Somerville City Councilor Willie Burnley Jr. has announced his bid for mayor, joining the race against incumbent Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Councilor Jake Wilson ahead of the upcoming election. Burnley, known for his advocacy for renters and progressive policies, aims to implement a Green New Deal for Somerville Public Schools if elected. He highlighted the importance of local leadership in the face of challenges from the federal administration and emphasized his commitment to creating a safer, sustainable, and economically stronger Somerville.
Burnley’s campaign focuses on uniting the community around shared values and transforming them into reality. His platform includes efforts to eliminate tenant-paid brokers’ fees and promote initiatives such as paying off medical debt for residents and adding more bike lanes in the city by 2030. Additionally, as a polyamorous individual, Burnley has been a strong advocate for antidiscrimination laws for people in polyamorous relationships.
If elected, Burnley would become the first Black mayor of Somerville and one of the youngest mayors in the city’s history. He has received endorsements from prominent figures such as Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren and Representative Ayanna Pressley for his council race.
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