunities to reduce waste during the holidays!

• First, make a game plan for what to do with leftovers. Are you sending them home with relatives or keeping them? Would you make soup or casserole from the leftover food? What about freezing some leftovers? If you’re unsure what to make from the leftovers, here are 61 ideas.
• Second, take the step to minimize the waste. Invite guests to bring to-go containers, have your containers ready, add ingredients for leftovers recipes to your Thanksgiving grocery list.
• Third, before you’re too tired, carve out time after dinner to execute on your plan to reduce waste.
• Fourth, put food you can’t eat into the compost. Use of one our 6 drop-off compost sites to drop-off food waste if you don’t have the curbside program at your building.

Upcoming Dates

• Thurs. 11/14: Junk, MIT Museum, 6pm-9pm
• Sat. 11/30: Deadline to submit feedback on draft Zero Waste Master Plan strategies
• Tues. 12/31: Final Yard Waste Collection day until 4/1/25

MassDEP’s annual Reduce, Reuse, Recycle-Palooza Webinars
• Tues. 11/19: Food Rescue in MA, 12 pm
• Wed. 11/20: Batteries are Everywhere! Handle With Care, 12pm
• Thurs 11/21: Ask MassDEP Anything about Recycling in MA, 12pm

Email us to share other waste-related events!

Join Our Mailing List!

What Are We Reading?

Mass. is a national leader in keeping food waste out of landfills, study finds (WBUR)

“Recirclable” program allows MA restaurant customers to borrow takeout containers (CBSNews)

Upcycled Certified Products Projected to Prevent 703 Million Pounds of Food Waste Per Year (Waste360)

Connections: Plants Speak The Truth (Biocycle)

DPW on Facebook     DPW on Twitter

Cambridge Post-Election Audit for the State/Presidential Election

Nov 7, 2024 – Please be advised that in accordance with the provisions of Section 109A of Chapter 54 of the General Laws, the City of Cambridge was chosen for a post-election audit during a random, publicly verifiable, non-computerized drawing which was held by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The City of Cambridge Election Commission will audit the office of President and Vice-President, Senator in Congress, and Ballot Question #2 on the ballots for Ward 6 Precinct 1 and Ward 2 Precinct 2. The Cambridge Board of Election Commissioners will begin the post-election audit on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 9:00am and it will be conducted at Citywide Senior Center, Windsor Room, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Entrance on Green Street, Cambridge, MA.

If you would like to observe the post-election audit, we ask that you arrive at the rear entrance of the center on Green Street on the scheduled day.

Volunteer Opportunities - Cambridge Boards & Commissions (click for details)

Cambridge Public Art Commission - deadline Mon, Dec 9, 2024

Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) - deadline Mon, Dec 2, 2024

Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee - deadline Mon, Dec 9, 2024

Transit Advisory Committee - deadline Oct 15, 2024 (but apparently still open)

Members Sought for Cambridge Public Art Commission

Nov 6, 2024 – The Cambridge Public Art Commission (PAC) helps guide the implementation of the Public Art Ordinance and the Art Gifts and Donation Policy, and advises on the overall direction of the City of Cambridge’s Public Art Program.

The Commission brings its collective expertise to bear on discussions regarding the various program areas of the public art program, such as acquisition and deaccession, project planning, maintenance, conservation, educational programming, and the exhibitions in Gallery 344. The Commission reviews every percent-for-art project from artists’ proposals to final design. PAC approval is required before a project can go into fabrication.

The PAC’s responsibilities include:

• Advising on the artist selection process and community engagement process for major projects;
• Recommending qualified jurors to select artists (the Commission does not select artists);
• Reviewing public art proposals;
• Recommending potential sources for additional funding;
• Advising on outreach and education;
• Providing connection to the wider community and recommendations on community interests, resources, contacts, and neighborhood or city-wide issues;
• Contributing a broad perspective and interest in the city’s goals and values;
• Attending monthly meetings.

Public Art Commission members are volunteers appointed by the City Manager to work with Cambridge Arts Council staff in accomplishing the goals of the Cambridge Public Art Program. The Public Art Commission is composed of nine members who each serve a three-year term, renewable once. The PAC meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm, at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor, in the Cambridge Arts Council Conference Room, or when permitted, virtually on Zoom.

Members are encouraged to participate in Public Art activities and Gallery 344 events, such as public art openings, artist talks, community presentations, gallery receptions, public art tours, and other related happenings. Additionally, members have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day work of the staff, Arts Council partners, and other departments, and to offer advice and viewpoints that reflect the Commission’s purpose and role of arts advocacy within city government.

The PAC seeks to represent the socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the city, as well as various art and design experience (such as artists, architects, landscape architects, art educators, urban planners, art historians, conservators, curators, and art administrators).

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commission members 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 to serve on the Commission can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. The application deadline is Monday, December 9, 2024. For more information about Public Art in Cambridge, visit Cambridgema.gov/publicart.

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang Seeks Members for Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA)

Nov 5, 2024 – The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA), a quasi-judicial body that conducts public hearings on applications and appeals and issues decisions that shape the use and appearance of buildings, is seeking new members.

The BZA has five regular members and up to seven associate members. Members are appointed by the City Manager then approved by the City Council. Regular members serve a 5-year term. Associate members serve a 2-year term.

