Marjorie Peace One Day / Cambridge Youth
Knowing that no city is an "island," Marjorie is very much aware that the City of Cambridge is part a broader national and international community. Marjorie is a leader sponsoring Resolutions, Council Orders, and initiatives that highlight Cambridge's impact on the world as well as the world's impact on Cambridge.
Although her Council work on international issues impacts all Cambridge residents, Marjorie is specifically focused on projects that promote global awareness in Cambridge youths. Not only has Marjorie provided multiple opportunities for CRLS students and youth center participants to visit and tour the United Nations headquarters in New York City, but also, Marjorie has brought global awareness inside the high school itself.
Marjorie knows that we all want our children to be able to grow up in a safe and healthy environment. Environmental concerns necessitate a long-term approach with forward-thinking individuals. Too often in big cities, adjustments to environmentally friendly products and equipment come as an afterthought. Marjorie will continue to examine and propose opportunities in our cities that are good for not only our residents, but also the children and grandchildren of our residents.
In her ten years on the council Marjorie has worked closely with workers, labor organizers and Cambridge business' to ensure that workers earn living wages, with health care and retirement benefits. In first term on the council she played a pivotal role in influencing Harvard University to provide a living wage to all of its employees.
Marjorie Decker worked to Restore critical funds to Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center.
Marjorie understands the importance of providing Veterans and their families with resources and support. As chair of the Veterans Committee, Marjorie initiated and established a protocol at the Cambridge Health Alliance to help identify Veterans and their families and connect them to available resources through the city and states veteran's office. As chair of the Veterans committee Marjorie sponsored legislation by way of home rule petition- that allows the city of Cambridge to continue paying city employees their full salary and accrued vacation time when they are called to serve in combat war. Marjorie has been a leader both locally and nationally, testifying before Congress on the cost of the Iraq war to the city of Cambridge, and speaking out against the war.
Having been raised in public housing, Marjorie Decker knowns the importance of sustainable affordable housing in Campridge. She 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.
