{"id":297,"date":"2026-08-16T12:33:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T17:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/?page_id=297"},"modified":"2026-08-24T03:48:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T08:48:08","slug":"2026-state-primary-election","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/index.php\/2026-state-primary-election\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 State Primary Election"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><small>This fall, Somerville residents will vote for candidates for state Senate and House of Representatives. Our state elected officials are critical for advancing safe streets and equitable mobility in the city, including collaborating with state agencies that control roads, advancing budgets for road projects and transit, and passing laws that impact our streets, roads, and mobility.<\/small>\n<br><br>\n<small>The primaries are on September 1st. In-person early voting is from August 22nd to August 28th. More information about how and where to vote is available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.somervillema.gov\/departments\/elections\">City&#8217;s website<\/a>.\n<br><br>\nIf you are not registered, or if you aren&#8217;t sure if you are registered, you can check and register on the state&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/ovr\/\">website<\/a>. If you have changed addresses, you can also check this information at the same link. Be sure to register to vote or change your voting address before the deadline, <strong>August 22nd, 2026<\/strong>.<\/small><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><small>Want to see what your ballot will look like? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.somervillema.gov\/departments\/elections\/sample-ballots\">Sample ballots<\/a> are now available on the City&#8217;s website.<\/p><\/small>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Candidate responses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><small>SASS asked the candidates for all contested seats about important issues for safe streets and equitable mobility. Here&#8217;s how they responded. All responses have been copied verbatim from candidates&#8217; responses<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State Representative:<a href=\"#26\" rel=\"nofollow\">&nbsp;26th District<\/a> &#8211; <a href=\"#27\" rel=\"nofollow\">27th District<\/a> &#8211; <a href=\"#34\" rel=\"nofollow\">34th District<\/a><br>\nState Senate:&nbsp;<a href=\"#SSS\" rel=\"nofollow\">Second Middlesex District<\/a><\/small>\n<br><br>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"26\"><p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#48892a\"><strong><b>Candidates for State Representative, 26th District<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\">\n<table width=\"100%\" border=1><tbody width=\"100%\">\n<tr width=\"100%\">\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"50%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mike.jpg\" height=250><big><b>Mike Connolly (incumbent)<\/b><\/big><br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mikeconnolly.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"50%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/neil.jpg\" height=250><big><b>Neil Miller<\/b><\/big><br><a href=\"https:\/\/neilmillerma.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\">\n<table width=\"100%\"><tbody width=\"100%\">\n<tr><td colspan=2><b>Will you support the use of automated speed and red-light cameras as a local option for cities and towns?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" >Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" >Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=2><b>Will you support congestion pricing for the Boston municipal region to reduce traffic volume and fund public transit?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=2><b>Will you support requiring updated pedestrian crash safety ratings (e.g., hood height, front-end visibility standards) be factored into any state vehicle purchase incentive programs?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=5><b>Will you support increasing dedicated, recurring state funding for the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs)?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=2><b>Will you support requiring updated, safety-focused street design standards (e.g., MassDOT&#8217;s design guides) to take precedence over older engineering standards that prioritize vehicle throughput?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/table>\n\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tr><td><br>\n<font color=#48892a><big><b>Short Answer Questions<\/b><\/big><\/font><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Should the state provide funding or technical assistance to cities converting parking lanes to protected bike lanes, bus lanes, or widened sidewalks?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Mike Connolly:<\/b> YES. Yes. I helped advance the first Chapter 90 bill to include $12 million for Shared Streets grants and voted to increase funding for MassDOT\u2019s Complete Streets program, supporting safer streets and better access for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit.<br><br>\n<b>Neil Miller:<\/b> YES. From McGrath and I-93 to Memorial Drive and I-90, my district&#8217;s safety and health is hurt by car-centric infrastructure. I will fight to cut these roads down to size. To incentivize mode shift, MA should levy a VMT tax, dedicated to funding transit.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Currently, ordinary private commercial trucks \u2014 freight carriers, delivery fleets, and independently operated trucks not under state or Boston municipal contracts \u2014 are not required to have side guards, which are critical for safety. Will you support a state law requiring side guards for all commercial trucks registered in MA? <\/b><br><br>\n<b>Mike Connolly:<\/b> YES. I helped craft and file the Omnibike Bill, securing side guards on publicly procured trucks and enshrining \u201cvulnerable road users\u201d in law. I\u2019m now fighting to expand our side guard law and strengthen protections for pedestrians and cyclists.