Somerville has a major rodent problem. To be clear, it's one of a number of regional problems plaguing the area, but we feel this one particularly acutely here in Somerville. It might seem like a niche issue for a mayoral candidate to run on, but when I mention rats as one of my top issues when talking to voters, the reaction is near-universal agreement.

It's not that the City isn't spending money on rats. We definitely are, as I can tell you from chairing both the Finance Committee and the Rodent Issues Special Committee on the City Council. The issue is that we're mostly spending money on treating existing infestations -- and if you have an infestation, you've already lost that battle in The War on Rats.

Treating existing rodent infestations is important, but that's like treating the symptoms of a disease. So I want to really focus our attention on why we have a major issue with rats to begin with and deal with the root causes of the problem. And I have a plan to aggressively reduce our rodent population.

We will never eradicate rats in our city, but in order to get their numbers under control we'll need to change human behavior. We also need to change conditions, and we can do that by making sure our trash receptacles aren't compromised and by instituting citywide curbside municipal composting.

We've heard promises of a municipal composting pilot for years now. A year ago we heard there finally were plans to move ahead with a pilot program. I disagreed with the approach chosen: a means-tested citywide pilot. I made the case for a localized pilot in an area of the city with high incidence of rodent issues and a low subscribership rate to private composting services. I suggested East Somerville as a great location for this pilot.

Waste Dive broke the news last week that the Administration has opted to change course and implement the pilot I advocated for at that September 19, 2024 committee meeting. I'm delighted by the decision to switch the approach and I believe this is going to be great for East Somerville and ultimately provide proof of concept that leads to a citywide expansion of the program.

I'll be a mayor who gets real about rats, because Somerville deserves a serious rat policy.

-Jake

Join us at Casey's *TONIGHT*!

We're doing one final big campaign fundraiser before the Preliminary election. Tonight -- Wednesday, September 10 -- we'll be gathering at Casey's in East Somerville for a celebratory fundraiser. It'll be a family-friendly event with pizza and wings provided by the campaign -- as well as a cash bar.

Come hear about the campaign we've built together, powered by Somerville people and Somerville money. And learn about the plan for Preliminary Day and how you can help out! As always, while campaign contributions are greatly appreciated, by no means are they required to attend any of our events.

Final weekend before the Preliminary!

We're down to our last weekend of door-knocking before the September 16 preliminary election. Our Saturday and Sunday canvasses will be our final weekend opportunities to connect with Somerville voters ahead of Tuesday's crucial election. I'm asking you to please come join us for one or both of these days.

On Saturday we'll have morning, mid-day, and late afternoon shifts, as well as mid-day and afternoon shifts on Sunday. We'll make sure you have everything you need to have a good, productive time on the doors talking to your neighbors about our campaign.

After canvassing on Saturday, join us for our third Campaign Cocktail Club. Jake will once again be behind the bar making cocktails and mocktails and serving beer, wine, and beverages for all ages. Bring the whole family and help raise crucial funds for the campaign: