Cambridge Elections

Tomorrow is election day. A short walk to the polling place ought to be enough to convince you that "University City" needs some changes made. On your way you will notice run-down three-decker apartments that rent for upwards of $180 a month despite last year's initiation of rent control, streets that remain unrepaired in summer and unplowed in winter despite a $23 jump in the tax rate, and police that cruise the town in Chevrolets despite the demand for more community-oriented police protection.

The present administration of City Manager John Corcoran, backed by city councillors Thomas Coates, Daniel Clinton, Edward Crane '35, Walter Sullivan, Thomas Danehy and Mayor Alfred Velluci, has proven its inability to effect change. A rent control ordinance was enacted but not administered for six months and then only in watered down fashion, and cases of police brutality were discussed but not investigated. Political favors are available for real estate interests, friends of pols, and the universities, but the average citizen still has a hard time getting his driveway permit.

Although there is not much chance of a Berkeley-style takeover this year, there are some candidates running who offer some hope for change.

Five candidates--Phil Shaw, Tom Rossi, Henry Smilowitz, Saundra Graham, and Wendell Smith--have formed a loose coalition and outlined a program for remodeling the city.

They favor limiting the holdings of large landlords and corporations through strict rent control, taxation, and zoning. To respond to problems of police-community relations they propose a new post of police commissioner to be made outside the jurisdiction of civil service and have ultimate control over the police force.

They all support the daycare referendum and the establishment of 24-hour community health care clinics. In the area of tax reform they support a commuter tax and full disclosure of how tax dollars are spent as well as a listing of who owns all Cambridge property.

A prerequisite for any of these changes is the dismissal of the present City Manager, John Corcoran.

Other candidates also offer alternatives to the present administration. Incumbent Barbara Ackermann has worked hard during her terms for rent control and other reforms, but without support from other councillors it is hard to be effective. Cambridge Civic Association Candidates Jerry Cole and Fred Arsenault also offer ideas for changes in various areas of city life.

With two councillors--Crane and Thomas H.D. Mahoney--retiring, there is a reasonable chance that newer, more progressive leadership can find its way into the Cambridge City Council. All concerned citizens should weigh the issues and be sure to vote.