Last week Jeff Santos spoke at the Candidate Forum at Broad Institute sponsored by “A Better Cambridge.” Jeff is such a positive and encouraging person because he gave kudos to the other candidates around him. After he acknowledged the hard efforts of those he is running against, he spoke to the people. He cares about the neighborhood because he believes each person deserves a fighter. It can be hard to keep fighting when those around you are not there to pick up the slack.
Jeff is fighting for affordable housing, public transportation and helping small businesses not move because of ridiculously high rent. He stresses that fact that we are a community. In order to reach progress, Cambridge needs an effective city government to work with the state government to then work with the federal government. Jeff has no qualms over putting pressure on state government in order to bring about results. Any voter can see that Santos has a true “for the people” mentality because he has worked with activists like Jesse Jackson and is endorsed by over a dozen labor unions.
However, will someone who is “for the people” try to rule over the people? There are many prominent and small scale cases throughout history of people who have taken advantage of their positions and exploited the citizens they were supposed to be serving. The neighborhood doesn’t have to worry about that with Jeff. He wants to start a citizens advisory council so jobs can be put in the hands of the people. A great leader does not only lead, he teaches and gives others the opportunity to lead. His goal is to build a better Cambridge that is sustainable even after he is gone.
Don’t worry because you don’t have to take my word for it. I have attached two clips of him speaking his main points at the Forum. In these short clips his personality shines through along with his community building views.
betsey says
I can’t possibly be the only one who saw the title of your post and thought you were talking about Matt Santos! Yes, I am still obsessed with The West Wing, lol. đŸ˜‰
Christopher says
I was right there with you!
jconway says
Don’t blame me, I voted for Vinick