First, thank you so much for all that you guys have done and for making this campaign what it is. From door knocking the hills in the heat, to bearing the cold wind holding signs. We have the best campaign team, and it's all because of you.
We're almost there. Less than 24 hours until the polls close tomorrow at 8pm. I'm so excited to start working, and will be honored to work for all of you.
I humbly ask for just a little bit more to put us over the top. If you, or anyone you know, has any time to give tomorrow, please come by the campaign headquarters at 696 Hancock Street between the hours of 6am - 8pm. Come by if:
1. You'd like to volunteer and join us
2. If you are generously donating your time to volunteer but have not received instructions yet
3. If you would like to just come by and check things out!
Those of you who have already offered to volunteer, and know when and where to go, thank you.
We will be watching the numbers come in tomorrow at 8pm at Fuji 1546. I'm looking forward to celebrating with you all because regardless of what the results are, we've won. We've shown that when we get together as a community, there's nothing we can't do.
I'm so excited, and honored, to have been part of this with you all.
See you all tomorrow! Remember to get out to vote! (www.wheredoivotema.com)
Respectfully yours,
Nina
Thank YOU for our Campaign's Success!
And, if you're available, please sign up for a shift to volunteer with us at the polls. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful sunny 70 degree day ... join us in greeting neighbors and thanking them for voting!
From Dennis Benzan in Cambridge:
Hi Friends,
It’s Election Day and the polls are open until 8PM! If you haven’t voted yet, you can find your polling location here.
As of 12pm, 17979 residents have turned out to vote. With low turnout like this, it’s more important than ever to remind your friends to vote - and encourage them to vote for Michelle!
There’s still time to help out today, too. If you have any time to spare, please call our field director MaryRose at 978-888-1970.
And don’t forget to join us after the polls close at 8pm for our Election Night watch party at Seven Star Street Bistro in Roslindale (153 Belgrade Ave., Roslindale, MA 02131). If you have any questions about the event, email Sharon at sharon@michelleforboston.com.
Thank you,
Henry Cohen
Campaign Manager
Michelle Wu for Boston City CouncilThank YOU for our Campaign's Success!
It may seem premature to hear that from a politician BEFORE the campaign is over, but I had to say it!
This has been an intense campaign. After slates began to emerge I committed myself not only to re-election, but also to helping my colleagues on the Council who always give fair consideration to my ideas. Your outpouring of support - emotional, financial, vote pledges, and more - has been inspiring. Your intelligence about the issues and enthusiasm for my candidacy has been a consistent source of energy, getting me through many a sleepless night.
This has been an intense campaign. After slates began to emerge I committed myself not only to re-election, but also to helping my colleagues on the Council who always give fair consideration to my ideas. Your outpouring of support - emotional, financial, vote pledges, and more - has been inspiring. Your intelligence about the issues and enthusiasm for my candidacy has been a consistent source of energy, getting me through many a sleepless night.
With your support, your help, your time volunteering, your contributions, and your #1 vote - I am confident that we'll win tomorrow, November 3rd; our challenge is to boldly send a message that our community endorses the principles and progress I fight for. Of course, our team still needs to execute on election day (tomorrow!) to make that subject line become real. So if you can, please chip in now to make sure we can fund our plans!
And, if you're available, please sign up for a shift to volunteer with us at the polls. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful sunny 70 degree day ... join us in greeting neighbors and thanking them for voting!
Campaign Recap
The veterans on our campaign can't help but share a knowing laugh at how stunned first time volunteers act when, after an hour or more of leaving messages, they get someone live! It really feels like we're all busier than ever, which is why we're so grateful when we have a chance to connect! Voters have been so positive to chat that we wish everyone would answer!
Nonetheless, it's probably getting to be a bit of campaign overload ;) ... my wife even commented that the stack of literature left at our door is beginning to rival the stack I'm handing out! And Team Leland hasn't really helped, as we've been doing everything we can think of to deliver our positive, forward looking message ...
We called voters at home, sometimes twice at once:
We added to inboxes (and I appreciate your good humor at my failed attempts at humor!):
We knocked on doors (this is my 'oh, please invite me in to rest my feet!' face):
We greeted commuters on their way to work (I must say - standing in the cold is so worth it whenever someone says "oh, I'm voting for Leland", and I say, "I am Leland", and they say "oh, I didn't recognize you ... you've lost weight!"):
OK this wasn't our best idea ... everyone was too fast and apparently runners want water not flyers:
We went on TV ... nothing funny about how many takes this took ...
My daughter suggested stalking all the top dessert places (I wonder why ...):
We advertised online and posted news to facebook and twitter:
We answered questionnaires and received community support:
We mailed an (admittedly verbose) flyer (btw, can you find the spelling error?):
And then my daughter happily traded those flyers for candy!
We partnered with colleagues on a coordinated campaign, promising Democracy without Gridlock:
Joking about how much I've been "putting myself out there", a super fan created DateLeland (disclaimer: I'm happily married and dates are not actually available!)
Now that the election is tomorrow, we just have one last question:
What time are you planning to vote tomorrow, Tues, Nov 3rd, so we can try to meet you there and say thanks!?
