2025 Councilor At Large Debate by Somerville Media Center

October 20, 2025
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Meeting Minutes: 2025 Somerville Municipal Election Debates

Governing Body: Somerville Media Center and Somerville Beacon (hosting the 2025 Somerville Municipal Election Debates) Meeting Type: Candidate Debates Meeting Date: November 4th (implied, as this is the general election date mentioned for candidates) Attendees:

  • Moderators: Keri Rodrigues (Councilor-at-Large Debate), Ben Orenstein (Mayoral Debate)
  • Somerville Media Center Board of Directors: Joe Lynch (President)
  • Councilor-at-Large Candidates: Holly Simione, Ben Wheeler, Kristen Strezo, Jack Perenick, Will Mbah, Marianne Walles, John Link, Scott Istvan
  • Audience: Members of the public (in-person and online)

Executive Summary

The 2025 Somerville Municipal Election Debates featured candidates for Mayor and Councilor-at-Large, focusing on key municipal issues. The Councilor-at-Large debate, moderated by Keri Rodrigues, covered topics including permitting reform, special education oversight, and public safety in business districts. Candidates emphasized their unique qualifications, with common themes of housing affordability, safe streets, and support for local businesses. Discussions highlighted the need for increased staffing in city departments, improved data transparency, and collaborative approaches to complex issues like special education and homelessness. A rapid-response lightning round provided candidates' stances on specific policy proposals.

Official Agenda Items

Welcome and Introductions

  • Joe Lynch, President of the Somerville Media Center Board of Directors, welcomed attendees to the 2025 Somerville Municipal Election Debates for Mayoral and Councilor-at-Large candidates.
  • Candidates will appear on the November 4th general election ballot.
  • The debates are presented by the Somerville Media Center and the Somerville Beacon, with support from the Somerville Theatre and Crystal Ballroom Organizations.
  • Moderators Introduced:
    • Keri Rodrigues: Moderator for the Councilor-at-Large debate. Noted as a former Somerville resident, former chair of the Somerville Democratic City Committee, labor organizer, and current president of the National Parents Union.
    • Ben Orenstein: Moderator for the Mayoral debate. Noted as a Somerville resident, tech entrepreneur, and founder of the Somerville Beacon.
  • Debate Format Outlined (Councilor-at-Large):
    • Opening statements
    • Main Q&A
    • Two head-to-head exchanges
    • Rapid response round
    • Closing statements
    • Strict time limits with visible countdown clock.
    • Audience requested to hold applause until the end.
  • Councilor-at-Large Candidates Introduced (random opening order):
    • Holly Simione
    • Ben Wheeler
    • Kristen Strezo
    • Jack Perenick
    • Will Mbah
    • Marianne Walles
    • John Link
    • Scott Istvan
  • Time Limits:
    • Openings and Closings: 30 seconds each
    • Main Q&A: 4 questions, 45 seconds per answer, up to 2 rebuttals per question (30 seconds each)
    • Head-to-Head: 2-minute answers, 1-minute rebuttals
    • Rapid Response: Yes/No or one-word prompt

Opening Statements (30 seconds each)

  • John Link: Somerville public school parent, former educator and software engineer, advocate for housing and safe streets. Focuses on fighting displacement, supporting public schools, and bringing practical problem-solving and equity.
  • Kristen Strezo: Incumbent At-Large City Councilor, running for fourth term. Single mom of two in Somerville schools, lives in affordable housing. Advocates for affordable housing, union labor, small businesses, seniors aging in place, and ensuring all residents feel valued.
  • Scott Istvan: Coder, comedian, former bartender. Prioritizes overhauling the permitting process for individuals and small businesses. Supports walking, transit, biking, and building more housing.
  • Jack Perenick: Led a nonprofit engaging youth in politics and pushed for statewide affordable housing action. Involved in crafting the city's green space master plan. Aims to bring a clear and measured view to achieving community goals.
  • Marianne Walles: Lifelong Somerville resident, union leader, social worker. Goals include addressing substance abuse and mental health issues, increasing worker rights, and promoting good-paying jobs for affordable housing.
  • Will Mbah: Vice President of the Somerville City Council. Emphasizes building strong community through solidarity, compassion, and fairness, measuring progress by how the city treats its most vulnerable.
  • Ben Wheeler: Parent, educator, problem solver. Cares about housing affordability, safer streets, and support for working families. Believes in collective wisdom and utilizing community knowledge.
  • Holly Simione: Lifelong Somerville resident, Somerville High School graduate, parent of two daughters. Advocates for people with disabilities and marginalized communities. Chair of the Disability Commission.

