Ward 5 Alderman Questionnaire - Joe Lynch
- What political or community activism accomplishments are you most proud of during your last term in office (or the last two years if you have not previously served)? What specific things do you want to accomplish during the coming term?
My roles as spokesperson and one of the founders of the Magoun Square Neighborhood Association, a Mayoral appointee from Somerville to the MBTA's "Beyond Lechmere Northwest Corridor Study" committee for the Greenline extension, and a Mayoral appointee to the "Maxpac Design Review Committee" for the 200 unit residential development in Ward 5, has afforded me many opportunities to contribute and shape the strategic vision for our neighborhoods and Ward 5. My continued efforts for the revitalization of Magoun Square, the renovation of the Trum Park field house, the sensible and controlled growth of the five acre residential development Maxpac site, the extension of the Community Path and the ongoing efforts(with Medford's citizen advisory group)and Somerville's STEP organization for the Greenline extension, are all efforts of which I am extremely proud. I was extremely proud and fortunate to establish a relationship with Deval Patrick many months before his formal announcement for Governor of Massachusetts. I was equally proud to work on the Governors successful 2006 campaign. Additionally, our neighborhood group recently formed an informal crime watch group to assist enforcement entities to control and eliminate troublesome quality of life issues in the Magoun Square neighborhood.
- How will you balance business development with the needs of low-income residents as the Green Line comes to Somerville?
The Somerville real estate market, although currently growing slower than in the past few years, will continue to attract new residents and commercial ventures. In order to assist our seniors, lower income residents and many first time home-buyers, I would be in favor of an incremental increase of the set aside for lower income residents for affordable housing.
- Would you support instant runoff voting (or similar voting reforms) for city elections? Why or why not?
I am in favor of open discussion concerning the issue of instant runoff elections. While many municipalities have adopted this election method, I think it prudent for Somerville to carefully study the results and efforts of those communities that have recently adopted instant runoff elections. I do, however, have serious concerns related to the expense Somerville would incur due to the changeover. Equipment capital expenditures, additional personnel expenses and any additional ongoing costs should be carefully considered. Most importantly, the voting public acceptance and willingness to adopt such a change should be paramount before any such potential change.
- Why is the gang ordinance not enforced, and what do you plan to do about it?
The "gang ordinance" adopted by the city of Somerville, while it does serve to send a loud and clear message to cited gang members, serves only as a secondary tool(or backup) for law enforcement. Should all other avenues for keeping the peace and protecting residents fail, law enforcement has the option of its use. To my knowledge, the Somerville Police Department has yet to actively utilize this ordinance.
- What specific steps will you take to strengthen the community policing program?
The active participation by residents in enhancing and protecting their neighborhoods and parks is vital to healthy urban life. The city and law enforcement need to be more engaged with the residents during "quiet" time and not just reacting to "calls of a disturbance". The return of the Neighborhood Policing program is critical to this effort
- What specific steps will you take to increase the civic involvement of immigrants?
As Ward 5 continues to evolve, our immigrant population will play a vital role in shaping the community. Working with the director of the Multicultural Commission and other community based organizations, I hope to establish an "Immigrants Forum" for Ward 5.
- What specific steps will you take to promote pay equity in Somerville?
(see http://www.mass.gov/women/payequity/payequity.htm#legislation)
While the unions(municipal and non-municipal) play an important role in guaranteeing "equal pay for equal work", I fully intend to support pay equity legislation.
- What will you do about Somerville's budget crunch?
Expenditures which exceed income spells trouble. While some in the city would have us believe our financial accounts are balanced, it is my opinion that our current expenditures must be prioritized and all wasteful and non-critical spending must be eliminated. Without tighter control on these expenditures, the city will be "paying down the interest" for years to come.
- How will you create a town-gown relationship with Tufts comparable to that of Cambridge and Boston with their universities?
Somerville's relationship with Tufts University in the past has been primarily managed by the Alderman from Ward 6 and 7. I would propose that the city enact a "Town and Gown Council" to meet regularly and discuss issues with Tufts representatives. A mutually beneficial relationship is always preferable to an adversarial one.
- What are the special needs of your Ward?
Ward 5 has many ongoing and significant future needs. Basic city services, open space maintenance, law enforcement and residents protection, traffic and parking regulation are all critical to a good quality of life. Equally important are discussions regarding zoning changes in anticipation of the Greenline extension, the fate of the Brown School, the former Highland Avenue Armory use, the sale and redevelopment of large scale parcels of land, and the revitalization of the Ball Square district.
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