City elections are coming up, and we have the chance to choose new voices for Claremont. I’m supporting Matt Mooshian for an at-large seat because I believe he will use the position to stand up for a community that serves everybody.
Matt’s background lies in human services. Matt knows what it’s like for people struggling to make ends meet. He’s worked with folks who are displaced and are looking for housing and with parents struggling to find quality childcare and a good paying job. That’s why Matt’s priorities would be promoting new and affordable housing as well as smart zoning and land use policies that are resident-friendly.
Matt knows how to organize and work with people. Whether working with fellow councilors or statewide leaders, Matt will use his strong collaborative skills to build relationships to enhance our community resources. In particular, Matt hopes to create an arts commission to explore opportunities to build on Claremont’s budding status as a regional arts center. We have several downtown organizations that focus on music, dance, and the performing arts. With the WCCMA renovating the old Claremont National Bank building, we should reflect as a community on how best to advertise and grow in this area as a means to draw even more people into Claremont.
Claremont has momentum. Downtown is getting a makeover. Buildings all around are being refurbished and repurposed. Our next council will have the task of stewarding the city through an important growth period. Matt has proven leadership credentials. He started a nonprofit from the ground up, a job that took as much strategic planning as it did bridge-building. That is the kind of leadership we need as we try to bootstrap our way back to being the regional jewel Claremont once was.
Vote Matt for Claremont on Nov. 2.
Samantha Booth is a resident of Claremont.
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