Politics & Government

Candidate Profile: Maureen Bastardi

Maureen Bastardi, Ward 1 candidate for Somerville Board of Aldermen, responds to three questions.

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 Maureen Bastardi:

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?

In Ward 1 I feel two of the most important issues are……….

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Rodent & Trash issues – I supported additional resources for the Inspectional Services Division in the recent budget to be dedicated to trash and rodent issues.  I recently placed a Board of Alderman order asking for an all inclusive plan to be presented to the BOA on how this program will be rolled out.

Immigrants (legal or illegal) – I feel there are language & cultural barriers that need to be addressed so there could be an all inclusive understanding of what is happening in their ward and how they can participate. Additional resources would be needed and I was a HUGE SUPPORTER of the 3 language liaisons in the current budget.

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Throughout the whole City…………………..

New Development & Construction - Each construction project is unique and comes with its own set of circumstances.  The City & Ward 1 have many construction projects each of which deserves smart planning, community input, participation and transparency.  I believe these components are key to reducing undesirable impact & enhancing neighborhood vitality.

Question: Tell us about your background.

I am a lifelong Somerville resident & active Ward 1 community member for almost 25 years.  Single mother of two daughters, who were raised here, went to school here and still live here.   Having had it instilled in me, at a young age, the importance of taking pride in your community and becoming active in your community it is something I have carried over with me to my adult life and have instilled in my children. 

In the past I have been actively involved with the PTA s – both on a local and City level, past Edgerly School Council member.  I have been part of various Advisory Boards and the Ward 1 Enhancement Committee.  Partaking in numerous City sponsored events such as the Annual Spring Clean-up & Family Fun Day - I currently volunteer at the Somerville Boxing Club and a member of the Ward 1 Democratic Committee. 

Having been elected by the people of Ward 1 – 5 times to serve them as their School Community Representative for 9 years prior to becoming Alderman in December of 2012.

Question: Why should Somerville residents vote for you?

For almost 25 years I have been dedicated to Ward 1 and the people of Ward 1, either as a concerned parent, involved community member, elected School Committee Representative and now Alderman. 

As Alderman I am a representative of the people.  As Alderman I have worked hard at opening lines of communication, increasing community involvement, breaking down language barriers, addressing the concerns of ALL residents, increasing responsiveness and promoting a transparent and accessible government.  I feel it is my job to communicate & inform, encourage participation & involvement.  It is my job to represent the constituents and find the best solutions.  It is not my opinion but the opinion of the people I represent that matters

Having had a record number of neighborhood meetings, holding the Holiday Inn accountable for inappropriate customer behavior, riding in plows to assure our streets are cleared and addressing constituent complaints in a timely manner.

I have the background, involvement and proven experience necessary to continue to represent the residents of Ward 1 as their Alderman. 

(Though I have no formal website I do blog on a regular basis and make use of social media sites which I have provided the links below)

http://wardoneonline.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MaureenBastardi


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