Somerville Alderman Candidate: Christine Barber

What are the two most important issues facing Somerville and Ward 4 right now, and what would you do on the Board of Aldermen to address those issues?  

We need to ensure that Somerville remains a place where people can afford to continue to live and thrive. This means bringing in businesses that create good local jobs for residents. At the city level, I will support and fight for the local-hiring ordinance that would require new developments receiving city funding to give 30% of new jobs created to local residents, and work on similar measures to bring jobs to people who live in our community. In Ward 4, we have opportunities to fill empty storefronts, like the Star Market building, and bring in businesses that can improve our neighborhoods. While on the campaign trial, this has been the number one issue concerning residents of Winter Hill and Ten Hills.

Another priority is making our neighborhoods more accessible—we need better public transportation and safer options for people to walk around the community. I will fight to bring the Green Line to Somerville, and in the meantime work with the MBTA to improve bus service in our area. I also want to improve lighting, crosswalks, and intersections to ensure that all travel is safe and accessible. 

Tell us about your background

I have dedicated my entire career to public service, advocating for working families at local, state and national levels. During my work at the State House, I played an integral role in the largest expansion of health insurance in the history of the Commonwealth. In my current job as a health care advocate, I listen to patients’ problems in the health care system, and work on policies to ensure they have better access to high-quality health care. As a leader of the Marshall Street Neighborhood Group, I worked with my neighbors to improve our community.

I understand the struggles of working families. As Alderman, I will continue to bring people together to build on our community’s remarkable strengths and take advantage of opportunities to make it even stronger. I am a lifelong Democrat, and have been active in the Ward 4 Democratic Committee and political organizing for years. I have the experience, skills and motivation to be an outstanding leader for our community.

Why should Somerville residents vote for you?

As Alderman, I will continue to work closely with you, my neighbors, to keep our community a great place to live and work. For the past eight months, I have been talking with hundreds of Winter Hill and Ten Hills residents. Our neighborhood wants a responsive and accountable Alderman who will bring people together to address our shared concerns.

My entire career has been dedicated to creating and improving opportunities for working families. I am committed to affordable housing, strong schools, safe and accessible transportation and economic development that benefits both the community and business alike. I possess the experience, skills and motivation to be an outstanding leader for our community, but first I need your VOTE on Tuesday, November 8th. If you want to learn more about me and my commitment to our community, please visit my website at ChristineBarber4Somerville.com or call me at (617) 410-6125.

I look forward to hearing from you now and in the future.