Lynn City Council Candidate Q & A: Natasha Megie-Maddrey (Ward 4)

In addition to four Councilors At-Large, Lynn voters will have the opportunity to elect a ward councilor this fall. Natasha Megie-Maddrey is running against long-term incumbent Richard Colucci in the Ward 4 Councilor race this year. Megie-Maddrey is an attorney who has been involved in a number of activities in the city including organizing around public education. 

Here she responded to a few questions regarding her candidacy for City Council.

Thanks for chatting with me, Natasha! You are running for Ward 4 City Councilor but this is not your first campaign for the position. Why did you make the decision to run for City Council again this year?

I decided to run for City Council in my Ward again because I believe that all residents of Ward 4 are not being represented. I have talked to several residents who have lived in the Ward for a long time and don’t know who their Councilor is. Walking around Ward 4 you see the differences in the different parts of the Ward. I believe that the entire Ward should be beautiful and not just part of it. We don’t have Ward meetings and we need more opportunities for neighbors to get to know each other better. 

Give us a sense of your campaign efforts thus far. How have you been getting your message out to Ward 4 voters and how do you plan to continue to connect with the ward going into the November general election?

Since pulling papers in March, I have been out every day engaging with voters. I have knocked on countless doors and have had a lot of conversations with people who have lots of concerns. People have concerns about the violence in the neighborhood, the drugs, the speeding, the trash, and the rising cost of taxes, to name a few.  I have also been fundraising in order to be able to reach more voters. Our team will continue to knock on doors every day as well as hold virtual phone banks, and hold sign visibilities. If you would like to volunteer we would love your help, please fill out this form. https://forms.gle/1JASnB2MSizUVYJcA  

Housing continues to be an issue in Lynn now in terms of people facing eviction or having trouble affording housing costs related to the pandemic in addition to previous questions about gentrification and displacement. What is your stance on the housing issue in Lynn? How would you propose addressing this issue?

The housing issue in Lynn is a crisis that needs to be addressed. I would advocate to implement the Housing plan that was developed. We need to make sure that those that currently live in Lynn are not being forced out. The pandemic showed us that we have a lot of inequalities in our city. There are so many people who are living in overcrowded apartments, the reason for this is because of the increasing cost of rent. We have gorgeous new developments being built, but these apartments do not have any affordable units, and most of our residents can’t afford to live in them.  All new development that comes into our city should have at least 20 percent be designated as affordable units. We also need to make sure that all of these new developments have CBA agreements (community benefits agreements) which basically means that all the money that the developers make, they need to give a percentage back to help the community. I also would like to see more programs for our young adults to be able to purchase homes. This is the best way for us to build generational wealth for our children. My daughter is currently 22 and looking for her own apartment but the apartments in Lynn are just too expensive. We need to make Lynn a place where we can all thrive and live a prosperous life. We can do better if we all work together. No one should have to live in fear of being priced out of a city they call home. 

When we worked together with Lynn Parents Organizing for a Better Education, we had a number of conversations about community schools. How do you think the city can work better with existing schools, nonprofits and other community organizations to better support and provide resources to residents?

I believe we should have community schools. The schools belong to us, and they should be available to the community at large. Schools should be a place where adults can take ESL classes, where you can learn a trade, and where we can also network. As far as all the non profits in Lynn, we have over 300 nonprofits in our city. The problem is most of them don’t talk to each other. I would love for Lynn to invest in Community Mapping. This would basically mean that we connect all the nonprofits together on a virtual map, where it would be easy for someone to find whatever services they need. Once we have a Lynn Community Map, I think we should also have a Ward Specific map that people could opt into. If you are plumber, or a carpenter you could be put on this list, and then when someone is looking for a plumber they could easily see on the Ward map where all the plumbers are and easily contact one of their neighbors. Our city has so many talented people, and we need to make it easier for us to connect a need with a qualified person. 

There’s been a lot more focus in the past year on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. What populations or areas of the city do you see as currently being underserved and in need of greater representation in terms of having their voices heard during decision making processes?

