Joe McGuirk
2023 Candidate for Cambridge City Council
Home address:
314 Columbia St. #1
Cambridge, MA 02141
Contact information:
website: www.joemcguirkforcambridge.com/
Email: joe@joemcguirkforcambridge.com
Facebook: facebook.com/joemcguirkforcambridge
Instagram: instagram.com/joemcguirkforcambridge
Twitter: twitter.com/joeforcambridge
Send contributions to:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mcguirk-committee-1
OR by check at:
Committee to Elect Joe McGuirk
314 Columbia St. #1
Cambridge, MA 02141
Joe McGuirk has tended bar in and around Cambridge for the last three decades. He was born in Cambridge, grew up in nearby suburbs, and moved back as a single parent in the early 1990s. His family arrived in Cambridge in 1938 when his paternal grandparents moved their family into Newtowne Court. His mother spent her youth in Putnam Square until economic conditions forced them to move to Somerville.
Joe’s father was a truck driver, and his mother was a waitress and achieved home ownership despite their working class income. And while Joe never has owned a home, his career in the restaurant industry gave him an income that allowed him to live in Cambridge and have his kids experience the benefits of growing up, at least part of the time, in this great city. However, rising housing costs have made that incredibly difficult for lower and middle income residents.
“Lower and middle income residents are essential to the well-being of Cambridge. They clean the streets, serve us food, and teach our children. But those residents are finding it increasingly difficult to live in or even near the city we call home. It is essential that we do all we can to allow lower and middle income residents opportunities to live here.” -JM
Joe is very proud of his two children. His son, Brendan, writes about music and culture with insight and wisdom. His work has been in the Boston Globe, and the Weekly Dig among other publications. His daughter, Ali, is a highly regarded local musician, winning many music awards, and recently appeared at Boston Calling. They both bring value to our community, as our arts and culture scene is part of the unique and authentic weave of our city. Artists are often not well paid but are integral to our community’s well-being. We need to do all we can to allow these folks opportunities to live in or near Cambridge.
This is what motivated Joe to seek a seat on the city council. He believes that lower and middle income folks are essential to the city. He knows that renters make up over 60% of our residents. He feels that the council would be better served if it had folks with those same lived experiences on the council, and yet they are often very underrepresented.
“As a Councilor, I will be committed to doing all I can to support those vulnerable folks who are at risk of displacement. I will represent the voices of those folks who are often referred to but rarely seated on the council.” -JM
Joe has been a community builder for over thirty years. He is a highly regarded food service worker, who has a long list of accolades in that field. He believes his job has taught him how to actively listen, empathize, and fulfill expectations. He also builds consensus, encourages compromise, and has learned to de-escalate tense situations. He has been a bridge between the workforce and ownership, not just at his own job but in the local food industry in general, as he has a large network of relationships. And he loves to create a convivial atmosphere and have fun while he works. He believes these skills will be invaluable to our council.
Joe’s top priorities:
Empowering Workers & Working Families
The labor force is the backbone of our city. By enacting progressive labor, education, and housing policies, we can establish an environment that promotes opportunities for all workers and families.
Confronting The Housing Crisis
Developing a sustainable and inclusive housing market in Cambridge is vital to safeguard our residents facing the threat of displacement. My comprehensive housing plan adopts a multi-faceted approach to tackling this crisis.
Disrupting Systemic Barriers
We must continue the hard work of dismantling systemic barriers. By actively listening and standing in solidarity with communities marginalized by discriminatory policies, we can influence meaningful change.
Nurturing Our Arts Community
Local artists make our community vibrant. Yet, rising costs make it challenging for them to make ends meet. I am fully committed to implementing policies that prioritize and support our local artists.
Championing Small Businesses
Locally owned small businesses are integral to our community, adding a unique and authentic flavor to our city. We must foster an environment that empowers and uplifts these enterprises, ensuring their continued success and contribution to our vibrant community.
Prioritizing Climate Change & Climate Justice
As we fashion climate policy, we must consider climate justice. We should not enact any policies that lead to the displacement of our most vulnerable residents.
Infrastructure Changes That Benefit Everyone
Through inclusive and respectful conversations, along with comprehensive and unbiased data, we should work to ensure that major changes to our infrastructure increase the safety of all residents, workers, and visitors.
Education
Cambridge should be doing more for students who are not planning to enter four-year post-graduation programs. We should offer more opportunities for those who hope to enter the workforce upon graduation. A stronger vocational and technical education would allow students to seek good-paying jobs, as well as produce a local workforce for the various and ever-present needs of our city. Furthermore, we must work to erase the digital divide that prevents students of families with limited access to the internet from enjoying the same opportunities as families of greater means.
Workforce Development
We have a widening wealth gap between white-collar and blue-collar workers, and while Cambridge can only do so much, we can do some. I will advocate for a labor representative in our city government, and the creation of a workers’ board, with representatives from workers, businesses, and the local government, to address wage standards, training, health standards, and other workplace standards. I support requiring project labor agreements and community workforce agreements for public works projects. I support the right of public sector employees to organize. Furthermore, I would advocate for those in nontraditional work arrangements, such as gig workers, on-call workers, temp agency workers, and independent contractors so that they can enjoy the protections and benefits of more traditional workers. Other cities have come up with creative remedies for these folk, Cambridge should follow suit. As a long-time restaurant worker, I will leverage my experience and my connections to advocate for more mentoring programs within the food service industry.
McGuirk Will Work
I am very excited about the opportunity to serve my community in a meaningful way. I need all the support I can get. I hope you will consider giving me your number one vote on November 7th. For more information about my candidacy please visit my website: joemcguirkforcambridge.com.
CCTV candidate video (2023)
2021 Candidate Page CCTV candidate video (2021) 2021 MCNA Candidate Forum (McGuirk)