Candidates at a Chelsea forum laid out approaches they say could reduce youth violence and expand long‑term opportunity: paid summer jobs, apprenticeship partnerships with unions, community gathering space, expanded after‑school programming, and better access to mental‑health supports.

Why it matters: Candidates described gaps in after‑school and mid‑teen programming and cited workforce pipelines and paid internships as ways to keep youth engaged and on a path to stable careers.

Melinda Vega described a statewide workforce pipeline she leads that places community members into jobs in community development with training and mentorship. “Every young person deserves a real pathway to success whether that's college, trade, entrepreneurship or public service,” she said, outlining apprenticeship‑style career ladders and paid internship opportunities.

Several candidates urged stronger partnerships with unions and local employers so that young people can access skilled trades and apprenticeships. One forum speaker recounted a pandemic‑era example of a food‑pantry volunteer who got into a painters’ union apprenticeship and later improved her economic situation, using that as evidence that union partnerships can create life‑changing pathways.

Candidates also advocated for physical spaces and programs. Roberto and others said Chelsea needs more safe, youth‑centric spaces; Roberto said the city has long discussed a community center and predicted progress in the coming years. Marnie McAlpine proposed a district advisory council that would include youth representatives to shape programs before council votes.

On mental‑health services, Marchesa/Marcela Badoni and others supported collaborations with nonprofits and the city health department to expand trauma‑informed care, school‑based counseling and state or federal grant funding for services.

On violence prevention, candidates framed the solution as both opportunity and programming: more paid work, more sports and after‑school activities, and targeted interventions for at‑risk teens. Calvin T. Brown described his own experience with sports as a turning point: “what got me through all that was when I decided to pick up sports,” he said, citing athletics as an outlet and source of discipline.

No formal commitments or new city programs were approved at the forum; candidates described proposals they would pursue if elected or re‑elected and asked residents to press for sustained funding.