(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By Will Mbah
Candidate for Somerville City Councilor at Large

During the final days of the 2023 campaign, I have taken a few minutes to reflect on the how our democratic process is working in Somerville and to look ahead to the ways the city will be able to respond to citizen needs in the coming year.

It has been a good campaign – invigorating and challenging – even though this year’s issues have not generated strong differences of opinion. Somerville seems to be in a good place with respectful debate and orderly public process. People express many different opinions on how to improve our city, its environment, economy, social structure, justice and equity. But we all seem to share the fundamental idea that we can continue to progress by working together. We are not fearful of the future and are not trying to build defensive walls around out city.

Whatever the outcome of a particular election, I have learned that any citizen who has run for and held elected office, keeps the identity of public servant – in or out of office. There is no expiration date. The depth of knowledge you gain about the city, its policies and process, does not go away. The network of colleagues and supporters that you form in doing city business continues to be a source of ideas, information and satisfying friendships. You continue to observe and can find opportunities to speak and work on problem-solving.

For me, I find it especially satisfying to watch how many young people come forward at meetings and forums. They show up for a first time somewhat tentatively but then get excited and engaged. They find a voice, join a campaign. Some of them even come to me to ask advice about pursuing a public service career.

We are in good shape in Somerville so long as this cycle of engagement of our young people can continue and older folks are there to offer guidance.

Is the city changing?

Somerville is just one municipality in the urban region, the state and nation, and it cannot isolate itself from bigger trends and problems. In particular, we hear about the polarization of public debate in many places and see the results of polls that emphasize negative ideas and conspiracy theories. We see Congress having difficulty maintaining rules of procedure and legislators who are unwilling to debate each other with respect.

We can’t build a wall around Somerville and expect to keep a nostalgic old-fashioned democracy in our little city. But we can look to our own history and our recent record of orderly and respectful civic life with a sense of pride. We have built up a reserve of trust in our public institutions that can serve us well.

Our citizens can always be passionate in expressing the ideas they care about. But they seem still to stay within the rules and good practices so that their passion does not spill over into hot-headed disrespect. Similarly, our city leadership does work hard to be open and transparent, to make clear what is factual data and what are opinions, vision or hype. We try to answer all challenges and criticisms as if they are well-motivated.

Closing out the campaign, I want to say thanks to all my fellow citizens of Somerville for giving me the opportunity to offer my time and effort in public service. You have been willing to listen to my messages and most important, to react with honesty and enthusiasm. Sometimes you are loud and other times very thoughtful. But always, you have made me think. You have sent me back to re-consider some the ideas and issues I thought I was already clear about. At other times, you have made me more confident that our approaches and solutions are correct. Together we keep learning and refining. I hope and expect that you all will stay engaged and continue to work to hold city leadership accountable.

Will Mbah celebrates and thanks his supporters on election night at the Winter Hill Brewing Company.