JP Neighborhood Council Candidate Statements: Area C

On Saturday, residents elect members to the JP Neighborhood Council, a volunteer advisory board. The 20-member Neighborhood Council is divided into three districts, with five members from each area and five at-large members.

Six people are running for the five slots in Area C, which comprises roughly central JP west of Centre Street.

Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at three locations: , and . Any JP resident 16 or older can vote.

Here are candidate statements from the six candidates.

[Editor's note: At the request of the JPNC, comments are not allowed on this post. To comment about the election please .]

Karley Ausiello (incumbent)

Karley Ausiello has lived in the Bourne neighborhood of Jamaica Plain for four years. She and her husband chose to settle down in JP and raise a family because of the community spirit, green space and diversity. Karley has served on the JPNC for two years and has sat on the Public Service Committee and Parks and Open Spaces Committee. She is committed to ensuring we have welcoming neighborhoods, affordable housing and vibrant open spaces. As a proud JPMom of a 3-year-old daughter, Karley is particularly interested in issues that impact families throughout JP.

Ben Day

I am a resident of Hyde Square, and I work as the executive director of Mass-Care, a health care advocacy group seeking to establish health care as a right for all Massachusetts residents through a single-payer health care system. I cherish the locally driven, unique culture of JP, along with its open spaces. It is one of few Boston neighborhoods supporting communities of diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities and income levels. If elected, I would work to maintain and expand JP’s diversity and affordability, local business culture and green spaces.

Andrea Howley (incumbent)

It has been my privilege to serve on the JPNC for the past seven years. It is clear that our challenge is to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and all ideas are considered. I am a lifelong resident of Jamaica Plain. I have been the council’s chairperson for the last two years. I also sit on the board of the Jamaica Hills Association and am an Emerald Necklace Conservancy park overseer. My primary focus is ensuring that Jamaica Plain remains clean, safe and flourishing in this economic climate and into the future. Your vote is appreciated. Thank you.

Ken Sazama

Ken Sazama has lived in Jamaica Plain for over 12 years, loving it for its green space and diversity on all levels. He works locally as a Realtor with a focus on sustainable development. Ken is an avid volunteer and has for years been involved in local Jamaica Plain issues. He is a graduate of Naropa University, a Buddhist college in Boulder, Colo., and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He would be honored to serve on the JPNC.

Hyun Shin

As a fairly new addition to the neighborhood, I have grown to adore this diverse and vibrant community we call Jamaica Plain. In my running for the Neighborhood Council, I look forward to hearing the issues and concerns of Jamaica Plain residents and working together to find a common solution. I would also like to see the Neighborhood Council take a more proactive position on youth development and training and will work on the Council to maintain Jamaica Plain’s affordable housing base. Currently, I work for a multi-service nonprofit agency in downtown Boston and serve on the local ward committee.

Christian Young

As a result of its positive attributes, JP is a growing community with new people and new businesses moving in. This growth should be embraced by the neighborhood without sacrificing the core ideals that make JP great. I will strive as a member of JPNC to help JP grow while maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood. I will make it my goal to listen to Neighborhood C on issues and ensure that the actions of JPNC reflect the entire community.