<br><br>\n<b>Neil Miller:<\/b> YES. Minutes from my house, cyclists Minh-Thi Nguyen and Kim Staley were killed by trucks turning right. Both trucks lacked sideguards. Stronger truck safety requirements will save lives.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Will you support a weight-based or size-based vehicle excise tax or registration fee, so heavier and larger vehicles (which pose greater pedestrian fatality risk) cost more to register?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Mike Connolly:<\/b> YES. I support tax policies to discourage increasingly large, heavy vehicles that endanger vulnerable road users, while protecting those who need them. I also successfully advocated for the RMV to allow smaller, practical Kei trucks in Massachusetts.<br><br>\n<b>Neil Miller:<\/b> YES. The size of cars on our roads have become bloated over time, posing a greater risk to other road users and increasing damage to our streets. Weight- or size-based fees are one way we can push back against this bloat.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Do you support transferring roads and parkways such as Alewife Brook Parkway from DCR to MassDOT control?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Mike Connolly:<\/b> YES. On Alewife Brook Parkway, I defer to local residents and advocates. In my district, I successfully advocated for MassDOT to lead planning for an improved Mystic River bike-pedestrian bridge and the redesign of Cambridge\u2019s Reid Overpass.<br><br>\n<b>Neil Miller:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<tr><td><b>Will you support setting statewide VMT-reduction targets tied to mode-shift and Vision Zero goals?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Mike Connolly:<\/b> YES. Yes. I support statewide VMT-reduction targets tied to mode shift and Vision Zero, paired with major investments in reliable transit, bus priority, safe biking and walking, and transit-oriented housing so people have better alternatives to driving.<br><br>\n<b>Neil Miller:<\/b> YES. Yes. I would also support a Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) tax or congestion pricing, to fund transit and reduce traffic.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>What mode of transportation do you plan to use to commute to the State House?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Mike Connolly:<\/b> I live in Central Square and take the Red Line to the State House. I also frequently bike and walk around the district and drive when necessary.<br><br>\n<b>Neil Miller:<\/b> If elected, I would be one of the few state representatives who doesn&#8217;t own a car. I would commute on the red line and ride my e-bike.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>What are your top three transportation priorities for Massachusetts?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Mike Connolly:<\/b> My priorities: continued MBTA improvements backed by major new funding; getting shovels in the ground on a safer, greener McGrath Boulevard; and advancing the Reid Overpass redesign and Memorial Drive shared-use path I secured from DCR.<br><br>\n<b>Neil Miller:<\/b> 1. Expand transit: extend the red line, build a red-blue connector, and increase bus frequency. 2. Build a regional network of safe bike infrastructure. 3. Boost in-house capacity at MassDOT and the T, so we can actually deliver on these goals!<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"27\"><p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#48892a\"><strong><b>Candidates for State Representative, 27th District<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\">\n<table width=\"100%\" border=1><tbody width=\"100%\">\n<tr width=\"100%\">\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"50%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ben.jpg\" height=250><big><b>Ben Ewen-Campen<\/b><\/big><br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.benforstaterepma.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"50%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/olivia.jpg\" height=250><br><big><b>Olivia Gilligan Corsetti<\/b><\/big><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oliviagilligancorsetti.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\">\n<table width=\"100%\"><tbody width=\"100%\">\n<tr><td colspan=2><b>Will you support the use of automated speed and red-light cameras as a local option for cities and towns?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" >Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" >Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=2><b>Will you support congestion pricing for the Boston municipal region to reduce traffic volume and fund public transit?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=2><b>Will you support requiring updated pedestrian crash safety ratings (e.g., hood height, front-end visibility standards) be factored into any state vehicle purchase incentive programs?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=5><b>Will you support increasing dedicated, recurring state funding for the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs)?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=2><b>Will you support requiring updated, safety-focused street design standards (e.g., MassDOT&#8217;s design guides) to take precedence over older engineering standards that prioritize vehicle throughput?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\">Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/table>\n\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tr><td><br>\n<font color=#48892a><big><b>Short Answer Questions<\/b><\/big><\/font><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Should the state provide funding or technical assistance to cities converting parking lanes to protected bike lanes, bus lanes, or widened sidewalks?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Ben Ewen Campen:<\/b> YES. As a City Councilor, I have been honored to work in collaboration with SASS on many safe streets priorities, and as a State Rep street safety for all road users will always be a top priority. For more, visit benforstaterepMA.com\/accomplishments<br><br>\n<b>Olivia Gilligan Corsetti:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Currently, ordinary private commercial trucks \u2014 freight carriers, delivery fleets, and independently operated trucks not under state or Boston municipal contracts \u2014 are not required to have side guards, which are critical for safety. Will you support a state law requiring side guards for all commercial trucks registered in MA? <\/b><br><br>\n<b>Ben Ewen Campen:<\/b> YES. As we mourn the death of Louisa Gag and many other cycles who were killed by trucks, we must also remain laser-focused on safety legislation on side guards and street safety infrastructure.