Cambridge Election 2024 Ward 3 candidate Gary Gordy
Editor’s Note: On Oct. 19, 2024, voters in the City of Cambridge will select from a field of candidates for City Council and Mayor.
CAMBRIDGE - In August, the Banner reached out to each candidate with questions and will be posting their answers in full on Bay-to-Bay News each day during the week of Sept. 23 – 27, and in upcoming Dorchester Banner print editions.
If print edition space is limited, a link to each full response on Bay-to-Bay News will be provided.
City Council Candidates – Ward 3: Gary Gordy
What inspired me to run for City Council in 2024?
I came to recognize that my passion for Ward 3 and its potential eclipsed the challenges I faced.
When I first sought a seat on the city council, my aim was to improve my city. By foster greater Community engagement. I reflected on numerous heartfelt conversations with my neighbors, all of whom shared a deep affection for our community that transcended our differences. Despite the obstacles, I felt a resolute urge to step up once more, not merely for my own sake, but for those who placed their faith in me. I initiated outreach to community members, convening small gatherings to explore their vision for our neighborhood. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, with people articulating their aspirations for a vibrant community center, safer streets, and enhanced local events that would bring us closer together. I also underscored the importance of addressing the racial remarks I had encountered. It was imperative to cultivate an atmosphere of respect and inclusivity. I reached out to the communities that are dedicated to diversity and inclusion, eagerly seeking opportunities to collaborate and devise initiatives that would foster understanding and unity within our community. As I deliberated on the decision to run for office once more, I discerned that my vision for Ward 3 extended beyond mere policies or positions; it was centered on the people. It was about creating a space where every voice held significance, and where we could collectively work towards a shared future. With renewed resolve, I made the decision to take the plunge, fully prepared to champion a city that authentically reflected the dreams and aspirations of its residents. This endeavor to secure a seat on the city council is not just about me; it is about all of us uniting to construct a better City.
Qualifications and background beneficial to serving on City Council
Leadership Skills
Policy Knowledge
Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy
Conflict Resolution Skills
Problem-Solving Abilities
Networking and Collaboration
Communication Skills
Understanding of Local Issues
Being a lifetime resident of the third ward
A people person
Pinpoint a few area(s) of personal and professional growth which would be a special strength on City Council
In my 49 years of life, I have lived in the third ward, which has given me comprehensive knowledge and insight into the complexities of my community. I strongly believe that genuine personal and professional growth comes from understanding the ward. One aims to represent on a deep level. This involves knowing every street, every pathway, and being aware of every crime - big or small - that has occurred. However, the most crucial aspect is Understanding the people living within these wards - their desires, needs, and aspirations. By being deeply connected to these communities, I can understand what the people are asking for and address their concerns effectively.
We absolutely do not need a juvenile curfew. There has never been a curfew in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s. Juveniles lack structure and there are no activities for them. Despite promises from candidates, nothing has been done for the youth. It's not just elementary school kids, but 12-year-old middle school kids who are starting the crime. The city council should collaborate with the school system to implement a program that teaches youth structure and how to be better individuals. We need improved community policing and better police training for interacting with juveniles and adults. Mutual respect between the police department and the community is essential. Furthermore, we should support the police department by providing the necessary resources, including new technology for Cambridge.
Flooding Mitigation efforts
The flooding that occurs on Front St. is a real problem that we need to take seriously. Residents, homeowners, and taxpayers should not have to deal with flooding, especially in this day and age of technology. This issue should have been addressed years ago. I may not be an engineer, but I can comprehend when structural engineers or construction workers explain something to me. Dealing with the flooding is crucial, and it should not take another 20 years to get started. Taxpayers expect their taxes to be put to good use, and the city should provide value for their money. We need to work with the county on this project. We all have to work together and not go against anyone.
