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I see Boston’s waterfront as the key to the City’s mental, physical, and financial future. Let me elaborate. Firstly, I am a big believer in blue health. There is already a lot of research - as we are aware - that points to the positive benefits of being around blue spaces. It provides a boost to our mood and supports our well-being. So, I would advocate for the incorporation of these spaces into therapeutic practices as well as our everyday activities. Indeed, being around the water and engaging in water activities, structured or spontaneous, yields a wealth of good. Secondly, pertaining to the lift of residents’ physical health, water sports are incredible as they work every muscle of the body. They assist with weight management in addition to improving bone density and flexibility. Lastly, concerning the financial aspect of the City’s blue spaces, Boston has an incredible advantage over many other cities, yet not enough has been done to explore and exploit that benefit. By bolstering the City’s maritime economy, Boston could enjoy greater prestige on the national and international stages and the bonuses that come with that. The City’s Sister Cities Program could certainly be an invaluable resource in this area. I would, therefore, continue to push for this program to be more than a ceremonial apparatus.
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Firstly, I would focus on accessibility to ensure that everyone could get to the waterfront. So, I would look at transportation infrastructure and advocate for improvements before the MBTA board. Furthermore, equally to the point of accessibility, I would endeavor to ensure that information about the waterfront was translated into different languages and disseminated in a variety of places. I would also fiercely advocate for the maintenance and beautification of the surrounding green spaces so that the overall environment was a safe and welcoming one.
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As a member of The Boston CERT Program, I would talk to residents about the City’s initiative to adopt a sewer for six months. This would involve keeping it clean and removing debris. I would equally push for the expansion of this initiative and the CERT Program, which has been lauded on the national stage. Of equal importance, I would explore how existing green infrastructure could assist in absorbing floodwaters. Finally, I would champion the exploration of additional technology to monitor vulnerable areas and the creation of innovative man-made barriers to prevent disasters. As a center of education and research, Boston could easily retain its role as a leader in this area.
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I would support our working port by monitoring the infrastructure and advocating for the expansion of it or its upgrade before it becomes absolutely critical. I would be proactive. I would also promote an enhanced awareness and appreciation of the designated work areas through training programs and apprenticeships. Next, I would help balance the purpose of designated port areas with public access by taking an active role in any proposed development around this area so that the plans would be built around the public’s needs. People could then easily reach this area and enjoy the public areas without encountering mobility or sensory issues. Finally, I would promote the benefits of introducing education and training in the blue economy for children and adults alike.
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Living in East Boston, the natural inclination would be to push for an expansion of ferry services. However, I would like to see taxi drivers have the opportunity to receive training in taxi school to operate water taxis. Equally, vouchers could be given to street taxis to take residents to the waterfront for various activities and events.