Mark D. Fisher
Age: 37
Occupation: Small business Owner
How long have you lived in Cambridge?
34 years
Do you reside in the ward/city you are running in?
Yes
Why are you running in this election?
I love Cambridge. It was a wonderful city to grow up and and I want to be part of ensuring that it remains a healthy, viable city to live in for decades to come.
What qualifies you to represent your ward?
I’ve run a local small business in Cambridge for 13 years. Throughout this time, I’ve learned the importance of building relationships, listening to and learning from others and digging in and doing the work. As an entrepreneur I’m adept at coming up with new and innovative ways to solve problems.
Why should people vote for you? I have a passion for supporting this city and the people in it. I want my son to grow up in a place that he loves as much as I loved growing up here. I understand the community and have the ability to see all sides and make decisions under pressure.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of the ward?
I believe the issues facing Ward 5, are the same issues facing most Wards in Cambridge. They include affordability of living, safety and the impact of environmental issues.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of Cambridge on a broader scale?
I believe the residents of Cambridge face the issues of cost of living, housing and homelessness
What is the most important thing you want to see changed in Cambridge?
Cambridge is filled with amazing people, I want to provide opportunities for each of these people succeed, finding ways to work together as a community.
What services need to be improved in Cambridge?
As we continue to grow, it’s important to scale services while ensuring affordability for the city.
Is Cambridge growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough?
Growth is an important part of building a city, but it’s important that we continue to ensure that services can be scaled along with this growth.
What can be done at the local level about the rising cost of housing?
Housing affordability is a key issue for me. I believe it’s such an important part of building a community. I would like to see us look at the implications of continuing to raise taxes versus looking for alternate options.
What can be done locally about the homelessness issue?
Addressing homelessness will take the cooperation among the whole community and teaming up with grass roots organizations that have knowledge and understanding in providing services is key.
How do we make Cambridge an even better city to live in?
Cambridge is filled with wonderful things, I would like to see more public events, increased volunteering and City Council continuing to create a community that we all feel welcomed and safe in.
To learn more about Mark, visit the following links:
