While Horowitz doesn’t think it is pragmatic to talk about reinstating rent control, he says the issue needs reexamination.

“[Rent control] is not coming back, so the quesion now is, how do we move on?” Horowitz says.

But there are options to deal with Cambridge’s housing problems, Horowitz says.

“Some form of rent stabilization is necessary,” Horowitz says. “A tax incentive perhaps—there are different options. So far, nothing has been pursued. Concrete progress needs to occur.”

And Horowitz says he thinks that the city should aggressively pursue real estate for affordable housing. He cites the sale of the Necco building to a biotech firm as “a missed opportunity.”

“We need to make sure all the space is utilized,” he says.

Horowitz is reluctant to criticize Cambridge’s universities, though he says City Hall should be watching out for residents.

“Economically, they put a lot back into the community,” Horowitz says. “At the same time, I often question their role in long-range planning. I don’t always see Harvard and MIT keeping the city’s best interests in mind.’

And on the controversial issue of Cambridge’s schools—which are among the best-funded and worst-scoring in the state—Horowitz advocates financial accountability.

“My only question is where is that money going,” he says. “I support the high level of funding, but want to know why children aren’t benefiting more.”

Old-Time Campaigning

Horowitz has taken up the oldest method in the how-young-candidates succeed book:: canvassing neighborhoods, going door-to-door and trying to establish personal ties with potential constituents. Two years ago, an extensive door-to-door campaign by first-time candidate Marjorie C. Decker led to a surprisingly strong finish on Election Day.

“I don’t have the luxury of being a full-time candidate,” Horowitz says.

“For the next two weeks it will be getting the word out.”