On October 5, nine city council candidates and two mayoral candidates appeared before an audience of 75 climate change preparedness advocates and answered tough questions about how Somerville will prepare for, and in any way possible lessen or prevent, the many impacts we will face in the near future.

A number of questions for and responses by candidates for Councilor At-Large are presented here to help you decide who should get your vote:

Question 1 asked by Julia Taliesin – Five years ago, the City declared that it would become carbon neutral by 2050. What is your plan and what are your intended actions to assure that Somerville actually fulfills that promise?

Will Mbah, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
I came to Somerville in 2010 on a Diversity Lottery Visa and instantly fell in love with the community. Back in my home country of Cameroon, I had been very involved in student activism and I was looking for ways I could get involved with the community here. One of the first projects I got involved with in Somerville was volunteering on an environmental justice project that looked at the negative health effects of living close to I 93. That study has given us data on the negative effects of living close to a major highway and shows how environmental issues also tend to impact lower-income, working class and typically people of color majority communities more than others. We need to make sure that when we are discussing the environment and climate change, that climate justice and environmental justice are at the forefront of our minds. As city councilor I have voted to preserve and expand our tree canopy and regulate plastic straw use in the city. But there is much more we could be doing- a lot of the answer involves zoning, the mayor’s budget and incentives.

Stephanie Hirsch, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
The Climate Forward plan, which lays out steps to help the city achieve climate neutrality, identifies buildings and transportation as the two carbon sources within the municipal boundary. For buildings, approaches include changing expectations for new construction, such as shifting toward passive house standards, and eliminating investment in natural gas infrastructure for new neighborhoods. Retrofitting buildings that make up a majority of our properties is another problem. The plan suggests creating a rental registry to help monitor baseline energy use and progress on a shift. Changing incentives within the construction and renovation industry will help as well, though I’m not yet sure on the state and federal political process that enables that to happen. The MassSaves program does not add much value in terms of the assessments, and incentives offered do not match the current research on what will help most. For transportation, I believe we should add no new cars in developments, make transit free, and create incentives to enable people most interested in eliminating their private car ownership to become car-free. Both areas of focus can be supported by adding high-density, mixed-income housing, near shared open space and indoor space that adds no new cars.

Kristen Strezo, At-large candidate:
For those who don’t know me, I’m a mom of two kids, and I care for my 92-year-old grandmother, and I care for a broad spectrum of family issues. So when it comes to your question, I think the first — first, I love that you brought the attention to air quality, because that’s an issue that’s really important to me, including sound barriers, I’ve been doing a lot of work for that, really talking about our air quality, because that’s an issue for all of us, we’re in this together. And I have been working with air quality and working with residents along the I-93 and how that affects living in that space, and what kind of air filters we can use for best quality of life and air quality and I’m glad that was brought to the attention. I think when it comes to the future of our city and where we go with this, I think it is instrumental that we start putting in solar and renewable energy trade school programs in the high school, and funding that immediately to the next generation, I think that’s essential. Divesting of course from fossil fuels, and any form of fracking, not negotiable, and I’m going to work hard for that, continue to, this is for all of us, remember that. I’m honored to serve you, thank you so much.

Jack Connolly, At-large candidate:
I’m a Somerville native, and a former elected official, and someone who has actually been very active with transportation-related issues, getting people out of vehicles. Back in the 70s we realized the Red Line could offer a huge impact. Not only has it done so economically, but it has certainly helped the community and has been a huge economic incentive. Incentive is the name of the game. For over 30 years I’ve had a solar hot water system at my house, and I can tell you as a father of three girls growing up taking a couple showers a day, I’ve saved an awful lot of gas as a result of using that solar hot water system. Why aren’t we incentivizing people with perhaps a reduction in the property tax for using some of these alternative means of energy? Why aren’t we going to the Commonwealth of MA and saying, why don’t we give people a reduction in their vehicle registration if they use a hybrid or an electric vehicle? These are the things that a city not only can do, but should be doing. We have the impetus here with people here who are running for office, all of like mind. I think the Mayor of a community like Somerville can certainly help lead the way. We are not moving fast enough as a community to take hold of what we have, one of the most progressive places in the country. Sen. Ed Markey has led the nation on climate change events, let’s continue to do so, we can do that as a community, I’m happy to do that if elected, thank you.