Main Q&A

Question 1: Why you and what sets you apart? (45 seconds per answer, 2 rebuttals at 30 seconds each)

  • Scott Istvan: Focuses on tackling the permitting process, citing stories from residents and small business owners about bureaucratic hurdles preventing home modifications and business expansion.
  • John Link: Highlights his background as an educator and public school parent, advocating for safe streets (sidewalks, potholes, bike lanes) and affordable housing through the Somerville Community Land Trust. Aims to ensure Somerville remains accessible for working-class families.
  • Will Mbah: As an incumbent, emphasizes his clear track record of leadership, described as "boldness, inclusivity rooted in hope." Running for a fourth term, he notes his top vote-getter status in the primary as testament to his work.
  • Jack Perenick: Acknowledges common goals among candidates. Proposes eliminating special permit requirements for housing and mixed-use buildings in mid-rise districts to reduce costs and ease development. Advocates for an intersection safety plan to address high accident areas.
  • Holly Simione: Stresses her current work as Chair of the Disability Commission and past state-level advocacy (DD Council) as differentiating factors. Focuses on understanding how to partner effectively to deliver services amidst climate and budget changes.
  • Kristen Strezo: Incumbent in her third term, running for fourth. Highlights her proven track record, joy in serving, and lived experience as a single mom in affordable housing. Chairs the Housing and Community Development Committee. Emphasizes helping residents with their problems.
  • Marianne Walles: Cites her proven track record in passing ordinances, specifically payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) at the city and state levels. Advocates for PILOT to secure revenue from wealthy institutions for community benefits, especially as services face cuts.
  • Ben Wheeler: Emphasizes Somerville's "baseline of decency and human goodness." Focuses on the "quality of the work" to move from "good to great" by refining ideas, reaching out to community organizations, and leveraging all available resources.

Question 2: Permits and Predictability (45 seconds per answer, 2 rebuttals at 30 seconds each)

  • Ben Wheeler:
    • Solution: More staff, including case managers dedicated to permit applications.
    • Transparency: Publish aging of permit applications and their current stage.
    • Policy: Occupancy permits for quick, temporary approval for businesses.
    • Success Indicators: Listen to businesses and city offices to determine most useful stats.
  • Marianne Walles:
    • Problem: Long delays for home improvement permits (e.g., energy-efficient windows).
    • Solution: Streamline processes for small repairs.
    • Staffing: Hire more inspectors to address shortages.
    • Transparency: Implement an aging system for permits.
  • Kristen Strezo:
    • Problem: ISD staffing issues (currently without a director), lack of clear communication for applicants.
    • Action: City Council has consistently increased ISD staffing in budget cycles.
    • Ongoing Need: Continuous dialogue on what's working and what isn't.
  • Holly Simione:
    • Problem: Lack of process adherence, citing a historical home demolition before review completion.
    • Solution: Improvements in software, more staff, better training, and clearer processes.
  • Jack Perenick:
    • Problem: Permitting system is expensive, hinders aging in place, and increases costs for residents.
    • Solution: Combine permit types (e.g., one permit for heat pumps instead of three).
    • Policy: Remove certain items from the permit process (e.g., building housing in mixed-use districts, dormers, ADUs by right).
  • Will Mbah:
    • Problem: ISD is understaffed, leading to issues even for simple remodels.
    • Solution: Streamline processes, allow "by right" zoning for small homeowner projects (e.g., porch remodels, height increases).
    • Policy: Focus on normal due process for large developments.
  • John Link:
    • Problem: Shortage of staff, outdated and hard-to-analyze data in SummerStat.
    • Solution: Improve SummerStat to identify areas for focused energy.
    • Example: Cited a resident's convoluted experience subdividing land for a modular home.
  • Scott Istvan:
    • Success Indicators: Time between submission to approval, time between submission and first review.
    • Solution: Group like permits together (e.g., for heat pumps).
    • Process Improvement: Automatic notification for abutter meetings upon permit submission.
    • Policy: Clear objective requirements for all permitting.

