Biannual City Council Candidate Survey

Browse by question

• What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?
• What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?
• What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?
• Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?
• What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?
• What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?
• What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?
• Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?
• Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

Browse by candidate

• Leland Cheung
• Craig Arthur Kelley
• Charlie Marquardt
• Matt Nelson
• Ken Reeves
• Sam Seidel
• E. Denise Simmons
• Tom Stohlman
• Minka vanBeuzekom
• Larry Ward

Leland Cheung

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

Locally-owned businesses form the economic and cultural backbone of our community. Their importance cannot be understated. They provide jobs, meeting spots, landmarks, friends, products, services, culture, and etc. They keep money circulating within the city, keeping our economic engine running. When residents talk about the unique ‘community feel’ that they love so much about Cambridge, they’re often thinking of the local businesses that form the fabric of our city.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

More than anyone else!

I so strongly believe in the importance of locally-owned businesses that I have made it my mission to do as much as I possibly can to help them. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in a short year and a half as chair of the Committee on Economic Development to advocate for our local businesses:

• Introduced legislation declaring Cambridge a Local Economy Community with associated mandates to increase the percentage of municipal procurement that is local sourced and better promote locally-owned business;
• Introduced a resolution declaring Local Economy Week, in which Cambridge publicly celebrated and promoted its local businesses. This event was a huge success and provided a much needed spot light on our local businesses owners;
• Fought for development on Massachusetts Avenue that protected local retail;
• Worked with the City’s Finance Department to revise our banking RFP to keep tax-payer money in local banks as opposed to banks abroad;
• Worked with numerous local business owners having problems with city services to get their issues addressed;
• Advocated with large scale developers to protect local shops from being displaced;
• Personally went with local businesses through the BZA and Planning Board processes to help have their requests processed quickly;
• Advocated for businesses trying to stay open later or get through some regulatory hurdle;

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

Ultimately, it is customers that keep businesses in business, not the government. But government does have an important role to play:

• Investing in infrastructure;
• Respond to calls for service quickly;
• Conduct any repairs that disrupt street-front business quickly;
• Support burgeoning entrepreneurs;
• Keep tax-payer money in local banks;
• Make sensible policy around parking, zoning, online access, etc;
• Promote the importance of shopping local to residents;
• Make regulations clearer and easier to navigate with faster outcomes and less wait time.

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

I use the Cambridge Savings Bank.

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

A negligible amount.

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

The vast majority.

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

There are too many to name and I would inevitably leave some off. I frequent a good many of the stores in the directory. Can I just list the directory?

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

Absolutely. They are doing businesses in our city and state and should be required to follow the same rules as brick and mortar shops. They have an unfair advantage that needs to be corrected. In my former career as a venture capitalist I mentored a company that was developing a solution that state governments could use to collect sales tax if the federal rule went through. With that company, I advocated for that federal rules change and am still advocating for a change in federal law to allow states to collect sales tax from out of state internet retailers like Amazon.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

Vitally important!

As a former entrepreneur, as an MBA who has consulted on growing local businesses, and as the son of a small business owner, I deeply understand how important it is that both government and community support its locally owned businesses. In times of recession, locally owned businesses are the number one creators of new jobs. In Cambridge, our locally owned businesses provide the cultural flavor and neighborhood backbones that residents call ‘community’.

If politicians want to create jobs and encourage healthy communities, we need to start with supporting our locally owned businesses.

That’s why, as soon as I became a City Councillor, I worked with Cambridge Local First to create a Local Economy Task Force focused figuring out how the city could support its locally-owned businesses. I took tours of locally-owned businesses to proactive reach out and offer my help. And I led committee hearings and introduced legislation forcing the city administration to try and do better.

Craig Arthur Kelley

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

They are the fabric that makes our retail interesting and our City vibrant, whether it’s food, entertainment or general retail. Why live in Cambridge if it’s no different from anywhere else, which is why chain stores make life far too boring.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

I pretty much buy whatever I can locally, with the exception of clothes and shoes which I purchase at a locally-owned shop in Ayer. That, and things like dental floss and toothpaste.

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

Buying local where it can, emphasizing zoning that encourages smaller floorplans, allowing non-resident business owners and employees to purchase working day parking stickers for specific areas.

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

Yes.

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

50% but only for stuff not available locally like laser tag guns and second hand warhammer figures and airline tickets.

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

90%

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

Simon’s Coffee, Pemberton Farms, Pandemonium Books and Games, ATA Cycle, Cambridge Bicycle, Porter Square Books, Petali Flowers, Harvest Food Coop and the Modern Brewer are all places that you can’t find anywhere else. You can find similar stores, but not often and not so close together. Plus, I don’t know the names of folks who work at those other places, but I can generally find someone to say “hi” to at these stores.

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

Absolutely. If they can avoid paying taxes, they get a significant advantage over local retailers who are not only paying local sales taxes but, through rent or mortgage, are generally paying local property taxes as well.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

As much as is legally possible, as local businesses add a very dense thread to the local environment, making Cambridge different from, say, Austin, Texas or any other place with a different mixture of stores and businesses.

Charlie Marquardt

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

Dollars spent in a local business are more “valuable” locally than dollars spent on-line or in chain stores which have headquarters in some other state or country. This is because local businesses reinvest in themselves and their community in ways that add to the vitality of the city and its many neighborhoods.

Dollars spent in a local business are more “valuable” locally than dollars spent on-line or in chain stores which have headquarters in some other state or country. This is because local businesses reinvest in themselves and their community in ways that add to the vitality of the city and its many neighborhoods.

Local businesses:

• Implementing and maintaining a regulatory environment that encourages the development of local businesses. This runs from zoning to licensing and everything in between. The City is not yet there. The zoning process is, at times, cumbersome and unwieldy for new businesses to navigate. This is an area on which I will focus as a City Councillor.
• Support local charities through contribution of money, goods, services and their time;
• Support local sports organizations through sponsorships and fund raising partnerships;
• Support local schools through contributions of goods and services as well as allowing employees to serve as volunteers in school activities. Since many local business owners are parents themselves and understand the importance of contributing to the success of our schools;
• Serve as a focal point of community information and discussion. There are many shops and businesses across the city where one can go to see what is happening in a particular neighborhood; and
• Provide many area youths with their first job experience. Local businesses not only look to serve the local community, they look to hire from it.

Local businesses are a part of the community, not a profit center to someone in a distant headquarters. As such, they make their decisions with the local community in mind at a level not usually seen from national or international chains.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

My family has owned a local business in Cambridge for over 40 years, Coady Florist and in the last year, I have opened my own local business, Mid Cambridge Cleaners.

As part of the local business community, both companies are proud members of Cambridge Local First and participate in numerous fund raisers, sponsor sports and charitable organizations and hire local employees to work in the stores.

Personally, I do the majority of my shopping from local merchants rather than from large chains or on- line.

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

The Cambridge Government can and should play a large role in supporting local businesses. Areas where the City Government can have an impact include:

• Implementing and maintaining a regulatory environment that encourages the development of local businesses. This runs from zoning to licensing and everything in between. The City is not yet there. The zoning process is, at times, cumbersome and unwieldy for new businesses to navigate. This is an area on which I will focus as a City Councillor.
• Implement and monitor policies to require the purchase of goods and services from local merchants provided that the local merchants are providing a good or service at a reasonable price and under reasonable terms. The City does do this in many areas, but could still do more to encourage local acquisition of goods and services.
• Provide information to residents and visitors on the local business groups and their contribution to the City. Encourage visitors to try our many great local merchants thereby supporting them in their growth.
• Provide an opportunity for local businesses to provide feedback to the city on what can be done to improve city processes for local businesses. Sometimes people and businesses just want to be heard.

Maintaining and growing a healthy local economy benefits the city and businesses alike. Growing the local economy is critical to maintaining and enhancing the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

Personal – Cambridge Savings, Business – Cambridge Savings, Campaign Account – East Cambridge Savings

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

Less than 5%

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

50% +

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

• Dry Cleaning: Mid Cambridge Cleaners – I have to list myself first of course
• Flowers: Coady Florist – great quality and value
• Wine: Central Bottle – great selection and service
• Fish: New Deal Fish Market – fresh fish with great cooking ideas
• Cheese: Formagio – not only great cheese, but an education as well
• Supermarket: Broadway Market – service and quality far beyond the chains
• Shoes: David’s – great shoes, good prices and old school service
• Hardware: Inman Hardware – they have everything I ever need
• Coffee: Verna’s, Darwins or 1369 – all are good and depends on which on is closest
• Bread: Hi Rise – product is the best, always leave with more than I thought I would buy
• Auto Repair: CLM – always treated fairly and workmanship is first class
• Toys: Stella Bella – they can tell me what I should get my young nieces and nephews which saves on the work and headache of shopping
• Restaurants: way too many to mention as Cambridge is the dining mecca of Greater Boston
• Drug Store: Inman Pharmacy – Mike and his team treat me like family

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

I believe that all retailers selling the same product to the same person for use in the same place should be subject to the same taxes.

Massachusetts law currently requires that anyone acquiring a product on-line or in another state for use in Massachusetts that would have been assessed a sales tax in Massachusetts, but was not because of where or the manner in which it was purchased pay a Use Tax. The Use Tax is the same rate as the Sales Tax. However, the voluntary compliance with this law is lax with estimates of what the State is losing each year in lost tax revenues ranging up to as much as $133 million. Despite the large amounts involved, the level of enforcement from Mass Department of Revenue is extremely limited making the current Use Tax system essentially meaningless.

Ideally, the good people of Massachusetts would comply with current tax law which would be enforced by Mass DOR, but that is not happening. This leaves, as the only viable alternative, having the on-line and other retailers collect and remit the sales tax to Massachusetts. This will require changes of Federal Law to enable enforcement as nexus often becomes an issue and, as seen in other states, the implementation of this law results in the unintended closure of many small businesses. I support the adoption of laws to “level the playing field” for both business and consumers as both are harmed by the current approach of a dual tax system with strict enforcement on the sales tax side and limited enforcement on the use tax side. Businesses are hurt because the different tax treatment creates an unfair price advantage for one category of retailers over the other. Consumers are hurt because (1) those who cannot shop on-line because they do not have the necessary means (computer, internet, credit card) are “forced” to shop at local stores and pay a sales tax that others using the internet can avoid (due to lax enforcement) and (2) local businesses are forced out of business and replaced with national and international chain stores negatively impacting the charm and uniqueness of our city.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

Yes. Local businesses are the backbone of the local economy. They are active in our neighborhoods and communities. Rather than take their profits and charitable contribution dollars back to their home headquarters, local business invest in Cambridge, provide sponsorships for teams and activities and form the leadership groups of many civic minded organizations in the great city of Cambridge.

Since the city receives a greater payback and increase vitality in its neighborhoods from a thriving local business community, it is in the city’s and its residents best interests to work to have policies and regulations that support and enhance the local business community.

As a Cambridge City Councillor, I will work with my compatriots in the local business community to develop and enrich the policies of Cambridge that help local businesses grow and add to the community that is Cambridge.

Matt Nelson

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

I believe Cambridge is working at its best when residents, business and the city all work together.
I worked in the restaurant business in Cambridge for a number of years and I still here from restaurant owners how they are participating in “clean up days” or street fairs.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

Having grown up here I feel that I have spent my whole life supporting local Cambridge. If elected to the City Council I would assume that part of my job description is to be an ambassador to local Cambridge.

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

[no response provided]

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

Yes, ECSB

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

Zero

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

50-75%

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

I am a “foodie” so most of my favorites are restaurants. Atwood’s Tavern, Izzies, Rendezvous, and the Druid to name a few.