Under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, certain uses and types of development may require a variance, special permit, or comprehensive permit from the BZA.

Who can join the BZA?
All BZA members must be Cambridge residents. To serve effectively, members must:

• Collaborate well with others;
• Be able to consider diverse ideas and perspectives;
• Apply the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and the state’s Zoning Act to the facts presented in applications and petitions;
• Demonstrate strong attentiveness and listening skills to detailed presentations and discussions.

A technical background is not required. An interest in and understanding of development, architecture, urban design, and zoning law is desirable.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board members must be able 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.

How much of a time commitment is BZA?
The BZA meets twice each month on Thursday evenings for approximately 3-4 hours. Regular members are expected to attend all meetings. Associate members attend on an as needed basis. Meetings are currently hybrid, via Zoom and in person.

Members must review application and petition materials prior to each meeting they attend, which may include development plans and specifications, narrative descriptions, zoning analyses, petitions, appeals, information from City departments, written comments from the public, and other documents.

Do BZA members get compensated for their time?
BZA members receive an annual stipend of $3,500. BZA Associate Members receive an annual stipend of $2,000.

How can I apply?
Apply online at cambridgema.gov/apply. The application deadline is Monday, December 2, 2024.

The best way to learn what BZA is all about is to watch an actual meeting. Anyone interested in joining the BZA is encouraged to visit the City of Cambridge Open Meeting Portal to watch or attend an upcoming meeting or to view archived video and supporting materials prior to submitting an application.

The Eve of Derangement - November 4, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

The night before a national election often feels strange – when our local government meets to talk about things like hazardous waste collection, speed bumps, and bikes lanes while on the national stage many people are in crisis mode imagining civil war breaking out if the candidate they hate gets elected as President. It often brings to mind the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” So let’s fix those potholes and catch up on those old SeeClickFix requests while much of the country readies for derangement. “Don’t follow leaders, watch the parking meters.”

I have of late been thinking a lot about what the word “democracy” actually means – a way of governing which depends on the will of the people. What exactly does that mean then “the people” are almost evenly divided between highly divergent viewpoints? Does this mean that 50.1% should translate into imposing policies that are abhorrent to 49.9% of the people or that an Electoral College win should be viewed as a mandate to run roughshod over the interests of the losing party? Extreme partisanship is a deranged view of democracy. If the country (or the city, for that matter) is nearly evenly divided on an issue, the better democratic option is to find whatever common ground there is and to work out compromises that a clear majority can accept and maybe even embrace. It should never be about “winner take all”. The American System is in some ways inferior to parliamentary systems where coalition governments have to be formed when there is no clear majority. Even Cambridge’s system of proportional representation raises the essential question: “Proportional to what?”

A good friend of mine once wrote an essay about our local Cambridge political factions in the 1980s and 1990s when rent control was THE defining local issue. The notable quote about those factions was simply: “They both benefit from the existence of a problem.” In other words, finding actual compromise solutions would dilute their political clout – even if it would be in everyone’s best interest to solve the existing problems. Partisanship continued to be rewarded right up to the point when Question 9 caused the entire political house of cards to come tumbling down.

Call me naive, if you wish, but I still believe that the great majority of Americans share far more in common than the political partisans would have you believe. So bring on the protests while the rest of us are just taking care of our everyday lives. - RW

Meanwhile, back in The Peoples Republic, here are a few notable agenda items for this eve of derangement:

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-56, regarding a request to consider scheduling a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day and a Paper Shredding Event on a Sunday, instead of having them all on Saturday. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-59, regarding the feasibility of speed control bumps on Antrim Street. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Simmons, City Manager Yi-An Huang, Toner, Siddiqui, Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan; Placed on File 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Toner; Charter Right - Nolan

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to prominently incorporate recognition of the Massachusett Tribe during key official events, documents, websites, and communications, establish a living memorial in Cambridge that honors the Massachusett Tribe, with special recognition of Sqa Sachem for her leadership and enduring legacy and place a plaque with this language in a prominent location within City Hall, ensuring that this acknowledgment remains visible and lasting.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Simmons (to amend to add Wilson, Toner 9-0); comments by Simmons, Zusy (who proposed deleting references to Sqa Sachem), McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons, Siddiqui; Zusy amendment Fails 1-8 (Zusy-Yes); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present)
Note: Sqa Sachem is referenced in various sources, in particular Lucius Paige’s History of Cambridge (1877), Chapter XX, Indian History. Lucius Paige was both the Town Clerk and (after 1846) the City Clerk of Cambridge.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department to draft a home rule petition for the creation of a Cambridge Jobs Training Trust, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [support letter]   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler (with proposed amendment); Charter Right - Toner

Order #4. The City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works (DPW) on the expansion of the mattress and box spring recycling program to include residents living in multi-unit residential buildings, starting with affordable housing properties that charge a fee to their residents.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Resolution #10. Congratulations to Robin Harris on being awarded the 2022 National Humanities Medal by President Joe Biden.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui
Comments by Toner, Nolan, Simmons

Resolution #16. Condolences on the death of Alan Steinert, Jr.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan to be added as sponsor

Resolution #19. Honoring Cambridge Veterans and Recognizing Veterans Day.   Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern

Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 29, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on the Broad Canal Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee conducted a public hearing on June 10, 2021 to discuss the Cambridge Missing Middle Housing Zoning Petition (Ordinance #2021-2). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee met on July 26, 2021 to continue discussion on two proposals to regulate campaign donations. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee met on July 28, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to Article 22 of the City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance “Emissions Accounting” (Ord#2021-13). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee met on Sept 29, 2021 to discuss the Neighborhood Conservation District citizen’s petition. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee met on Oct 16, 2019 at 2pm on Taxicab use of E-Hail in the Sullivan Chamber. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #7. The Ordinance Committee met on Oct 23, 2019 at 5pm to discuss the Zoning petition to create an Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay District. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #8. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Oct 10, 2024 to discuss preliminary recommendations from the Central Square rezoning process. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #9. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Oct 15, 2024 which was recessed and reconvened on Oct 29, 2024, regarding a Zoning Petition by the City of Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 2.000 and 8.000 with the intent to add a definition of “dormer” to Article 2.000 and to amend the requirements related to adding dormers to nonconforming one- and two-family dwellings in Section 8.22.1.h.2 in order to allow certain dormer(s) construction as-of-right. The Ordinance Committee voted favorably to forward the Board of Zoning Appeal’s amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to add a definition of dormer to Article 2.000 and to amend the requirements related to adding dormers to non-conforming one- and two-family dwellings in Section 8.22.1.h.2, to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation and that it be passed to a second reading. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #10. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Oct 22, 2024 to review and discuss the updates to the Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Comments?

Members Sought to Serve on Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee

Oct 30, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on the Harvard Square Kiosk Advisory Committee, which will provide guidance and oversight for the operations of the Cambridge Kiosk in Harvard Square.

Embarking on a journey to reimagine the heart of Harvard Square, the City of Cambridge is partnering with CultureHouse and the Cambridge Office for Tourism to activate the historic Kiosk in Harvard Square. Through this collaboration, the recently restored landmark is set to become a vibrant cultural incubator, community gathering space, and visitor information center called the Cambridge Kiosk. The Kiosk is expected to open in early 2025.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the cultural and civic life of Cambridge and ensure the Kiosk’s operations align with the community’s vision. The application deadline is Monday, December 9, 2024.

Committee Charge
The Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee is tasked with advising on the operations and programming of the Cambridge Kiosk. The Committee’s recommendations will help ensure the Kiosk remains a vibrant cultural and community space, in line with the goals outlined in the Harvard Square Kiosk and Plaza Working Group Final Report.

Committee Responsibilities

• Review Operations and Programming. Review the Kiosk’s programming and operations to assess how well it reflects project goals outlined in the aforementioned report. Review community feedback on programs and operations.
• Make Recommendations to the City Manager. Based on the Committee’s findings, provide suggestions to improve the Kiosk’s operations and programming.

Committee Composition
The Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee will be composed of members appointed by the City Manager. The Committee will represent a diversity of expertise and backgrounds, including residents, representatives from local businesses, cultural institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Committee members should also have some experience in engaging their community and working effectively on a team with diverse perspectives and interacting 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.

Committee members are typically appointed for terms of 3 years each, subject to renewal at the discretion of the City Manager, although some appointments may be 1 year or 2 years to facilitate a staggered appointment schedule. The Advisory Committee is expected to meet approximately 3 to 4 times per year, or more if needed. Meeting dates are yet to be determined.

How to Apply
To apply, submit a digital application form through the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. Please include your name, address, contact information, occupation, and relevant work and education experience. Additionally, provide a letter of interest outlining your qualifications and why you would like to serve on the Committee.

The deadline for applications is Monday, December 9, 2024.

To learn more about the Cambridge Kiosk, click here or contact Daniel Wolf at dwolf@cambridgema.gov.

Joan Pickett, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many, was a long-time resident of Cambridge, MA, and a Cambridge City Councillor. She passed away, surrounded by her loving and adoring family, on August 31, 2024, after an unexpected and brief illness. She was 69.

Originally from Dover, NH, Joan attended Dover High School and spent her childhood summers with her family at their cottage in Alton Bay, NH. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston College.

Joan’s love of learning prompted her to move to New York City to further her education. She pursued an MPH (Master of Public Health) and an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at Columbia University, graduating with distinction.

Joan’s Upper West Side home was a joyous, welcoming place, always filled with family, friends, and her precious dogs. Several of her nieces and nephews lived with Joan and Adane while pursuing their education and spending fun-filled summers on the East Coast. Their home was a cornerstone of the family, where doors were always open to visitors and served as a gathering place, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas, when they often hosted extended family.

During her time in New York City, she was a Managing Director at Citigroup before transitioning to various roles at Standard & Poor’s. Her career focused on areas such as commercial lending and municipal bond finance, and she served as the head of the healthcare and higher education unit at Standard & Poor’s bond rating agency. Looking to serve the community on a different level, Joan returned to the Boston area and spent 25 years working closely with both academic and community physicians and staff. She used her years of experience and wealth of knowledge in strategic planning and business development at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

A resident of Mid-Cambridge for almost 27 years, Joan was a committed community leader. She was an active member and past president of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association and served as chairman of Cambridge Streets for All. She volunteered for the Charles River Conservancy as board chair and finance committee chair. In her retirement, Joan was elected as a Cambridge City Councillor and began her service in that role in January 2024.