And to reiterate our prior request - please help support our election-day efforts tomorrow:
Nonetheless, it's probably getting to be a bit of campaign overload ;) ... my wife even commented that the stack of literature left at our door is beginning to rival the stack I'm handing out! And Team Leland hasn't really helped, as we've been doing everything we can think of to deliver our positive, forward looking message ...
We called voters at home, sometimes twice at once:
We added to inboxes (and I appreciate your good humor at my failed attempts at humor!):
We knocked on doors (this is my 'oh, please invite me in to rest my feet!' face):
We greeted commuters on their way to work (I must say - standing in the cold is so worth it whenever someone says "oh, I'm voting for Leland", and I say, "I am Leland", and they say "oh, I didn't recognize you ... you've lost weight!"):
OK this wasn't our best idea ... everyone was too fast and apparently runners want water not flyers:
We went on TV ... nothing funny about how many takes this took ...
My daughter suggested stalking all the top dessert places (I wonder why ...):
We advertised online and posted news to facebook and twitter:
We answered questionnaires and received community support:
We mailed an (admittedly verbose) flyer (btw, can you find the spelling error?):
And then my daughter happily traded those flyers for candy!
We partnered with colleagues on a coordinated campaign, promising Democracy without Gridlock:
Joking about how much I've been "putting myself out there", a super fan created DateLeland (disclaimer: I'm happily married and dates are not actually available!)
Now that the election is tomorrow, we just have one last question:
What time are you planning to vote tomorrow, Tues, Nov 3rd, so we can try to meet you there and say thanks!?
And to reiterate our prior request - please help support our election-day efforts tomorrow:
In the News ...
I really appreciate all the positive response to the op-ed I published last week about 'Trumpocracy' coming to Cambridge. Many of you asked - how do we articulate the good in our community and more positively frame the conversation? I kept thinking back to a post I made to BlueMassGroup about What We Believe two years ago when I was helping draft the party platform in Massachusetts. If you haven't already, take a read and let me know what you think!
There was also an interesting op-ed from Professor Barry Bluestone, local housing expert, on how to address our affordable housing crisis.
A letter to the editor on how proposals to increase the residential tax rate would hurt our seniors.
A letter from the Kendall Square Association on their commitment to Cambridge.
Coverage of the paid parental leave policy I introduced.
Finally, I recently wrote an article for FWD.us on the Local Impacts of National Immigration policy.
There was also an interesting op-ed from Professor Barry Bluestone, local housing expert, on how to address our affordable housing crisis.
A letter to the editor on how proposals to increase the residential tax rate would hurt our seniors.
A letter from the Kendall Square Association on their commitment to Cambridge.
Coverage of the paid parental leave policy I introduced.
Finally, I recently wrote an article for FWD.us on the Local Impacts of National Immigration policy.
Upcoming Events
Nov 3 Election Night Party! Wear your "I Voted!" sticker and join us at Workbar - 45 Prospect St, Central Sq - after the polls close to watch the results. We've got Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese to replenish us after a long day at the polls! Please RSVP here.
Endorsed by the Sierra Club, Greater Boston Labor Council, Metropolitan Building and Trades, and many more!
I am proud that my track record of innovative accomplishments on the Cambridge City council has resulted in so many endorsements for my re-election campaign. The tremendous support means a lot to me, and you know I'll never stop standing up for better environmental stewardship or standing up for Cambridge's working residents.
In case you missed it ... Major Council/Cambridge updates from the past few months:
Increasing affordable housing
It's an understatement to say that Cambridge has an overheated housing market. The City Council has remained deeply committed to building affordable housing and has taken important steps to help residents. The Council increased linkage fees, which require large commercial developers to contribute to the City's Affordable Housing Trust.
The Council increased linkage fees from $4.58/sqft to $12.00/sqft, with an additional increase of $1.00 plus inflation over the next three years, more than tripling it from now. With the wait lists for affordable units full, it is important that the City continue to expand affordable housing options. We're on track to increase linkage fees to be among the highest in the Commonwealth, and I plan on continuing to push for high percentages of affordable units in new housing projects. We need empty units, not empty promises.
This all started two years ago I requested an update to the nexus study - an expert report prepared by economists that gives the City the legal footing for the fee increase. Getting to this point has been a long process and figuring out the right number is like a complex calculus problem - we want to maximize not just the fee itself, but the amount the City receives in total dollars to commit to affordable housing. Only time will tell whether we hit the mark, but I'm delighted the Council is finally moving on this important policy.
It's an understatement to say that Cambridge has an overheated housing market. The City Council has remained deeply committed to building affordable housing and has taken important steps to help residents. The Council increased linkage fees, which require large commercial developers to contribute to the City's Affordable Housing Trust.
The Council increased linkage fees from $4.58/sqft to $12.00/sqft, with an additional increase of $1.00 plus inflation over the next three years, more than tripling it from now. With the wait lists for affordable units full, it is important that the City continue to expand affordable housing options. We're on track to increase linkage fees to be among the highest in the Commonwealth, and I plan on continuing to push for high percentages of affordable units in new housing projects. We need empty units, not empty promises.
