BOSTON — Boston City Council is dealing with some issues. In recent days, residents have seen one councilman announce that this will be his last term, another councilman get into an accident while driving an unregistered car with a suspended license and a third councilman fined $3,000 by the commission of ethics
“The city is getting hit left and right in terms of its public image,” says Boston 25 political historian Tom Whalen.
Boston City Hall continues to make headlines. Days after Councilman Ricardo Arroyo admitted to violating the state’s conflict of interest law, Councilwoman Kendra Lara was charged Friday in connection with a car crash in Jamaica Plain.
Boston 25 News went to Lara’s office to hear from her directly, but no response. On Wednesday, Council President Ed Flynn wrote an open letter addressing residents’ concerns about recent events by council members.
“Councilor Lara deserves her chance to be heard in court, but these alleged incidents are worrying. Residents are looking for positive leadership, ethical leadership, and there have been many of these incidents regarding Councilor Arroyo,” says Councilor Ed Flynn.
Boston 25 News political historian Tom Whalen says the city council is in “complete disarray,” but says it could work to Mayor Wu’s advantage, citing that “a divided council possibly means less opposition to his policies”.
“In a weird way, that probably strengthens Mayor Wu’s hand here because whenever in a governing body a legislature falls apart, which seems to be that kind of situation, the executive always benefits politically,” Whalen says .
Boston City Hall is no stranger to controversy. Long before these latest incidents, we have seen years of tension between members. With some members of color alleging harassment and racism in recent town hall meetings.
“What do I have to do to get respect as a black woman?” Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson said during a 2022 council meeting.
“I think a lot of it is a reflection of the city itself, there are a lot of issues that are seeping under the surface now that haven’t been addressed over the decades, like income inequality, the “housing, policing and ethics between administration and government. officials and I guess the chickens have come home to roost,” Whalen says.
Now the latest news coming out of city hall is that Councilman Michael Flaherty will not be seeking re-election after 20 years of service.
“Given recent events, you have to scratch your head as to whether it’s going to be a suitable replacement for the void that’s been made,” Whalen says.
Councilor Flaherty will not have his name on the November ballot, but will serve out the remainder of his term in January.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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