All of Lynn is currently being underserved. Our city is full of diversity, and when you look at our elected officials the diversity is clearly lacking. Take a look at Ward 4, in 2019 only 12 percent of those who were registered to vote actually voted. This is a huge problem in my opinion. I think part of the problem is the voting locations. In Ward 4 there is only one polling location, and this location is very inconvenient for someone who lives in the Highlands for example. We need to have more than one polling loation in every ward. In Ward 1 there are 3 polling locations and as a result, they have the highest voter turnout. We need to make it easier for people in Lynn to vote. We need to elect new people that have new ideas and would bring better representation to city hall. All of Ward 4 needs to come out and vote on both September 14th and November 2nd.  

Finally, what skills and experiences make you most suited for the City Council? Why should Lynn residents consider your candidacy for Ward 4 City Councilor this fall?

I was the first in my family to attend a 4 year college and obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. I then went on to obtain my JD from New England School of Law. I believe that my license to practice law makes me uniquely qualified to be a city Councilor. I am also easily accessible and if I am not able to solve your problem I will help direct you to someone that can. I care deeply for this city and all the people who live here. I want to see our city continue to thrive and prosper and be the best it can be. If you would like to learn more about me, please find more information at www.natashaforlynn.com, cell phone 617-755-3853 or my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TeamMegieMaddrey

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The Lynn municipal primary will be held on Tuesday, September 14th and the general election on Tuesday, November 2nd. 

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You may also be interested in: 

• Lynn Mayoral Candidate Q & A: Jared Nicholson 
• Councilor At-Large Q & A: Nicole McClain

Councilor At-Large Candidate Q & A: Nicole McClain

Along with the mayoral race, Lynn voters will also have the opportunity to elect members of the City Council and School Committee this fall. Currently, there are seven candidates running for four Councilor At-Large seats on the City Council.

Nicole McClain is one of the seven candidates on the ballot this fall. McClain is a Army National Guard veteran who previously deployed to Iraq and later earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. In addition to being a childcare provider, she serves on the Essex County Commission on the Status of Women, Lynn Human Rights Commission, and the Lynn Racial Justice Coalition. 

McClain responded to a few questions regarding her candidacy for Lynn City Council.

Thanks for chatting with me, Nicole! You are running for Councilor At-Large; why did you make the decision to run for City Council this year?

I am running this year because I see a need that is not being filled by our local government. Community leaders petitioned our local government during the year 2020 to address racial inequities and we were not met with opposition. They were willing to speak with us but that is all they wanted to do. A lack of knowledge about the issues of their constituents of color was apparent and I want to fill the need. I do not want to take away from those already receiving great representation. I want to make sure we all are being represented and considered by our local government.

While many have begun to engage in more activities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of the last year will still need to be addressed in an ongoing manner. If elected to City Council, what issues would you bring to the forefront in terms of the recovery process?

As Councilor At Large I would address the impact COVID has had on our small business owners. I have been looking into state grants and resources available to assist in financial recovery for small business, our seniors and our youth. 

On your website, housing is listed as one of your key issues. Displacement is one facet of this issue but also the eviction crisis and housing insecurity that may be the result of pandemic-related financial difficulties. What is your stance on the housing issue in Lynn? How would you propose addressing this issue?

It is obvious that we are in a housing crisis in our city. Lynn is composed of moderate and low income residents. Housing has become unaffordable for a lot of us. We need current developers and future developers to reinvest in our city. As Councilor At Large I would be the voice advocating for a  percentage of units in these developments to be affordable. I would be advocating for the housing Lynn plan to be implemented. The housing Lynn plan was developed over the year 2020. It is a first step to addressing the housing issues in our city. https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/housing-lynn/

On your campaign website, you also list youth development as another issue. What specific programming or initiatives do you have in mind?

I would implement visits with the local government for a day. Visits to GE. These programs would be for our High School students to give them exposure to positions that they can possibly hold upon graduating. This is an effort to retain our talented youth. Mentoring, financial literacy, resume writing and basic skills that help with transitioning into adulthood are initiatives I would focus on making available to our youth. 

