Jonathan Link
GoodParty.org candidate

Jonathan Link

Somerville City Council - At Large

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About the Office

The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.

Term Length

2 years

Election Date

Nov 4, 2025

About Me

Party

Independent

Occupation

Engineer

Fun Fact

Outside of politics, I’m a writer and artist—I have an MFA in creative writing, have published poetry, and love drawing and illustrating stories. I’m also an enthusiastic but very imperfect gardener, and we have a little native pollinator garden, so my kids and I can watch the bees and butterflies. The arts and the outdoors have always been grounding for me, and I love that my children get to share in both. Whether it’s reading together, sketching, or digging in the dirt, those are the moments that make me happiest.

Past Experience

{"skills":"The achievements I’m most proud of have been collective ones, working shoulder to shoulder with neighbors. I’ve joined with parents, educators, and community members to press the city for stronger support and funding for our schools. I’ve worked with the Somerville Community Land Trust to expand permanently affordable housing so more people can put down roots here. And I’ve stood alongside residents in advocating for safer streets and more inclusive public spaces, always focused on making Somerville a city where everyone can stay and thrive.","achievements":"I helped advocate for traffic calming on some of our busiest streets, where people have long asked for safer crossings and bike lanes. I’ve been active in the fight for fully funding our schools, showing up and organizing to keep the needs of students, families, and teachers at the center of city decisions. And through my work with the Somerville Community Land Trust, I’ve helped advance permanently affordable housing—an achievement that strengthens our community now and for future generations.","responsibility":"I haven’t served on the Council before, but I’ve taken on responsibilities that mirror what an At-Large Councilor is expected to do. I’ve shown up regularly at City Council and committee meetings, spoken out on housing and safe streets, and worked with neighbors to push for solutions. I volunteer with the Somerville Community Land Trust, where I help expand permanently affordable housing, and I’ve been active in advocating for school funding, traffic calming, and tenant protections. These experiences have trained me to analyze policy, bring people together, and follow through—exactly the work an At-Large Councilor is elected to do."}

My Top Issues

Mixed-income neighborhoods

I’ve worked with the Somerville Community Land Trust to expand permanently affordable housing, and I support linking new growth near transit hubs to community ownership so every wave of development also creates homes that stay affordable.

Enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, such as crosswalks and sidewalks

I support redesigning our streets to prioritize people walking, biking, and using mobility devices, so safety comes before speed. Protected bike lanes, raised crosswalks, and traffic calming are essential investments that will save lives and make our neighborhoods more connected and welcoming.

Invest in local public education

Somerville must fully fund and accelerate the rebuild of Winter Hill while ensuring kids displaced by the closure get the support they need right now. I also support expanding afterschool programming and moving toward universal pre-K, so every child in Somerville has a strong start and every family has the care and stability they deserve.

Infrastructure / Transportation

It's time to make Somerville a model city for street safety.

Environment / Energy

As a parent and a member of this community, I am committed to championing green initiatives and fighting for climate justice.

Housing

Housing is a human right.

Education

Somerville's students deserve great schools in their own communities. As a parent and an advocate, I will fight to make sure we deliver on that promise.

Infrastructure / Transportation

We need safer street design: curb extensions, hardened turns, street trees, and speed deterrents that protect people before tragedy strikes—instead of waiting for tragedies to react to.

Economy

As your City Councilor, I'll fight to make sure the city is doing its part. That means expanding access to resources for small business owners, streamlining our zoning and permitting processes, and making it easier for new businesses to open and existing ones to grow.

Infrastructure / Transportation

If we want safer streets and cleaner air, we need public transportation to be a reliable option for everyone. I will be pushing the MBTA for better service and accessibility for Somerville residents.

Housing

We need advocates for thoughtful policies like rent stabilization that protect our neighbors while still encouraging responsible development.

Environment / Energy

A dense and walkable city like Somerville has the potential to be a national leader in urban sustainability, and I will work hard to make that vision a reality.

Who I'm Running Against

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