Bill White, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
My plan is to work to implement the City’s Climate Action Plan. There are 13 action items and 22 key priority items. One cannot really answer this question in 200 words, so I can only highlight some actions. In our new zoning, adopt requirements that create green, energy efficient buildings. This would include promoting zero energy buildings, passive solar housing, use of solar panels, and creation of usable green and open space. Similarly, provide incentives to landlords of existing buildings to retrofit to become more energy efficient. Increase dedicated bicycle lanes, increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations, and examine the reduction of parking requirements for new construction in transit oriented developments so that new residents will not rely on automobile transportation. Improve our storm water system and require the use of pervious material and remove impervious materials. Expand our tree canopy, protect our current tree canopy and promote resilient and native plantings. We should be aggressive in dealing with natural gas distribution utilities to address gas leaks and to improve their infrastructure and pay for trees killed by natural gas leaks. The City should also lead by example.

JoAnn Rivieccio, At-large candidate (answer submitted in writing):
that will be 30 years from now, I will probably not be here. I will do my best to make Somerville a Better place to live for my family and yours. First more use of solar energy, passive solar and wind power should be used. for motor vehicle use solely electric and hybrid use I drive a hybrid I fill my car every 3 weeks and most of the time through the city I am driving on electric.

Mary Jo Rossetti, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
Our City’s well thought out Climate Action Plan continues to receive my FULL SUPPORT. Just last evening I was happy to sign onto a Council Resolution written as follows: That the Director of Sustainability & Environment and others in the Administration work with this Council to convene a task force to provide recommendations to eliminate the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in new buildings.

Question 2 asked by Steven Nutter – Our City is a farm, a forest, and a wetland; we just happen to have put a lot of buildings and roads on top of it — to the point where Somerville is the densest city in New England. Yet the natural environment still offers so much to our city – from parks that restore our native ecosystems and reduce toxicity in the water and the air, to living open spaces that help restore our residents’ well-being, to green infrastructure that protects us from flooding, to surfaces and tree canopies that shield us from the effects of longer summer heat waves. If broad swaths of residents care about the land inside our borders, celebrate our local environment, and participate in the growing cycle, we can make change together that is more equitable, more resilient, and more livable. How do you feel we can re-engage residents to participate in our local, natural environment?

Will Mbah, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
Great question! I was really pleased to vote yes on the tree preservation ordinance in my first term and preserving the local, natural environment is of the utmost importance to me. I think programs like Groundwork Somerville (also our many community gardens) help community members engage with and understand their local, natural environment and can serve as a model.

Stephanie Hirsch, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
If we were to take only data-informed approaches to what steps have the biggest impact on the carbon footprint, we might direct spending to retrofit homes somewhere else where there’s a bigger impact per dollar spent. Also, some priorities don’t have a big impact on the carbon footprint, but do impact other aspects of our world, including climate resiliency, air quality, waste reduction, and preservation or re-creation of habitats (eg. pollinator gardens, forest habitats.) We probably need to find a balance between taking steps that have the biggest impact and taking steps that are ones we can see and experience. An example of an issue like that is waste reduction in our schools. In prior years, school cafeterias allowed for no recycling (despite the law requiring it), and cafeterias threw out an enormous amount of food waste. With advocacy, this year schools have composing and recycling in each school. And we are working to set up systems by which children can save whole foods they haven’t eaten. Among students I know, this shift has been very exciting and has led to their interest in other aspects of climate change and habitat preservation.

JoAnn Rivieccio, At-large candidate (answer submitted in writing):
first I feel being so densely populated we should stop the insanity. Somerville should have and should still use all of our unused building to housing 100% affordable housing,. We need to add more trees.

Jack Connolly, At-large candidate (answer submitted in writing):
1. We should educate all residents on what non-engagement is doing. 2. We should implement education, programs, and/or curriculum in Somerville school systems about climate control, conservation measures for individuals and households, saving heat light and power through insulation, and learning more about the free program Mass Save.

Mary Jo Rossetti, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
Every ResiStat meeting should always include this dialogue. As an At-Large Councilor, I always attempt to attend each and every Ward meeting, most of which are very well attended. Bringing this important conversation at the beginning of each Ward meeting would reap benefits to all.

Bill White, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
The City holds a clean up once a year. We have major successes in promoting events such as Art Beat and the Fluff Festival. We should hold at least one major festival in the City with a local, natural environment theme. It could be fun and educational at the same time. Together with the Garden Club, we could promote competition among our residents to plant instead of pave and have a garden contest with tours of the various gardens. We would emphasize native plantings in these gardens. We could mobilize folks to participate as tree wardens, looking to care for city planted trees. I also think that it is important to incorporate children into the need to preserve our local, natural environment. This could be accomplished by field trips to places like the Mystic/River and Draw 7 Park. Also, all of our schools could have gardens to use as a learning experience for students.