<br><br>\n<b>Olivia Gilligan Corsetti:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Will you support a weight-based or size-based vehicle excise tax or registration fee, so heavier and larger vehicles (which pose greater pedestrian fatality risk) cost more to register?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Ben Ewen Campen:<\/b> YES. A key factor in the rising pedestrian injury and death statistics nationwide is the increasing size of vehicles, and I will support efforts to discourage larger vehicles. <br><br>\n<b>Olivia Gilligan Corsetti:<\/b> YES. I would work with companies that rely on large vehicles to learn how they will handle the added costs.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Do you support transferring roads and parkways such as Alewife Brook Parkway from DCR to MassDOT control?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Ben Ewen Campen:<\/b> YES. I will work to support SASS&#8217;s position on this. <br><br>\n<b>Olivia Gilligan Corsetti:<\/b> YES. I would work with DCR and MassDOT to make sure safety and preserving green space are top priorities.<br><br>\n<tr><td><b>Will you support setting statewide VMT-reduction targets tied to mode-shift and Vision Zero goals?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Ben Ewen Campen:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Olivia Gilligan Corsetti:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>What mode of transportation do you plan to use to commute to the State House?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Ben Ewen Campen:<\/b> I am a bicycle commuter for >90% of my commuting. <br><br>\n<b>Olivia Gilligan Corsetti:<\/b> Green line (medford\/tufts) or bike <br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>What are your top three transportation priorities for Massachusetts?<\/b>\n<br><br>\n<b>Ben Ewen Campen:<\/b> (1) Dedicated, steady funding for the MBTA; (2) Completing Somerville Bike Network and a statewide &#8220;Community Path; (3) Automated enforcement for dangerous driving <br><br>\n<b>Olivia Gilligan Corsetti:<\/b> MBTA bus\/train reliability, McGrath Highway reconstruction\/safety, and accessible infrastructure for all users including our disability community are my top priorities.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"34\"><a href=\"34\" rel=\"nofollow\"><p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#48892a\"><strong><b>Candidates for State Representative, 34th District<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table width=\"100%\" border=1><tbody width=\"100%\">\n<tr width=\"100%\">\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"33%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/will.jpg\" height=\"100\"><big><b>Will Mbah<\/b><\/big><br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.willmbah.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"34%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/chris.jpg\" height=\"100\"><big><b>Chris Oates<\/b><\/big><br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.chrisoates.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"33%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/paul.jpg\"><big><b>Paul Ruseau<\/b><\/big><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.electpaul.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\">\n<table width=\"100%\"><tbody width=\"100%\">\n<tr><td colspan=3><b>Will you support the use of automated speed and red-light cameras as a local option for cities and towns?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=3><b>Will you support congestion pricing for the Boston municipal region to reduce traffic volume and fund public transit?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=3><b>Will you support requiring updated pedestrian crash safety ratings (e.g., hood height, front-end visibility standards) be factored into any state vehicle purchase incentive programs?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=3><b>Will you support increasing dedicated, recurring state funding for the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs)?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=3><b>Will you support requiring updated, safety-focused street design standards (e.g., MassDOT&#8217;s design guides) to take precedence over older engineering standards that prioritize vehicle throughput?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/table>\n\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tr><td><br><br>\n<font color=#48892a><big><b>Short Answer Questions<\/b><\/big><\/font><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Should the state provide funding or technical assistance to cities converting parking lanes to protected bike lanes, bus lanes, or widened sidewalks?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Will Mbah:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Christopher Oates:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Paul Ruseau:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Currently, ordinary private commercial trucks \u2014 freight carriers, delivery fleets, and independently operated trucks not under state or Boston municipal contracts \u2014 are not required to have side guards, which are critical for safety. Will you support a state law requiring side guards for all commercial trucks registered in MA? <\/b><br><br><br>\n<b>Will Mbah:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Christopher Oates:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Paul Ruseau:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Will you support a weight-based or size-based vehicle excise tax or registration fee, so heavier and larger vehicles (which pose greater pedestrian fatality risk) cost more to register?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Will Mbah:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Christopher Oates:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Paul Ruseau:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Do you support transferring roads and parkways such as Alewife Brook Parkway from DCR to MassDOT control?