Passionate about dog training and rescue, Joan was a founding board member of Caring Canines Pet Therapy, which provided comfort and happiness to children fighting cancer. She adopted and fostered multiple rescue dogs, providing a loving and safe home for neglected and abused animals. She was an avid gardener and created a peaceful oasis that was her favorite place to catch up with family and friends. She loved art and antiques—a passion she inherited from her mother—and spent many happy hours hunting for treasures to sell in her booth at the Cambridge Antiques Market.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, James F. and Addie Pickett, and her sister and best friend, Sally (Pickett) Cadman of Hollis, NH. She is survived by her loving husband, Adane Dessie; Christopher Cadman; her brothers and sisters-in-law; her beloved nieces and nephews; and countless close friends.

A ceremony will be held at Grondin Funeral Home, with burial at Pine Hill, on Saturday, September 28, at 10:30am, followed immediately by a memorial service at Cambridge City Hall from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made on behalf of Joan Pickett to Caring Canines at caringcanines.org.

To all who voted and supported Joan we share your grief and cherish your support. You can e-mail erika1923@yahoo.com with comments or questions.

Boomer Kennedy (Dec 1, 1956 - June 10, 2024)

Born on December 1, 1956 in Westport, Connecticut, Boomer Kennedy passed away on June 10, 2024. She mastered everything from car mechanics to fancy pastries. For 20 years she ran her own auto repair shop, Chicago Auto, in Cambridge, MA where she was a pathbreaking and celebrated woman entrepreneur. In the 2000s she exchanged her wrenches for a chef’s toque, attending the Culinary Institute of America and working as a pastry chef at the world-renowned French Laundry. She later moved to Albuquerque and then Santa Fe, New Mexico where she ran a frame store with her beloved partner, Martha. Most recently, Boomer had been living in Baltimore, serving as unofficial mayor of the Patterson Park Community Garden, treating all passing dogs and people to cookies and good conversation.

In honor of Boomer’s incredible life, friends and family are invited to a celebration at the Patterson Park Community Garden on Friday, June 14 at 4pm in the Bull Ring near the community garden. Donations in Boomer’s honor may be made to Friends of Patterson Park, 27 S Patterson Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231. [obituary]

Robert James LaTrémouille, Esq. (Nov 16, 1942 - June 18, 2024, age 81)

Longtime Cambridge activist Bob LaTrémouille has died. [obituary]

Middleborough - Robert James LaTrémouille, Esq., 81, passed away at home on June 18 , 2024. He was born in Cambridge, MA the son of the late Robert A. and Phyllis R. (Ladner) LaTrémouille.

Robert studied Government/Poly Sci BA at University of Massachusetts Amherst and graduated from the School of Law at Boston University. He was self-employed in Cambridge, MA for many years and in retirement he worked at SAG-AFTRA (the world’s largest labor union representing performers, broadcasters and recording artists). He was also a leader and protector of animal rights.

He is survived by his sister: Jeanne M. Damon and his brothers Gerard A. LaTrémouille and George W. LaTrémouille. He is also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

His committal service with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery will be private. In Lieu of flowers please make memorial gifts to the MSPCA 350 Huntington Ave., Boston MA 02130. www.mspca.org/donate-now/

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com.

The Cambridge City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E premiered on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 5:30pm on CCTV Channel 9 and is viewable on YouTube.

Created by writer-narrators John Pitkin and Robert Winters, both long-time Cambridge residents, and director Gregorio Leon, a 2016 graduate of CRLS and Emerson College, the video is introduced by WGBH’s Jim Braude. The Cambridge’s City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E combines historical documents, images, maps, and statistics to present a provocative half-hour overview of Cambridge’s first 94 years as a city and the origins of the current Plan E charter.

The episode examines our shared history through the lens of the City Charter and local elections. It shows how the Town Meeting style of government became impracticable and led to the consolidation of Old Cambridge, the neighborhood around Harvard College, with the villages of Cambridgeport and East Cambridge to create the city of Cambridge, chartered by the Commonwealth in 1846. The half-hour video presents a visually engaging review of the expansion of Cambridge as bridges linked Old Cambridge to Boston in the 18th and early 19th century, as migration drove population growth, suffrage expanded, and participation in local elections increased.

A second episode of Cambridge Civic View is planned that will look at the history of the current Plan E charter. Since 1940, Plan E has defined our local government, given us the existing system of nine City Councillors with a City Manager as our chief executive, and established the ranked-choice proportional representation voting system used to elect our Councillors and School Committee. It is hoped that these videos will provide necessary perspective on how the current City Charter came to be and how it might be modified.

Comments?

Switching from Cable TV

May 23, 2024 – I am finally getting around to changing from my current “Triple Play” plan with Comcast to something better, but I need advice.

I certainly need to maintain a fast Internet connection for many reasons - not the least of which is an online course I teach via Zoom in the fall (and office hours). I also do the Cambridge InsideOut show via Zoom. For telephone (not cell phone) I have a device from Ooma that I can use for VoIP phone service at low cost.

