Over the weekend of May 15-16 my new campaign manger, Nora Bent, and I attended two full (read: very long) days of training in how to run an effective grassroots political campaign. Organized by Mass Alliance, a coalition of progressive advocacy groups, the training drew a very diverse group of individuals committed to supporting progressive values, whether they are running for office (like me), considering running in the future (like several others), or interested in working on political or public interest campaigns (everyone in the room). I was pleased to see that women outnumbered men by about 8 to 1 – we need more women in politics, and this training equipped us with the tools to get elected, get our voices heard, and change the male-dominated political culture. Fun fact: did you know that women typically need to be asked about 15 times if they will consider running for office, but most male candidates don’t need any arm-twisting. Nora and I are looking for volunteers to help us with neighborhood canvassing, voter ID, GOTV (get out the vote), and fundraising events this summer and fall. Please email me if you’re interested (jan@jandevereux.org).
Two issues (of many) on my mind:
Last week the Cambridge Chronicle ran a guest column on the affordable housing crisis that was long on statements of the obvious (“few people can afford to buy here”) and short on clarity (“commercial development must be in sync with housing development” – what does that even mean?). It went out over the signatures of Councillors Denise Simmons, Marc McGovern and Dennis Benzan, and could have used more editing and some specific policy suggestions from these three members of the Housing Committee. Councillor Simmons, the committee chair and a six-term councilor, surely knows by now that the inclusionary requirement is not keyed to a building’s height, as the column incorrectly states. And it’s not news to anyone that housing costs have soared since the end of rent control over two decades ago. But many residents who do not follow this issue closely would be shocked to learn that the City Council has not raised the nexus fee (a one-time tax on commercial development that funds the Affordable Housing Trust) for more than 12 years. Now, with an election coming up, the Council is finally poised to raise the nexus rate, but the Housing Committee is recommending a rate of $12/s.f. (with an annual increase of $1 for 3 years), instead of the $24 that the MIT economist they hired to study the issue said would be needed to just adequately fund workforce housing for the projected future commercial growth. $12 is too little, too late in my opinion. Whatever rate they decide on should be implemented immediately, not in six months or a year.
Another issue I dug into last week is what type of fill will be used when Field #3 at Danehy Park is converted from grass to artificial turf this summer (last week’s diary included a photo of the field, which was used for snow storage last winter). The three other fields at Danehy are filled with crumbled tire rubber, a fill that has aroused growing concern as posing serious health risks, especially to younger players who may ingest or inhale the rubber particles. Runoff from these rubber-filled fields may also contain toxins. Organic fills are available as a safer alternative. For instance, BB&N and Shady Hill School recently installed an artificial turf filled with shredded coconut husks. I have asked the city for more information on its decision process; unfortunately it appears they intend to continue using rubber until the health and environmental risks are proven beyond a doubt. Cough, cough. Anyone watch the season finale of Mad Men?
No Comments