Boston has a chance to hit the reset button in Tuesday’s Boston City Council primary.
Are residents happy with the status quo in which scandal-plagued councilors put career before constituents, or do Bostonians want an injection of experience, character and dedication to public service?
In the race for District 5 race, Ricardo Arroyo, instead of stepping down when his ethics violation tarnished the council by association, is instead running for re-election. There have been calls for his resignation, but Arroyo lets those go to voicemail.
The city has a problem with gun violence, lack of affordable housing and the opioid crisis at Mass and Cass. The progressive agenda has done little to nothing to fix these issues. What Boston needs are more voices of reason on the council, and for District 5, that is Jose Ruiz.
This 29-year Boston Police officer knows about crime on our streets and how it hits our neighborhoods. Ruiz has an impressive resume of working to build stronger communities, including organizing the largest city-wide youth baseball and softball league, including life skills presentations for players.
Ruiz has said he wants to support new and existing homeowners, improve city services, and build trust between police and the community. He has the chops to get the job done.
In District 6, incumbent Kendra Lara is determined to hang on to her seat despite having crashed into a Jamaica Plain home this summer while driving without a valid license and in an unregistered car.
Progressives love her, despite her actions.
For actions that benefit the city, however, the go-to for District 6 is William King. His background features volunteering, working with civic associations and advocating for neighborhood residents. King also worked in the Boston Public School system.
King’s platform emphasizes a focus on constituents, as well as the need to build affordable housing, invest in school facilities, and modernize our classrooms. King touts the importance of strong community policing as well as investing in community programs.
The District 7 race finds incumbent Tania Fernandes Anderson, who violated the state’s conflict of interest law by hiring her sister and son to paid positions on her staff, determined to remain councilor.
For D7 voters who want a councilor who works for them, that would be Jerome King. He’s worked at the Massachusetts Department of Human Services, as a community development volunteer for the Salvation Army, community coordinator with Greater Four Corners Action Coalition, and as an executive board member of No Pressure on Us Youth Foundation.
Boston needs someone like King who knows that public service means serving the people.
The District 3 race is not marked by scandal, but serves to replace the outgoing councilor Frank Baker. He, along with former Mayor Marty Walsh, have endorsed John FitzGerald.
With very good reason: he’s been in the political trenches, working for Walsh and as Deputy Director of Real Estate Operations at Boston Planning & Development Agency. The son of the late Mission Hill State Rep. Kevin Fitzgerald, he is steeped in the tradition of public service.
Boston needs experienced, prudent and dependable leadership.
The Boston Herald endorses Jose Ruiz, William King, Jerome King and John FitzGerald for City Council.
