Haven’t you heard? There’s a Special Election in District 7! And the Preliminary Election is just a few weeks away on February 15. It’s too late to register to vote in the Prelim, but hurry up and register so your voice can be heard on the final vote on March 15!
Now, without further ado…. the first response to ONEin3′s candidate survey!
Introduction
Name: Natalie Carithers, a single parent of two and former legislative aide to retired Rep. Willie Mae Allen. Graduate of Northeastern University and Emerge MA. Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, and the Order of the Eastern Star
Profession/Employer: Consultant/Community Advocate
Years Lived In District: 56 years
Campaign Website: http://nataliecarithers.com
If someone would like to volunteer for the campaign, best contact is: [email protected] or 617-359-2970 (Mr. Utley)
Personal Questions
- If you could recommend one book to be read by everyone in District 7, what would it be? IDA: A Sword Among Lions by Paula J. Giddings
- Where is your favorite place in the district? Franklin Park
- Give three words to describe your community. Powerful, Hopeful, Troubled.
Issue Questions
1. What are your top 3 priorities for next 2 years?
- Job Equity/Job Creation
- Education/Schools
- Community Safety
2. One in three residents of Boston is between the ages of 20 and 34. The ONEin3Boston.com blog focuses its attention on that population. If elected, how do you plan to engage that audience?
One to One Communication: Establish a council that will meet regularly to address issues important to this age group and working together to improve District 7 from their prospective. In addition, hold an annual event that recognizes the great things youth and young adults are doing.
3. What is District 7’s greatest strength and how do you intend to promote that strength citywide?
Our greatest strength is our economic resources. District 7 has land that is underutilized. There are plans for construction in the district. I will push to have these projects started. I will also push for the city to build then lease property to generate revenue.
4. How do you plan to promote the District 7 economy?
I plan to do a major push to bring entrepreneurs into the District. Future entrepreneurs will need to be educating on establishing
businesses. I will hold monthly trainings, facilitated by established business owners to teach future entrepreneurs the where, how, what and why of establishing a strong business. This accomplishes to goal. It provides future entrepreneurs first- hand experience and established business owners will give back to the community.
5. How do you intend to reduce gun violence?
I intend to reduce gun violence on street at a time through crime watch groups, a hotline and consistent communication with youth. I will work with police and community residents to gather information regarding the distribution of guns. Dialog will be my major tool to reduce gun violence. The entire community has to be at the table.
6. The departure of former Councilor Chuck Turner is the source of a lot of controversy. What lessons has former Councilor Turner taught you?
The lessons I have learned from Councilor Turner are:
- Do not accept money from anyone. Should someone want to contribute, ask that they to HIRE a community resident.
- Avoid meeting alone
- Be transparent. Though actions may be innocent, they can be perceived as something else. Let the community what’s going on
Thanks, Natalie, for your responses, and good luck with the campaign! We’re still accepting responses from other District 7 candidates, so please send us your answers!
Readers, what do you think about Natalie’s ideas for District 7? Share your ideas in the comments!
