Candidates
*incumbent
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About the Candidates
Do you personally walk to destinations in your community? If yes, how often do you do so?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| Almost daily for errands, community events constituent meetings. As the Ward 2 Alderman I organized “Neighborhood Walks” with residents so that mobility , neighborhood and traffic issues could be discussed from a street perspective. |
Daily. I walk almost exclusively, both to work and to shop. I do not use a car in my daily life. |
Do you personally travel by/ use public transit to get around? If yes, which trains and buses do you routinely use?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| Red Line and Orange line commuting to Boston and to work in Malden |
I use the Orange Line or Red Line to reach protests or other events in downtown Boston. About once per week I use a bus to reach a destination deeper in Somerville or Cambridge - usually the 86, 87, or 91. |
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?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
No |
| I have biked in the past for enjoyment but prior to significant changes in Somerville that have improved the biking experience. I would be willing to try again now that Cambridge and Somerville seem to be making progress in this area. I wish more neighboring communities would. |
I don’t bike simply because my life is all within walking distance - or accessible by bus. I’d be glad to ride from time to time to observe street conditions. |
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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?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| As an elected official who has long supported Pedestrian and Cyclist safety and traffic calming measures funding for these important initiatives is critical. In Somerville, since the adoption of the City’s Safe- Start Initiative in 2009 ( addressing high-risk intersection upgrades) to the approval of our Complete Streets Ordinance in 2013, to the imminent commitment to Vision 0 (to be officially announced on September 6th 2017) I have supported the prioritization of funding in the City budget to achieve those goals as well as to look for opportunities to leverage other funding sources. They are: - Leveraging developer contributions to transportation and infrastructure improvements which allows the City to pursue a project such as the Union Square Early Intervention plan essentially prioritizing mitigation funds to traffic infrastructure needs. - When necessary, supporting bonding to fund projects through capital projects - Supporting yearly budget appropriations which adequately fund Traffic and Parking, DPW, Engineering and Transportation Planning- all key departments which have a role in designing and implementing safer crosswalks and intersections - Supporting low cost treatments which can save money and yield good results such as Neighborways, tree plantings,etc. - Earlier this year I played a leadership role in recently adopted zoning and development agreements for Union Square which include substantial mechanisms requiring developer contributions for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. |
The money is available in Somerville - we simply need to prioritize deploying it. For extensive projects we should be able to adequately fund streetscape improvements by negotiating additional funds from private developers seeking to build in Somerville - of which we have no shortage. |
How will you improve the reach, frequency, and quality of public transit in your city/town?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| My continued advocacy for the GLX spans the 16 years I have been an Alderman and I fought very hard to make sure the spur into Union Square, the area I represent was not abandoned by the T in its redesign and reduced budget. I recognized this as an important station which would connect riders in the heart of the square directly to Boston as well as to West Somerville, a badly needed connection. I will also ask the City to provide comment on the “Key Bus Routes” document provided by the State to get a City based perspective. i also will ask that we ask the MBTA to provide data that we need to see where we need to advocate further for public transportation and for information related to location and frequency of bus stops since bus routes sometimes do not benefit by frequent stops and discourage ridership because the trip takes too long. |
While the GLX project is long-awaited and should now be on track thanks to the city’s commitment to a $50 million payment to the MassDOT, we must work to ensure that bus lines that have long served the neighborhood (such as the 91 in particular) are not moved away from their residential routes or terminated. I will advocate for continued and improved service for an increasingly non-motorist population. |
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?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Through my advocacy , the Beacon street Reconstruction project will contain the first Cycletrack in the City and just recently I advocated and got separated lanes on Medford St., Webster Ave and Somerville Ave. I voted for resolutions to save the Community Path a significant pedestrian and biking connection for the City. |
I support the extension of the Community PATH in Somerville and am a consistent advocate for strong implementation of protected bike lanes. While I understand the paramount importance of implementing bike/walk safety measures, I also understand that there can be vocal opposition from some residents. As Alderman, I will be able to encourage the city’s staff efforts here as well as act as a liaison to work towards ensuring that the city’s residents have their concerns heard and reflected in streetscape design changes. |
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?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Concerns about safety and the lack of separated bike lanes throughout the City are obstacles to getting more bikes in neighborhoods. I have advocated for reduced speeds and safety zones, physical traffic calming methods and a City wide Mobility Plan and bike route plan. I also voted for a City ordinance to require large vehicles to be equipped with side-guard equipment to protect cyclists. I represent the Board of Aldermen on the City’s Bicycle Committee and in that capacity work closely with the bike community on how we can keep moving this agenda forward. Creating low stress networks through Neighborways is also something that I have been involved in and helped to create the playbook for. By organizing with my constituents in June of 2017 a significant community effort has resulted in a Neighborways on Dimick street and Marion street that is already having a positive effect on safety and traffic calming, another is on the docket for my Ward which I will jump into with zeal. |
In my mind, safety is a primary obstacle to ridership. Our streets are not designed for safe and stress-free travel, and the consequences of accidents involving cyclists are catastrophic. We have to do better to create safe environments for cycling, walking, and driving - including infrastructure that protects residents using various modes of transportation and encouraging a culture of respect for everyone sharing our streets. |
How will you increase funding for biking infrastructure?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Revenue streams from developers will help to build the infrastructure this city is committed to in relation to biking and if bonding is necessary I will support that as well. |
As above, Somerville has ample opportunities to negotiate Community Benefits Agreements with developers that can supply local funding for improved bicycle infrastructure while ensuring that the projects developed are in line with community goals of creating an increasingly walking/biking city. |
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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.
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| Yes, in fact the City will formally adopt Vision 0 on September 6, 2017 and I am supporting that effort and will offer some remarks at the event since Ward 2 is on the leading edge of transformation from a dangerous throughway for traffic to one of a more calm and steady slow moving street pattern due to initiatives like the Union square Early Action plan which has fast tracked changes to street scapes, signalling and lane designations. It is important for Somerville to make this step due to its proximity to Cambridge and Boston to promote consistency of purpose when traveling through one City to another |
|
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).
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| I was an early advocate and support for the successful change in speed limit in Somerville to 25 mph and also the establishment of 20 mph safety zones which I support adopting City wide. As stated , I organized and successfully implemented a Neighborways in Ward 2 and I am convinced that this an effective , low cost way to calm traffic and sends a message that in Somerville we promote traffic calming and safe streets. |
I am happy to have been an advocate of the neighborways program in Somerville - and would like to see more structural methods used to reduce speeds on neighborhood streets. Besides curb extensions, streetside benches, and plantings which may be expensive to install and maintain, use of concrete planters in the roadways to slow turns or intersection traversals can be very effective at enhancing roadway safety for all at low cost and time to implementation. (Portland and Seattle have extensive, creative, and low-cost examples of these methods that we can also be adopting.) |
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*?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| This is a good way to get speeds down and catch the running of red lights which I see so often and police can’t keep up with every infraction. The State Legislature may not be keen on passing this but it is an important way to make our streets safer. |
Conditionally: While I strongly advocate for removing racial bias in traffic enforcement and increasing safety, I cannot support expanded use of surveillance technologies in law enforcement without significant safeguards for civil liberties including civilian oversight committees and restrictions on sharing surveillance footage with local and federal law enforcement agencies. |
Do you support redesigning space on the street in order to improve safety for people biking by creating protected bike lanes?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| During the early stages of planning and design for the Beacon street reconstruction project I fought for the cycle track to be a part of the design and had to work very hard to keep that in the design despite some significant opposition from residents related to loss of parking. Now that the project is underway and moving toward completion ,I am still fighting for accountability from contractors and state agencies to ensure that the cycle track is opened by the end of the 2017 construction season. I will not back down from that fight because we have been waiting for so long for this. I have also supported recent changes in Union Square that have included park-protected bike lanes, advocated for construction of separated lanes on Webster Ave, Medford st and Somerville Ave and for the continuation of protected bike lanes further down Webster Ave |
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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?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| I have endorsed Beacon street’s redesign for 2016–2018 construction which includes curb extensions I have endorsed Union Square redesign for 2016–2018 construction which includes curb extensions And back in 2009–2011 redesign for Somerville Ave I endorsed the inclusion of curb extensions |
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Do you commit to implementation of improved bike facilities identified in your community’s Bike Network Plan or do you commit to the creation of a Bike Network Plan if none already exists?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| I am advocating for a City Wide mobility plan that includes a city-wide bike route plan and I advocated for the Union Square neighborhood plan to include a bike facilities plan element |
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Do you support the creation of the joint biking-pedestrian Grand Junction Path and Somerville Community Path through mandates, resolutions or zoning ordinances targeted at adjacent property owners?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| I advocated for developer contributions along the Community path in Brickbottom and Grand Junction Path near Medford street |
Extension of the Somerville Community Path should be a priority - and we must find ways to work respectfully with property owners to find an equitable route to its completion. |
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?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| Yes and one of the best ways to do that is to insure that streets are walk able with proper ADA amenities and by providing the necessary traffic calming and signalling to help seniors to feel that walking is a safe activity that the City supports. I have proposed that the City establish a Pedestrian Safety Committee as has been done with the Somerville Bike committee to solicit continual input from residents and I think seniors would play a key role on the Committee |
The Beacon Street bike path and reconstruction is a prime example of a project that did not take this adequately into account. We must ensure that seniors are able to use the streetscape and make safe crossings; more thoughtful design and a more robust neighborhood input process that results in mutually acceptable solutions are absolutely needed. |
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?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| I have supported the MBTA bus lane on Prospect street as part of the Union Square Early action project i also advocated for a bus-friendly design for Somerville Ave in the upcoming sewer project and street restoration |
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Do you support exploring new ways of raising revenue to provide the City of Somerville 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.
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| Potential revenue sources could include a higher fee for a 2nd or 3rd parking permit, etc. but I have played a leadership role in the recently adopted zoning regulations and development agreements for Union square which includes substantial mechanisms requiring developer contributions for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure |
While the opportunities for congestion pricing or variable metered parking pricing are limited in Somerville, I support exploring them. The primary source of increasing revenue for these measures, in my opinion, will be driven by harnessing the ongoing wave of real estate speculation and development in the city. |
Do you support raising the annual fee for residential parking permits?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
No |
| For a 2nd or 3rd permit and for business permit parking placards |
While it seems like an attractive option, the fact that only 15% of Somerville’s residents have employment within Somerville means that increased fees for parking permits can have a strongly regressive taxation impact on an already rent-burdened population. 44% of renters are housing-cost-burdened, spending over 35% of their income on housing costs; in Ward 2 approximately 80% of residents are renters. Higher income residents are more likely to be homeowners and have off-street parking options; low-income residents are more dependent upon their on-street parking permits and an increased parking permit fee acts as a regressive tax increase on our most vulnerable residents. There are other ways to raise revenue, including committing funds through the Community Preservation Act. |
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?
| Maryann Heuston |
JT Scott |
| Yes |
Yes |
| Union Square and Davis Square are prime places for something like this as well as Assembly Square where meter rates could increase during prime times or even as the parking is closer to those commercial areas |
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