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
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