On April 28, the City of Cambridge Citizens Academy commenced at City Hall. Fifteen participants packed into a small meeting room for the first of four sessions in which they were to learn how local government works, what services are provided, and how citizens can help shape Cambridge’s future.
Attendees were provided with binders containing various helpful information about the city government, but Special Projects Coordinator Lynn Widli also gave a PowerPoint presentation introducing elected and major officials and the basics of operations. This included information on Mayor Lajan Cephas Bey’s responsibilities and powers, procedures of the City Council, the nine departments that answer to City Manager Glenn Steckman (whom Widli called “Stockman”), the fact that the city has 136 employees, and even the difference between an ordinance and a resolution.
During a discussion of the City Council, one participant said he was concerned that having only two readings of legislation is too fast and doesn’t always allow citizens to comment at public meetings. Moderator Tara Felts suggested attending as many council sessions (or watching on Town Hall Streams) as possible, as she does, even though she’s a city employee. Another attendee mentioned that many senior citizens are not on the internet and aren’t getting all the updated information about the city government, and thus other forms of notification need to be considered.
After Widli’s slideshow, Steckman led a tour of City Hall and not only explained the function of the different offices but also pointed out leftovers from when the building was the police station—such as that the holding cells are now used for storage. Then everyone returned to the meeting room for a question-and-answer segment.
Present for the Q & A were the mayor and city manager along with Ward 2 Commissioner Shay Lewis-Cisco, Human Resources Director Ina Holden, IT Manager Dale Price, and Finance Director Perry Peregoy. Moderator Felts asked each panelist a question about their job, and then the floor was opened to questions from the participants. Before leaving, everyone was given a homework sheet and a survey code.
The Citizens Academy was designed to give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at city operations, decision-making processes, and community services. As the sessions continue, with next week’s taking place at the Edward E. Watkins Public Safety Complex, it can be hoped that the considerable knowledge gained will be passed on to friends and neighbors so that everyone will be equipped to participate in the future of Cambridge.