Kathy Podgers
2009 Candidate for Cambridge City Council
Home address:
148 Pearl St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
Contact information:
Tel: 617-642-3154
website: votekathy.blogspot.com
e-mail: kathypodgers@yahoo.com
Send contributions to:
I will not accept contributions to my campaign. I have serious
concerns about campaign finance, and believe that the media covers how
much the candidate raises rather than asking the hard questions that
reveal to the voters where the candidates stand on the issues. This can
contribute to low voter turnout as the voters can perceive that there is
no real choice as they do not see any real difference between the
choices offered to them.
BFA degree in Painting, graduate work and certification in education, curriculum design, vocational, adm, etc. Taught K-12 as area supervisor, 9-12 as department, post graduate school in China, (Economics Institute), business advisor to yearbook ( put this publication into the green for the first time ever), and more.
"Commercial Artist" and assistant to the editor of two national trade papers.
Experienced outdoorsman, climbed and hiked through snow fields and glaciers, camped on the desert, wilderness photography, and more
Volunteer work includes work with individuals and groups.
Travel includes Italy and China, as well as most of Eastern Canada and the USA.
Priorities:
I have created a Top Ten list that serves as my "PRIORITY" for
work In City Council, and I hope to expand on this both here and in the
upcoming debates.
Issues:
I believe the City of Cambridge, like other Cities, is facing several
serious challenges, and needs leadership that can and will bring critical
thinking skills to solving these challenges in a balanced and effective
way.
Specifically, I will support ...(please note this list is not ordered in any way)
- Bringing the City's ordinances into compliance with Federal Laws, especially the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), so local businesses have a local resource they can refer to, and so we all are included in the benefits of our City.
- A Municipal Tree Ordinance.
- Sidewalks constructed and maintained according to both Mass Safety Code and the ADA.
- A properly done curb ramp survey.
The city did a curb ramp survey and it was accepted and is posted on line. It violates the Mass Safety Code, and fails to comply with the ADA. I consider this to be a huge waste of time not to mention a fraud.- Affordable housing for all, specifically I support the USSC Olmstead decision, and will work to make this a reality for folks in Cambridge.
- Aging in Place.
- Quiet enjoyment. Both home owners and renters should have quiet enjoyment of their property.
- Fiscal responsibility. We pay property taxes, which is not a progressive, and we need to make sure that our tax money is spent properly, and we get good value.
- Social Justice
- Community Policing
- A proper balance of natural space with the built up environment. I find the term open space problematic.
Links:
http://fromtheport.blogspot.com/2006/11/peace-of-wild-things.html
http://fromtheport.blogspot.com/2006/04/proof-of-life.html
http://fromtheport.blogspot.com/2006/04/ducks-in-love.html- A task force to examine and make recommendations re parking issues in and around Cambridge.
- Our Veterans - I will work to establish a program and fund to train service dogs for returning vets.
Additional link:
http://fromtheport.blogspot.com/2007/02/bob-woodruff-reports-on-iraq-vets-with.html- The Arts.
- Small Business, and employment
- Snow Clearance
Specifically I oppose:
- Phase Two of the Urban Ring
Facing Climate Change and Global Warming
Communications:
I urge anyone to contact me with their concerns, and I welcome everyone's
concerns. Is
anyone listening?
Trust:
I believe that no one should be expected to trust the
"politicians" but I do believe the politician should trust the
voters. The candidates should trust the voters enough to tell them the
truth, and not worry if they won't be re-elected.
This candidate did not respond to the suggested topics for this year:
1) Background: [biographical, etc.]
2) Top Priorities: [List about three and elaborate below]
3) Quality of Life and Public Safety (rodents, noise abatement, etc.):
4) Traffic, Parking, and Transportation:
5) Municipal Finance (Budget, Assessments, Property Taxes, etc.):
6) Government and Elections (Plan E Charter, City Manager, staff for councillors, etc.):
7) Land Use, Planning, Zoning, Density:
8) Economic Development and Commerce:
9) Human Services Programs (including youth programs and senior programs):
10) Open Space, Parks, and Recreation:
11) Energy, the Environment, and Public Health:
12) Housing:
13) Arts and Public Celebrations:
14) University Relations:
15) Civic Participation:
16) Cambridge Public Schools: