Final Say: Cassandra Page, Belmont Housing Authority

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I am Cassandra Page and I am running for Belmont Housing Authority. I am a lifelong resident of Belmont, and 30 year resident of Belmont Village.

I am a proud single mother of three beautiful children: Faith, Jacob and Christopher. I am running so that I can help create a better relationship between the BHA and the tenants. Through those relationships we can better the facilities and the character of the communities governed by the BHA.

When I was younger the Village was a much different place than it is today. When the village opened in 1950 it welcomed veterans and their families, giving them an affordable place to call home. There was a strong tie to our police department, everyone knew each other and we had large kickball games, water fights and cookouts. We weren’t just a community, we were family.

My goal is to rebuild these relationships not just between the tenant, but with the office staff, the board, and Belmont as a whole. I believe that working together we can restore the vibrant neighborhood I grew up in. Tenants need to be heard so that respect can grow on both sides. I hold a relationship and understanding of tenants no one else has. I can help them contribute not only in the decision making processes relating to our homes but also to bettering ourselves so eventually we will no longer need to rely on public housing. I want to build a better environment to pass on to the next generation of those in need, who may not otherwise have an opportunity to live here in Belmont.

The responsibility of the board is to oversee all financial aspects, programs, general maintenance and major projects by working with the director of the housing authority, while following DHCD guidelines, state laws and town bylaws. The BHA board is a bridge to better communication, not only with the office staff but with the tenants. Our low-income Developments for Veterans, Elderly, Disabled and Families deserve a place to call HOME.

Not only will I add tenant perspective to the board, I have made it my goal to learn my responsibilities. I have attended multiple meetings since starting this journey; even ones not directly related to the BHA. I am certain that I am prepared to take on this role and adapt it to needs of the town and tenants.

Some people might question my ability to tackle problems that the BHA might face, but I have been through more challenges in my life than the average person could even fathom, and I’m still standing; I am a survivor. I have always found a way through adversity with very little resources.

This experience has taught me so much about our community, government and myself. I feel truly blessed to have had this experience. I have met so many people through this process and their kindness has been invaluable. I want to thank everyone that has placed my sign in their yard, donated to my campaign, held a sign, and shown up to support me at meetings. So many people have encouraged me and given me their support privately including many tenants that are afraid to add their names to the list below of people who wish to endorse me publicly.

  • Natasha Vazquez
  • Linda Levin
  • Bonnie Friedman
  • Ellen Sugarman and Paul Rickter
  • Jack Weis
  • Emma Thurston
  • Loriann Hazel
  • Peter Smilak
  • Sandi McKinley
  • Julie Crockett
  • April Edrington
  • Laura Caputo
  • Cosmo and Keri Macero
  • Jessica and Nick Hausman
  • Cabell and Curtis Eames
  • Claire Holmes
  • Anne and Fred Paulsen
  • Rose O’Neil
  • Arty Marchetta
  • Daniel Cohen
  • Amy Checkoway
  • Paul Roberts and Lisa Starobin
  • Sundi Eleni
  • Carina Jasmine Hernandez-Wigfall
  • Libby Fallon Weintraub
  • Jenn Spencer
  • Jennifer Sheehan
  • Rose Marie Carlson
  • Roger and Roberta Wrubel
  • Anne Stuart
  • Paul Santos
  • Mary Ries
  • Claudia Flett
  • Erin and Ogden Sawyer

Since I began this journey, I have seen my neighbors start to come together as a community. I am confident that if I am elected to the Belmont Housing Authority I will be able to amp up this momentum and see the Belmont Village and all the Belmont Housing Authority properties become the vibrant communities they are meant to be.

I ask you to vote for me, Cassandra Page, for the Belmont Housing Authority on April 2nd and help me turn the PAGE to a better community!