Mayor and City Manager Call for Action in State of the City Address

Cambridge’s top officials implored residents and public representatives alike to reject President Donald Trump’s “misguided and un-American” actions during the annual State of the City address at City Hall Wednesday night.

In their remarks, Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale emphasized the need for the city to continue supporting its residents regardless of race, religion, or gender under the Trump administration.

Mayor E. Denise Simmons speaks at the State of the City of Cambridge address in the Sullivan Chamber of Cambridge City Hall Wednesday afternoon. Mayor Simmons spoke about a variety of subjects, including the Safe Streets Safe City initiative, which works to prevent violence and offer opportunities to Cambridge residents. By Matthew W DeShaw

“We’re going to have to be brave. We’re going to have to be resolute. We’re going to have to dig deep down and hold on.” Simmons said. “There are reasons to be hopeful, even optimistic.”

The address marked the first State of the City since Trump’s election, and the president’s policies have since been widely criticized by city officials. As one of hundreds of U.S. cities labeled a “sanctuary” for undocumented immigrants, Cambridge stands to lose over $15 million in federal money following
Trump’s executive order stripping funds from “sanctuary cities.”

“We will be ahead of the curve,” Simmons said, referring to the need to be prepared for further federal action. “We are being proactive more than reactive.”

Simmons detailed the city’s efforts to curb violence, promote small businesses, provide more jobs, and work with fire and law enforcement officials to continue to serve Cambridge’s residents. She also recognized city workers who helped to resettle people displaced by the 10-alarm fire that occurred in Cambridge in December.

In his address, DePasquale outlined the work done by the City Council over the past year, including providing housing for low-income citizens.

“So much has been done in such a little time,” DePasquale said.

The address opened with an invocation by Reverend Irene Monroe, who called for Cambridge residents “to work until hell freezes over” and then “to fight on the ice,” a call to action received with thunderous applause by the packed room.

—Staff Writer Nicholas W. Sundberg can be reached nicholas.sundberg@thecrimson.com Follow him on Twitter @NickWSundberg.