Boston city councilor candidate Rachel Miselman is advocating for a more effective utilization of the city’s Sister Cities Program, which she believes could bring significant revenue to Boston and address various community challenges. Miselman, who grew up in West Roxbury and Dorchester and now resides in East Boston, expressed her desire to leverage Boston’s 11 sister cities if elected as an at-large city councilor.
Miselman has deep ties to Jamaica Plain, having attended Boston Latin School, where she formed lasting friendships, and has frequently visited local businesses throughout the years. She fondly recalled her experiences in the neighborhood, mentioning her time spent at notable establishments like Doyle’s Cafe and Hi-Lo Foods, as well as enjoying nature at Jamaica Pond.
In a recent conversation with Jamaica Plain News, Miselman highlighted her diverse professional background and community involvement. With a legal education focused on human rights and experience in land and housing issues, she has worked as an associate lawyer and spent over two decades in education as a consultant and teacher. Miselman’s varied experiences have instilled in her a strong sense of empathy and understanding, skills she believes will be invaluable as a city councilor.
As she meets residents throughout Boston’s neighborhoods, Miselman identifies three main issues: education, public safety, and economic growth. She proposes advocating for more strategic educational opportunities that would help residents adapt to technological advancements, notably in artificial intelligence. Addressing public safety concerns, she emphasizes the need for a clear strategy regarding the resources allocated to the two Methadone Miles, suggesting that a more targeted approach is necessary.
Moreover, Miselman sees great potential in the Sister Cities Program for generating additional revenue for the city. She argues that better utilization of this program could benefit Boston greatly, facilitating solutions to pressing issues like housing affordability.
When discussing Boston’s housing crisis, she underscores the importance of financial influx into the city. Miselman insists on closely monitoring new development projects to ensure that promises of affordable housing units are fulfilled. She is also keen on involving universities in discussions, as their expansions have displaced numerous families in the past.
On the topic of rent stabilization and rent control, Miselman expresses her support for rent stabilization while remaining cautious about proposed rent control measures. She raises concerns about the potential adverse impacts on small landlords, stressing the importance of supporting the real estate industry while finding balanced solutions to the housing crisis.
Regarding the increasing trend of investors purchasing single, double, and triple-family homes, Miselman acknowledges the necessity for investors to profit while considering how their investments benefit the community. As a future city councilor, she intends to act as a steward of Boston’s resources, emphasizing the importance of aligning investments with community needs and preserving local culture.
Miselman envisions a substantial role for the City Council in improving Boston Public Schools. She believes discussions on educational improvement should extend beyond budget allocations and include innovative approaches such as seeking grants to enhance school facilities and exploring sustainable features like indoor gardens.
With growing concerns regarding federal funding cuts, Miselman highlights the risks posed by performance politics. While she values freedom of speech, she advocates for a collaborative approach that ensures Boston secures maximum federal resources. Despite potential federal funding challenges, she believes Boston has ample resources to weather economic storms but emphasizes the necessity for more fiscal intelligence in resource management.
Miselman’s multifaceted approach to addressing these pressing issues reflects her commitment to creating an inclusive and thriving Boston, should she earn a seat on the city council.
image source from：jamaicaplainnews
