Framingham Mayor Appoints 3 to Community Development Committee

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FRAMINGHAM – Mayor Yvonne Spicer chose not to re-appoint the two incumbents who re-applied for the Community Development Committee. District 1 resident Karen Duffy and District 2 resident Jake Binnall, both Republicans, were not re-appointed to the Committee.

Instead, the Mayor appointed three newcomers, including one recruited by the District 9 City Councilor

The Community Development Committee works in cooperation with the Division of Planning and Community Development to satisfy the citizen participation requirements of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, hold public hearings to obtain views of citizens on community development and housing needs, and provide citizens with adequate opportunities to participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Community

The Mayor had three 3-year terms to fill.

She nominated:

• District 2 resident Tianna Tagami. “She has 20+ years of experience in education, using design thinking for innovative solutions to complex problems. She has a Masters in education and is currently pursuing a MSW in macro social work. Ms. Tag,” wrote the Mayor to the City Council.
• District 7 resident Celina Villa “is a lifelong Southside resident passionate about community and building stronger neighborhoods. She holds a degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University,” wrote the Mayor.
• District 8 resident Mikalakala Bembery “has lived in Framingham for over 30 years and passionate about bringing her voice and experiences to local government,” wrote the Mayor.
  

All three terms would be through June 30, 2023, if approved by the City Council in August.

“I am a lifelong, south side resident of Framingham and a new Mom that is committed to seeing my daughter grow in a safe, and prosperous community. I want to get more involved in our city government and think this is the perfect opportunity given my experience and background. With such great diversity in our city, and in my neighborhood, I feel that I could really help be the voice for my neighbors. I have been watching the growth of our city through my lifetime and would love to contribute in a deeper, more meaningful way,” wrote Villa in her application.

Editor’s Note: The quotes from the applications are copied and pasted as written in the application

“I am aquatinted (sic) with Councilwoman Tracy Bryant and that is how i learned of this seat at the table. I have lived in Framingham for more than 30yrs. It was a struggle to find housing so that i could remain in this community. As a Descendant of American Slavery i am currently focusing much of my free time to the creation of a National Reparations Program but i do have time to give locally as well now that my kids are grown,” wrote Bembery in her application.

“I am eager to take on civic responsibilities and learn more about how city governments and government institutions support communities and families,” wrote Tagami.

There were at least a half dozen applications for the three openings.