This all started two years ago I requested an update to the nexus study - an expert report prepared by economists that gives the City the legal footing for the fee increase. Getting to this point has been a long process and figuring out the right number is like a complex calculus problem - we want to maximize not just the fee itself, but the amount the City receives in total dollars to commit to affordable housing. Only time will tell whether we hit the mark, but I'm delighted the Council is finally moving on this important policy.
Getting Cambridge to "Net Zero"
Prior to serving on the Cambridge City Council, I worked at ARPA-E in the Department of Energy, where I focused on funding and developing advanced green energy technologies. My work at ARPA-E gave me a deep appreciation for the nuance of this work, and I'm so excited for Cambridge's becoming "Net Zero". Here's just some of what was adopted out of my Energy & Environment Committee:
- Retrofitting for energy efficiency in existing buildings
- Net zero new construction
- A greener energy supply strategy
- Creating a local carbon fund
- Building community engagement in the goals and process of "Net Zero"
Open Data!
Ever since I first joined the City Council I've leveraged my background in technology and the private sector to bring thoughtful innovation to Cambridge. From including language translation on the city website, to requiring set aside space for start-ups and incubators, to re-organizing our IT process, to introducing data analytics, mobile apps, and online bill pay, I've been moving Cambridge forward in to the 21st century.
In September, we officially adopted an Open Data Ordinance which codifies a pilot program I've had running for the past year. The Open Data Ordinance will make public data more easily accessible and transparent, and form the foundation for entrepreneurs to help Cambridge invent new ways to provide better service to its residents. Cambridge joins a mere handful of cities committed to Open Data.
You can learn more on the City's Open Data Portal here.
You can read the entirety of the new Open Data Ordinance here.Next up - integrating the Internet of Things into the city infrastructure. Building upon this landmark legislation, I'm working with the City's Administration on the next step. Imagine knowing how many minutes you have until the street cleaner gets to you, receiving a text message if your toilet gets stuck on flush while you're away, never again living through a water main burst, having your GPS updated to the minute with which streets were cleared of snow, and more. The Smart City of tomorrow will be built using sensors to make your life more convenient.
In September, we officially adopted an Open Data Ordinance which codifies a pilot program I've had running for the past year. The Open Data Ordinance will make public data more easily accessible and transparent, and form the foundation for entrepreneurs to help Cambridge invent new ways to provide better service to its residents. Cambridge joins a mere handful of cities committed to Open Data.
You can learn more on the City's Open Data Portal here.
You can read the entirety of the new Open Data Ordinance here.Next up - integrating the Internet of Things into the city infrastructure. Building upon this landmark legislation, I'm working with the City's Administration on the next step. Imagine knowing how many minutes you have until the street cleaner gets to you, receiving a text message if your toilet gets stuck on flush while you're away, never again living through a water main burst, having your GPS updated to the minute with which streets were cleared of snow, and more. The Smart City of tomorrow will be built using sensors to make your life more convenient.
New Concussion Regulations now in Effect
The Big 12 has limited their football players to only 2 days of full contact training per week. From the college level up, there is always dedicated medical staff waiting on the sidelines. Even with these protections in place, research has shown that concussions are dangerously misunderstood and underreported. With our limited understanding of such complex and dangerous injuries, I thought it was important to ask: Why are the limitations and support for youth players so much less? The answer is, they shouldn't be. So, in November of 2012 I asked the Health Department to issue concussion guidelines to all coaches and groups that use city fields.
In August, I chaired a meeting of the Health and Environment Committee to discuss the concussion regulations we received and went into effect on September 1st. The new regulations, which can be read here, govern youth sports leagues that use City fields and facilities and make it safer for our kids to enjoy sports.
In August, I chaired a meeting of the Health and Environment Committee to discuss the concussion regulations we received and went into effect on September 1st. The new regulations, which can be read here, govern youth sports leagues that use City fields and facilities and make it safer for our kids to enjoy sports.
Cambridge Adopts Parental Leave Policy
As the parent of a two-year old, I'm learning firsthand the unexpected challenges of parenthood. I was proud to introduce a new gender and identity neutral parental leave policy. This new policy will see Cambridge continue to lead the way as a great employer for ALL parents, regardless of gender, orientation, or identity. It will also help Cambridge continue to serve as an example for public and private employers across the Commonwealth and the nation.
Off-Leash Dogs in the City
Two years ago, I asked the City Manager to form an off-leash working group to develop recommendations for providing better opportunities for dog owners in Cambridge. A recent statistic shows that almost 1 in 10 households in Cambridge have a dog! We're now implementing the Off-Leash Working Group recommendations, which will see new shared use hours at multiple locations, improved signage, evening hours and more dedicated spaces, especially in areas that need it. My dog was so excited he insisted I create a dedicated flyer and oversaw my work:
Thanks!
As always, please contact me directly if you have any questions or thoughts at leland@lelandcheung.com or on my cell at (617) 444-9080.
And please remember to vote Leland Cheung #1 tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3rd!
Leland
To stop receiving emails: http://www.lelandcheung.com/unsubscribe And please remember to vote Leland Cheung #1 tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3rd!
Leland
From Dennis Benzan in Cambridge:
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