How do you think investing in youth could help to curb violence in our community?

Investing in youth will give some of them a sense of purpose and expose them to another avenue to success. These programs will not completely stop all of our youth from turning to the streets but the hope is to expose as many young Lynn residents as we can to different avenues that will lead them to be productive citizens of society.

You talk about ensuring that the diverse needs of our community are considered during decision-making processes. What populations or areas of the city do you see as currently being underserved and in need of greater representation?

I grew up in areas of Lynn that were seldom or never visited by local government officials. Timson St. in Ward 3, Marian Gardens in Ward 6, Apple St. in Ward 4. These are places I lived. There are many areas of our city and many cultures that are in need of help. As Councilor At Large I am not trying to narrow it down to certain places and people. I am trying to listen and meet the needs of the community as much as I can. That is why a connection with local community organizations is so important. Our local community organizations are boots on the ground. They know our community well and local government needs to partner with them to make better informed decisions. 

Finally, what skills and experiences make you most suited for the City Council?

I have already proven my ability to work with local government and as a part of a team.Through working as a part of the Lynn Racial Justice Coalition Body Worn Cameras are used by our police department. A Diversity Equity and Inclusion officer has joined Lynn City Hall, and an Unarmed Crisis Response team is being formed to reduce the use of lethal force in our city. I am a community leader. I founded North Shore Juneteenth Association INc. an organization that started in 2017 and is still going strong. This org educates our community on the positive contributions of Black Americans in the U.S. and spreads the word about the Juneteenth holiday. I have been a part of change and I feel I can do even more as a member of the Council. 

 Why should Lynn residents consider your candidacy for the position this fall?

I want to bring local government and local organizations together to create a cutting edge municipality that includes all of Lynn's residents. 

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For more information on McClain: www.nicoleforlynn.com

Lynn Mayoral Candidate Q & A: Jared Nicholson

This fall, Lynners will head to the polls in order to elect city officials in the municipal election. A major election on this year's ballot is the mayoral race. Currently, three candidates are running for the position making the September primary more important than in a typical year given that only two candidates will move forward to the November general election.

School Committee member Jared Nicholson is one of three candidates running for Mayor this year. Nicholson received a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a law degree from Harvard University. Previously employed at Northeast Legal Aid and as an associate at Latham & Watkins, he now serves as a professor and the Director of the Community Business Clinic at Northeastern University. 

Nicholson responded to a few questions regarding his candidacy for Mayor and his vision for the city. 

Thanks for chatting with me, Jared! You’ve served on the Lynn School Committee since 2016; why did you make the decision to run for Mayor this year?

Thank you for this opportunity! As I reflected on the challenges of the last year, with the pandemic and all that’s happened – the work we’ve done on the School Committee dealing with the serious ramifications of the pandemic for education, the work my wife has done as a frontline healthcare worker at the hospital, the work I’ve done as a professor at Northeastern running a legal clinic helping small businesses stay afloat during COVID, I felt like I was ready to step up as Mayor and provide the kind of leadership we need in this important moment for the city.

We need to recover fully and fairly from the pandemic. We also need to take advantage of the opportunity that Lynn has for growth by putting our best foot forward. And we need to do it in a way that’s inclusive, that benefits the whole city.

I felt like I had the vision, experience, and energy that the next Mayor is going to need to be able to do that.

Obviously, the pandemic has been a major issue globally but specifically in the City of Lynn where over 17,000 residents have been diagnosed with the virus. If elected Mayor, what would be your first steps in terms of helping Lynn through the recovery process?

First, we need to continue to monitor and address the current public health situation. That means keeping track of what’s happening with any variants and continuing to advance the vaccination effort.

Second, we should reflect on lessons learned from the pandemic to improve our public health approaches for the future.

Third, we need to create opportunities to make up for lost learning and social-emotional development from students being out of school.

Finally, we need to continue to work with our small businesses to make sure that they can recover and return successfully.

