Cambridge InsideOut - March 29, 2016

Comments on the death of Election Commissioner Peter Sheinfeld.

Sunday Morning Statistics - Who Voted in the Cambridge Presidential primary (by age)

Mar 20 - Just in case you're interested, here are some histograms of the distribution of Cambridge voters in the recent March 1, 2016 Presidential Primary. Voters are grouped in 3-year increments, e.g. "20" represents the number of voters in the 18-20 range.

All Registered Cambridge Voters with identifiable ages - 65791 Total

Number of These Who Voted in March 1, 2016 Primary - 32732 Total

Percent Turnout by Age - Cambridge Citywide Turnout was 50%

Here are a few additional bits of information:

1) There were 10,409 unenrolled voters who voted in the March 1 Presidential Primary. Of these, 8285 (79.59%) chose to vote in the Democratic Party primary, 2,097 (20.15%) chose to vote in the Republican Party primary, and 27 (0.26%) chose to vote in the United Independent Party primary.

2) There were 997 registered Republicans vs. 2,097 unenrolled voters who voted in the Republican Party primary, i.e. only a third of those who voted in that primary were registered Republicans. In contrast, about 72% of those who voted in the Democratic Party primary were registered Democrats.

3) In the Cambridge Democratic Party primary (29,670 total ballots cast), it was Clinton 53.11%, Sanders 46.14%, O'Malley 0.15%, De La Fuente 0.07%, No Preference 0.19%, Write-Ins 0.20%, and Blank 0.14%.

4) In the Cambridge Republican Party primary (3,137 total ballots cast), it was Kasich 33.63%, Rubio 29.14%, Trump 24.96%, Cruz 6.79%, Carson 1.82%, Bush 0.92%, Paul 0.89%, Gilmore 0.35%, Pataki 0.13%, Fiorina 0.13%, Santorum 0.10%, Christie 0.06%, Huckabee 0.03%, No Preference 0.29%, Write-Ins 0.38%, and Blank 0.38%.

Comments?

Current City of Cambridge Board and Commission Vacancies (Mar 21, 2016)

Member Sought for Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust

Mar 22, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking residents who are interested in serving on the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.

Established in 1988, the Trust administers and oversees City funds allocated to the Trust for the creation and preservation of affordable rental and ownership housing and programs designed to meet the city’s affordable housing needs. The Trust reviews and acts on requests for Trust funding for affordable housing developments and programs, sets policies and standards for the Incentive Zoning and Inclusionary Housing Ordinances, and provides housing policy and program advice to City staff, City boards and commissions, and the Cambridge City Council.

The Trust is comprised of residents and representatives of non-profit housing organizations with expertise in affordable housing, housing policy, finance, urban planning and real estate development. The Trust is chaired by the City Manager and generally meets on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 4:00-5:30pm, at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

To apply, please submit a resume and a brief letter describing your interest in serving on the Trust and related experience. Final selection will be made by the City Manager. Letters should be sent by Friday, April 22, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Cambridge Conservation Commission Member Sought

Mar 17, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking a Cambridge resident to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Conservation Commission.

The Conservation Commission is responsible for administration of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), a state law governing activities in and immediately adjacent to local wetlands, waterways and floodplains. The Commission holds two regularly scheduled public meetings each month to review permit applications under the WPA, issue permits and conduct other business related to the management of Cambridge’s natural resource areas.

The Conservation Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Manager to serve three-year terms. Cambridge residents with expertise in landscape architecture, civil/environmental engineering, hydrology, ecology, or law are encouraged to apply.

Interested persons should send a letter of interest and/or resume via e-mail, mail or fax by May 6, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Cambridge Human Rights Commission Vacancy - Deadline Extended

Mar 15, 2016 – Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Human Rights Commission (CHRC). Made up of 11 members who serve three-year terms, the CHRC meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6pm. The Commission seeks Cambridge residents representing the diversity of Cambridge.

Commissioners are expected to work with other members of the Commission and staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.76). Commissioners are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees on outreach and public education, and work with Commission staff on the investigation, mediation and resolution of complaints filed with the Commission which allege discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment or education based upon race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family status, military status or source of income.