Safe, affordable housing
It is a critical need for many communities where people struggle to make ends meet. I have witnessed numerous evictions in the third ward, where individuals are forced to choose between paying their rent or utility bills. Let's break it down: if a person makes $25,000 a year, their yearly expenses might include $12,000 for rent, $3,000 for electricity, $720 for water, $1,200 for cable or internet, and $7,800 for food. If they also have a car with annual expenses of around $1,200 for insurance, their total expenses would add up to $25,920, leaving just $920 for the year for other bills and clothing. This is not enough to cover all their expenses, and the situation is particularly stressful for single mothers with children. Many fathers are struggling to make ends meet and are unable to provide for their families, often landing in jail for failure to pay child support and or selling Drugs. It's clear that there is a pressing need for affordable housing solutions, and we should consider establishing a City of Cambridge Housing Authority to address this issue, or come up with a plain, like try to help families to buy out buy house from their landlord I urge those who doubt the necessity of such measures to imagine themselves in this predicament. We should ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" because when we face our creator, we will have to answer for our actions. Personally, I want to be able to say that I did my best to help those in need and contribute to making our city a better place.
What I would do to help Main Street:
I often ponder about the state of our main street and consider ways to restore its former vibrancy. While acknowledging the natural cycle of businesses, I firmly believe that revitalizing our downtown is well within reach. My vision involves creating more job opportunities by bringing diverse businesses to Main Street. Establishing a grant center with skilled writers and researchers dedicated to fueling business growth and home improvement projects, along with school Grants, we also need a promotional department to attract and support local businesses, and to promote the city for tours to come in with the hope to move the city forward. These are essential components of this vision.
It's apparent that our downtown main street should offer more than just dining options. These are just a few initial steps toward realizing the city's potential for growth. As a third ward councilman, I would make sure to listen to and communicate with every voice in the community. For example, if the main street business owners have a problem, we would sit down and discuss it. If a resident has a concern, they can call me to set up a one-on-one conversation. For larger issues involving a group of people, we would hold a community meeting. I am here to be a voice for the community. If the community feels that I am not doing a good job, I want them to tell me. We all need to work together, and I don't believe in division based on race. We all live among each other, so let's work towards a brighter future for the city and our children.
Crime
In the last debate we had four years ago I told the city on Cambridge radio station that the crime was going to get worst, and it did. This is not including juvenile crimes, so we have to work with CPD and give them updated technology. I believe we should have better lighting in the city, also cameras in the hot spots around the city, and hire some people to view the cameras 24/7 to stop or slow the crime down before it even starts.
Funding or infrastructure
We can’t keep raising taxes or water bills people are struggling now, first we have to responsible about spending. Second, we have to bring in business, we have to think out sound the box, we have to make our city Entertainment city and tours city to develop Revenue. Third we have to grow our tax base.
Old city hall building
I may get a lot of slack for this but take it down and just make it a parking lot for the future of main street. They may say it’s a historical landmark, but they have taken down historical landmarks before to build a few houses so why not make it a paid parking lot to bring in revenue for the city.
Youth programs
1. Teach about leadership and Professional Skills by asking business owners could they teach about business; ask Lawyers could they take on a few kids how it is to be a Lawyer; ask banks and insurance companies to teach them about Corporate America.
2. I want to bring back the city workforce summer program.
3. Programs that teach about the future of life to get them prepared for what’s coming as adults.
4. Create a youth program for CPD to teach our youth.
These are just to name a few; I would support any great youth programs.
Commissioners moving out their ward
I believe that the commissioners should inform their constituents if they are considering moving out of their district and ask for permission to continue representing them. They should provide the reason for their potential move and allow the constituents to express their agreement or disagreement. However, for me, I am married and have a new set of thirteen-month-old twins. My wife and I have recently purchased a new home, so we have no plans to move anytime soon, if ever. I am third ward so why not let the one that knows the community represent the third ward.
If you live in the Third Ward, please go to my Facebook Group Gary Gordy For Third Ward. Come out and vote!