Question 3: Special Education Oversight, Tools, Timeline, and Access (45 seconds per answer, 2 rebuttals at 30 seconds each)

  • Jack Perenick:
    • Council Role: Revenue driver; increased revenue can fund special education programs.
    • Policy: Condition funds for special education programs on publishing results and improving least restrictive learning environments.
    • Goal: Address state designation of "needs improvement."
  • Holly Simione:
    • Problem: Lack of transparency, personal experience with placement issues.
    • Solution: Independent audit of processes, testing, and understanding of parent rights (including translation).
    • Advocacy: Need for advocates for families.
  • Will Mbah:
    • Problem: School committee is in charge, but issues are discovered through neighbors (e.g., lack of support for special needs children).
    • Observation: Schools may be under-resourced, under-funded, or not paying attention.
    • Solution: Fund schools to uncover data and methodology for identifying special needs.
  • Kristen Strezo:
    • Problem: Special education budget is not enveloped in the school committee budget, limiting council's role to acceptance/rejection. Trend of moving kids from IEPs to 504s.
    • Solution: Push school committee for individualized budget presentations for special education.
    • Action: CPAC presented to the council last month on this issue.
  • John Link:
    • Problem: Failure to serve students, citing CPAC report and parents discovering dyslexia privately.
    • Solution: Listen to CPAC, fund paras, and have CPAC or an independent organization monitor progress.
    • Action: Fund an independent audit, then work with the school committee on funding adjustments based on recommendations.
  • Scott Istvan:
    • Problem: Heartbreaking stories of unmet needs for children with disabilities.
    • Policy: Special education must be a top budgetary priority for the city.
  • Ben Wheeler:
    • Problem: State Education Department designated Somerville's special education handling as "sharply in need of improvement." Parents taking students out of district.
    • Solution: Educator funding (improved by Somerville Educators Union contract, especially for paraprofessionals), pilot for inclusion model.
    • Engagement: Formal role for groups like CPAC and parents.

Question 4: Safety Services in Business Districts (45 seconds per answer, 2 rebuttals at 30 seconds each)

  • Ben Wheeler:
    • Approach: Safety for everyone, including people in crisis.
    • Response: Non-police responders as first line for crisis (addiction, homelessness, mental health, urgent attention, violence).
    • Long-term Solution: Permanent supportive housing, urgently open College Ave shelter.
    • Success Indicator: All people feel safe in public spaces.
  • Marianne Walles:
    • Approach: Combination of social workers (through police department) for hands-on outreach and supportive services (mental health, substance abuse, housing).
    • Long-term Solution: Work with Mayor Wu to fund Long Island Shelter (closure 10 years ago led to influx in surrounding cities).
  • Kristen Strezo:
    • Approach: Everyone has a right to be in the community, but must abide by community standards of respect.
    • Immediate Needs: Increased cleaning, porta-potties in areas like Davis Square.
    • Engagement: Listen to business community, bring forward goals of action.
  • Holly Simione:
    • Collaboration: Need to collaborate with Quincy and Boston to avoid simply moving people.
    • Policy: Cannot force people to seek help; need places for those who want it.
    • Authority: Mayor decides policing approach; City Council pushes for collaboration and communication.
  • Jack Perenick:
    • Problem: Council has failed to set policy uniting public health and safety, failing vulnerable residents by not connecting them to resources.
    • Long-term Solution: Federal and state investment in permanently supportive housing.
    • Immediate Solution: Connect people to existing resources (e.g., CHA Community Behavioral Health Center, transportation there).
    • Policy: Drug court diversion program instead of incarceration.
    • Rebuttal (Kristen Strezo): City Council lacks control over policing; that lies with the Mayor's office. Council pushes for collaboration and communication from the administration.
    • Rebuttal (Marianne Walles): Mayor controls policing, but funding for mental health/substance abuse/housing is insufficient. Need regional collaboration to build resources.
  • Will Mbah:
    • Problem: Reallocation of resources needed (e.g., police presence at construction site vs. Davis Square).
    • Authority: Lies in the Mayor's office.
    • Observation: Current approach is "designed by disaster" (responding after incidents).
  • John Link:
    • Long-term Solution: Permanent supportive housing.
    • Immediate Solution: Separate non-emergency responders from police department.
    • Policy: Drug courts are a form of incarceration; need to take care of people.
    • Partnerships: Engage with Behavioral Health Network, CHA, and pressure for more shelters/beds.
  • Scott Istvan:
    • Approach: Case managers outside the carceral system, better partnership with nonprofits.
    • Problem: Somerville is not good at paying nonprofit partners on time.
    • Long-term Goal: Permanent supportive housing.
    • Success Indicator: No more empty storefronts (populated storefronts create "eyes on the street").