Question 3 asked by Tina Lu – As a Somerville resident who bikes daily with my son to school and work, I enjoy my daily time to bond with my child, reduce my carbon footprint by not driving a car, and engage in aerobic activity. However, with each commute, I am reminded of the following issues: 1. With increased aerobic activity, we are breathing in more air and breathing it more deeply into our lungs. Our bike route is along busy streets (without bike lanes), where we are breathing in a constant stream of car exhaust. 2. While my son is a great biker, I am constantly worried for his safety during our commutes. We need more designated bike lanes to incentivize those who might be scared of biking in the city to be willing to try it out. 3. With more and more people moving into Somerville, we need to incentivize community members to use greener methods of commuting. We need to get more cars off the road and motivate people to use public transportation, bike or walk. What are your strategies for how you aim to make an impact in this area?

Stephanie Hirsch, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
Making streets safer has been one of my top issues since getting elected. As a household, we have not had a car since 2011, and certain factors have made that easier (access to transit, doing everything locally, mobile technology, and services like Zipcar.) See here for a related article: https://somerville.wickedlocal.com/news/ 20190423/hirsch-thoughts-on-car-free-living-in-somerville I believe that we should focus on helping any household that wants to give up a car – and that is probably a majority of households – achieve that goal. Additional steps include: making transit free, adding bus rapid transit and bicycle infrastructure, creating incentives, challenging neighborhoods to (if there is consensus on the block) convert some street area to other uses such as open space, and taking many steps to achieve zero traffic fatalities (see here: http://www.stephanieforsomerville.com/positions) That said, in too many cases, lined up along with differences in background. I think we need to listen to all voices and have thoughtful community processes and careful implementation plans. While sustainable mobility tops my list, also at the top of my list is preserving an integrated and inclusive community. It will take care and empathy to continue to work on both goals.

Kristen Strezo, At-large candidate:
When I hear this question, I see this very much as an equity issue and bringing everyone to the table. I also echo that that we don’t want to make this a cars versus bikes issue. Caring for my 92 year old grandmother, I can’t put her on a bike. I have to drive her to the cardiologist. Biking is not an option. The most important thing is communication and being on the same page. We got the bike lanes recently put in on Broadway and I’m really for them. But if we don’t have proper communication, my concern is that we’re going to have some injuries because if we have drivers confused on how to use them, I don’t want a cyclist in any way being part of that confusion. You can all help by getting the information and communication out there on the bus lines and how to properly use them. This is a community effort. I want more safe bike lanes. I want more safe methods of transportation. But we have to do this with communication, together as a team. And that’s one of my goals, as I see this.

JoAnn Rivieccio, At-large candidate (answer submitted in writing):
We need to have the automobile industry introduce only hybrid and electric vehicles, Many will ride bikes and take the MBTA but there will still be cars. I have observed many park their cars for days causing parking issues and probably ride a bike or take T. possibly walk all great alternatives.

Jack Connolly, At-large candidate (answer submitted in writing):
My strategies are to improve public transportation by working with others to make it more reliable and on time. We need to prepare for when the Green-line opens because it will be a 10 minute walk from a bus or a streetcar now possible to 80% of the City.

Mary Jo Rossetti, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
At our next Council Meeting, I plan to submit an Order requesting the Administration consider erecting banners along the roadways (as college campuses do), highlighting actual pictures of families, young & old, walking or bicycling. As for encouraging public transportation, we have a lot of work to do in collaboration with our state leaders.

Will Mbah, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
I think we need to build more protected bike lanes in the city, more storage and parking for bikes, and we need to make the roads safer for pedestrians and bikers alike. We need to take some of these issues to the statehouse- we need transit that works for working people and it should be FREE, we shouldn’t be raising the price of public transit at a time when we need people to use it more than ever. It is an issue of climate change, but also an issue of environmental justice and equity.

Bill White, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
Once the Green Line Extension is opened together with the Community Path, there will be less reliance on automobile use. I suspect that many of our new residents will be attracted by the new Green Line Extension transit stops and Community Path in the City. Our zoning will promote transit oriented development to utilize these transit stops and will drastically reduce on site parking requirements and restrict parking permits for new developments. As such, it is reasonable to believe that many of our future residents will not own motor vehicles. We may also have to restrict parking by zones in the City so that folks will walk to the T stops instead of driving and parking near them. Because of the important role that the Community Path will play, we have to design the feeder bicycle lanes and walkways to tie into the Community Path in a safe manner. For the other parts of the City, we need additional designated bike lanes. New developments must also be designed to be bicycle and pedestrian friendly, especially for those with mobility issues.

