Board + Bylaws

Tori Antonino

Renter

I am an advocate and activist in Somerville.  My passion is around ecological regeneration in our city and increasing the amount of green space. Restoring nature reconnects us to the environment in which we evolved which was not gray with asphalt and concrete, but full of life. We need nature for our own wellbeing, but more importantly the creatures that used to live here deserve their homes back. Getting us on track with our SOMERVISION2040 goals is something I want to focus on next term. These are 20% overall affordability, 105 new acres of civic space, and the number of jobs equal to the number of workers. We have an agreement and we must make good.  

Emily Baillieul

Open Seat

I have lived in Union Square for over 20 years, 17 of those as a homeowner. My immediate neighborhood and neighbors are at risk of displacement from rising costs, development, and an increasingly hostile federal government. In a moment when the world is changing quickly and unpredictably I want to know my neighbors and be able to work directly with them and on their behalf to ensure that Union Square remains - and becomes - a safe, accessible, and equitable community. Ensuring zoning and development are designed and implemented with community in mind and the Community Benefits Agreements are fulfilled is a way we could do this; I have time and I want to help.

Ann Camara

Homeowner

My name is Ann Camara. I have been living in Somerville for 46 years. I am of Portuguese and Italian Descent. My two sons and I are Somervillians. I have been a volunteer since I was 14 years old helping children, registering voters, and more.  I have been with Union Square Neighborhood Council since its inception in 2016. I am running again because I care about my neighborhood and all of Somerville. I hope to help our city put their priorities in order. I am consistent, hardworking, attentive, and inclusive. I have a good sense about development and what our people need. I can’t be bribed or persuaded on issues long needed: multigenerational community center, generational truly affordable housing, and real support for local businesses, jobs, greenspace, climate sustainability, shade, traffic studies and more. I am working as a volunteer to make this happen. I hope to serve the next two years. I fight for right.

Bill Cavellini

Renter

I was a member of the founding board, first co-chair, and a member of the negotiating team for the Union Square /US2 Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). I am currently a member of the Oversight/Monitoring Committee for that CBA. I have consistently fought for policies and programs that resisted displacement of existing businesses and residents, because they are the ones that created the value that developers are trying to capitalize on. I have advocated for workers’ rights, union labor, local hire, family-sized affordable housing, job training, and environmental sustainability. Building community as we organize for change is a priority for me. I said that I would put in the time and effort, and speak “truth to power”; that I didn’t have any other choice because my granddaughters were counting on me to help influence the future of Union Square. I have kept those promises.

Andre Comella

Renter

I first came here for an internship almost a decade ago, and although I had to leave to finish school, I fell in love with the area and resolved to move back. It took a while, so I’ll admit, I’m a fairly recent resident of Somerville, and even more so of Union Square. But I love this city, I hope to spend the rest of my life here, and I love living in Union Square more than anywhere else (sorry Davis).

I’m running to be a part of making Union even better. Change is a constant in the city, and I want to help shape that change. As a renter, I believe that preventing displacement isn’t just about whose building is knocked down, but also about who is priced out when we don’t build enough. Development should be thoughtful and responsible, and good ideas shouldn’t be stalled for minor concessions.

Emily Doran

Open Seat

I moved to Union Square in the summer of 2020, after my second self-eviction in three years. The artist community is what brought me to Somerville six years ago. Even before moving to Union Square, I’d spent many a night filming in the Somerville Media Center, and playing with my bands in the local venues. As a musician, I have always been a low income renter. With the rising cost of rents, and changes that have come along with the GLX opening, it has solidified my commitment to protect myself and my fellow artists, my immigrant neighbors, and all those who make Somerville a unique and diverse place, from being further displaced. So I began volunteering with the Community Action Agency of Somerville, and recently joined the Renters Committee, where I plan to continue anti-displacement work, and hope to do so as well with the USNC.

Isabella Drago

Renter

I am a lifelong Union Square resident. In my second term as a USNC board member, I served as the chair of the Political Events Committee, organized and moderated forums and debates, redesigned the council’s website, fought for the development of a multi-generational community center, and conducted community outreach, such as flyer creation and circulation. A healthy democracy requires representation, participation, and rights—three things that the Mayor, City Council, and developers have the potential to nurture but instead threaten on a daily basis. Being on the USNC puts me in direct contact with those Somerville power players as well as grassroots organizations and fellow community members. If re-elected, I will converse and negotiate with these groups to bring back social democracy to Union Square, calling for leadership based on the primacy of politics, rather than economics. Let’s imagine solutions together, rather than viewing political change through the limits of practicality.

Andrew Eldridge

Renter

My name is Andrew Eldridge. I’ve been a Somerville renter since 2008—Winter Hill, Magoun, and, since the fall, Union Square. I live with my wife, two kids, dog, and cat.

I’m a filmmaker who believes storytelling can build strong, connected neighborhoods. In 2021, I partnered with the SCC to direct Somerville for All, a documentary on affordable housing that won an Emmy® for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. I’m also a past recipient of a SAC grant and a Peace Studio Fellow, which supports storytellers who build bridges and create positive societal impact.

