Somerville Candidate Profile: Kristen Strezo For City Councilor At Large

SOMERVILLE, MA — The municipal election is fast approaching in Somerville, and the city council race is highly contested.

Somerville Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles leading up to November.

Kristen Strezo is running for reelection for City Councilor At Large in Somerville.

Age

46

Position sought

Somerville City Councilor At-Large

Party affiliation

Democrat

Family

I’m a single mom of two kids in the Somerville Public Schools, and we have a friendly dog
named Martha.

Education

I received my Master’s Degree in Journalism and Narrative Non Fiction from Harvard University - Extension. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from DePaul University in Chicago.

Occupation

Somerville City Councilor At-Large

Previous or Current Elected Office

I’m currently in my third term as Somerville City Councilor At-Large, and I’m running for re-
election for my fourth term this year.

Campaign Website

https://kristenstrezo.com/

Why are you seeking elected office?

My priority is to ensure that Somerville is a place where you can thrive no matter your age
or background. I’m committed to expanding women's rights, making sure parents’
voices are heard and considered, helping our small business owners navigate the challenges they face, I understand our affordability challenges, and I work closely with our senior residents on accessibility, services, and housing.

The single most-pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is __________ and
this is what I intend to do about it.

Ensuring every resident feels safe in our city. Making sure everyone can stay in our
community. Making sure everyone in Somerville feels heard and responded to.

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates seeking this
post?

I’m already in my role and doing the work. I’m proud to say that I have the proven track
record of working hard for our Somerville community and getting things done.
My close working relationship with community partners and advocates enables me to
take action on matters that affect our residents the most personally - including
immigration, food insecurity, mobility and accessibility.
I listen to and work closely with our seniors: showing up, responding to and working for
forward-thinking policy that considers aging in place.
I meet with seniors throughout the year, so they know that when they share their
experiences and worries with me, that I’ll listen and take action.
I also bring a different perspective to the Council. As a low-income single mom of two in
the Somerville Public Schools, my lived experience informs my service to the city.
I understand personally the challenges of getting kids the education they deserve, and
what families face navigating the SPS Special Education system.
I understand the struggle of obtaining and living in affordable housing. I can relate to
Somerville residents who must face the recertification process each year and how
difficult that can be. I bring this approach to my service as a City Councilor, and I fight
hard for my constituents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My Priorities:
● Responsive constituent services and proven advocacy.

● Making Somerville affordable through rent stabilization, tenant protections,
incentivization of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other new housing, utility bill
support, and increased transportation options.
● Supporting our kids by funding out-of-school time, teen spaces, and equity-based
sports programming, and making sure parent and student voices are heard in school
infrastructure decisions. I secured more crossing guard positions at our schools,
partnered with parents to bring gender equity to sports with the Girls Learn to Skate
hockey program, and am passionate about ensuring that decisions about the Winter Hill
School and the Brown School are driven by Somerville residents, families and children in
the school district.
● Safeguarding Somerville residents from identity-based discrimination and federal
status targeting, and protecting reproductive choice, bodily autonomy, and gender
affirming care.
● Upholding a walkable, bikeable Somerville with safety initiatives, safe pedestrian
pathways, and neighborhood speed-reducing solutions while being mindful of ADA
accessibility, parking needs, and small business access.
● Climate change initiatives that improve air quality, support the municipal composting
program, and enhance our green spaces.
● I work closely with our senior residents on accessibility, services, and housing. With
their input, I’m working on implementing the results from the 2025 Aging in Somerville
Community Needs Assessment survey so seniors can age in place.

The best advice ever shared with me was __________

Listen to what people need; don’t tell them what they should have.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As your City Councilor, I have a proven track record of advocating for you and being
available to you. Constituent services will always be my top priority because you
deserve city leaders who are here for you.

See Also:

Somerville Candidate Profile: Wilfred Mbah For City Councilor At Large

Somerville Candidate Profile: Emily Hardt For Ward 7 City Council

Somerville Candidate Profile: Jack Perenick For City Councilor At Large