Question 4 asked by Meredith Elbaum – The City is committed to being Carbon Neutral by 2050 and as you know, buildings account for 66% of GHG emissions in Somerville. Any building we build in Somerville today that is not zero energy we would need to spend more money to retrofit in the future to hit our 2050 goals. This is akin to scoring on our own net on the soccer field. A new report released by the US Green Building Council MA, finds that Zero Energy Buildings are feasible today for low and no added upfront costs. They are in fact great investments. The report debunks the myth that Zero Energy buildings need to cost more money. What’s your plan for all new construction to be Zero Energy?

Stephanie Hirsch, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):

Thanks to the work of advocates, the zoning overhaul includes incentives for buildings to meet new standards, however, it does not go so far as to require buildings to meet these standards. That is something we a as a Council and community should consider. My only concern is how that requirement may impact incentives to create affordable housing. Whether or not we can do both is worth researching. As I mentioned in the forum, I believe all new development must add value to our community, and currently, in my opinion, the in-fill development of five or fewer units too often takes away value from our community by reducing the percent affordable units, and impacting traffic and flooding. I will be advocating that all of this infill development meet zero energy standards and add no new parking cars to the community. Perhaps innovation in this sub-sector will provide more examples of what can happen in other development.

Kristen Strezo, At-large candidate:
I don’t really have much more to add. I’m all for it. I’m really grateful for your activism in bringing that point forward, I’m on board, I am grateful to work alongside all that want to put that forward. Let’s go now, it’s awesome!

JoAnn Rivieccio, At-large candidate (answer submitted in writing):
Solar energy, passive solar and wind turbine energy . I super insulated my house 20 yrs ago. Higher R factor in the roof and walls. more efficient windows with quilted shades on runners helps energy waste and cost. adding solar panels for heating water for heat, hot water and adding piping under flooring helps as well. By doing these improvements they say you will be able to warm your house with a light bulb. Maybe all these options can help …

Jack Connolly, At-large candidate (answer submitted in writing):
One of my plans for all new construction to be Zero Energy is to propose awarding tax credits towards maximum zero energy efforts and the use of solar or alternative energy resources. Mary Jo Rossetti, At-large candidate for reelection – (answer submitted in writing) My experiences advocating in this direction during discussions of the SHS renovation project, disappointingly brought to light the challenges we have in getting developers and others to understand its vital importance for all our futures. As we continue to discuss our Zoning Overhaul, I continue to advocate for Passive housing as one example. A Passive house is “a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building’s ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling.”

Will Mbah, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
We need to be more upfront with this information with developers and have it guide our choices on big development projects. We can also think about how to incorporate this into our zoning regulations, to make a true commitment to it.

Bill White, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
Under Massachusetts law, we cannot impose requirements on new construction that go beyond the State building code. I would lobby and urge the State to adopt a zero energy code. The referenced Green Building Council report stated that buildings can be Zero Energy for upfront costs of 0 – 7%, and with zero energy, all types break even in eight years or less when there are no additional upfront costs. Therefore, we can create incentives for new construction to off-set the up front costs so that developers who want to realize financial benefits (say added height) have to be zero energy. Likewise, where developers are seeking special permits or require other types of special approvals, those approvals can be conditioned upon requirements to make their buildings carbon neutral. If the City sells City property to developers, we can condition the sale upon requirements of being zero energy. With regard to the construction of our own buildings, zero energy is within our control and should be utilized.

Question 5 asked by Julia Taliesin for Julie Wood – Although no one really thinks of Somerville as a “waterfront” community we have an impressive amount of river front shoreline, and some recent developments have made the river more accessible and celebrated in the community. That being said, the City has not always made river protection and water quality a priority, whether it’s working to reduce combined sewer overflows or improve stormwater treatment. Investments in green infrastructure, riverbank restoration, and expanding tree canopy would help not only clean the Mystic and Charles Rivers but protect our community from climate-related weather extremes. Would you support making these investments? What additional ideas do you have to ensure the City is doing what it can to protect the river and prepare to potential future flooding?