The difficult part to understand is how to navigate the various streaming options in such a way that I don’t end up paying even more than I am currently forking over to Comcast. My primary TV needs are old movies (like TCM), Red Sox games, Twilight Zone, real news stations like BBC, all the local channels (of course), some science stuff (we’re really into cosmology), South Park, and a few other things. My understanding is that streaming can be a real data hog, and though Comcast doesn’t currently charge extra for excess data, they will likely do so at some point.

Sooo.... I am looking for a plan here. Any sage advice?

A chronology of the 1972 conflict over Proportional Representation in Cambridge
(posted Feb 24, 2023)

Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record) - with some comments:

If you would like to subscribe or pick up a free paper copy at various sites, I encourage you to do so. It really is The Paper of Record - even if it is currently understaffed and in need of rejuvenation. What we really need is a summit meeting of all Cambridge news providers, including CCTV and Cambridge Municipal TV, to figure out a long-term plan. We absolute need to get Gannett to the table to talk about any long-term plans they may have and if and when the Cambridge Chronicle might be restored to its former role (dating back to 1846) as an essential source for news and features about Cambridge (as opposed to regional feeds of little or no relevance to the people of Cambridge).

A new food hall is coming to the Cambridge mall. Here’s what restaurants it will have (Oct 22, 2024)

Head of the Charles Regatta weekend rowing event in Cambridge (Oct 18, 2024)

Poll tests statewide support for MBTA Communities Act. Its results may surprise (Sept 26, 2024)

Harmful bacteria found in the Charles River? Here’s what to know. (Sept 24, 2024)

Voter’s guide: How to vote early in Massachusetts. What you need to know (Sept 22, 2024)

Julie Wormser starts Oct. 1 as Cambridge’s first chief climate officer (Sept 18, 2024)

Decker beats MacKay in Democratic primary recount for State House seat (Sept 13, 2024)

Recount Sept. 12 between Democrats contending for Cambridge state rep (Sept 12, 2024)

Cambridge state representative race may require a recount (Sept 4, 2024)

Massachusetts Ballot Questions 2024: MCAS, medical psychedelics, more (Sept 4, 2024)

Porter Square Books plans move to larger space in Cambridge (Aug 27, 2024)

Cambridge Brewing Company announces closure. Here’s are the details (Aug 20, 2024)

Cambridge artist Elizabeth Rawls spends her retirement free motion quilting (Aug 14, 2024)

Who were Cambridge’s 25 top paid municipal employees in 2023? We have a list (May 23, 2024)

Cambridge city, school employee salaries for 2023: Searchable Database

Cambridge’s ‘Duke’ of bartending inducted into Hall of Fame (Dec 27, 2022, subscribers only)
At 86 years old, longtime Cambridge resident Daniel “Duke” Pugliese was just inducted into the Bartender Hall of Fame after a career filled with giving to charity, pouring drinks and listening to people pour out their soul.

Fuel assistance applications available for Cambridge, Somerville residents in need (Oct 18, 2022)

Trees have a story to tell, on your next walk in the woods take in the natural history (Oct 17, 2022)

Star Market and Shaw’s acquired: What to know about the Kroger-Albertsons deal (Oct 14, 2022)

MA electricity, gas prices going up 64 percent compared to last year (Sept 22, 2022)

Measure to limit wildlife-killing rat, mice poisons is in Senate hands (Sept 22, 2022)

Somerville, Medford rents rise as landlords tout Green Line Extension (Sept 22, 2022, subscribers only)

Removing dams restores river ecology, but the process can take years (Sept 15, 2022)

Is the drought making MA water unsafe? Here’s where e-coli outbreaks have been reported (Sept 12, 2022)

Coalition says just enforcing waste bans would greatly reduce trash (Sept 9, 2022)

Plans show Cambridge nightclub, music venue could become 6-story hotel (Sept 7, 2022)

PHOTOS: Oldtime Baseball Game honors Jim Corsi (Aug 25, 2022)

Beware the Asian longhorned beetle and lanternfly, Mass residents advised (Aug 17, 2022)

Governor’s desk crowded with almost 70 measures still pending (Aug 11, 2022)

Plan E Cambridge City Councils - At A Glance (Mayor in bold) — Comments?

Plan E Cambridge School Committees (and Mayors) At A Glance — Comments?

In case you were wondering about how to make Cambridge’s PR elections independent of how the ballots are counted…

Election Method Comparison – STV/Cincinnati vs. Fractional Transfer – 2021 Cambridge City Council Election (posted Jan 15, 2022)

HOW TO BREAK A POLITICAL MACHINE
pictures added Mar 27, 2021 scanned from original magazine
[Collier’s Magazine, January 31, 1948]
Comments?

THE MUNICIPAL SITUATION IN CAMBRIDGE
A Paper read at the Annual Meeting of the National Municipal League at Chicago, April 28, 1904
by Henry N. Wheeler, President of the League
preceded by a Program of the Work of the League for 1904
[original PDF]

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes on CCJ Forum

Cambridge InsideOut currently airs every first and third Tuesday at 6:00pm and 6:30pm with producers/hosts Robert Winters and (sometimes) Patrick Barrett. We will have other guest hosts as well. All shows are posted on YouTube after broadcast.

[complete list of shows - with links to YouTube videos (and now audio too!)]