Head-to-Head Questions

Pairing 1: Kristen Strezo and Ben Wheeler Topic: Affordable Housing and Development Feasibility (Empty Lab Space) Question: Should Somerville A) hold out for life sciences, B) incentivize conversions to housing or other uses, or C) push interim uses like artists, nonprofits, or incubators? Name one zoning or code change you will champion in your first 90 days.

  • Kristen Strezo (2 minutes):
    • Problem: Lab space is specifically designed, making conversion complex.
    • Current Action: Economic Development Department is working on creative solutions.
    • Preference: Would love to see artist and musician space in labs.
    • Stance: Affordable housing may not be suitable for lab-designed buildings, but creative use of space is essential and already in progress.
  • Ben Wheeler (2 minutes):
    • Problem: Lab buildings are not easily repurposed (reinforced floors, unique air circulation).
    • Solution:
      • Flexibility: Make zoning flexible for light manufacturing.
      • Interim Use (Option C): Allow temporary permits for artists' groups (workshop/gallery space) if no tenant for a year.
      • Educational Use: Explore use as educational resources for biotech students, given proximity to universities.
    • Rebuttal (Kristen Strezo): Agrees on the need for musician practice space in former lab spaces.
    • Rebuttal (Ben Wheeler): Agrees with Kristen Strezo, noting his own experience as a drummer.

Pairing 2: Will Mbah and John Link Topic: Public Safety, Streets, and Small Business Vitality Question: If we commit to a 12-month design, evaluate, adjust pilot on one corridor, which corridor would you nominate? What are the top three success signs you would track? What would trigger a tweak at 6, 12, or 24 months?

  • John Link (2 minutes):
    • Nominated Corridor: Highland Ave (due to delayed redesign) or Bow Street in Union Square (for partial pedestrianization).
    • Concern: Avoid "endless feedback loop" that delays action.
    • Focus: Safe streets for all (sidewalks, intersections).
    • Success Indicators: Storefront vacancies, turnover rate (acknowledges data limitations, relying on businesses).
    • Rebuttal (John Link): Emphasizes data collection for both businesses and pedestrian safety (e.g., feeling safe crossing streets, accessibility).
  • Will Mbah (2 minutes):
    • Agreement: Agrees with John Link on the optics of bike lanes and business driving coexisting.
    • Process: Publicly engage with the business community, listen to and incorporate their needs (not just for listening's sake).
    • Problem: Decisions often made in a vacuum; lack of public awareness of processes.
    • Data: Proposes city-generated data on how people access businesses (e.g., parking) to inform decisions and avoid business closures.
    • Pragmatism: Policy must serve people.
    • Rebuttal (Will Mbah): Agrees with John Link as a co-founder of Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets.

Pairing 3: Holly Simione and Jack Perenick Topic: Permitting Post-Project Reviews in Curb Access Question: Name two concrete permitting targets you'll adopt. Give one curb access standard you'll enforce during street redesigns. How will you verify whether these promises actually happen?

  • Holly Simione (2 minutes):
    • Problem: Lack of inspection and enforcement of ADA laws, non-compliant designs, lack of ADA understanding.
    • Solution: Better design through education, community engagement (commissions, boards, seniors).
    • Curb Access Standard: ADA is a law, not a "nice to have." Insist on ADA compliance as a minimum.
    • Verification: Address the issue of "pointing fingers" and lack of accountability. Focus on training, managing, and holding employees accountable. Investigate job conditions, training, and resources for inspectors.
    • Rebuttal (Holly Simione): Emphasizes the need for more training and accountability for employees, noting that outsourcing work leads to loss of control. Challenges blaming HR for inspector shortages, suggesting a broader look at job conditions and resources.
  • Jack Perenick (2 minutes):
    • Permitting Targets:
      1. Time to first review: Important for backlog and initial engagement.
      2. Abandonment rate: Measures projects that never happen due to permitting delays.
    • Impact: Delays increase costs for residents and contractors.
    • Curb Access Standard: ADA is a floor, not a ceiling; aim to exceed legal requirements.
    • Verification:
      • Track occupancy rate of accessible spaces.
      • Track illegal blocking and tickets issued.
      • Implement automated enforcement for blocked accessible spaces.
    • Rebuttal (Jack Perenick): Agrees on the need for follow-up and clear, accessible public reporting on project criteria and outcomes. This allows residents to identify failures and engage in dialogue with the Mayor's office for improved enforcement.

