Candidate Profile: Carol Dempkowski

For Somerville Patch's 2013 election guide, we asked all candidates running for office in Somerville the same three questions, and we posted their answers without editing them. Here are the responses from Carol Dempkowski.

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

As development comes to Somerville with the Orange and Green Line construction and residential and commercial buildings being built up across the city it is important that the community be involved as projects are planned. Instead of just being shown already set plans, peoples’ concerns need to be addressed as the project plans are being drawn up so that we can have optimum solutions and the best development possible for the entire community.
Protecting and improving the environment and the quality of daily life for the residents is a goal to work for. Green spaces encourage health through stress relief and places for exercise and cleaner air. Daily life could be improved through better sidewalks, safer crosswalks and enforcement of speed limits and traffic regulations. The bike path extension, new playgrounds, sports fields, and areas for adults and children for exercise and stress relief need to be supported.    

Question: Tell us about your background.

Carol Dempkowski has owned a home in Somerville for 35 years. She was a chairperson for the Davis Square Task Force when the Red line came to Somerville and on the Noise and Vibration Committee during the construction. Carol was on the first Somerville Arts Council and later became its chairman. On the School Council at the Edgerly School in East Somerville and as PTA President at the Kennedy school she worked to see that all voices were heard. She currently volunteers organizing the Plant Sale for the Somerville Garden Club. Carol has an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and has worked on Environmental Impact Studies and in Transportation. She was a K-8 computer teacher. Her son attended Somerville Public schools pre-K-12.    

Question: Why should Somerville residents vote for you?

I ask Somerville people to vote to join with me to work together to get the best development possible for the City of Somerville. My experience working with people in the community and my engineering background would be a unique addition to the Board of Aldermen and be useful as we face the coming changes to our city. Together we can improve our community and make it the best it can be.