Boston City Council District 7

Candidates

†Will proceed to the municipal elections on Nov. 7

Sections

About the Candidates

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

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
We walk over driving at least 1 trip a day - usually pick up from school/after-school, dog park visits, bakery, park for family time, etc. Absolutely. On average I walk 12,000 to 17,000 steps per day. Walking and public transportation are my primary means of transportation around Boston. I am avid walker, often walking from Roxbury to Downtown, sometimes as far as Cambridge and Brookline. I walk within my local community to the park with my son, wife and our dog. Additionally we try to walk to local restaurants, community meetings and events. Our neighborhood lends itself to walking and we take advantage of it at least 5 days a week.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
Every Day Daily Weekly, almost daily.

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

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes No
Silver Line, Bus 42, Bus 43, Orange Line and occasionally Bus 1 As someone who does not own a car, I am particularly aware of how the lack of access to affordable, reliable, safe public transportation impacts one’s ability to get to work, to school, or to the grocery store. I use public transportation regularly, especially buses and the Orange and Silver Line. I used public transportation almost every day of my life while in middle and high school. I was a mainstay on the 22 and the 23 bus line and also used the Redline to Shawmut and Ashmont. During the summer months in my adult life, I try to commute to my office (formerly in Braintree) using the Redline once a week.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
Orange and Silver lines 44 bus, Orange Line for train Orange line, Bus 41

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
No No No
I am open to using safe routes as we continue to incorporate biking into our culture as a city. My son is not a confident rider for me to take him routinely at present. I don’t own a bike, but I enjoy riding, especially on bike paths, and I would love to try Hubway. I strongly support making Boston more bikable for all residents, especially those who comment via bike. I do not bike as an adult but I did a tremendous amount of biking when I was younger. I would absolutely be interested in giving it a try several times a month.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes No Yes
Once per month I don’t currently bike ever, but would be willing to do so to better understand the needs of the community with regards to access to transportation. My wife and I ride our bikes through the city.

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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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
We need to make sure that we keep funding for this priority at the forefront of earmark conversations in budget process. I would continue my track record of finding stakeholder sponsorship with entities that have, or could develop, brand alignment. As City Councilor, I will prioritize investments in transportation infrastructure spending so that all walkers and people using mobility assistive devices are safe. I will use the City budget process to strongly advocate for meaningful transportation spending. First and foremost the funding currently exists in the City budget to make street corners ADA Accessible, we could be looking at opportunities to create "bumpouts" or evaluating unsafe turning radius for pedestrians and bikers. That said I would initially focus on inexpensive changes that can happen quickly and without major work such as creating a "crosswalk portal" which can direct city services to location where crosswalks are in need of a face lift or where they do not currently exist but are needed (Moreland Street and Fairland St, Right in my back yard).
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Continue working with the Public Safety and Neighborhood Organizations. I believe that we need to have cross-sticks that warn drivers of the fine that will be levied against them if they do not stop for pedestrians trying to safely cross. This funding could be obtained if we were to establish a tax on the Airbandb.com rentals that are popping up all over the city. State-wide projections for a tax on short-term rentals are estimated at $18 million, and city regulations on those rentals could retain a portion of that money for travel and transportation improvement costs. I will vote for increased funding for safety improvements and will promote and push for better accountability around crosswalk violations. Recently, my wife, nephew, and I walked across a crosswalk and no drivers yielded to us. At that same time, we observed a Boston fire vehicle which did not yield to the pedestrians in the same crosswalk. These actions are routine in Roxbury and need accountability for safety.

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

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
We have to create greater accountability within the system and the community. We also have to make transit more fun. In our district, many families are working really hard but that gets complicated by inefficiencies in public transit. We need to enhance transparency, communications, performance and add in a incentive program to create authentic sense of value added for consumers who chose public transit. In addition to pushing for City of Boston budgetary funding for growing transportation infrastructure, I will also use the bully pulpit of City Council to advocate for more robust investments on the state level. I look forward to working with transportation advocacy groups to support our shared priorities to make Boston more accessible for all of its residents and reduce its overreliance on automobile transit. I would work with the institutions that currently manage our transportation systems but will also bring in local advocates and existing organizations such as Boston BRT and look at the work they have done to speed up commute times on the Silver Line. We could also look outside the box and add dedicated bus lanes during rush hour on streets like Blue Hill Ave and Warren St. If we have several buses jam packed vs a commuter car with 1 occupant, we should give right of way to the bus making public transportation more of an exciting option.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Hold Monthly Town Hall Meetings. There are too often large gaps between the amount of times public transport runs for buses and trains, and there are some areas of District 7 that have lots of access to bus routes while other areas have barely any. I would be willing to work in conjunction with the Boston Delegation of State Legislature to explore how to make access more equitable for community residents. By advocating for more efficient, timely, clean and comfortable vehicles for riders.