And I have been going into University Stationary my whole life and love the fact that it is still there!

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

Yes. However, I believe that this is a very complicated issue and am not quite sure how it gets accomplished.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

It is extremely important for everyone to support locally owned businesses and that includes the City of Cambridge. Cambridge culture and unique feel is in a big way due to our local business scene, whether it is our restaurants or bookstores. I also believe that locally owned establishments tend to have more of a connection the community.

Ken Reeves

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

A very significant role because local, independently owned businesses generally pay more attention to civic and neighborhood concerns in a way that is qualitatively different than national chains.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

I shop locally!

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

The Government should be keenly aware that if locally owned businesses are not supported, we will lose the character of the city.

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

Yes, Cambridge Trust

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

25% household

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

85%

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

Boomerangs, Made in Italy, Rodney’s Bookstore, Toscanini’s Ice Cream, Broadway Supermarket, Formaggio’s, etc. I enjoy the quality of the merchandise and the unique individual flavor of each.

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

Yes, so as to level the playing field as far as total costs to the consumer.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

Yes. By buying local, citizens support the local economy and help to encourage a retail and service mix that maintains the flavor of Cambridge, which is a lively and diverse place. Cambridge is not a haven for national chains. However, it must be remembered that many national chains began here in Cambridge, such as Origins, House of Blues, John Harvard Brewhouse, Urban Outfitters, etc.

Sam Seidel

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

First, supporting local businesses supports the local economy in ways well beyond the initial purchase — dollars spent locally stay locally and get recycled through the economy in many different ways. Environmentally, stores populating our main commercial districts encourage people to walk to shop (or ride a bike) a carbon-free transit mode. Finally, the city has been focused on creating active street fronts through planning and zoning measures designed to encourage good neighborhoods. Local retail is a key component to the success of this, and retail supported by sales means that these local shopping districts will succeed.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

In my public role, I have been a strong supporter on the Council to promote the local economy, and of policy efforts including planning and zoning to make sure we have a vibrant retail streetfront. I have also been engaged with the local businesses along Mass. Ave. from Harvard Square to Porter Square in developing a long-range vision and plan for that corridor to ensure it remains one of the great shopping districts in the city. As a citizen and a resident, I make a conscious effort to shop locally every time I go out to make purchases.

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

I think the government should help “get the word out” about shopping locally by being an advocate for the city’s local businesses. Government should also create policies and programs the support small businesses in the challenges of getting up and going. In addition, government should encourage large Cambridge business to direct some of their purchasing power locally as well.

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

No.

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

~3%

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

~50%

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

Food: 1369 Coffee Shop, Crema Cafe, Punjabi Dhaba, Christina’s Ice Cream (notice a theme?) and every other locally owned restaurant. Great food in my neighborhood.

Other: Stellabella Toys, Abodeon, the Map Store, Irish Imports, Pill Hardware, Harvard Bookstore, Leavitt and Pierce, Black Ink, my barber shop.

They are great places to shop, eat, or just take a break from a busy day and browse.

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

Yes. I believe exemption from sales taxes for online sales strongly disadvantages local businesses.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

Yes, I do. The government has a great deal of purchasing power and also has a strong interest in seeing its commercial districts thrive. Locally owned businesses provide the unique feel to a community and help its status as a place to be.

E. Denise Simmons

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

They play a very important role in Cambridge – not only in employing its residents and in fostering a healthy economic atmosphere, but also in helping to give Cambridge its own unique style and identity. One can go to virtually any city in the country and find a Starbucks, a McDonald’s, a Staples, and so forth – but only in Cambridge can you find places like Mr. Bartley’s Burgers, or the Hong Kong Restaurant in Harvard Square, or Rodney’s Bookstore. These kinds of places are a one-of-a-kind, unique to Cambridge, and that is part of what gives us our character and our charm.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

I have done many things over my two decades in elected office to support the local economy. Just a few examples:

