Cambridge Election 2024 -Candidates Respond

CAMBRIDGE - (Editor’s Note: On Oct. 19, 2024, voters in the City of Cambridge will select from a field of candidates for City Council and Mayor.
In August, the Banner reached out to each candidate with questions and will be posting their answers in full on Bay-to-Bay News each day during the week of Sept. 23 – 27, and in upcoming Dorchester Banner print editions.
If print edition space is limited, a link to each full response on Bay-to-Bay News will be provided.)

City Council Candidates – Ward 2: Jenna LeCompte

What inspired you to run for City Council in 2024?

I bring a vibrant and youthful perspective to represent our ward. My deep love for our community stems from the fact that it’s where my children are growing up. We’re working hard to build a supportive environment not just for my kids, but for all children. I see everyone as a friend and am dedicated to ensuring that all our neighbors' voices are heard.

Please comment on any qualifications or background you feel would be especially beneficial to serving on City Council?

Throughout my adult career, I’ve gained extensive experience in management and working closely with young people. I’ve played a key role in hiring and providing opportunities, particularly for younger team members. My expertise lies in marketing and social media, a vital tool increasingly utilized by neighbors, businesses, schools, politicians, and more. As a young mother, I relate to the challenges and appreciate the valuable resources Cambridge provides for raising a family in our close-knit community.

Can you pinpoint one or more area(s) of personal and/or professional growth which would be a special strength on City Council?

A special strength of mine is effectively engaging with youth and leveraging my expertise in recruitment to support and develop the teens in my community. 2. My social media expertise will be instrumental in marketing our community as a safe, welcoming, and inviting place. I will also use these skills to showcase the remarkable individuals who contribute to our vibrant community.

Comment on any (or all) of the following issues currently facing Cambridge. Feel free to add any additional issues:

Juvenile curfew and positive youth initiatives -Positive youth groups like All4Love play a crucial role in our small community. My focus is on creating more opportunities for young people rather than imposing additional restrictions. Positive reinforcement can often be more effective than threats of consequences that may not always be enforced. Our goal should be to nurture our youth while ensuring the safety of our current community members.

Safe, affordable housing - Affordable housing is a concern that affects everyone in our community. No one should have to live with the fear of not having a safe and manageable place to call home. We need to actively work on filling the vacant homes we have and creating secure neighborhoods. Ensuring a sense of safety in a neighborhood involves several elements: a visible and approachable police presence, support from code enforcement to maintain cleanliness, managing loose pets and assisting pet owners with limited resources, safe sidewalks for pedestrians, and more.

How would you help contribute to moving Cambridge forward? Addressing the past? Bringing the city together?

I would begin by initiating open-ended conversations with community members to understand their genuine concerns about the city. There’s often a gap between perceived issues and the actual problems at hand. It’s essential for our community members to feel safe and heard. Many people are unregistered to vote or believe their voices and opinions won’t make a difference. Numerous residents are simply focused on getting through their daily lives. We need to better connect city resources with our neighbors. I am committed to using my voice to represent everyone and address these needs.