I became active in local politics because I believe that Somerville is facing a crisis of affordability, and this has been my focus since being elected in 2017.
I grew up about ten minutes away, just outside Central Square in Cambridge, and I was raised to fight for social, economic, and environmental justice. My father is a lifelong advocate for affordable housing in the Boston area, serving on the board of the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance, and working in particular for racial justice in housing policy. My mother is an educator, activist, and is one of the artists who co-founded Brickbottom Studios in Somerville.
I attended Cambridge Public Schools, worked my first jobs at Cheapo Records and Mahoney’s Garden Center, and attended Swarthmore College, where I studied biology. I spent four summers studying birds in Alaska, including two in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and after college I worked in Missoula, Montana for two years before attending Harvard University for graduate school in biology.
Today, I’m a biologist at Harvard Medical School. My career is about tackling tough problems and digging for answers, and I try to bring that approach to my work on the City Council. But being a scientist is about much more than data. It is also about collaboration, communication, hard work, and mentoring the next generation - all things that are true in public service, as well. I believe that we need from all different backgrounds serving in government - including scientists - and I’m proud to be doing so in my own community.
My wife Alex and I got married in April, 2017, in Prospect Hill Park. Alex is a research administrator and a local artist, and has a studio at Washington Street studios just outside of Union Square. We had a baby in December, 2020, and we are dedicated to working for a Somerville that is affordable, diverse, just, and inclusive.
As your City Councilor, I have worked hard to deliver results on a wide range of issues - you can read more about what we’ve done here. I also believe in transparency and accountability, which is why I established the first Ward 3 email newsletter, to make sure our community knows what’s going on at City Hall. It is an honor to serve as your City Councilor to address these issues together.
Sincerely,
Ben Ewen-Campen
Ward 3 Somerville Alderman
16 Aldersey St.
Somerville, MA 02143