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
We should make sure that public action keeps this subject at the forefront of community planning. If the community is constantly focused and giving input, the personal investment will be greater. Hence, it will only gain momentum because our residents will want to see action to realize the plan. Boston needs a network of cycle tracks that connect all of our neighborhoods. While I appreciate the investments I see happening in Downtown Boston and the surrounding communities, more needs to be done in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan to connect cycling routes to public transportation centers. Not sure who to attribute the quote to, but it was said that if a bike lane is not safe for children then it is not a bike lane. That is a true statement so we must work to ensure that bike lanes are safe for all occupants. I will work with the mayor and the city council to not only connect bike lanes throughout the city, but where possible to make the bike lanes , safe secure thoroughfares. We should also have a conversation around requiring a state driving test in order to be issued a drivers license and adding pedestrian and biker awareness to that test.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Hold City Council Hearings. District 7 is home to Southwest Corridor Park, one of the most highly traveled parks in the state. Due to its connection to the off-street paths and the Orange Line, D7 has been at the forefront of ensuring safe access to the city from areas that may otherwise be disconnected. As a pedestrian, I can identify areas of the park that work well for off-street paths, as well as areas for improvement. I would be willing to first propose a feasibility study to determine if an extension of the Southwest Corridor path is possible, and if so, I would be willing to support implementation. By holding hearings on bike and pedestrian safety and shining a light on the present and immediate need for implementation.

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
We have to tie biking to the public safety planning process. Additionally, MANY city children cannot ride so learn-to-earn bicycles (or bike access through free hubway, etc) would be helpful. Even further, I suggested increasing access because many families cannot afford or store multiple bicycles. We have to make riding accessible for families who would otherwise not engage. The lack of safe, protected bike lanes and the hazards associated with bicycling in traffic are a major hindrance to increased ridership. I will work to implement Vision Zero policies to increase safety for all road users. Additionally, I will Advocate for better planning in development proposals, so that we take into consideration bike lanes and crosswalks to ensure safety for all, especially our children and seniors and improving sidewalks, curb cuts, and crosswalks for greater ease and accessibility for everyone. I will also fight to expand parking-protected and sidewalk-level bike lanes to ensure safety of cyclists and increasing awareness and enforcement of our new residential speed limit of 25 MPH. I would continue to fund Boston Bikes and I would increase funding to Vision Zero. Cambridge recently announced spending 30 million dollars over 7 years for active transportation. Boston needs to eclipse that amount by far given the need for infrastructure in our city and the increased demand. Our focus needs to be on thoughtful design when we think about the future needs of pedestrians, bikers and drivers as we all share the roads cohesively.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Hold Town Hall Meetings. One of the major obstacles is the lack of information and neighborhood engagement. I would like to explore how effective currently bike-paths are for district residents. Bike lanes and Bike-Share access are still relatively new in District 7, and I believe there needs to be driver and rider education on how to keep residents safe. Many of our residents are looking for alternatives to driving into the city for school and work, and I would commit to ensuring those needs are met. I’ll review the current plans, assess what best suits each individual community, and advocate for sensible changes that make sense.

How will you increase funding for biking infrastructure?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Again, earmarking infrastructure funds when we discuss the budget and/or tax credit investment and stakeholder sponsorship is key. By working together with bike proponents like City Councilor Michelle Wu, I will push for increased City of Boston budgetary spending on biking infrastructre in the annual budget process. I will push colleges, universities, hospitals, and other institutions to embrace investments around their campuses and encourage public-private partnerships that accomplish our shared goals. We needs to first make sure that funding received from taxes towards vehicles are being directed properly to roads and infrastructure. I would also look into placing a city tax on bikes and bike paraphernalia; not an amount that is punitive to discourage biking, but a small amount that is negligible and will go towards infrastructure. My campaign slogan is "Together we Achieve", we will all have to pitch in to make sure our streets are safe, but the onus of making sure funds are not wasted and spent in the proper manner is on the City Council and the Mayor.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Understand the financial wants and needs. I am interested in developing creative solutions to increase funding for bike infrastructure. I’ll work with other councillors to address the issue of funding and push for increased support.