For more information, contact Nancy Schlacter, Cambridge Human Rights Commission, at 617-349-4396 or nschlacter@cambridgema.gov. Letters of interest, including resume and/or applicable experience, can be sent via mail, fax or e-mail by the newly extended deadline of Friday, April 8, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Health & Human Services Job Fair March 30

March 14, 2016 – The Cambridge Office of Workforce Development is sponsoring a free Health & Human Services Job Fair Wednesday, March 30, from 11:00am – 1:00pm, at Central Square Library, 45 Pearl Street, Cambridge. Take the MBTA Red Line or #1 Bus to Central Square.

Prospective job applicants are urged to research companies in advance and apply for positions online.

Participating organizations include:

For more information, call 617-349-6259 or email Josh Foley at jfoley@cambridgema.gov.

Voter Registration and Absentee Ballots for the Special State Primary, April 12th

The Special State Primary will be held on Tues, Apr 12, 2016 ONLY in Wards/Precincts 2-2, 2-3, 4-1, 4-3, 5-1, 5-2 & 5-3 for the office of State Senator for Massachusetts First Suffolk & Middlesex Senate District to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Anthony Petruccelli. For Cambridge residents not already registered, the last day to register to vote for the election is Wed, Mar 23, 2016 until 8:00pm. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

If you are a voter in Wards/Precincts 2-2, 2-3, 4-1, 4-3, 5-1, 5-2 & 5-3, please contact the Cambridge Election Commission office to find out when the Absentee Ballots will be available for the Special State Primary. Any voter who is unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to physical disability, religious belief, or absence from the City may request an Absentee Ballot from the Commission. The deadline to apply for an Absentee Ballot is Monday, April 11, 2016 at noon. Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, or such voters may choose to vote at the Commission office during regular city office hours: Monday, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-Noon. The office will also be open for Absentee Voting on Fri, Apr 8 until 5:00pm.

For any additional information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

Cambridge Residents Encouraged to Bring Reusable Bags when Shopping
Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance goes into effect on March 31, 2016

Mar 14, 2016 – The City of Cambridge seeks to reduce the number of plastic and paper bags being used, discarded, littered, burned, and buried.  The Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance, effective March 31, 2016, encourages the use of reusable bags at all retail establishments in Cambridge.

The purpose of the Ordinance is to reduce the use of disposable checkout bags by retail establishments to protect the marine environment, advance solid waste reduction, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect waterways. The Ordinance seeks to promote the use of reusable checkout bags. Residents may donate reusable bags at City Hall, Public Works, or the North Cambridge Senior Center as part of DPW’s Reusable Bag Drive to help low income and elderly residents receive bags. Bags exempt from the Ordinance include produce bags, laundry, dry-cleaner and newspaper bags, and bags used to wrap meat or frozen foods.

“This ordinance is important not only from the perspective of reducing damaging materials being discharged into our rivers and oceans,” said Cambridge Public Works Commissioner Owen O’Riordan, “but we also hope it will be successful in changing people’s behavior to help improve the cleanliness of our streets and sidewalks and reduce the amount of waste in landfills.”

Cambridge businesses will no longer be able to provide single-use plastic bags, but may offer paper, reusable, or compostable bags to customers at a minimum cost of $0.10 per bag. Businesses must show this as the “Checkout Bag Charge” on the receipt and collect sales tax on each bag.

To avoid this charge, customers are encouraged to bring their own bag when they go shopping, out for food, to the pharmacy, and more.

Cambridge Public Works is continuing with successful outreach to businesses to inform and prepare them for the ordinance. Many businesses are excited to implement this ordinance to help the City with its waste reduction goals.

Learn more about the BYOB Ordinance and find helpful information for businesses and residents at www.CambridgeMA.gov/BYOB.

Nominations Sought for 2016 Outstanding City Employee Awards (deadline is April 8)

Local Political Rumblings – State Representatives and State Senators (March 2016)

AMC Local Walks/Hikes - Come for a walk or hike with us.
Sat, Mar 26. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. 10:30am-12:30pm. Meet at the Visitors Center. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. If snow on ground, will snowshoe. Heavy rain or snowstorm cancels. Call Lisa if uncertain. L Lisa Fleischman. Directions:[42.256118, -71.340345]	Sat, Mar 26. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. 5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm. Bring snack. Meet at Hallet Street entrance to Pope John Paul II Park. From Route 93N, take exit 11 (11B from Route 93S) to Granite Avenue, north over Neponset River, immediate right on Hilltop Street, right under bridge into parking lot. E-mail if severe weather. L Mike Tuohey.
Sat, Mar 26. Warner Trail, Sharon. Trail clearing, from 12-4:30pm. Bring water, boots, work gloves, bow saws, and clippers. Some tools available. I-95 Exit 8 to South Main Street toward Sharon, and continue 0.1 miles to Shaw's Plaza on the right. Potluck supper follows in Sharon. Heavy rain cancels. Email Jim if uncertain. L Jim Goyea, CL Laura Cerier.	Sat, Mar 26. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID. We'll also talk about fun and interesting natural history of the plants we see. 9:30am-12:30pm. From Rte. 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte. 60/Pleasant St. 0.6 miles. Right onto Clifton St., first left on Fletcher Rd., bear left at fork, next left on Juniper Rd. 0.2 miles to Sanctuary at #10 Juniper Rd. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell.
Sun, Mar 27. Mine Falls Park, Nashua, NH. 6-mile easy walk along Nashua River, canal with 1886 gatehouse, spectacular waterfall in 325-acre park, from 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch and water. Route 128 Exit 32, Burlington, to Route 3N toward Nashua. Stay right on Exit 5 lane and take Exit 5A (Simon Street), then left on Simon Street, left on Whipple Street to parking lot at the end. Heavy rain cancels. L Mark Levine.	Wed, Mar 30. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 4 mi. mod.-paced hike, 10:30am-1:30pm. Bring lunch+water. I-93/Rte 128 exit 2A to Rte.138S for 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course pkg lot on L. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias.
Sat, Apr 2. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside JFK/UMass Red Line T station, upper level gates (no nearby parking). Storm cancels. No email after 4/1. L Beth Mosias.	Sun, Apr 3. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Slow-paced nature walk looking for signs of spring in the Bellevue Pond area. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon. Rte. 93 to Exit 33. At rotary, go right onto South Border Rd./Winchester and continue a couple of hundred yards to Bellevue Pond Parking Lot on right (opposite #68 South Border Rd, Medford). Parking limited/arrive early. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell.
Sat, Apr 9. Walden Woods, Wright Forest, Concord, MA. Thoreau interpretive path, forest, marshes, vernal pool (frog chorus). 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring snack. From Rte. 2, take 126 North 0.6 mile. Park on R behind Concord Courthouse. L Joel Snider.	Sun, Apr 10. Brooks Orchard and Sorhaug Woods, Groton. 1:00pm. This hike features pretty woods, open vistas, a beaver pond, and traversing two of Groton's famous drumlins with views of several more. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the edge of the open field on the north side of Orchard Lane, 42.6158N 71.5478W. L Olin Lathrop.
Sat, Apr 16. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. 10:00am-3:00pm. 7-mile hike on a variety of trails in the Blue Hill Section of the Blue Hills Reservation. Some steep trails, including the Skyline Trail with views. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. L Steve Olanoff.	Sat, Apr 16. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner, Wrentham to Diamond Hill. 72nd season. Bring lunch and water. We will spot cars before the hike. I-95S to Route 295S Exit 11 in Cumberland, RI, then Route 114N for 3.7 miles to Diamond Hill State Park on the right opposite the Ice Cream Machine. Heavy rain cancels. Email Jim if uncertain. L Laura Cerier, CL Jim Goyea.
Sun, Apr 17. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. A 7 mile quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails. Meet by Peabody Mill Environmental Center, Brook Rd, Amherst, NH. From Nashua, NH, Rte. 3 exit 7, 101A W to junction 101 E (7.4mi) toward Amherst/Manchester. Turn left after 5.7mi on Horace Greeley Rd, left again 0.4mi on Brook Rd. Go 1.4mi to pkg at dead end. No advance reservation required. Call if weather uncertain. L Mark Levine.	Sun, Apr 24. Historic Middlesex Canal, Woburn. Meet at 1:30pm at the SE corner of the parking lot behind the Woburn Cinemas, along Rte. 128. Level, 3-mi., joint w/Middlesex Canal Association along 2 sections of the historic canal. From Rte. 95/128 exit 35 in Woburn, take Rte. 38 S 0.1 mi., R onto Middlesex Canal Dr. past Holiday Inn to meeting place. Info:www.middlesexcanal.org. L Robert Winters; CL Roger Hagopian.

MARCH 1, 2016 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY OFFICIAL RESULTS

Presidential Preference and State Committee Results (PDF files):

Democratic

Republican

Green-Rainbow

United Independent

Ward Committee Results (PDF files):

Democratic

Republican

Official Turnout

By Ward and Precinct