Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Fall brings new beginnings. It signals the return of regular City Council meetings and, this season, a heated campaign trail. It's also the time when the City Council votes on the upcoming year's tax rate, as recommended by the City Manager. From the City Manager:
"Approximately 63.9% of residential taxpayers will see a reduction, no increase or an increase of less than $100 in their FY12 tax bill. In addition, another 22.8% of residential taxpayers will see an increase between $100-$250. Therefore, a total of 86.7% of the residential taxpayers will see no increase or an increase of less than $250."
"I also would like to note that as of October 1, 2011, taxpayers will be able to pay their real estate and personal property tax bills using a credit card, debit card or electronic check (ACH), subject to a convenience fee."
The ability to pay tax bills using a credit card is something I have staunchly advocated for and I'm glad to see it finally come to fruition. In additiona discussing the upcoming tax levy, this Monday I will bring a number of infrastructure and park improvement requests before the Council:
You can view the full agenda here. As always, public comment opens at 5:30 in the Sullivan Chamber on the second floor of City Hall located at 795 Masschusetts Ave a block away from the Central Square T stop.
On the campaign trail, I continue to hold morning visibilities, canvasses, and phonebanks. While connecting with residents, I am reaffirming my commitment to job creation, transparent government, and affordable housing. I'd love to have you join me! This Thursday I am hosting an open house phone bank at my campaign headquarters.
“DADT” Repeal at Club Café Boston Celebration
On September 20th, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was officially repealed, putting an end to LGBQT military members hiding their identity. To mark this milestone in LGBQT rights, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network hosted an event at Club Café where service members and community members came together to celebrate. Former Mayor Denise Simmons and I adressed the crowd. There I spoke on behalf of my wholehearted support for this momentous achievement and pledged to continue my support for LGBQT members. Here I am below at the event with MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini:
Young Elected Officials Teleconf on LGBQT Equality
On Wednesday, September 28, along with Milwaukee County Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic, I will lead a conversation about the approaches, policies, and coalitions that have been integral to implenting progressive LGBQT policies in Cambridge. I will specifically be talking about how Cambridge is the first municipality in the country to pay its public employees a stipend to equalize the take home pay of same-gender married couples to that of opposite-gender married couples. This is yet another example of Cambridge leading the nation - by talking about Cambridge policy with City Council members from across the country, I'm helping spread our values and political innovation nationwide.
Join Our Campaign - Open House Volunteer Night
With less than two months until Election Day, there are more ways than ever that you can get involved. On Thursday, September 29, I am hosting an open house phone bank from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and encourage volunteers to participate. Even if you can only volunteer for an hour or two, I'd love to have you participate in my campaign. If you are interested in attending open house volunteer night, please contact Aaron at
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or sign up at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=217660278293675. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.
Entrepreneur Walk of Fame Update
The Entrepreneur Walk of Fame unveiled its inaugural class of seven esteemed honorees whose names were immortalized with a sidewalk star in Kendall Square on Friday, September 16, 2011.
This year’s honorees included: Thomas Edison – General Electric, Bill Gates - Microsoft Bill Hewlett & David Packard -HP, Steve Jobs - Apple, Mitch Kapor – Lotus and Bob Swanson - Genentech. Hundreds crowded in front of the Kendall Square Marriott Hotel to get a firsthand glimpse of the chosen honorees and listened to speeches from David Edison Sloane, Thomas Edison’s great grandson, Newsweek’s technology editor, Dan Lyons, spoke about Steve Jobs, Tyler Jacks, Director of the Koch Institute spoke to Bob Swanson’s accomplishments and Mitch Kapor, one of the selected honorees, spoke about his experience founding Lotus and transforming rigid business norms.
Similar to Hollywood’s celebration of movie stars, the Entrepreneur Walk of Fame (EntWoF) will annually award entrepreneurs at the top of their fields who have taken strong steps to transform the business culture and jumpstart the economy. Check out EntWoF coverage in the Boston Globe here. Here I am below pictured with local legend Mitch Kapor by his 'star':
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