| Issue | Stance | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Abolish Involuntary Poverty In Cambridge Over The Next Five Years | Take A Stance | |
| Cambridge Is Experiencing Serious Traffic Gridlock Morning And Evenings | Support Strongly | |
| Campaign Finance Reform | Take A Stance | |
| Community Walk And Bike Path Along The Grand Junction Railroad | Take A Stance | |
| Investment In Our Public Schools | Take A Stance | |
| Low And Medium Income Housing -- Increase In Density Or .... | Support | |
| Low And Moderate Income Housing -- Inclusionary Zoning Results In 25% Affordable Housing. | Support Strongly | |
| Net Zero Buildings | Support Strongly | |
| One Year Moratorium On Construction To Study Impact Of Development On Livability. | Take A Stance | |
| Plan E Charter | Take A Stance | |
| Privacy -- Police Public Safety Security Cameras | Take A Stance | |
| Public Toilets On Cambridge Common | Take A Stance | |
| Reject Dramatic Up-Zoning Changes In Central Square. | Opposed With Reservation | |
| Terms Limits | Take A Stance | |
| The Foundry | Support With Reservation | |
Candidate Info Not participating
Address:
205 Walden St. Cambridge, MA 02140
Contact: Email:
kristen@kristenforcambridge.com
Website:
http://www.kristenforcambridge.com/
Tel: 617-682-9488
I'd like to express my support for the "Connolly Petition," filed on Wednesday, June 19th by twenty-six Cambridge residents. This citizens' zoning petition would require most large building construction projects to meet a standard of net zero emissions of greenhouse gases. It was filed by Cambridge attorney, Mike Connolly, in conjunction with Green Cambridge, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. I believe that we have a responsibility to make cutting-edge sustainability a top priority for the City of Cambridge. I would like to thank and recognize the many individuals and departments in Cambridge who have already worked tirelessly on environmental issues, including our City Council, City Manager, the Department of Public Works, and our Community Development Department, among others. However, I believe that moving forward as a municipality we must take even bolder steps at the government level. Such bold steps can be done thoughtfully and with careful consideration. I believe the Connolly Petition is one such step in the right direction. Key elements of the amendment include a review by the Planning Board to be added to the existing Project Review Special Permit process for traffic and urban design impacts, the encouragement of both energy efficiency and onsite renewable energy, and finally, a requirement that all energy consumed on site, beyond renewable energy generated on site, must be from approved renewable sources or offset by verifiable renewable energy credits. One of the reasons I think this is an excellent amendment is because it requires that developers incorporate the design aspect of creating a net zero building from the start. Designing for a net zero building is admittedly a comprehensive process, particularly in urban settings. However, as Connolly's petition describes, net zero can be achieved in various ways, and working towards that goal from day one is much easier. Sustainable systems are intended to mitigate humans' impact on the natural environment. I currently work in sustainability management, and I've managed multiple projects that have saved both energy and money. I want the City of Cambridge to be a national leader for green job growth, clean energy, and innovative solutions to fighting climate change. We have tremendous resources in technology and education here in Cambridge, and I want to capitalize on that strength. As we move forward in the age of climate change, sustaining the City of Cambridge will require taking actions that are both thoughtful and bold.
Candidate Stances
Abolish Involuntary Poverty In Cambridge Over The Next Five Years
Take A Stance
Cambridge Is Experiencing Serious Traffic Gridlock Morning And Evenings
Support Strongly
Yes, I believe this should happen as soon as possible.
Campaign Finance Reform
Take A Stance
Community Walk And Bike Path Along The Grand Junction Railroad
Take A Stance
Investment In Our Public Schools
Take A Stance
Low And Medium Income Housing -- Increase In Density Or ....
Support
I think increased density is necessary due to the rising population of people living here in Cambridge. Building new housing and development close to transportation nodes such as the T-stops are one way of planning for smart growth, as this encourages residents to utilize public transportation instead of driving a car. Sustainable growth is key to solving all of the problems of transportation, housing, and the effects of climate change and I would propose designing a master plan for long-term sustainability for the City of Cambridge, to be articulated in partnership with the Community Development Department, neighborhood groups, and other key stakeholders.
Low And Moderate Income Housing -- Inclusionary Zoning Results In 25% Affordable Housing.
Support Strongly
City-wide effort to retain and bolster our middle class, and to retain our moderate and low income residents. The only way to do this is through policy orders that allow for housing for people of different income levels to be able to afford to live here.
Net Zero Buildings
Support Strongly
Yes. I have been a strong supporter of net zero from the beginning, and was one of the first people in Cambridge to push for a net zero school, which is underway. I am currently the Sustainability Manager for the Cambridge Public School District, and founded the school department’s Office for Sustainability 3 years ago, with the dual mission of reducing our impact on the environment and saving money. I have saved over $300,000 in less than two years through vigorous energy-efficiency and sustainability measures, and I am a champion for net zero.
One Year Moratorium On Construction To Study Impact Of Development On Livability.
Take A Stance
Plan E Charter
Take A Stance
Privacy -- Police Public Safety Security Cameras
Take A Stance
Public Toilets On Cambridge Common
Take A Stance
Reject Dramatic Up-Zoning Changes In Central Square.
Opposed With Reservation
I support the zoning that would allow for 16 and 18 story apartment buildings in Central Square, because I know that population growth is statistically unavoidable in our City in the coming years, and so we have to build more densely. I believe we need to build density around our transportation nodes, such as MBTA t-stops, in order to alleviate traffic problems. I do not support going higher than that, or a 28-story building.
Terms Limits
Take A Stance
The Foundry
Support With Reservation