 

Another big issue is housing. What would be your approach to balancing the need for new development with also ensuring that current low income residents are not negatively impacted by increasing rents or displacement?

One of the core themes of my campaign is that Lynn has an opportunity for growth, but in order for that growth to be meaningful, it needs to be inclusive. That means including low-income and working class Lynn residents and families. Housing is a huge part of that inclusion.

I have served on the Steering Committee of the Housing Lynn plan that’s currently pending before the Lynn City Council and Planning Board and I strongly support its adoption. We need to support smart growth that’s inclusive and sustainable, protect renters from bad conditions in the existing housing stock, and make space for Lynners in new housing stock.

 

Lynn is a diverse city but for some it may feel as though there is not a diversity in voices in the city’s decision-making processes. What are your thoughts on how Lynn can better address the ‘I’ in DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) in its governance but also more generally?

Lynn can better address “Inclusion” in its governance, but also more generally, first by addressing access, transparency, and representation. Communication, access, and transparency can’t just mean making information available. It has to mean getting the information into the hands of the people who need it.

First, in a multilingual community, language access needs to sit side-by-side with everything we do. That requires more investment in translation and interpretation.

Second, in a digital world, technology access and fluency have to be universal. We need systems that enable and encourage that, including an overhaul of the City’s presence online. The City’s website is our digital presence in the community just like City Hall is our physical presence. It needs to be more dynamic and accessible to reach its potential as a community resource.

Finally, the City now has a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, which I strongly support. I would work with that person, the City’s Personnel Director, and other stakeholders, to come up with a plan to help make sure City Hall reflects the diversity of the City. One important next step from the Housing Lynn plan is for the city to make a public commitment to show that diverse hiring is a priority, including using metrics and timelines.

 

Growing up in the Highlands during the 90’s was wonderful for me because of the community/neighborhood feel that included block parties and haunted houses and a centralized hub in the Ford School. Strengthening connections between and among city residents is one way to increase Lynners’ pride and investment in the city. How do you envision the Mayoral role in terms of helping to facilitate the community’s connection to the city and each other? 

The work towards addressing inclusion described above is a big part of that. Your mention of the centralized hub in the Ford School certainly shows how important a role the Lynn Public Schools can play in this work, for example, supporting community schools and students’ social-emotional development and needs outside the classroom, including more afterschool opportunities.

Another local resource that I think is sometimes overlooked in citywide conversations is the multiservice business. They provide needed services in areas such as immigration, tax, travel, translation, finance, and more. These businesses are an integral part of our community. They help organize flag days for their countries of origin at City Hall, sponsor community organizations, and anchor city storefronts.

Bringing multiservice businesses into the city’s conversations about community goals would significantly increase the City’s connection to different populations. It would also help answer questions people may have about when and how to use various resources for particular issues, like legal help or translation services.

 

Finally, what skills and experiences make you most suited for the role of Mayor? Why should Lynn residents consider your candidacy for the position this fall?

I'm running for Mayor because I believe I have the skills and experience to provide leadership for inclusive growth. To both create opportunities for growth and to make those opportunities inclusive.

I have deep experience on school issues from my work on the School Committee. I also have deep experience on city issues like housing and economic development through my work as a lawyer and a law professor.

I bring a fresh perspective based on that work as a professor and lawyer. I’ve worked with other cities on economic development. I’ve worked with businesses of all sizes from all over the world.

In addition to that fresh perspective, I also already have a record of delivering results right here in Lynn. For example, I've been proud to start a wrestling team in Lynn. I identified a valuable experience that was missing from the city and put together a team to make it happen and make a difference.

I also have a record of being there for people when they need it as someone who’s open, accessible, and dependable. I've done that time and time again in my role on the School Committee with parents, with teachers, with students. Particularly in working with families, my ability to speak Spanish has been helpful to be able to work directly with Spanish-speaking constituents.

In addition to the ability to deliver for people in the now, I’m also able to help us build towards a long-term vision of a better future. That vision is centered on inclusive growth.

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For more information on Nicholson: jarednicholson.org or on Twitter @JaredCNicholson