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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.

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
Any life lost is one too many. We must do all that we can to at least strive for this goal. Yes. The only acceptable number of traffic fatalities is zero. Boston must strive to be a state and national leader in safe streets for all residents. Vision Zero has the potential to offer the most significant changes to our community landscape in the entire time that I have been alive. We need to be more aggressive and move more swiftly with its implementation.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
We want a Better and Safe Boston. Tentatively, yes. I would need more information on this prior to making a commitment. Safety is a congested city is my number one concern.

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).

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
Drivers are too aggressive at present. The speeding, complex street orientation in Boston (we're famous for it) and extensive pedestrian traffic due to our status as a capital tourist city is a challenge. We need to build a more relaxed transit culture. Yes. Slower speed limits make our communities safer for bicyclists, walkers, and drivers, especially as new driving technologies have opened up residential neighborhoods as traffic cut-throughs for drivers unfamiliar with the community. I would support a public information campaign to increase awareness of the residential speed limit of 25 miles per hour. I worked on a Slow Streets Application as President of the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Association in conjunction with the Roxbury Path Forward Neighborhood Association. It was an eye opening endeavor as I learned the hidden dangers of our neighborhood roadways. Although we did not win the bid, me and a few neighbors have taken it upon ourselves to implement some of the measures including painting our own crosswalks which today remain unpainted by the city. Safe Streets is a great program but due to funding it can not in its current form see wide implementation across the the city. As I mentioned previously I would focus on low cost measures that could be enacted today in the meantime.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
As a former Boston Police Office I understand and live Public Safety. Tentatively, yes. I would need more information on this prior to making a commitment.  

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
No Yes No
I am not completely FOR it, so I must say no. I am, however, open to continuing the conversation. We tend to rely on automation to do what transformation should actually address. We should focus on improving cultural competency and relationship building before being lulled into a reliance on AI. Yes, I support studying these measures further. I would support them if they were deployed fairly, so as not to target communities of color. As a campaign, we have taken the position which sides with ensuring our ones civil liberties. To many traffic cameras are seen as an invasion of privacy and as is documented in Washington DC where traffic cams are in wide use, revenues have increased due to tickets but the "bad behavior" meant to be curbed by the cameras remain the same. Traffic cameras are an easy, lucrative, punitive measure that I do not see changing behavior, which should in the end be the goal. Redesign of streets making it more difficult to speed, break laws or be reckless should be the path we choose.  
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
     

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

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
There are attractive designs that not only provide safety, but give the city a more charming appeal that lends to the value of taking this direction. Safer streets and a better visual landscape sounds like a mutual win to me. I support efforts to make Boston safer and more bicycle-friendly, including protected bike lanes. If we begin to protect bike lanes you will see more people begin to use them. To start we could use simple supplies like narrow planter beds to serve as separators for bike lanes.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
  Bike lanes are important to retain safe space for riders, and I believe that there will be an increase of bikers moving into the district over the coming years. I am committed to ensuring safe travel for bikers, drivers, and pedestrians.  

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
I hate to vie for even one less space (there are times where car transit is essential) BUT we all have to sacrafice. Curb extensions have proven effective in making intersections more visible and safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.  Curb extensions force drivers to be aware and to slow down, especially in turns. I have a 2 year old son who loves to run away. Soon he will be navigating the streets alone. If he makes a mistake without me there to protect him, I want drivers to have the opportunity to see him and to STOP. We must protect our residents, this is an easy opportunity to do so.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes No
    Undecided.

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
We need an aggressive implementation plan... or it will simply never get done. Boston should be a national leader in bikability, and the Better Bike Corrdiors and Go Boston 2030 Plan put us on the right direction towards achieving this goal. On the surface yes, but in reality I would have to learn more about specific details within the plan. That said I know that both plans are thoughtful and take into consideration all users of the roadways.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
  Tentatively, yes. I would need more information on this prior to making a commitment.  

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
Intergenerational and senior focused walking programs are essential. I also would love to see volunteer marshals and/or strong collaborative work with community organizations/police to have an engaging presence that provides supportive assistance to our elders. Many seniors don’t have access to their own transportation. We need to ensure that our neighborhoods (not just Downtown) is walkable so all residents have access to local amenities and transit centers. Being active as you age helps prevent a host of diseases. It is crucial that spaces in our community are created that are safe and welcoming to all residents including our seniors. We must focus on planting and maintaining our trees and sidewalks. The trees create shade for our most vulnerable populations and sidewalk maintenance reduces trip hazards.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
You are either part of the solution or you are the problem. I have committed to dedicating some of my salary as a councillor to return a district office to our corner of the city. As a high school student, I volunteered in the local District Office of our Councillor in Dudley Station. I saw how effective it was for community residents and the elderly to have access to constituent services, especially when many could not access the main office in City Hall. As an avid walker myself, I believe that ensuring safety of all pedestrians is the duty of all elected officials.  

