I prepared the following answers for the Green Cambridge Forum:
Climate and Energy a) What, if any, additional funding and additional staffing resources do you support within the city government towards climate protection efforts?
I would support a redistribution of existing funding and resources into City Departments which directly effect environmental protection (I’m not sure what “climate protection” means): Zoning (Community Development Department), Code Enforcement (Inspectional Services), City Infrastructure (Public Works/Traffic and Parking)
Climate and Energy b) How will you support the work of the CCEAG (Cambridge Climate Emergency Action Group) and other Environmental Groups in Cambridge to combat Climate Change?
Any citizen group, whatever the topic, should feel their concerns have been heard and addressed. This means timely response, active engagement, and followup. Specifically, I would want to see how the City can take the work of the CCEAG and other groups and implement them within City Government.
Setting a good example is one of the most powerful tools Government has, it should always be willing to take the same actions it asks the public to take.
Climate and Energy c) The City government is already taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. What additional measures should the City take in the next two years and what will you do on the City Council to advance them?
I would like to work on new ways to encourage City employees to commute without cars. I also like to have the City evaluate actual energy savings for the City’s Green Buildings and improve future Green Building efforts based on the evaluation.
Climate and Energy d) What will you do to increase energy efficiency efforts and renewable energy installations by businesses in the city?
MIT and Harvard should consider the City, its businesses (and residences) a resource for testing state-of-the-art energy monitoring and usage methods. The Stretch Code needs to be more sophisticated and inclusive of more buildings. The Zoning Code needs to be modernized to reflect changing needs for small-scale, wide-spread wind and solar collectors.
Conservation a) Do you support the preservation of the Silver Maple Forest, and if so, what will you do as city councilor to make it happen?
Much of the Silver Maple Forest is in the Town of Belmont. The City of Cambridge has purchased lots of land outside of Cambridge to preserve and protect its water supply. If the price is fair, it is reasonable to do the same to protect its lone remaining urban wilderness. It would be even better to cooperate with Belmont to achieve the preservation together.
Food supply a) Do you support re-localizing our food supply, including more support for city gardeners and animal husbandry in the city of Cambridge? What specific proposals do you have for securing our food supply and creating a healthier, more sustainable food environment in Cambridge?
I would work to increase the number of CSA-friendly farmer’s markets and stands in areas with good access to public transportation. Another candidate, Matt Nelson, pointed out that food-stamp recipients can use their stamps to purchase goods at farmer’s markets. Easy access to such markets would further promote this.
Food supply b) Do you support an all organic, locally sourced menu for all City sponsored events where food is served in the near future?
Yes, it is important for the City to set a good example.
Buildings and Land Use a) Do you support a comprehensive review of current regulations and proposed building regulations to enable greater sustainability?
Yes, the Zoning Code does need a general and comprehensive review based on issues of environmental protection and sustainability. Most zoning changes are proposed by property owners and specific neighborhoods and tends to be piecemeal and rarely looks at these important general issues.
Buildings and Land Use b) Several studies have identified urban density as a necessary ingredient in creating more sustainable communities. Do you agree that Cambridge’s density creates a sustainability advantage for the metropolitan region, and if so what are your ideas for exploiting it?
Cambridge has the second densest number of residents (and dwellings) per square mile in the State. There is little question that this density is the best model for sustainability. It only works if long, auto-based trips for goods and services are discouraged. We need to improve public transit. And as we increase local office space, we need to make sure we increase dwelling space too.
Watershed Protection a) What specific measures do you propose that the City of Cambridge take to help improve the water quality within the Mystic River and its tributaries?
Reduce runoff and impact of road salt, eliminate sewer overflow, and active remediation (water treatment) are all tools which have been used to improve local rivers. These water systems touch many communities and all communities should pay their fair share of the costs.
Closing Summary
Preserving the environment takes action on many levels. Personally, I am trying to lose a car and install some photovoltaics within a year.
At a local level, I plan to govern by walking (not driving) around, even when its not the Campaign season. I will work to have Cambridge be Harvard and MIT’s lab for state-of-the-art environmental methods. I will work to modernize out City streets and sidewalks in recognition of the change from a car-based to a walking/biking based population. I will make sure the new zoning proposed for Kendal Square has the right mix of office, retail, and residential uses.
Statewide, we need a smarter and more sophisticated Stretch Code, and need the Green Line Extension now.
And for a worldwide impact , I will vote for candidates who support responsible environmental policies.
