All articles tagged with #boston city council
Former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins commented cryptically on the FBI's arrest of Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, who faces federal corruption charges. Rollins, who resigned last year amid her own federal investigations, shared her thoughts via a tweet.
The Boston City Council voted 12-1 to formally recognize Eid Al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, with Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson advocating for the resolution and expressing concern for the situation in Gaza. Councilor Ed Flynn was the sole dissenting vote. Other councilors, including Ben Weber and Liz Breadon, expressed solidarity with those affected by the crisis in Gaza and called for humanitarian aid. City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune emphasized the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as in other regions facing similar challenges.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's invitation for an "Electeds of Color Holiday Party" has sparked international attention. The invitation, which excluded white elected officials, was sent in error and later apologized for. While critics argue the party is divisive, Wu and others defend it as a longstanding tradition and one of many holiday celebrations organized by the city. Councilors have expressed differing opinions, with some finding it inclusive and others feeling excluded. The controversy has generated debate on social media, with Councilor Ricardo Arroyo mocking the outrage and highlighting similar groups like the Congressional Black Caucus and MA Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu faced criticism after an email invitation for an "Electeds of Color Holiday Party" was mistakenly sent to all city councilors. The party, which has been held for over a decade, is intended for minority elected officials. Some councilors defended the event, stating that it creates a space for shared experiences and identities, while others found it divisive and inappropriate for a council already plagued by infighting. Mayor Wu clarified that there are numerous other opportunities for councilors to celebrate the holidays together.
An email invitation for an "electeds of color" holiday party in Boston was mistakenly sent to all members of the Boston City Council. Denise DosSatnos, Mayor Michelle Wu's director of City Council relations, apologized for the mistake and clarified that the event has been a longstanding tradition celebrating diversity and identity in the city. No further details were provided.
In the preliminary election for Boston City Council District 3, John FitzGerald emerged as the top vote-getter, but the race for the second finalist is still undecided. Incumbent councillors Ricardo Arroyo and Kendra Lara were both ousted in their respective districts. Arroyo's loss came after several scandals, including an ethics fine and involvement in federal investigations. Jose Ruiz and Enrique Pepen will move on to the final election in District 5, while Ben Weber and William King will advance in District 6. Tania Fernandes Anderson and Althea Garrison will face off in District 7.
Incumbent Boston City Councilors Kendra Lara and Ricardo Arroyo conceded after losing in the preliminary round of voting. Lara faced backlash after a car crash and struggled to maintain support, while Arroyo faced negative press and ethics violations. The losses indicate voter frustration with the current City Council, known for internal chaos and dysfunction. The results could lead to a new ideological balance on the council. In other districts, Benjamin Weber and William King will face off in District 6, Jose Ruiz and Enrique Pepén in District 5, and Tania Fernandes Anderson and Althea Garrison in District 7. John FitzGerald, Joel Richards, and Ann Walsh are vying for the second-place slot in District 3. The November election will also feature at-large councilor slots and contests in other districts.
Two Boston city councilors are calling for consequences for Councilor Ricardo Arroyo for allegedly welcoming U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins' attempts to influence the outcome of last year's election for Suffolk District Attorney. Councilor-at-Large Erin Murphy called the ethical violations revealed in the Department of Justice report "disturbing" and joined Council President Ed Flynn in saying that city constituents "have a right to more ethical representation." However, City Councilor Kendra Lara defended Arroyo, stating that Rollins was the one found guilty of wrongdoing and that any other action beyond that is politically motivated.