Despite the decline of the middle-class in the City, Toomey says he has a deep love for his hometown.
“We were multicultural before anyone else even knew what it was,” he jokes, adding that he “wouldn’t have traded [his] childhood in Cambridge for anywhere else in the country.”
Toomey is also quick to praise the transformation of industry in Cambridge. For example, the neighborhood where Toomey’s grandmother used to dip chocolate in a candy factory sixty years ago has now been transformed into a scientific hub surrounding the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“We have to keep doing a good job at preparing our kids to enter into that new type of workplace,” Toomey says.
JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
Preparing for the changes in the economy and Cambridge’s own industries are facing are at the top of Toomey’s agenda. Key among those considerations is the city’s relationship with Boston proper. In February 2011, for example, the City Council voiced concerns about Cambridge-based pharmaceutical company Vertex’s decision to move its headquarters to Boston, leading to the loss of an estimated 1,600 jobs. Toomey was among those who criticized the move in February, and stands by his sentiments today.
“Boston is doing everything in its power to take companies away from Cambridge, and my position is that we have to be very proactive to defend against that,” he says. Highlighting the various construction projects and business openings around the city, Toomey notes that Cambridge would have to match the incentives, tax or otherwise, that Boston offers. Drawing a distinction between himself and other Councillors who want to work more closely with the city, Toomey outlines a plan of greater communication with Cambridge business associations and companies to ensure their needs are being met.
“Do I blame Boston for trying to do this?“ asks Toomey. “No. We just can’t afford to let Cambridge [lose businesses].”
THE HARVARD COMMUNITY
Toomey remembers his first interaction with Harvard fondly, when in the sixth grade he was one of six students chosen to receive help from a tutor through the Philips Brooks House. “I was very fortunate to have that experience,” says Toomey. “It had a huge impact on my life, in getting me where I am today.”
“I probably would never have walked through Harvard Yard otherwise,” he says. “The most important thing is for Harvard students to get involved in the community.”
Speaking of Harvard as an institution, however, Toomey admits that he always wishes it was more supportive of the city.
“I did a calculation a few years ago that found that, in just the first few hours of the year, the interest Harvard makes on its endowment pays for the amount they give to the city each year,” says Toomey.
“There’s no question that Harvard does a lot, and it shouldn’t be unappreciated, but I always feel that financially, they could contribute more,” he adds.