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 633-634: Nov 5, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 631-632: Oct 15, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 629-630: Sept 17, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 627-628: Sept 3, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 625-626: Aug 6, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 623-624: July 2, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 621-622: June 18, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 619-620: June 4, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 617-618: May 21, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 615-616: Apr 16, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 613-614: Mar 19, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 611-612: Mar 5, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 609-610: Feb 20, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 607-608: Feb 6, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 605-606: Jan 16, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 603-604: Jan 2, 2024 (solo w/Robert Winters)

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 63 and 64 with Glenn Koocher
We had a great time doing these shows with the man who invented the original Cambridge InsideOut - Glenn Koocher.

Cambridge InsideOut on CCTV during 2013-2014 featured co-hosts Susana Segat and Robert Winters.
Cambridge InsideOut on CCTV during 2015-2022 featured co-hosts Judy Nathans and Robert Winters.
Cambridge InsideOut on CCTV during 2022-2023 featured co-hosts Patrick Barrett (sometimes) and Robert Winters.

History - Kendall Square and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority

MBTA Role in Cambridge Center Project – Kendall Station Urban Initiatives Project, 1979-1989 (Feb 13, 2014 by Thad Tercyak)

Kendall Square Urban Renewal Project: Six Pivotal Episodes (June 8, 2013 by Thad Tercyak)

Kendall Square Urban Renewal Project, Initial Years, 1963 to 1982 (July 12, 2012 by Thad Tercyak)

Kendall Square Urban Renewal Area – Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (Apr 5, 2012)

Open for Comments - CCJ Forum

List of all CCJ Forum posts (2009 – present) – reverse chronologically with author’s name (originally Aug 14, 2022 - updated automatically)

The Eve of Derangement – November 4, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Nov 1, 2024, updated Nov 4)

Current City of Cambridge Board and Commission Vacancies (updated Nov 2, 2024)

The Tax Bills Are Coming! The Tax Bills Are Coming! – October 21, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Oct 20, updated Oct 24)

Taxing Time – October 7, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Oct 4, 2024, updated Oct 8)

Juggernaut or Not? – September 30, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Sept 27, 2024)

Preview of a Consequential Meeting – September 23, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Sept 19, 2024, updated Sept 23)

Acapulco Gold Rush – September 16, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Sept 13, updated Sept 16)

Cambridge Open Archives in 2024: Archives Roadtrip! – Saturday, September 14 (posted Sept 13, 2024)

Amid Sorrow & Loss, the City Council Reconvenes – Sept 9, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Sept 6, 2024, updated Sept 10)

Dog Days of Summer – August 5, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (Zoom only – Why?) (posted Aug 6, 2024)

Summer in the City – June 24, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted June 23, 2024, updated June 25)

Making the News – June 17, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted June 16, 2024, updated June 18)

Chronicling Cambridge – June 10, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted June 8, 2024, updated June 11)

Blessing of the Big Budget – June 3, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted June 2, 2024, updated June 4)

Featured Items on the May 20, 2024 Cambridge City Council Agenda (posted May 19, 2024, updated May 21)

Betwixt & Between the Budget Hearings – May 13, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted May 13, 2024)

Budget Season – and another Monday – May 6, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted May 6, 2024; updated May 7)

Turf War – April 29, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Apr 27, 2024; updated Apr 30)

Riding the Third Rail – April 8, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Apr 5, 2024; updated Apr 9)

No kidding around – April 1, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Apr 1, 2024; updated Apr 2)

Random Thoughts – February 14, 2024 (posted Feb 14, 2024)

Cambridge Municipal Election News – 2023 (originally posted Oct 25, updated periodically)

Plan E Cambridge School Committees (and Mayors) At A Glance (originally posted Jan 21, 2022, updated Jan 1, 2024)

Plan E Cambridge City Councils At A Glance (originally posted Jan 21, 2022, updated Jan 1, 2024)

Municipal Election Voting Comparison: 2021 vs. 2023 (and then some) (posted Dec 16, 2023)

Voter Success and Number of Candidates – Cambridge Municipal Elections (updated Nov 26, 2023)

Rally at City Hall – Oct 9, 2023 (posted Oct 10, 2023)

What is the main message of The Crucible? (posted Oct 7, 2023)

Now It’s My Turn To Speak – by Robert Winters (Oct 2, 2023 - message from candidate Robert Winters)

New Video Series Opens With Focus on Cambridge’s Charter Leading to Plan E (posted May 16, 2023)

Municipal Broadband or Municipal Boondoggle (posted Mar 13, 2023)

A chronology of the 1972 conflict over Proportional Representation in Cambridge (posted Feb 24, 2023)

Arlington to Harvard Square on a Bicycle (by John Allen, posted Jan 31, 2023)

Alice Wolf: 1933-2023 (posted Jan 28, 2023)

An Idea Whose Time Has Come Again – Redress of Grievances (posted Jan 26, 2023)

Completing the Square [originally posted June 11, 2013]

On Love and Elections (Dec 26, 2022 by David Goode)

Sheila Doyle Russell – City Councillor, Mayor, and Friend (posted Dec 13, 2022)

ADDRESS OF THE MAYOR UPON THE FIRST ORGANIZATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT – 1846 (posted Dec 11, 2022)

HISTORY OF CAMBRIDGE – Rev. Lucius Paige, 1877 – INDIAN HISTORY (posted Nov 25, 2022)

