Somerville Candidate Profile: Matthew Hunt For City Council

SOMERVILLE, MA — With the Somerville Municipal Election scheduled for Nov. 7, Patch is profiling the candidates.

Here, we learn more about Matthew Hunt, who is running to represent Ward 1 on the Somerville City Council. Hunt is facing incumbent Matthew McLaughlin.

Hunt is a faculty assistant at Harvard Law School.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Name

Matthew Hunt

How old will you be as of Election Day?

36

Campaign website

https://huntward1somervill.wix...

What city or town do you live in?

Somerville

What office are you seeking?

Ward 1 City Council

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here

Ward 1

Education

My Ph.D. in Political History from Queen's University Belfast, MA in Irish Studies also from QUB, BAs in History and Philosophy from Boston College.

Occupation?

Faculty assistant at Harvard Law School

Family

I am one of eight children and have a whole lot of nieces, nephews, aunties and uncles, and cousins of every degree.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I have never before run for or held public office.

Why are you seeking this office?

Ward 1 is underserved and underrepresented and deserves a strong advocate for our needs and concerns at City Hall.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is Constituent Services, and this is what I plan to do about it: I will be a strong voice for our often forgotten community here in the East of the City. I will fight for our due when it comes to the dividend of an evolving Somerville. I pledge to be active and responsive to resident concerns and hold communication with our neighbors in the highest regard.

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

I am certainly not here to run a negative campaign, but a largely uncontested 10 years in the council from my opponent has seen very little material difference in our community in Ward 1. It is time for a change and a new enthusiastic voice for our ward.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Beyond constituent services, priorities include: affordability, housing, equity, and accessibility.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My education, my work as a union organizer, my time as a community organizer around issues such as reproductive rights, refugees, LGBTQ+ rights, and youth empowerment all point to my ability to be a fierce advocate for the under-represented and marginalized.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Sometimes you have to play the game but don't forget who you are or where you come from.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My main aim as a representative would be to address your concerns. My own views are important but so are yours as constituents.