I was pleased to see the proposed 2012 district map for the 2nd Middlesex, which is my current district, contains about a third of Cambridge. I have spent most of my life less than a couple of blocks from the Cambridge city line and am happy to have an opportunity to serve my neighbors across the border. The district will also include all of Somerville and Medford, and part of Winchester. Neighbors in Davis Square and around Porter Square will now be united in the same district even if the city line splits them apart.

Many issues facing Cambridge are the same issues facing the rest of my district. In particular, the Alewife River is part of the Mystic River Watershed; I’ve been working on pollution and flooding throughout the watershed for many years. The Green Line Extension to Somerville and Medford begins in Cambridge. Above all, we share important values on issues including the environment, access to public transportation, affordable housing, economic development and social justice.

While under the proposed district I would only officially represent about a third of Cambridge residents, I will be a committed advocate for the entire city. Over the last few years, Sen. Sal DiDomenico and I have forged a strong partnership to serve the people of Somerville and we will continue that partnership along with Sen. Anthony Petruccelli on behalf of the people of Cambridge. I look forward to meeting with many Cambridge residents and getting to know the community better.

If you would like to talk to me about redistricting or any other issue do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or (617) 722-1582.

Sincerely,

Patricia D. Jehlen, state senator