A word or two about Cambridge property tax increases (posted Nov 1, 2022)

April 1 Cambridge News – Somerville Invades Cambridge! (posted Apr 1, 2022)

Election Method Comparison – STV/Cincinnati vs. Fractional Transfer – 2021 Cambridge City Council Election (posted Jan 15, 2022)

City of Cambridge Releases Comprehensive Digital Equity Study (posted Apr 20, 2021)

HOW TO BREAK A POLITICAL MACHINE – Collier’s Magazine, Jan 31, 1948 (posted Sept 24, 2020, updated Mar 27, 2021)

A few observations on density (posted Feb 16, 2021)

Cambridge Growth Policy – Toward a Sustainable Future (posted Oct 31, 2018)

The Advent of PR in Cambridge (Nov 10, 2013)

Completing the Square (June 11, 2013)

On becoming a True Cantabrigian (Dec 29, 2012 by Glenn Koocher)

The Neverending Study of Central Square

Aug 11, 2012 - While preparing to write a series of essays on Central Square, I put together the following list of Central Square studies culled from a variety of sources. I have originals for most of these. If you know of any others, please let me know. - Robert Winters

Feb 1980 - CDD report entitled “Central Square - Commercial Area Revitalization District”

June 1980 - CDD booklet entitled “Facade Improvements” with focus on Central Square

Apr 1983 - “Central Square Report” produced by City Council’s Central Square Subcommittee (study began in 1980 or 1981)

1987 - A report produced in 1987 about a Subcommittee that allegedly built on the 1983 report (may be same as Central Square Action Plan)

Nov 1987 - Central Square Action Plan

1989 - Draft Central Square Development Guidelines

May 1993 - Results of the “Mayor’s Forum on Central Square”

Oct 1993 - Report by the Committee to Promote and Enhance Central Square Now!

Aug 1994 - A Study of the Visual Images and Signage of Central Square (CDD)

May 1995 - Central Square Improvements Project, Master Plan Report

May 1995 - An Urban Design Plan for Central Square (executive summary)

May 2001 - Summary Notes from “A Conversation about Central Square”

Feb 2000 - The Gibbs Report, Central Square Commercial Market Study - Executive Summary (June 30, 1999)

Oct 2004 - Central Square, Cambridge - Rising Fortunes at a Regional Crossroads (Rekha Murthy)

Dec 2004 - Reviving a Traditional City - Central Square, Cambridge, gets a facelift (Rekha Murthy)

June 2005 - Street Media: Ambient Messages in an Urban Space - a photographic analysis of Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rekha Murthy)

2009 - CDD Central Square Customer Intercept Survey Report

2011 - Central Square Market Profile

2011 - Red Ribbon Commission Study Report

2012 - Goody/Clancy report and recommendations

2013 - K2C2 Final Reports (Dec 30, 2013)
The final reports for Kendall Square and Central Square are now available for download. Zoning discussions based on the recommendations of the K2 and C2 Advisory Committees, which are encapsulated in these reports, will continue in 2014.

Kendall Square Central Square Planning Study (K2C2)

Central Square Final Report 2013 Part 1, December 2013 (K2C2)

Central Square Final Report 2013 Part 2, December 2013 (K2C2)

Kendall Square Final Report 2013 Part 1, December 2013 (K2C2)

Kendall Square Final Report 2013 Part 2, December 2013 (K2C2)

This comprehensive planning effort guided by stakeholder advisory committees, City staff, and a team of multidisciplinary consultants led by Goody Clancy, developed a vision and master plan for Central Square, Kendall Square, and the area South of Main Street (including the Osborn Triangle) connecting the two squares. Both final reports are divided into two parts; in each case you will need to review both parts to read the entire report.

2024 - Central Square City Lots Study

FYI - Current Rules and Goals: Cambridge City Council & Cambridge School Committee

City Council Rules 2024-2025 (as amended Mar 25, 2024)

City Council Rules 2022-2023 (as amended Nov 21, 2022)

City Council Rules 2020-2021 (as amended Oct 26, 2020)

City Council Rules 2018-2019 (adopted January 29, 2018; provisionally adopted for 2020-2021 term on Jan 6, 2020)

City Council Rules 2016-2017

City Council Rules 2014-2015 (adopted January 7, 2014, amended Feb 10, 2014 to reflect revised Council committees)

City Council Goals - FY2018 (current, adopted Oct 16, 2017)

City Council Goals - FY2012-2013 (adopted Dec 13, 2011)

City Council Committees (for the current term)

School Committee Rules (Adopted January 1, 2018; Revised June 19, 2018)

School Committee Rules (adopted January 7, 2008)    School Committee Goals (adopted October 7, 2008)

Civic Infrastructure - 2009

June 7, 2009 - Once upon a time there was a civic organization in Cambridge known as the Cambridge Civic Association (CCA). It was formed in 1945 out of several organizations that had been existed through the 1930s and that had lobbied the state legislature to create the Plan E Charter option (1938) which featured a city manager form of government and proportional representation elections for city council and school committee. These reforms were central to model charter reform movements active in the United States from the early 1900s. The central theme of the CCA in its early days was “good government” in the sense of being anti-patronage and for professionally managed local government. This changed with the introduction of rent control at the end of the 1960s after which the CCA shifted leftward and became permanently lashed to the mast of the rent control vessel. Though the CCA still exists on paper (I believe), it rapidly declined after the statewide abolition of rent control (late 1994) and essentially disappeared a decade later (early 2005).

I bring up the ghost of the CCA today only to point out that when it was created it had some very admirable goals. Here’s the original Mission Statement of the CCA:

Purposes: This association is formed for the following purposes:

1. To promote businesslike, honest, and efficient conduct of local government, open to public scrutiny.
2. To induce residents to take an active interest in the affairs of the City of Cambridge.
3. To encourage and support the candidacy of men and women seeking election to public office and to support intelligent, wholesome leadership in public affairs.
4. To assure that the best qualified persons are appointed to positions in the City government after consideration of all qualified candidates.
5. To promote among the citizens of Cambridge equitable distribution and benefit of public services and equal opportunity for economic security, education, and social advancement.

These are pretty good founding principles for a civic organization and I’m tempted to say that some should be incorporated into the recently adopted City Council’s Goals for FY2010 (adopted Feb 2, 2009). In fact, of the 22 current goals, the only one that comes close is: “An increased level of recruitment and opportunities for membership on boards and commissions.” The current Council goals emphasize things like “fostering community” via block parties and such, though one has to wonder if the City should be promoting these activities or just getting out of the way so that people can foster community on their own. The goals also seem to put some emphasis on developing “successful nightlife campaigns” while mentioning nothing about promoting ordinary “daytime” economic activity that supports the everyday needs of residents.

One founding principle of the CCA that fell into disuse over the years is listed above as #3: To encourage and support the candidacy of men and women seeking election to public office and to support intelligent, wholesome leadership in public affairs. Indeed, I can personally testify to the fact that in its dying years the only reason the CCA made endorsements at all was because the CCA-endorsed incumbents wanted the benefit of having an advertised CCA slate of candidates that would help secure their reelection. There was precious little effort to recruit new candidates or to support them. Today, the benefits of incumbency are greater than ever. The cost of political campaigns have become absurdly high and most of the incumbents now have (City paid) staff who are inevitably political appointees who directly or indirectly assist in the reelection efforts of their bosses. The deck is increasingly stacked against challengers. Furthermore, the salary and benefits for elected councillors are now so sweet that it is unlikely that any of them would ever want to move on to another job.

With this background in mind, I would like to encourage all Cambridge residents to help level the playing field by finding out about this year’s challengers for seats on the Cambridge City Council and the Cambridge School Committee. This is not meant as a dig against any particular incumbent as much as an appeal to support the challengers in what is a difficult and laudable effort. Please see the Cambridge Candidate Pages for the current list of expected candidates. Then use your own judgment - don’t expect me or anyone else to do it for you.

Speaking of this year’s municipal election, there are some activists who are now expending great effort to attack the City Manager and most of the current City Council. That is not nor has it ever been the intention of the Cambridge Civic Journal or its editor. Candidates are now being seduced by financial promises from one angry fellow with a Brattle Street address and a basketful of grudges. Former CCA Executive Board members from its darkest and most manipulative days are oozing up from the civic swamp trying to at last make good on their failed campaigns of the early 1990s to oust city manager Bob Healy.

It’s entertaining to watch people who have primarily earned disrespect in their civic efforts try to capitalize on the recent Monteiro jury decision as a means of realizing their decades-old vendettas. Conveniently forgotten in their recent letters to Cambridge’s “oldest weekly newspaper” are the many achievements of City Manager Bob Healy, the strong financial position of the City, and the recent 8-1 vote of confidence bestowed upon Mr. Healy in granting him a three year contract extension. Also missing in this testimony is the fact that virtually all affirmative action in the hiring of employees and department heads has taken place on Mr. Healy’s watch. These letters also fail to divulge how long these writers have been carrying their jealousy and anger toward Mr. Healy for actually orchestrating progress in Cambridge while the best they could ever do is snipe from the sidelines. - Robert Winters

Selected City of Cambridge References:

Plan E Charter (Cambridge’s city charter)

Acts of 1921, Chapter 239 as amended (establishment of Cambridge Election Commission)

Mass. General Laws Chapter 54A (governing Cambridge’s PR elections)

Pen Portraits of Prominent People - by Henry J. Mahoney Editor, Cambridge Sentinel - 1923

This book was published c. 1923 and features very witty one-page “pen portraits” (with photo) of prominent Cantabrigians of the day. I’ll be adding names alphabetically as time permits. There are 182 portraits in the book.

It comes to mind that there may be some value in expanding these profiles to other prominent Cantabrigians who arrived on the scene after 1923, including prominent Cantabrigians of today. With this in mind, I extend the invitation to any and all who may wish to contribute their own “pen portraits” of Cambridge people. Contributions do not necessarily have to be in the style of Mr. Mahoney. Inclusion is, as always, subject to the erratic discretion of the editor.

Special thanks to Karen Welch for sending me the book. - RW

Political History of Cambridge in the 20th Century - by Glenn Koocher (Nov 2004); edited by Robert Winters (July 2006)
[An alternate edit of this essay appeared, along with many other valuable essays, in a centennial volume to be published by the Cambridge Historical Society in 2007.]

Which People’s Republic - by Bill Cunningham (1999)