Cambridge Election 2024 - Ward 4: Sputty Cephas

CAMBRIDGE — In August, the Banner reached out to each candidate with questions and will be posting their answers in full on Bay-to-Bay News, and in upcoming Dorchester Banner print editions.
In case of limited print edition space, a link to the Bay-to-Bay News full response will be provided.

What inspired you to run for City Council in 2024?

I am most inspired to run for city council in 2024 because my work is not done yet while serving in the capacity as current city commissioner. Due to various reasons beyond our control, we have not been able to accomplish everything that we as a council identified as priorities to move the city forward in the first four years. Although we have made tremendous progress there is still a way to go. I believe with offering a fresh younger perspective I am able to be a bridge connecting our youth and the diverse areas of our community to one unified progressive Cambridge commUNITY (unity intentionally capitalized).


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

I have served on the city council for the past 4 years. I have served locally on various boards and commissions prior to and during my tenue as commissioner including Chair Pro Tem. I have also served statewide as Vice Chair of Young Municipal Leaders (YML), President of Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities (ESAM) covering every municipality on the eastern shore of Maryland as well as a board member for Maryland Municipal League as District 1 Vice President. I have served on a nation level With National League of Cities on the council for youth, education, and family council as well as assistant treasurer of National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO)

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

I am extremely personable and adaptable, which are just two of my many strengths that I think are beneficial to the council. Knowing that you represent a vast range of people you have to be personable and approachable in order to really understand the needs, sympathize when there’s a problem and empathetic.

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

1.Juvenile curfew and positive youth initiatives
a.It’s a tool that’s in place to help with community policing and the youth engagement. It allows Law enforcement the opportunity to engage troubled youth and provide meaningful solutions through resources. Supporting the local non-profits and youth engagement organizations like All4Love, New beginnings youth and family services, harvesting hope, local management board and even strong partnership with the school district and will help engage the youth to continue to have better relationships with our youth to lower youth/juvenile crime.

2.Cambridge Waterfront development, YMCA
a.I am a huge fan of the waterfront development. I do believe there has been a lack of transparency, a lack of community engagement execution (actually listening to what the community says). I also believe there has been a lack of representation where it actually matters. I have not been a fan of the YMCA at the waterfront and do not believe that it is conducive to progression in our community. I also believe from an economic driver the YMCA is not the best use of the land at the waterfront.

3.Flooding mitigation efforts
a.I know there are some flooding issues, and the city staff have been working hard to tackle that. With proper staff and support of grants etc. we should be able to continue to work on those efforts. Knowing that it’s a major issue it would rank higher on the priority list.

4.Safe, affordable housing
a.Safe and affordable housing is a major issue in Cambridge. We have a few housing communities that offer affordable housing. While that is great, these communities have come with various challenges that have caused more harm than good. While they are “livable” they are deplorable. Additionally, because they are independently owned and managed it makes it difficult for the city to ensure they remain habitable.

5. Growing and sustaining Main Street and Pine Street

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

Strong partnership with the Cambridge Mainstreet and Pine Street Committee would help grow and sustain two of the most important and historical areas of this great city. I personally plan to continue contributing to this by being supportive of their efforts, encouraging that no one is left out and that everyone has a voice in decisions that happen in these areas. Preserving those which remain, encourage, and inspire new and blend them together would be an approach I’d take to this. At the end of the day, It’s all about support, support, support. Strategic planning is key and important.