Letter from a state representative

October 25, 2008 David Denelle, Editor New England Real Estate Journal 57 Washington Street Norwell, MA 02061 Dear Mr. Denelle, I would like to thank you for choosing to highlight Cambridge in the New England Real Estate Journal. It is an excellent feature that displays what we as residents already know: Cambridge is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Cambridge is fortunate enough to be the home of Harvard University and M.I.T., two major universities whose presence has helped us secure a strong foothold in the Biotech field. This in turn has allowed Cambridge the freedom to pursue many ambitious building projects and provide services of which other cities and towns can only dream. As a lifelong Cambridge resident I have witnessed firsthand the way our neighborhoods have changed, but one thing remains the same: Cambridge is a city that is diverse and entrenched in the cultural traditions that our parents and grandparents brought with them to this country. From the Italian feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian to the many celebrations of Portuguese culture, Cambridge is a place that embraces diversity. Although Biotech stretches far across Kendall Square, we are a place where small businesses thrive. This success is a credit to Carl Barron who has led the Central Square Business Association for many years. Carl has developed a model organization that has led a number of neighborhood business associations to similar success and helped to strengthen the small business community that Cambridge is known for. In a time of uncertainty for many municipalities very few can compare with the success of Cambridge. City Manager Robert W. Healy and his staff have maintained Cambridge's AAA Bond rating which has allowed us to build a new Police Headquarters, a new Main Library, and has allowed us to renovate our War Memorial Pool and High School. We are also very thankful for our excellent Human Service programs which serve a wide demographic of citizens from our Senior Centers to our many Youth Centers. Cambridge has been a place that cares about providing a comfortable and affordable atmosphere for our diverse residency. Thank you again for highlighting Cambridge. It's an excellent opportunity to showcase a place of which we are all very proud. Sincerely Timothy J. Toomey Jr. State Representative