Stephanie Hirsch, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
I have supported the City’s efforts to separate sewer/stormwater systems and to improve water/sewer infrastructure, including by voting yes to support rate increases, despite very significant frustration from voters on the additional utility cost. I support the steps mentioned in the Climate Forward plan, including a combination of: 1. Investment in major city water/sewer projects to separate water and storm water and add/maintain capacity; and 2. Increase requirements for on-site water management plans for properties. In terms of cleaning the Mystic and Charles Rivers, reducing sewage discharges will help. Storm water runoff from other sources, such as parking lots, also contribute to poor water quality in lakes and rivers. Identifying those causes and planning for remediation is necessary. I hope to learn more on this topic. While not directly related to water quality, public access is also a priority. That can be achieved through projects like the expansion of bike/pedestrian paths along the Mystic, active use and renovation of the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, the connection of Assembly to Everett via a pedestrian bridge at Draw 7, public education efforts, and the addition of noise and air barriers along Highway 93.

Kristen Strezo, At-large candidate:
I live along the Mystic and it’s awesome. I also see the riverfront protecting the tree canopy. It’s important to expand on the work Mothers Out Front has been doing to take gas companies to task for gas leaks that are killing the trees. I believe Denise Provost put forward a bill this week. We need to expand on her work to allow us to make gas companies responsible for the gas leaks that are killing the trees and affecting the tree canopy. We need to protect the tree canopy; it’s a trickle down. I’m committed to doing that and I want to make sure that we’re all working together to make that work possible.

Jack Connolly, At-large candidate:
As many of the panelists have mentioned, it’s not the people in this room; everybody here is well aware of the problem. How do we let everybody else know? Isn’t it time for some sort of educational curriculum, especially starting in the school systems where young people can be made aware of the terrible environmental impacts, such as the sewer overflows going into the Mystic. Sure, Deer Island has led to an incredible increase in the quality of water in the Greater Boston area. But there are still days when the bacteria count is way up. It’s still going to cost additional money, so we have to give people an incentive and maybe we have to give some type of property tax relief to those people who do take the time and energy to make additional improvements to their sewage systems in a private development. As a community, we have to do more ourselves. I think the impetus is here, in Somerville.

JoAnn Rivieccio, At-large candidate (answer submitted in writing):
For the past 10 yrs many have complained about water in their cellars. It seems the work done on my street created water to build in front of my house. I am totally concerned each time it rains now, The sewerage system has become a nightmare. I have asked with all the building of new construction is there going to be concerns with sewerage and electricity as well?? Not only water in cellars the streets are flooding and the water isn’t receding fast enough. I would like to know why and what we can do to rectify the situation. Water damage and mold will form if not taken care of. by the way they have been cleaning the Charles for years and have been very successful doing so. The Museum of Science has an exhibit explaining the cleanup project. Would I invest in improvement absolutely.

Mary Jo Rossetti, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
I wholeheartedly support this endeavor. I have gone on Record voting in support of our recent tree ordinance. I have also successfully advocated for use of storm water drainage in the reconstruction of our High School, which sits high atop a hill in our community.

Will Mbah, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):
Somerville will face increased flooding along the Mystic River as a result of climate change. It is also true that our decaying infrastructure desperately needs to be replaced. In order to better prepare for flooding issues, I suggest we 1. Increase Permeable Surfaces – Only 6% of Somerville’s land is currently permeable open space. Add more tree canopy and green infrastructure (i.e. permeable paving, bioswales, rain gardens, parks, community gardens) in areas that currently are mostly impermeable surfaces, which hold water and overwhelm stormwater systems. 2. Require waterfront properties to retrofit – this typically includes elevating mechanicals above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) (i.e. no basement mechanical systems), elevating buildings, using wet and dry floodproofing.

Bill White, At-large candidate for reelection (answer submitted in writing):

Because of the control of the Mystic Riverbank by the State’s Department of Conservation and Recreation, the City cannot take direct action on improvements on that bank or adjacent green area. DCR, however, has begun the planning process for the restoration of the bank of the Mystic River in the Ten Hills section of Somerville and the total renovation of the Draw 7 Park at Assembly Square. It is incumbent upon us to lobby that such plans take into account climate-related weather extremes. The City’s climate action plan examined the threat of flooding in the Mystic River watershed and concluded that the protection of the Mystic River from flooding requires regional cooperation. Currently, the Amelia Earhart Dam regulates the Mystic River water level and it is controlled by the state. A tidal surge from Boston Harbor could overwhelm the Dam and bypass it, flooding both Somerville and Everett. As a result of State control over the Mystic Riverbank and the Dam, regional cooperation between the state and local communities is required to insure resilience. It is within our control to separate our sewer system so that overflows do not run into the Mystic River, which we should do.