Martin P LOI — File 24-0120

I am writing as you asked me to express my interest in joining the Somerville Human Rights Commission. Please excuse my delay in writing as I have had complications related to my upcoming California Bar examination that will take place next week due to issues with my disabilities and travel arrangements. It is because of my later in life disabilities that I transitioned from being self-employed in a technology business to gather what was left and move into subsidized disabled elder housing here in Somerville well over two decades ago, become involved with the community, and save money to put myself through non ABA distance California Law School. I graduated in 2013 and saved enough money to travel to San Francisco last summer but did not pass the Bar then, but am taking my second attempt next week. I will be able to practice Immigration law here in Massachusetts with the California license if I pass. I have studied hard and hopefully will succeed this time. As for my background, I am 63 years old in September, I graduated from Boston College in 1983 with a BA and again with a Master of Administrative Science in 2007. I have just completed my 15th year at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office Elder Hotline as a Mediator/ Consumer Specialist, I work on the Elder Hotline 3 days a week and handle a caseload of complaints that I meditate usually between elder consumers and businesses. I have recovered thousands of dollars and helped many elders that have been taken advantage of by unfair business practices and scams. I am certified in face to face mediation and worked in the Somerville District Court Mediation Program with Small Claims Court and Evictions, I have been a member of the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust, and I am currently a 20 year member of the Somerville Ward One Democratic Committee. Also, although I was not a member, I attended many Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities meetings as I was to be a member but ended up joining the Attorney Generals Office. I have recently been certified in advanced training as a Community Access Monitor with the Massachusetts Office of Disability that works with Access and the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am personally interested in social justice. I have long been an advocate for the elderly, disabled and I have worked with immigrants and persons of all ethnic backgrounds and cultures. I am interested in the mission of the Human Rights Commission and would like to be a part of it.