For the first time since 2011, we have two candidates for State Senate whose records and priorities we can actually compare.
On State Legislature transparency, the rights and opportunities of the most marginalized, consistent support for State House staff to unionize, and his “fighting head on” approach to our dire housing affordability crisis — I am sure of where Daniel Lander will be leading us as State Senator.
He will be at the forefront of the fight for more permanent affordable housing and, because he understands its urgency, it will remain one of his top priorities. And he understands that while more market rate housing is vital, alone it will not help affordability.
Daniel’s track record shows his commitment and ability to get down to brass tacks and work on many fronts so that people can afford to live where they choose. For example, Daniel will actively advocate for social housing in Massachusetts — publicly owned, mixed-income developments built in partnership with housing authorities and nonprofit developers. Models like Willow Park right here in Watertown show how this works, giving cities the tools to create permanently affordable housing for low- and middle-income households.
Daniel will also continue work to pass a Real Estate Transfer fee which will add to our Affordable Housing Trust fund. AHTs enable communities to build and pay for new affordable housing.
Daniel is willing to speak clearly and directly on his plans for affordable housing. As he says on
his website, he “will work to swiftly implement common sense reforms like minimum lot size reform, and changes to our building code like Single Stair Reform, and updating our High Rise code to ensure we can meaningfully bring down the cost of building housing. … He will work to
pass into law and implement, not just study, the recommendations from the State’s Unlocking
Housing Production Commission”. Some of those recommendations Daniel will continue to fight for are to: codify site plan review with established zoning and land use regulations to prevent what can be unnecessary regulatory barriers, establish time limits to the permitting process, expand multi-family options. Daniel will work to give cities and towns the tools they need to bring down housing prices and build affordable housing.
I am proud to support Daniel Lander. He seeks solutions. The work he’s been doing for years shows us what’s possible. And it shows that he will be a leader in these efforts. He understands the urgency of the housing crisis and he brings ‘boots-on-the-ground’ experience to get right to work.
Please take a moment to learn more about Daniel: https://www.daniellander.com/ And please consider meeting Daniel in person on Sunday April 12, 2 to 4 p.m. at First Parish Church, 35 Church St, Watertown.
Jacky van Leeuwen
Watertown Resident