• 10 years ago, when I was on the Cambridge School Committee, I initiated a series of networking events that connected local small business owners with each other and with the City, giving everyone an opportunity to get familiar with each other and establish business relationships. There was an emphasis on small businesses run by women and minorities, and these events received positive feedback from the participants.
• As a city councilor, I have worked to streamline the City’s purchasing process, making it easier and more efficient.
• I have tried to work with principals locally, to encourage them to do business with local businesses as often as possible.
• I established the “Buy Cambridge” initiative.
• In 2004, in the lead-up to when Boston would be hosting the Democratic National Convention, I secured $100,000 from the City to promote Cambridge and Cambridge businesses as an attraction to those flooding into the Greater Boston area for that event.
• As Mayor, I took every available opportunity to purchase office supplies and food for meetings and events from local vendors. I estimate that around 90 percent of our purchasing was from local vendors – and so far as I know, no other Cambridge mayor has been that deliberate or purposeful in their spending of the City’s money.

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

First and foremost, the City Government should serve as a role model to all city partners, agencies, and entities in buying from local businesses as often as possible. There is a much greater weight in promoting others to “buy locally” when the city government can point to its own examples.

The City Council has passed Council Orders requesting that all City departments make their purchases from local vendors as often as possible, and we must be aggressive in making certain that these directives are enforced by the City Manager.

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

Yes

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

none

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

45-50%

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

• Rodney’s (because I love the atmosphere there)
• Seven Stars Books, because I like the owner and the people
• University Stationary, because I like the selection, the prices, and the people
• LemLem’s Gifts, because I like the selection, prices, and the people
• Portugalia, because I like the food
• Rendezvous, because I like the food
• Izzy’s Restaurant & Sub Shop, because I like the food there
• Toscannini’s, because all of their desserts are delicious
• Custom Eyes Corporation on Prospect Street, *because* it is locally owned
• Bosstown Clothing on River Street, because I like the prices and the selection

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

They should be required to collect state sales taxes, because those sales taxes are an important part of our local economy. I have not heard any compelling arguments as to why online retailers should be excepted from this.

Furthermore, requiring online retailers to collect state sales taxes, just like all retailers in Cambridge must, levels the playing field, and would likely bring in additional revenue to local businesses.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

I do believe it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses. Just as it is important for a municipal government to address the needs and concerns of its residents, and just as it is important for a municipal government to educate the children of its residents, it is also important that a city promote and support the businesses owned by its residents. It is just good economic sense that if the local businesses are thriving, more people will be employed, and the greater the overall economic health of the community will be. I very much subscribe to this notion.

Tom Stohlman

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

When a business is heavily invested (money, ownership, and commitment to its neighbors) in Cambridge, it is better for Cambridge.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

I believe in governing by walking around. I end up eating out and buying most of my food and convenience items in Cambridge.

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

I think everyone, including businesses, would benefit from an easier permitting process. Zoning should encourage a mix of uses, this is unique to cities, where you can live, work, and play. We need more affordable (30% of income) housing for all types of wage earners.

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

Cambridge Trust, Eastern

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

Don’t know exact number, but fair to say the majority.

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

Food 100%, other 20%

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

Is this a trick question?

Cambridge Offset Printing.
Harvard Book Store.
Restaurants too numerous to mention.

Because they give me an excellent product at a decent price.

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

I voluntarily pay a “sales tax” surcharge on my Mass State Taxes on items bought online. This option is available to all State taxpayers.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

Yes, for the same reason the City Government should support its residents and the people who work here. We are all an important part of the fabric of the City.

Minka vanBeuzekom

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

They are nimble and passionate enough about their business to keep the needs of the local residents met. Local independently owned businesses create a uniqueness to the retail- scale that’s memorable and brings people back for additional visits. In other words outsiders and Cambridge residents spend their money here. That in turn feeds more money into our local economy.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

I buy/use local (Farmer’s Markets & Harvest Coop, Tags Hardware, ActBlue, a democratic fundraising site started here in Cambridge as examples ).

