Ask Boston’s Next Mayor is a series featuring answers from Boston’s mayoral candidates to five questions sourced from the city’s startup and innovation community in partnership with the New England Venture Capital Association, and curated by local business and innovation leaders.

We’ll be posting a response from a different candidate daily as we approach the primaries on September 24th. Ask additional questions and leave comments below, and on Twitter with #askbostonsnextmayor.

Q: As the home of one of the world’s top innovation clusters, Boston is disproportionately impacted by national policy issues such as immigration, creating access to new types of risk capital, and patent law reform. Mayors of the great U.S. cities have always played an important role on the national stage, advocating for the interests of their constituents. How do you see yourself advocating for Boston’s innovation constituency?

A: I know that innovation is the strength of our economy and expansion is critical for our growth. Research and development funding is critical for continued innovation. I will lobby for increased funding to support research and development.

Q: According to the U.S. Census/Kauffman study, startups generate nearly all net new jobs. What would you do to make Boston more attractive to entrepreneurs who can take their pick of great cities throughout the world?

A: Create an environment that is suitable for growth. Creating targeted economic zones and incentives that support new business start ups and jobs. I will partner with emerging industries by encouraging businesses to utilize the opportunities that Boston can provide for them.

Q: Attracted by the concentration of talent and amenities in the Innovation District, Boston’s high tech companies and startups are moving into the city in increasing numbers. What is your attitude towards recreating Innovation Districts throughout the city, and how would you ensure public access to any new clusters that might be located farther from the city center?

A: My economic plan as mentioned above is to create zones within the city that will promote new business development and create jobs. I will partner with planners and communities organizations to developing zoning laws and incentives that will create an environment that will suit both the businesses and the communities in which they choose to locate.

Q: Many people feel that Boston needs to elevate its reputation as one of the great cities of the world. Do you agree? If so, how would you set about making this happen? Would you consider hiring a Chief Marketing Officer?

A:  Certainly, other cities have employed CMO’s with great return on investment.

Q: What can Boston do to ensure that its college students decide to stay here after graduation and contribute their considerable talents and energy to our ecosystem?

A: Create sustainable employment opportunities and strengthen our diversity. I believe people work in cities where the environment creates synergy through all phases of their life, whether single, married, young, or elderly. Boston is great city to get an education but not to stay and work.

Check out the full series and responses from other mayoral candidates here.