Accomplishments
 Advocated for Harvard employees who were unable to earn a living wage
First woman to be honored by the Greater Boston Labor Council for her tireless efforts on behalf of immigrants and workers
Fought for cleaning company workers who were being unfairly treated by a Genzyme subcontractor and Cambridge Brands Candy Company
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 Supported senior property tax relief programs
Worked to improve transportation services
Worked to improve pedestrian safety near senior buildings
Supports universal health care
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 Restored critical funds to Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center Worked with Club Passim board to raise resources for 47th anniversary. Hosted luncheon of community, university, business and education leaders to develop new partnerships Hosted luncheon with Brattle Theatre board and community and business leaders to brainstorm long-term support for the Brattle to continue developing new partnerships Working closely with the Nora and Underground Theaters to help secure funds to open new theater in Central Square. Brought Matt Damon in as guest of honor at a 2005 fundraiser |
 Life member of VFW, daughter disabled Vietnam vet
Honors veterans killed in Iraq by reading aloud names at weekly City Council meetings
Convened hearings to address needs of current and returning veterans, creating new partnership between Cambridge Health Alliance, Deparment of Veterans Services and VA hospital
Stopped Governor Romney from cutting assistance to veterans’ spouses
Outspoken in opposition to Iraq War, working with Veterans for Peace, Iraq veteran families, AFSC, UJP, and other peace groups. Met with Cindy Sheehan prior to Camp Casey and welcomed her during the Caravan from Texas to D.C.
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 Worked with Alewife neighbors and DEP to ensure community is protected and from W.R. Grace asbestos pollution
Filed a first in the nation asbestos notification ordinance that forces companies to inform residents when asbestos-affected soil is disturbed
Developed the Healthy Living campaign to address obesity and access to affordable healthy food, leading to a permanent citywide commission
Promoted alternate sources of energy use such as solar energy
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A Voice for Peace and Justice |
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A strong voice calling attention to the Iraq war and opposing the US invasion. Each week, she reads the names of US soldiers killed in Iraq to honor families who have lost loved ones.
Met with Gold Star mother Cindy Sheehan prior to Camp Casey to thank her for her courage in speaking out and recently welcomed her back to Cambridge with a key to the City on her way to the recent anti-war protest in Washington, D.C.
Lead sponsor to file ant-Patriot’s Act.
Led opposition to dismantling of the Police Review Advisory Board as an independent agency.
Worked with MASS Equality and Lavender Alliance organizers to expand support and resources for gay marriage.
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 Led Riverside negotiations that resulted in Harvard agreeing to deed to the City open space on the riverfront with close to a million dollars for design and landscape. In addition, Harvard will develop 60 units of affordable housing that will be owned by the city. Only Councilor to publicly advocate for more affordable housing units at Trolley Square. Pushing the City to adopt more Limited Equity Co-Op opportunities in the development of new projects and in housing acquired through inclusionary zoning. Drafted and filed home rule petition to create an alternative fair and predictable tax policy and reexamine current assessment methods. |
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Education and Youth Leadership |
 First grade teacher for Teach For America and Director for Cambridge Youth Center. Working to help Cambridge Community Adult Learning Center find new space.. Led a delegation of 30 CRLS students to the United Nations for educational briefings Invited Newsweek Editor Eleanor Clift to meet with 400 CRLS girls to discuss the women’s voting rights movement Organized a town meeting for 200 Cambridge teens for the Democratic National Committee that aired on MTV |
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