We are proud of our diversity and our history as a place where hardworking families can build a life and a community. We are a city that upholds progressive principles, where everyone is welcome regardless of race, creed or orientation; and where creativity and innovation are part of the fabric of our city. Somerville stands for immigrant rights, quality education, LGBTQIA rights, racial and economic justice, green justice, affordable housing and workers’ rights.

Somerville should be a place where everyone is welcome and where innovation and creativity drive change, without disregarding the needs of residents. Yet with growing opportunities in Somerville, have also come challenges. In particular workers’ rights and affordable housing have fallen to the wayside.

Many families have been forced to move due to increased rents and a lack of affordable housing options. City employees that provide our essential public services are being forced to go years without fair pay or fair contracts. Developers continue to come to our community and maximize profit by eliminating affordable housing and hiring contractors who don’t consistently pay their workers, eroding our community standards. This disproportionately impacts low-income families, communities of color and immigrants who are often too afraid to come forward to report these abuses.

That’s why to ensure fairness and accountability, Somerville residents are calling upon our elected officials to stand for a city that works for all of us.