Our Somerville is a Welcoming City pledging to provide public service with an equity lens. That means when it comes to equal access we fight country of origin discrimination. The equitable basis of public service has its foundation in human rights: "Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country" (UNDHR Art 21, 2).

 

Equal access to public services means that every individual has the right to access essential services that are provided or funded by the government.

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A Welcoming City ensures access regardless of background, identity, socio-economic status or country-of-origin. This applied principle upholds access so that all members of society can benefit from services such as healthcare, education, transportation, housing, and social welfare programs.

A Welcoming City **Reduces Inequality**

As City Councilor at-large I will favor environmental justice programs that address the division of Somerville, e.g. State Senator Denis McKenna placing bonds on I-93 construction for personal gain while perpetuating a legacy of infrastructure inequity.

 

Freeway Exposure impacts most affect Somerville low-income families and residents of color. As Ward 1 Councilor Matt McLaughlin has championed, when public services such as the Air Filtration pilot project are accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances, it helps to reduce socio-economic disparities and ensure that marginalized and vulnerable communities are not left behind.

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