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Will Mbah:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Christopher Oates:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Paul Ruseau:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<tr><td><b>Will you support setting statewide VMT-reduction targets tied to mode-shift and Vision Zero goals?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Will Mbah:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Christopher Oates:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Paul Ruseau:<\/b> YES. <br>\nThis is for Question 1 &#8211; I support this as long as there is a CCOPS ordinance in place to ensure that the use of such technology goes through a local process to ensure privacy concerns and access to videos are restricted and reviewed.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>What mode of transportation do you plan to use to commute to the State House?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Will Mbah:<\/b> MBTA and perhaps bike once I feel confident<br><br>\n<b>Christopher Oates:<\/b> I&#8217;ll be taking the 101 bus to the Orange Line.<br><br>\n<b>Paul Ruseau:<\/b> MBTA Green Line<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>What are your top three transportation priorities for Massachusetts?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Will Mbah:<\/b> 1.) Safe Streets  and vision zero, 2.) Affordable and Reliable public transportation, and Climate friendly transportation infrastructure<br><br>\n<b>Christopher Oates:<\/b> If I had to choose only three: stable revenue stream for the MBTA; cycleways like what London has to ensure separated bike paths, regional rail to get more cars off the road &#8211; though since that&#8217;s long-term, automated traffic enforcement is sooner<br><br>\n<b>Paul Ruseau:<\/b> 1) Increased funding to the MTBA; 2) Expanding services across the entire network and all modalities; 3) Increasing free use of MBTA services; 4) Expanding hours for the MBTA<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"SSS\"><p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#48892a\"><strong><b>Candidates for State Senate, Second Middlesex District<\/b><\/strong><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table width=\"100%\"><tbody width=\"100%\">\n<tr width=\"100%\">\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"25%\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-398\" style=\"width:100%\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Burhan.png\" alt=\"Burhan Azeem\"><br><b><big>Burhan Azeem<\/big><\/b><br><a href=\"https:\/\/voteburhan.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"25%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/christine.jpg\" width=\"100%\"><big><b>Christine P. Barber<\/b><\/big><br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.christinebarber.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"25%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/matt.png\" width=\"100%\"><big><b>Matthew McLaughlin<\/b><\/big><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mclaughlinforsenate.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" width=\"25%\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/erika.jpg\" width=\"100%\"><big><b>Erika Uyterhoeven<\/b><\/big><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.electerika.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campaign website<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\">\n<table width=\"100%\"><tbody width=\"100%\">\n<tr><td colspan=5><b>Will you support the use of automated speed and red-light cameras as a local option for cities and towns?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\"\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=5><b>Will you support congestion pricing for the Boston municipal region to reduce traffic volume and fund public transit?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=5><b>Will you support requiring updated pedestrian crash safety ratings (e.g., hood height, front-end visibility standards) be factored into any state vehicle purchase incentive programs?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=5><b>Will you support increasing dedicated, recurring state funding for the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs)?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td colspan=5><b>Will you support requiring updated, safety-focused street design standards (e.g., MassDOT&#8217;s design guides) to take precedence over older engineering standards that prioritize vehicle throughput?<\/b><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr class=\"has-text-align-center\"\">\n<td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/table>\n\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tr><td><br><br>\n<font color=#48892a><big><b>Short Answer Questions<\/b><\/big><\/font><\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Should the state provide funding or technical assistance to cities converting parking lanes to protected bike lanes, bus lanes, or widened sidewalks?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Burhan Azeem:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Christine P. Barber:<\/b> YES. State funding provides the support cities need to increase safer streets \u2013 a stronger transit network spans across districts, making our state consistently safe for our residents.<br><br>\n<b>Matt McLaughlin:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Erika Uyterhoeven:<\/b> YES. Cities have adopted Complete Streets and Vision Zero plans but lack funding to build them. I will fight for a state grant program funding parking-to-protection conversions, prioritizing high-crash corridors and underserved neighborhoods.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Currently, ordinary private commercial trucks \u2014 freight carriers, delivery fleets, and independently operated trucks not under state or Boston municipal contracts \u2014 are not required to have side guards, which are critical for safety. Will you support a state law requiring side guards for all commercial trucks registered in MA? <\/b><br><br><br>\n<b>Burhan Azeem:<\/b> YES. Side guards save lives. As Cambridge city councillor, I voted to enact an ordinance requiring side guards on all city-owned trucks. I support requiring this for all commercial trucks (see video: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Dba8Wh5kS0a\/)<br><br>\n<b>Christine P. Barber:<\/b> YES. I filed and helped pass these safety rules for public contracts, and will strengthen them. I\u2019ll co-sponsor and testify for the vulnerable road user bill, expanding protections to as many trucks as possible. <br><br>\n<b>Matt McLaughlin:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Erika Uyterhoeven:<\/b> YES. This is personal for me: I lost a good friend from college, killed by a truck&#8217;s rear wheels on Mass Ave because no law required side guards. I will fight for a statewide mandate covering every commercial truck in Massachusetts.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Will you support a weight-based or size-based vehicle excise tax or registration fee, so heavier and larger vehicles (which pose greater pedestrian fatality risk) cost more to register?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Burhan Azeem:<\/b> YES. Doing a weight-based tax makes a lot of sense because the excise tax is supposed to account for wear on roads. If the vehicle is heavier, that naturally would lead to more wear and tear, which aligns the tax with what it\u2019s supposed to do. <br><br>\n<b>Christine P. Barber:<\/b> YES. Heavy vehicles are a significantly higher threat to pedestrians. I will support any regulations, including excise taxes and registration fees, that effectively mitigate the risk they pose.<br><br>\n<b>Matt McLaughlin:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Erika Uyterhoeven:<\/b> YES. A three-ton SUV pays the same excise rate as a compact car, subsidizing the vehicles that pose the greatest pedestrian fatality risk. A weight-based fee corrects that subsidy and generates revenue for safe infrastructure.<br><br>\n<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>Do you support transferring roads and parkways such as Alewife Brook Parkway from DCR to MassDOT control?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Burhan Azeem:<\/b> NO. I don\u2019t really mean no, but want to understand more details. I want roads to be safer, more pedestrian-friendly and more bike-friendly. I want to better understand the inner details of each department and what is best suited to achieving those goals.<br><br>\n<b>Christine P. Barber:<\/b> NO. While DCR struggles with maintenance, transferring the Parkway to MassDOT would likely result in treating it more like a highway than a community roadway with many uses. <br><br>\n<b>Matt McLaughlin:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Erika Uyterhoeven:<\/b> YES. DCR has no mandate or design standards for road safety. Transferring parkways like Alewife Brook to MassDOT puts them under an agency with Complete Streets standards, and I will fight to make that transfer happen.<br><br>\n<tr><td><b>Will you support setting statewide VMT-reduction targets tied to mode-shift and Vision Zero goals?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Burhan Azeem:<\/b> YES. In terms of raising revenue, congestion pricing is the top thing I would aim for. It has been a success in New York and I would love to see it here.<br><br>\n<b>Christine P. Barber:<\/b> YES. I have cosponsored VMT policies. I fought for $5M for the Green Line Extension and Community Path\u2014and secured funding for new paths, pedestrian crossings, accessible bus stops, and the East Somerville T stop pedestrian path.<br><br>\n<b>Matt McLaughlin:<\/b> YES. <br><br>\n<b>Erika Uyterhoeven:<\/b> YES. Without VMT-reduction targets, there is no way to measure whether mode-shift investments are working. I will push for binding targets that force investment in transit, protected bike infrastructure, and walkable streets.<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>What mode of transportation do you plan to use to commute to the State House?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Burhan Azeem:<\/b> I don\u2019t own a car. I live right next to the Red Line and will take that to the State House.<br><br>\n<b>Christine P. Barber:<\/b> I get around on foot, by bike, car, on the bus and Red and Green Lines, and I take transit often into the State House. <br><br>\n<b>Matt McLaughlin:<\/b> Bike. <br><br>\n<b>Erika Uyterhoeven:<\/b>I mainly use my e-bike to get to and from the State House. When e-bike isn\u2019t feasible, I take the T from Union Sq.<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td><b>What are your top three transportation priorities for Massachusetts?<\/b>\n<br><br><br>\n<b>Burhan Azeem:<\/b> Get the T into a state of good repair and plug its budget holes so debt is getting better, not worse. Figure out long-term T funding to expand over the next 25 years. Ensure all in-district state roads are as pedestrian and bike-friendly as possible. <br><br>\n<b>Christine P. Barber:<\/b> Continuing to fight for safe crossings, complete streets on state roads -Alewife Brook and Mystic Valley Parkway, Mystic Ave, McGrath.  Expanding the transit network, building off the Green Line Extension. Frequent, electric, affordable bus service. <br><br>\n<b>Matt McLaughlin:<\/b> improve train service, increase buses and pedestrian safety <br><br>\n<b>Erika Uyterhoeven:<\/b> My top three priorities: legalizing automated speed and red-light enforcement, dedicating progressive revenue to the MBTA including Big Dig debt relief, and requiring Complete Streets standards on every state-controlled road and parkway.<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table>\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong>How to vote<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:post-content --><!-- \/wp:post-content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-297","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/297","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=297"}],"version-history":[{"count":55,"href":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/297\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":396,"href":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/297\/revisions\/396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sass-somerville.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=297"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}