New In The Phoenix -- At-Large Council Field
In the new issue of the Boston Phoenix -- in print tomorrow, online now -- I have a column looking at the field of candidates shaping up for the Boston City Council's four at-large seats. Specifically, I take note of two interesting, and opposite, developments:
1) South Boston, which has such a strong history of producing political contenders, does not appear to have a single candidate in the race.
2) Black Bostonians, who have such a weak recent history of producing city-wide contenders, appear to be fielding a wealth of candidates in the race.
Actually, two declared at-large candidates can claim to have started their lives living in Southie -- can you guess who? (Answer below!) Still, one can't help wondering whether this is a sign of change in the city -- and, of course, wondering which candidates might benefit or not.
The article is here:
Swan Song for Southie? As circumstances have changed for Irish Bostonians, the
political talent pool in South Boston has dried up. Plus, voting a black slate?
You might also be interested in the new issue's editorial, looking at the new House budget -- and the possible need for new taxes -- and then at the Serve America Act. Oh, and that trivia answer: Marty Hogan, born and raised in Southie before moving to Dorchester; and Tomas Gonzalez, whose family moved from Southie when he was two years old.