Boston City Council: District 8

Candidates

*incumbent

Sections

About the Candidates
Policy Proposals
Yes/No Questions

About the Candidates

Do you personally walk to destinations in your community? If yes, how often do you do so?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
I walk everyday in my community! Also, I regularly do long walks around District 8 and across Boston. My longest walk is from the Fenway to Castle Island and back.	Yes - walking is one of my main modes of transportation. I walk to meetings, to run, errands, to events, and elsewhere whenever the time and weather permits.

Do you personally travel by/ use public transit to get around? If yes, which trains and buses do you routinely use?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
The #55 bus is a favorite as its route starts in my neighborhood and ends at Park Street (or Copley Square in the evenings and weekends). As for the T, I take mostly the green and red lines but have riden them all! Also, as my parents live outside the city, I’m no stranger to the commuter rail.	Yes - I often utilize MBTA trains. I live very close to the Green Line Copley station, and routinely use the green line to get around the city.

Do you personally bike in your community or commute by bike to other communities? If no, would you be willing to give it a try periodically, e.g. once or twice per month?

Kristen Mobilia

Josh Zakim

Yes

I bike quite often within Boston and outside the city (if I have time for a long ride on a weekend morning). Over the past several months, residents of District 8 might have notice me cycling through their neighborhoods as I have 2 campaign posters attached to the rack on the back of my bike. I think it is important to make regular tours of our neighborhoods and take different streets from week to week. Not only do we have very interesting architecture to look at, but one can also see where there are transportation, housing, retail, safety, etc. opportunities. I’ve been known to make some 311 submissions in the midst of my tours!

Yes - I am a regular Hubway user. Sometimes for work, but more frequently during my leisure time, I love riding around the city on summer weekends.

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Policy Proposals

How will you work to establish funding for the infrastructure changes needed to slow traffic on your community’s streets, and improve crosswalks and intersections to make them safer for people who are walking and using mobility assistive devices?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
I would first be sure that transportation surveys are up-to-date. Aslo, I would check 311 data to see if a heat map of issues would help to prioritize areas to address in the short and long-term.	I am proud to have worked with neighborhoods in my district to identify priority areas and to advocate for the funding necessary to implement important infrastructure changes. I am currently working with the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay, members of the Vision Zero Coalition, and the Boston Transportation Department on a redesign of Beacon Street between Arlington and Massachusetts Avenue. I was a supporter of the Massachusetts Avenue redesign project, and am happy with the new measures that have made that road a much safer space for all modes of transportation. I look forward to continue advocating for more funding for similar projects during our annual budget process, and to moving forward on these projects, as well as others, during my next term.

Kristen Mobilia

Josh Zakim

I would first be sure that transportation surveys are up-to-date. Aslo, I would check 311 data to see if a heat map of issues would help to prioritize areas to address in the short and long-term.

I am proud to have worked with neighborhoods in my district to identify priority areas and to advocate for the funding necessary to implement important infrastructure changes. I am currently working with the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay, members of the Vision Zero Coalition, and the Boston Transportation Department on a redesign of Beacon Street between Arlington and Massachusetts Avenue. I was a supporter of the Massachusetts Avenue redesign project, and am happy with the new measures that have made that road a much safer space for all modes of transportation. I look forward to continue advocating for more funding for similar projects during our annual budget process, and to moving forward on these projects, as well as others, during my next term.

How will you improve the reach, frequency, and quality of public transit in your city/town?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
One idea is to have groups of people surveying riders across all transit options during a month-long window. This could potentially be done through collaborations with local colleges, universities, and high schools, especially institutions with transporation/logistics programs. Additionally, we should continue initiatives that are already in process for Vision Zero. I’d also like to add that it is important to poll walkers as some may be avoiding using public transport for various reasons (speed, cleanliness, safety, etc.)	While the city does not have any direct authority over the MBTA, I believe that it is important for local elected officials to stand up for quality public transportation and to advocate for more investment in the MBTA. During my first term, as the Chair of the Special Committee on Transportation, Public Infrastructure, Planning, and Investment, I held several hearings calling on our state officials to increase funding and quality of service, most notably pushing for the continuation of Late-Night T service which did continue through the end of Gov. Patrick’s term. In addition to advocating for more funding, what we can do on the municipal level is help improve service for MBTA buses. I am interested in exploring new routes for bus-only lanes, making sure that bus stops are fully accessible, and looking into signal prioritization within the city of Boston.

Kristen Mobilia

Josh Zakim

One idea is to have groups of people surveying riders across all transit options during a month-long window. This could potentially be done through collaborations with local colleges, universities, and high schools, especially institutions with transporation/logistics programs. Additionally, we should continue initiatives that are already in process for Vision Zero. I’d also like to add that it is important to poll walkers as some may be avoiding using public transport for various reasons (speed, cleanliness, safety, etc.)

While the city does not have any direct authority over the MBTA, I believe that it is important for local elected officials to stand up for quality public transportation and to advocate for more investment in the MBTA. During my first term, as the Chair of the Special Committee on Transportation, Public Infrastructure, Planning, and Investment, I held several hearings calling on our state officials to increase funding and quality of service, most notably pushing for the continuation of Late-Night T service which did continue through the end of Gov. Patrick’s term. In addition to advocating for more funding, what we can do on the municipal level is help improve service for MBTA buses. I am interested in exploring new routes for bus-only lanes, making sure that bus stops are fully accessible, and looking into signal prioritization within the city of Boston.

How will you ensure fast-tracked implementation of a city-/town-wide network of off-street paths and protected bike lanes* on major thoroughfares and connecting streets that are comfortable for people of all ages and abilities?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
I would support Vision Zero initiatives and make sure that there is a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-Related) plan that holds designated city departments and leaders accountable for agreed upon deadlines and goals.	I support looking into creative ways to redesign our roads and transportation networks. I have been happy to see the city’s progress over the past few years, but I know we still have much more work to do. I will continue work with advocacy organizations, the Boston Transportation Department, and other city agencies to push for rapid, but considered, implementation of off-street paths and bike lanes.

Kristen Mobilia

Josh Zakim

I would support Vision Zero initiatives and make sure that there is a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-Related) plan that holds designated city departments and leaders accountable for agreed upon deadlines and goals.

I support looking into creative ways to redesign our roads and transportation networks. I have been happy to see the city’s progress over the past few years, but I know we still have much more work to do. I will continue work with advocacy organizations, the Boston Transportation Department, and other city agencies to push for rapid, but considered, implementation of off-street paths and bike lanes.

How will you increase access to biking in every neighborhood equally? What do you see as the major obstacles to encouraging ridership, and how will you address them?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Safety appears to be a high barrier for most potential riders. Creating bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, and awareness initiatives (for cars, truck, band bus drivers) is essential to long-term success. Additionally, many residents may not have access to a bicycle due to cost or storage availability. There are already some small programs that recycle/refurbish bicycles to those in need. We should look at expanding those programs. For some, a barrier could be learning how to ride. The city could recruit local bike shops to get involved with training programs as it would be good for business.	This is one of many equity issues facing the city of Boston and I believe that expanding our cycling infrastructure throughout Boston is an important step forward. Additionally, I will continue to urge Hubway to expand both its network and marketing efforts to people in all communities and at all income levels.

Kristen Mobilia

Josh Zakim

Safety appears to be a high barrier for most potential riders. Creating bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, and awareness initiatives (for cars, truck, band bus drivers) is essential to long-term success. Additionally, many residents may not have access to a bicycle due to cost or storage availability. There are already some small programs that recycle/refurbish bicycles to those in need. We should look at expanding those programs. For some, a barrier could be learning how to ride. The city could recruit local bike shops to get involved with training programs as it would be good for business.

This is one of many equity issues facing the city of Boston and I believe that expanding our cycling infrastructure throughout Boston is an important step forward. Additionally, I will continue to urge Hubway to expand both its network and marketing efforts to people in all communities and at all income levels.

How will you increase funding for biking infrastructure?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Biking infrastructure should come from the increase in real estate revenues and from local institutions, specifically colleges and universities who have not fulfilled their Payment in Lieu of Tax program. As we build more housing and commercial space, we should encourage our residents to consider low climate impact travel options. Also, supporting biking is a natural connection for local schools that enroll thousands of students.	I have, and will, advocate for increased funding for infrastructure changes during our annual budget process. I am happy to see that Vision Zero and other Go Boston 2030 initiatives are a priority for the Boston Transportation Department, and look forward to working with Mayor Walsh’s Administration to ensure that adequate funding is allocated for the necessary projects.

Kristen Mobilia

Josh Zakim

Biking infrastructure should come from the increase in real estate revenues and from local institutions, specifically colleges and universities who have not fulfilled their Payment in Lieu of Tax program. As we build more housing and commercial space, we should encourage our residents to consider low climate impact travel options. Also, supporting biking is a natural connection for local schools that enroll thousands of students.

I have, and will, advocate for increased funding for infrastructure changes during our annual budget process. I am happy to see that Vision Zero and other Go Boston 2030 initiatives are a priority for the Boston Transportation Department, and look forward to working with Mayor Walsh’s Administration to ensure that adequate funding is allocated for the necessary projects.

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Yes/No Questions

Do you support the adoption of Vision Zero and funding for its rapid implementation? Vision Zero is an approach which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030 and has been adopted by several communities, including Boston and Cambridge.