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
I agree that they can be quite challenging and must be addressed. Boston must utilize modern technology to make intersections safer and provide better traffic flow. “Smart” traffic signaling technology is a great option to achieve this goal.  This goes without saying, the devices that are in place should work, too often they do not. I will make it a priority to push our community to 311 signals that are not working or working improperly and personally follow up to ensure the issues are rectified.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
     

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
It's a good idea. I am more inclined to support it than not but we need to hear from drivers that may rely on access as well. I strongly support creating express transit pathways for buses. This will increase public transit ridership and make commutes more predictable.  If we are going to be serious climate change and serious about being a city that focuses on public transportation and moving large numbers of our communities on buses, we must make this a priority. As I mentioned previously, if have a bus that is packed with passengers competing with a car that is servicing one driver, we should absolutely give way to that packed bus. I would push to pilot this program in District 7 if elected.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes No
    Undecided

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

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
Programs work best when we can identify someone who is responsible for developing and maintaining its efficacy. It is a worthwhile investment to have City of Boston staff solely devoted to managing transit in the city. Providing safe and accessibly transit options in Boston is an important quality of life issue that should be prioritized.  There are segments of our current transportation system in Boston that does not require state approval. For those items we should have a leader who focuses just on those issues.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
    Based upon budget concerns and available funding

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.

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
We can work with the Commonwealth to expand the MA State tax deduction list to include a deduction for those who contribute to this effort. An annual event to raise funds for this effort would be useful. Again, alignment with stakeholders for sponsorship would be useful.   Yes, as I mentioned previously, "Together we Achieve" and since we all must share the roads we must also share the burden. A non-punitive tax on bikes and bike paraphernalia that is solely for infrastructure improvement as well as congestion pricing at meters are all ways that we can raise funds. We must just make sure that the funds raised are directed towards projects that make a difference on our roads.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes Yes
     

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

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
No No Yes
Families pay enough to live in Boston. This suggestion sounds like a good idea but it is assumes the economic mobility of families universally. Many low-income families that manage to have a vehicle would actually be burdened by an annual fee. We have to look at this more closely. I am concerned that this would act as a regressive tax, putting an unfair burden on our poorest residents. I do not believe the fee should be an amount which would be deemed punitive but I would not be opposed to a small fee. That said I am a big believer in knowing where funds are spent so we would have to be sure that funds raised through this program are used towards infrastructure projects in the communities that provide the funding.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
No No No
  I believe that Boston must make space for residents who travel in all forms. That includes bikers, pedestrians, and those who drive. I believe that an additional charge for those who drive would be an unfair imposition many long time District 7 residents would oppose. The cost of an annual fee for residents may also lead to displacement of residents who are already struggling to pay ever-increasing rents and property taxes. Undecided

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
No Yes Yes
Again, some people cannot afford to navigate the city AND pay a premium to park. That includes drivers and the businesses relying on them. I have been hit on days where I am actually volunteering or making multiple essential trips that require vehicular access. If it costs me money to be helpful or to support local businesses, I have to admit that it can impact my engagement and spending habits. I support a pilot program to test the efficacy of this idea. Yes, similar to restaurant business where tables need to be turned over, so do parking spots allowing new visitors and opportunity to park and shop. Having dynamic pricing would make this more of a reality.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
No No No
    Undecided

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?

Angelina Camacho Kim Janey Brian Keith
Yes Yes Yes
I am highly familiar with those areas. They need support to truly be accessible to all residents safely. Even though it is not in my district, safety in the city should be a universal concern for the entire council. While outside the district, I will work with the local City Councilor and Mayor to ensure that all communities are walkable and bikable, with adequate access to open space. Yes, I am a big believer that communities should have a say in the work that is done on their behalf. Although not in my district, I will absolutely work with Charlestown to ensure their voices are heard.
Charles Clemons Muhammad Domonique Williams Hassan Williams
Yes Yes No
  I am unfamiliar with this issue as it is outside of District 7. I would need more information prior to making a commitment. Undecided