Rethinking our transportation and infrastructure is essential to strengthening our community. Better public transportation will attract new businesses, and it allows our citizens to commute to higher-paying jobs elsewhere. I’ll support efforts to direct both federal, state, and stimulus dollars toward smart investments in these areas.

Unfortunately, this district has had trouble bringing in new public transportation. The 28X bus line would have brought $147 million from the stimulus but was rejected by the community. I supported this effort because it would have been an opportunity to look at transportation concerns block-by-block throughout the district, remove the 28 buses from mixed traffic down Blue Hill Ave, and be a windfall for jobs in our community.

Currently, there is a proposal to add a commuter line station at Blue Hill Avenue and Cummings Highway. The fare would be $1.70 and would provide a one-seat ride from Mattapan Square directly to downtown Boston. We need more projects like this to provide more jobs in the community, provide better and faster transportation for our residents, and provide it at a reasonable price.

At the same time, we must make sure to include the residents of our neighborhoods when we are planning new infrastructure and transportation construction. As your Representative, I would take all viewpoints into consideration when advocating for new infrastructure and transportation—especially those of citizens living in areas affected by new construction. I will advocate for mediation and remedial measures to address community concerns such as noise, parking, and increased traffic.