I promote local (Helped Janneke distribute the CLF coupon books and talk about importance whenever the subject comes up) organize, promote and participate in local events ( Urban Ag Fair, CLF week, networking events).

As a city councillor, I look forward to learning about other ways I can support local economy.

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

The city government should close the loop on buying recycled products and buying from local vendors. Even if this means requesting a home rule because of procurement laws.

Schools should buy food from local farmers.

More of our city’s $100+ million should be held in locally owned banks. City can promote local business week more aggressively but keep the local mindset year-round.

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

Formerly at Cambridge Savings for personal now just non-profit funds are in that bank. Opened up three Kid’s Club accounts fro my three grandsons at Leader Bank. Mortgage formerly held by Leader Bank, now a small NY credit union.

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

10%

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

Very close to 90% because food is purchased from Harvest or Farmer’s markets and I don’t buy much else.

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

Most of the bakeries (Clear Conscience= near my house or Crema Cafe where my daughter works), restaurants (Cafe Luna, Canteen, Four Burgers, Hungry Mother and Veggie Galaxy*) and of course ice cream (Tosci and Christina’s). If I buy books, they’d be from Porter Square Books or Rodneys* . The bulk of my purchases are from the Harvest Coop so that’s clearly a favorite! I’ve been a proud member since 1990 and now my daughters are too.

I miss Greenward

* indicates not (yet) a CLF member

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

All retailers should be collecting sales tax. It will be a headache for them to collect from the 40 states with sales tax – but that could mean more jobs in Kansas or New Mexico.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

Absolutely! Locally owned businesses keep the revenue generated local, employ people who live Cambridge or nearby and help meet the specific needs of the residents. Local Business owners seem more passionate and vested in their businesses and that translates into really good customer service. Small local business also have the autonomy to support local nonprofits and the society benefits as a result.

If the local economy is doing well, the city as a whole will do well too.

Larry Ward

What role do you think local, independently owned businesses play in Cambridge?

Local businesses invest in our community by contributing to our tax base and providing jobs for local citizens. Our local businesses also allow our residents to walk and bike to get the goods and services they need.

What have you done to support the local economy in Cambridge?

I purchase from locally owned businesses, and I encourage others to do the same. As a City Councilor I will work to grow the vibrancy of the city through policies that support local businesses. I am very distressed by seeing the number of local businesses that are closing, often replaced by empty storefronts.

What role do you think the Cambridge City Government should play in developing our local economy?

The Cambridge City Government should help local businesses, particularly ones with 1-20 employees, by locating and negotiating affordable rents. Also, a possible tax break should be considered for building owners who participate in such a program. I would additionally like to consider an approach being tried now in Boston that provides a streamlined process for permitting and understanding local zoning and ordinances. This could be a real boon to those starting a new business.

Do you do your personal banking at a local bank?

Yes.

What percentage of your (non-food) shopping do you do online?

95%

What percentage of your shopping do you do at local independently owned businesses?

75%

What are your favorite independent, locally owned stores? Why?

I like locally owned stores primarily for their positive and attentive customer service.

Do you think online retailers (like Amazon) should be required to collect state sales taxes? Why?

Yes, and the money should go towards a fund to support local businesses. This fund could be used to help local businesses with rent, inventory, or other areas. This might help business owners to be able to afford staying in the community. Not charging the same tax to the goods that mega-businesses sell provides an unfair advantage that undermines our local businesses.

Do you believe that it is important for the Government of the City of Cambridge to support its locally owned businesses? Why?

Absolutely! The stated mission of the local businesses making up Local First says a lot of it: build a strong Cambridge economy and a vibrant community. Local businesses and the local business owners. I know also live locally and provide strong and continued support to Cambridge schools and other non- profits. Local businesses add a flavor and uniqueness to the city that is not found in a suburban mall. Additionally our local businesses set the tone for young people encouraging them to realize they too could operate a business.