Somerville Alderman Candidate: Rebekah Gewirtz

What are the two most important issues facing Somerville and Ward 6 right now, and what would you do on the Board of Aldermen to address those issues?

There are many important issues facing Ward 6 right now.  In particular, Davis Square is starting to show it's age. We need to invest in infrastructure improvements in the square, which is something I have been working with the mayor on and for which we have secured funding. Simultaneously, we need to improve Kenny Park, which is on Grove Street. This park is a great asset to Ward 6 and badly needs a facelift. I have also worked with the mayor to secure funding to improve it. In addition, development continues to be a major issue in the ward since it is such a desirable place to live and raise a family. We need to make sure that new development in Ward 6 is good for neighbors and not just developers. For example, the proposal for the site at 343 Summer St. is problematic. It's too dense and large for the area. I continue to work with neighbors to advocate for the community.

Tell us about your background

I have been the Ward 6 alderman since 2005 and I've lived in Somerville for more than 10 years. Before becoming an alderman, I co-founded the Progressive Democrats of Somerville, a grassroots organization working to engage both new people and long time residents in local politics and organizing. PDS has continued to grow over the years and I'm proud it is such a powerful voice for transparency and openness in local government here in the city. In addition to being an alderman, I am the Government Relations Director at the National Association of Social Workers, MA Chapter. In that capacity I advocate for social workers and for issues of social and economic justice at the State House. Of particular note, in 2006 working in coalition, we waged a successful campaign to raise the minimum wage in Massachusetts to $8 per hour; and in 2008 we worked on a successful campaign to close corporate tax loopholes. That legislation was critically important as it held large corporations accountable for paying their fair share and raised more than $200 million for the Commonwealth annually.

Why should Somerville residents vote for you?

Since I have been in office I have been an independent voice on the Board of Aldermen, advocating for our neighborhood, for strong public schools, for smart transportation like the extension of the Green Line and working hard to engage the community in local government. It's an honor to represent the people of Ward 6 on the Board of Aldermen and I look forward to continuing this work in my next term.