As a renter, biker, and parent, I’m passionate about anti-displacement, safe streets, green space, and accessibility. My wife chairs SSEPAC, my son attends Argenziano and plays hockey, and my daughter is legit the most creative and funniest person I know.

I bring web and design skills that can support USNC’s mission.

Michèle Hansen

Renter

As a Union Square resident for over 40 years, I witness and feel the direct impact of endless development that displaces life-long friends and dismantles community fabric. On the USNC, I participate in the creation and negotiation of Community Benefits Agreements, act as Community Center Committee co-chair, and am a member of the US2 CBA Monitoring Committee. The USNC grants me the opportunity to hold the Mayor, City Council and staff, and developers accountable for delivering social goods. The City and developers continue to fail us by not offering tangible benefits of development—increased affordable housing requirements, livable-wage jobs for Somerville residents, safeguards for local small businesses, and a large-scale intergenerational community center—which motivates me to continue volunteering for the USNC. If re-elected, I vow to continue this work and push for improvements that enhance the quality of life of Somerville residents, rather than increase the profits of developers.

Estefania Lander

Brick & Mortar Owner

My desire to run for Union Square Neighborhood Council is a firm commitment to my community. My husband, Jose, and I opened our restaurant, Ebi Sushi, in 2011 and bought our house in 2019 right in Union Square. I have witnessed both the triumphs and challenges that our neighborhood faces. My decision to submit this application is driven by the unique perspective I bring as an immigrant from Argentina, my commitment to inclusivity, and my vision for our neighborhood that embraces diversity as its strengths. I want to be involved; I am excited to bring a positive change and a belief in the power of collaboration with my neighbors by looking to create a brighter future for Union Square.

Megan Minger

Renter

I moved into a Union Square-area 3-family home of artists in 2020, having lived in Somerville for 7+ years prior. Moving here connected me with people committed to living and working in Somerville; more specifically, Union Square. As my relationship with the area deepened, the importance of keeping Union Square, and its neighborhood, a diverse, culturally thriving, accessible, inclusive community was apparent.

I aspire to make this neighborhood my permanent home and have strong personal and professional connections to venues, restaurants, and studios that I want to grow and keep thriving - supporting those working to maintain the social fabric of the area.

Professionally, I am a trained Civil/Environmental Engineer, hold an LFA, worked in hospitality for a decade-plus, and currently work as an Owner’s Representative constructing a multi-million-dollar cultural institution focused on sustainability and regenerative design. It’s my hope to be an impactful addition to the USNC and board!

Mary Napolitano

Open Seat

I live at 252 Medford St. I grew up 8 years on Linden Street and then on Loring Street Somerville. I attended St. Joseph’s School for 12 years. I volunteered as a parent volunteer at the Head Start program. I also volunteered at the Community Action Agency of Somerville at the Welfare Advocacy on a stipend for at least two years before going to college. I was involved with Christian involvement in my early teens. 

Matthias Rudolf

Immigrant

I am a naturalized immigrant (from Switzerland), run a small business, and am a homeowner and resident since 2015. Union Square Neighborhood Council is a vital contributor to the community. Running a small subscription-based bakery that got its start thanks to the Somerville Arts Council Nibbles program for culinary entrepreneurs brought home the importance of community initiatives and common spaces. I am running for re-election to help ensure that Union Square remains a welcoming public space, host to artists and small businesses, and a vibrant, diverse center for residents old and new to come together and experience community, and to advocate for development solutions that uphold the above values. I am enthusiastic, willing to do the work, and an able listener who aims to tap into the abundant local expertise and neighborhood resources to advocate for the needs of our community and to steer Union Square stakeholders towards sustainable solutions that offer both economic and human opportunity. 

Bill Shelton

Homeowner

My reasons for running are captured by the Neighborhood Council’s vision, mission, and goals which I collaborated on writing, and which I’ve pursued in this neighborhood for 34 years as an activist, advocate, and nonprofit developer. While my hard skills are in community-based economic development, my overarching commitment is to sustain, extend, and strengthen the bonds of community among our diverse neighbors. Anyone who wishes to know my positions on housing, displacement, community, empowerment, urban design, open space, and systemic urban management may read them in the Somerville Times columns that I’ve written, or acquaint themselves with past advocacy campaigns.

Aaron Weber

Open Seat

During my decade in Union Square and 25 years in the Somerville area, I have seen the city grow and thrive. I’ve also seen missed opportunities and the deepening of our regional housing shortage. As a member of the USNC board, I will work toward effective and timely decision-making and action, with an emphasis on supporting the creation of badly-needed new homes near transit. 

While there are always strategic tradeoffs in any situation, there is ample room in Union Square to create win-win outcomes for housing, jobs, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. As a board member, I’ll work to harness growth so we can support the interests and needs of people of all ages, those born here and elsewhere, and families everywhere along the socioeconomic spectrum.