Cambridge has played an important role not only in American business and culture, but also government. Seven US presidents are products of Harvard and at least 18 governors were Cambridge residents or natives.
Local
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 349-4000
www.cambridgema.gov
Since 1942, Cambridge has operated under the Plan E system of government, which is one of proportional representation. The system features a City Manager who makes most city appointments, prepares the budget and implements city policy. There is also a nine-member city council that has the power to enact city ordinances, approve the budget and appoint the city manager. One of the nine city councillors serves as the Mayor. The Mayor's office is currently vacant pending election by the full City Council.
Cambridge City Council 2010-2011
Leland Cheung LCheung@cambridgema.gov
Henrietta Davis hdavis@cambridgema.gov
Marjorie Decker mdecker@cambridgema.gov
Craig A. Kelley ckelley@cambridgema.gov
David P. Maher dmaher@cambridgema.gov
Kenneth Reeves kreeves@cambridgema.gov
Sam Seidel sseidel@cambridgema.gov
E. Denise Simmons dsimmons@cambridgema.gov
Timothy Toomey, Jr. timtoomey@aol.com
City Council Office (617) 349-4280
City Management
City Manager
Robert W. "Bob" Healy citymanager@cambridgema.gov
Deputy City Manager
Richard C. Rossi rrossi@cambridgema.gov
City Manager's Office (617) 349-4300
State
Massachusetts State House
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 727-7030
www.mass.gov
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a chief executive—a governor—and a bi-cameral legislature consisting of a house of representatives and a senate. Its constitution served as a model for the federal constitution; therefore, the federal form of government mirrors that of the Commonwealth.
Governor
Deval Patrick
Lieutenant Governor
Timothy Murray
Office of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor (617) 725-4005
House of Representatives
Federal
Cambridge is part of the historic 8th Congressional District, which includes Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Somerville, and Charlestown. Notable representatives from this district include President John F. Kennedy, House Speaker Thomas "Tip" O'Neill and Daniel Webster.
The current Congressman for the City of Cambridge is Michael E. Capuano. Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry also represent the City of Cambridge in Washington.
House of Representatives
US Representative
Michael E. Capuano
110 First Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
(617) 621-6208
www.house.gov/writerep
www.house.gov/capuano/
Senate
Senator John F. Kerry
One Bowdoin Square
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 565-8519
john_kerry@kerry.senate.gov
www.senate.gov/~kerry
Senator Scott Brown
2400 JFK Federal Building
55 New Sudbury Street
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565-3170
http://scottbrown.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailscottbrown
http://scottbrown.senate.gov/public/
Voting
There is no waiting period to be eligible to register to vote in the City of Cambridge or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Those relocating may register to vote as soon as they arrive at their place of residence.
2010 Important Election Dates
Statewide Elections are scheduled for 2010 when all statewide offices will be on the ballot as well as the state legislature and US House of Representatives. The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday September 14 and the general election for Tuesday November 2.
2011 Important Election Dates
Cambridge Muncipal Elections will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. All City Council and School Committee seats will be elected on that day using the Proportional Representation system.
If you have questions about voting in Cambridge contact the Cambridge Election Commission at Voting in the City of Cambridge.
Statewide voting information is available from the Secretary of State's Office at Voting in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