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
I support Vision Zero as I support eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries for those on foot and on wheels. While it is not soon enough to reduce those numbers, I want to be sure that we are thoughtful with regard to implementation and do not rush to decisions that are not fully thought through by industry experts and local communities.

Do you support lowering design speeds through traffic calming measures on downtown and neighborhood streets as a means of enhancing the safety of people walking, using mobility assistive devices, biking, and driving? This may involve the expansion and enhancement of programs like Neighborhood Slow Streets (Boston) and Neighborways (Somerville).

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
I believe that traffic calming measures save lives. It is important to be sure that planning across neighborhoods is taken into account so that we don’t solve one problem while creating another at the same time.

One key strategy that has been proven to effectively reduce speeding, improve safety, and remove racial bias in traffic enforcement in other states and countries is automated enforcement (i.e. speed cameras and red light cameras). Do you support state legislation that authorizes the use of automated enforcement in Massachusetts, per the July 2017 recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
I support unbiased traffic enforcement. However, I do have concerns of potential privacy infringment. I’d like to know more about what information will be recorded and how the information will be secured.	I have some due process and other civil rights concerns around the use of automated red light/traffic enforcement cameras. However, in the interests of improving traffic safety I am open to, so long as appropriate safeguards around record retention, privacy, and appeals are put into place.

Do you support redesigning space on the street in order to improve safety for people biking by creating protected bike lanes?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
Yes, however, I also support significant community engagement to ensure that solutions are a good fit for the neighborhood.

Do you support the increased use of curb extensions to improve safety and visibility at intersections, even if it requires the removal of one to two parking spaces?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
To balance the potential loss of parking spaces, I also support studies on other types of parking solutions that may benefit the community (ex: 20-minute drop-off areas, meter conversions to resident parking, etc.)	This must be considered on a case by case basis, and may not work on every block. However the removal of 1–2 parking spaces, on its own, would not prevent me from supporting this.

Do you support implementation of all of the Better Bike Corridors and other bike projects in the Go Boston 2030 Plan, and commit to making sure all short-term projects are planned and implemented within three years, and long-term projects are implemented by or before 2030?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
Again, neighborhood review is essential to be sure that plans are a good fit today and tomorrow for the community.

Will you address age-friendly walking in your community — an issue raised by many seniors as critical to their ability to “age in community”? If yes, how?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
We need more ramps at street corners and accessibility at crosswalks, especially ones that cut across T tracks. Also, we need to commit to repair schedules for heaving issues found in sidewalks and streets, which are major tripping hazards.

Boston has many traffic signals that do not work well for pedestrians. Will you work to make signal timing safer, easier, and more convenient for people walking and using mobility assistive devices at all paces?

Kristen Mobilia

Josh Zakim

Yes

We need to increase the employees within the transportation department at least for a year or two to play catch up. I recently called to request a traffic study at the corner of Kilmarknock and Boylston in the Fenway and was told that it would take a number of weeks to reach the top of the pile. Meanwhile we have seniors and others with mobility challenges who cannot safely cross this very busy roadway.

Do you support the restriction of on-street parking during rush hour on major thoroughfares in order to provide lanes for the exclusive use of buses?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
Again, community involvement must occur.	This needs to be considered on a street by street basis and I look forward to continuing to work with BTD traffic engineers to identify corridors where this could work.

Do you support the creation of a staff position within the Transportation Department solely devoted to managing transit in the City of Boston?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
Given the size of Boston and the great reliance on public transportation for residents and city visitors, there should be a team working on managing transit.

Do you support exploring new ways of raising revenue to provide the City of Boston with more tools to improve conditions for people walking, using mobility assistive devices, and biking (e.g. congestion pricing)? If yes, please give examples that interest you.

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
Local institutions should pay their fair share through the Payment in Lieu of Tax program. Additionally, as developers continue to build more structures within the city, our revenues will continue to rise. We need to be sure that all new buildings are taxed appropriately. Also, we need to be sure that BPDA agreements are reviewed so that all potential revenue sources are exposed.

Do you support charging an annual fee for residential parking permits?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	No
This should have been done years ago.

Do you support the rollout of dynamic parking meter pricing (i.e. increasing meter rates during periods of increased demand) in business districts to free up on-street parking and reduce cars “cruising”� for open spaces?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
In general, I support this. However, I want to be sure that neighborhood residents and businesses that serve them are not significantly negatively impacted by the pricing.

Will you help the community of Charlestown work with the City to develop a consensus design for Rutherford Ave and Sullivan Square that balances the community’s desire for walkability, connectivity, open space and resiliency with vehicular traffic?

Kristen Mobilia	Josh Zakim
Yes	Yes
Community input that is actually incorporated is essential.	I’d be happy to support my District 1 colleague however (s)he deems helpful as (s)he works with the community to determine the best design option.

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Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition