The Fernald Property
One of the biggest issues facing our community is how to handle the almost 200 acres and more than 75 buildings that were formerly the Fernald Developmental Center. The Fernald property has incredible potential sitting unrealized, despite community needs that could be met through its reuse.
Click here for more on how Clarence would like to see the City handle Fernald.
A Healthier City for Everyone
As someone who struggled with childhood obesity, I know there is a lot that our City can do to help its residents get and stay healthy. First, we must ensure everyone in Waltham has access to healthy nutritious food, and safe open green space for exercise and recreation.
This was me as a teenager. I grew up in a community that did not promote health and wellness, and it showed. Childhood obesity costs Americans $120 billion per year. As your City Councilor I want to make sure everyone in our community has the information and tools they need to be healthy.
Communication
Communication is an integral part of any relationship, including the relationship between our City government and its residents. We live in the City of industry and innovation, but are behind the times when it comes to communication. The City’s website and systems for communicating with residents on everything from upcoming events to how to report dangerous conditions or request City services should reflect the technological advances Waltham is known for. Adopting 311 is a key part of modernizing Waltham and will make our community safer. Click here to learn more.
Waltham High School
Public education is incredibly important to me. It is the reason I have a great career as a lawyer when neither of my parents received even an undergraduate degree. That would not have happened without the support of a lot of people along the way, including some incredible public school teachers and family friends. I want every child in Waltham to receive a high quality public education that meets his or her needs, aptitudes, and interests, because I know how much it has meant in my life.
To sum up my position on this topic, I believe that the most important goal should be to begin construction of the new high school as soon as possible. If construction can begin in a reasonable time at the Stigmatines then I would support that option to avoid the costs and disruption associated with building at the current location. However, if the issues surrounding the Stigmatine site cannot be resolved to allow construction within the next year, I believe that the current site is our only option and we should begin to move forward with the current site and change our focus to how minimize the disruption of construction at that location.
Click here for more about my position on meeting the need for a new High School.
Supporting Waltham's Seniors & People with Disabilities
When I was fourteen, my father had a severe stroke that left him totally disabled until he died in 2015. My mom became his primary caregiver overnight. When someone in your family suddenly loses their mobility and ability to communicate, you realize quickly how important it is to live in a community that is accessible and provides essential services and support to seniors and people with disabilities. As a teenage boy, I didn’t think much about any of that until I had to. But after my dad’s stroke, if I had a soccer game or a school event or anything else a parent would usually come to, if it wasn’t accessible my dad could not be there. Even just a broken elevator could mean turning around and going home.
As Waltham continues to grow and change, I want to make sure our City’s government has families like mine in mind. As a City, the choices we make will often determine whether or not families with an elderly or disabled family member can fully participate in our community.
Click here for more on how we can support Waltham's seniors and people with disabilities.
Creating More Affordable Housing
The development of more affordable housing is a win-win for everyone in our community. By investing in affordable housing, Waltham can ensure that families are not displaced by rapidly rising rents and property values, while existing homeowners can continue to see growth of their investment in their property. The best way for Waltham to take control of its own future is also to produce enough affordable housing to comply with MGL 40B. If Waltham can make just ten percent of its housing stock affordable, then Waltham, not the state, can control its own development.
Click here for more on how we can create more affordable housing in Waltham.
Stay tuned...
Clarence will continue to share more and to respond as new issues emerge. If you have a question or concern about Waltham email Clarence at Clarence4Council.com.