Pairing 4: Marianne Walles and Scott Istvan Topic: Social Services, Harm Reduction, and ADA Access Question: What is the city's role in harm reduction and public health? Tell us your specific funding priorities and civil liberties guardrails. One specific ADA improvement you will deliver in six months. Two success indicators.

  • Marianne Walles (2 minutes):
    • Harm Reduction: Implement safe injection sites (to address public injecting and provide pathway to treatment). Increase needle disposals.
    • ADA Improvement: Focus on sidewalk dangers (trips, falls), inaccessible curbs, and crosswalks. Prioritize road safety, especially around McGrath O'Brien Highway (e.g., lack of crossing guards for children).
    • Policy Idea: Staggered school start times in areas with construction and multiple schools.
  • Scott Istvan (2 minutes):
    • Harm Reduction: Hire city case managers/social workers (outside police department) to ensure accountability to city/voters and remove fear of interaction.
    • ADA Improvement: Address narrow sidewalks, which hinder mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, grocery carts). Advocate for better regulations on sidewalk widths, especially in residential areas.
    • Priority: Snow removal as an accessibility priority, potentially through city-wide programs.

Lightning Round (Yes/No or Thumbs Up/Down)

  1. City-funded sidewalk snow removal pilot this winter?
    • All candidates: Yes
  2. Six-month look back after major street projects to check results and adjust?
    • All candidates: Yes
  3. Safe consumption sites, supporting exploring a Somerville site with regional partners?
    • All candidates: Yes
  4. Tiered linkage during downturns with an automatic sunset or trigger to restore the baseline (i.e., should commercial property tax percentage be lowered during economic downturns)?
    • All candidates: Yes
  5. Hybrid by default for all public meetings with live captions and multilingual interpretation?
    • All candidates: Yes
  6. Evening weekend community school use of Somerville High School for ages 14 to 30?
    • All candidates: Yes
  7. After hours shared use parking MOUs for churches, universities, and municipal lots to support business districts?
    • All candidates: Yes

Closing Statements (30 seconds each)

  • John Link: Expressed love for Somerville, desire for it to remain a place for all. Pledges persistence, honesty, collaboration, and communication. Asks for votes on November 4th.
  • Jack Perenick: Highlights dedication to policy goals: affordable community, preserving artist spaces, maximizing public parks/buildings, safe/accessible roads. Cites support from former Congressman Tony Coelho (Americans with Disabilities Act). Pledges strong constituent service.
  • Kristen Strezo: Emphasizes responsiveness, listening, and taking action for residents. Highlights proven track record of service. Asks for votes on November 4th.
  • Ben Wheeler: Stresses Somerville's strength in learning from each other, adapting, and building on shared insight. Defines leadership as creating space for collaboration and following through. Asks for votes.
  • Scott Istvan: Reiterates top priorities: overhauling permits, walking, transit, biking, building more housing. Thanks moderators, Somerville Media Center, Somerville Theatre, Crystal Ballroom, staff, and attendees for engagement in local politics.
  • Will Mbah: Thanks all for an engaging debate. Reaffirms commitment to bold, inclusive, and hopeful local leadership. Calls for fighting for a fairer, stronger, and more united Somerville where every voice matters and every family thrives. Asks for votes on November 4th.
  • Marianne Walles: Highlights lifelong residency, caring for people, and skill in city and state-level work. Emphasizes collaborative work, writing equitable and inclusive policies, and ensuring all voices are heard. Asks for votes on November 4th.
  • Holly Simione: Stresses her unique voice and different life experiences. Aims to represent those without voices and approach issues systematically. Mentions background in business, technology, and advocacy. Expresses desire to "bring back neighbors."

Last updated: Oct 29, 2025

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