JPNC Candidate Statements: At-large

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 at-large slots.

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. Where the candidate included a Spanish statement, that also is included.

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

Edward “Red” Burrows (incumbent as Area C member)

I have lived in Jamaica Plain since 1998 and have been on the neighborhood council for almost seven years. I am the assistant chair for the Zoning Committee and sit on the Open Space Committee and the Jackson Square Citizens Advisory Committee. I want to work with all residents of JP to ensure that we all have safe streets and well-maintained parks, and above all, to ensure diversity by promoting affordable housing. I hope you vote for me Sept. 24.

Francesca Fordiani (incumbent)

I am a social worker and 17-year JP resident, and have been active with the JPNC since 2003. As a member and former chair of the Housing and Development Committee, I advocated for affordable housing in the former Barbara McInnis House and in Forest Hills. In the last year, I led the JPNC’s effort to reach out to youth-serving organizations to address youth violence in JP. I am committed to the diverse and vibrant community that is my home. I would be honored to have your vote and to have the opportunity to continue to serve you. Thank you.

Richard Parritz

As a 13-year resident; current, past member or advisor to many boards of directors, including the JPOS, ToysForJoys, SPOA, Gay4Good, AMA, Harbor to the Bay and GBBC; and owner of Promostuff, I’m in a unique position to bring professional management to the council. Like thousands in JP, I’m disturbed by its mishandling of the Whole Foods conversation. While I’m indifferent in some respects to what replaces Hi-Lo, the JPNC continues to far overstep its authority. Consequently, the JPNC has turned many good-hearted people off from both living and considering opening businesses and bringing jobs here.

Michael Reiskind (incumbent)

Michael Reiskind is a longtime resident of Jamaica Plain and a hard-working community activist involved in many aspects of neighborhood life. He is presently on the JPNC and its Zoning Committee. He also is chair of its Public Service Committee, where he works on public safety, public works and transportation issues. He is a board member of JP Centre/South Main Streets, the Jamaica Pond Association, the Arborway Committee and the JP Business and Professional Association. In addition, he has been a leader working with the Boston Police Department to implement Neighborhood Policing in Jamaica Plain.

Martha Rodriguez

As a 13-year resident of Jamaica Plain, I have been involved in different projects in our community, starting as a youth community organizer with the Hyde Square Task Force and later the president of the Jamaica Plain Scattered Sites Cooperative, where I collaborated with JPNDC to successfully preserve 18 housing units affordable to low-income families. I’m a member of the JPNDC’s Organizing Committee and a graduate of its first leadership academy. I have been working diligently with the JPNC’s Ad-Hoc committee to further assure a diverse and affordable JP. I hope to stay involved by joining the JPNC.

Como residente de 13 años en Jamaica Plain, he participado en diferentes proyectos en nuestra comunidad, comenzando como una joven organizadora en Hyde Square Task Force, despues come Presidente de la cooperativa “Jamaica Plain Scattered Sites” alli trabaje junto con JPNDC para lograr exitosamente preservar 18 apartamentos  para familias de bajos ingresos.  Soy un miembre activo en el Comité de Organización de JPNDC al Igual de averme graduado de la academia de liderazgo organizada por JPNDC,  simultaniamente he estado trabajando con el comité Ad-Hoc de JPNC para garantizar un vecindario diverso y accesible para nuestra comunidad.

Joseph Wight

Jamaica Plain is a strong community with a history of caring about its neighbors and I believe I can add to that strength. I’ve been a resident of Jamaica Plain for the last four years. I have spent the last 10 years volunteering for not-for-profit organizations and leading community-based efforts to create positive change in the areas of food justice, housing rights and healthy environmental stewardship. I’m an avid bicyclist and a determined student expecting to earn my BFA in May ’13. I will bring negotiation, collaboration and positive energy with me to serve on the JPNC.