The 2019 preliminary election for Boston City Council is this Tuesday, September 24. The eight at-large candidates and the two district candidates from each district who garner the most votes will move on to the final election in November. I live in District 9, so I have carefully considered all the District 9 and at-large candidates. Here are my endorsements.
For At-Large City Councilor
Michelle Wu, an incumbent, has been a truly progressive voice on the Council since her election in 2013 and served for two years as its president. She has many noteworthy accomplishments from her tenure on the Council. This year, she has worked hard to hold the MBTA accountable for poor service and has been a leader of the “Free The T” campaign. Wu has been a tireless advocate for the people of Boston and has more than earned my vote.
David Halbert has a lot of relevant experience and has built his career on public service. He has good, detailed ideas for policies and issues he will advocate for on the council. Notably, his ideas for improving the PILOT program and the Community Ombudsman Oversight Panel (the civilian panel with oversight over the Boston Police Department) are timely, smart, and refreshing. I love what Halbert has to say and I believe he will be an asset to the Council.
Julia Mejia is an immigrant, a graduate of the Boston Public Schools, and a lifelong advocate for the ignored and underserved members of our society. She is focused on the right issues and has detailed plans for what she wants to do about them. Her focus on equity and ownership in the legalization of marijuana sets her apart from the other candidates. She has been broadly endorsed, including by Sunrise Boston.
Alejandra St. Guillen is a Boston Latin School graduate and an alumnus of City Year. Her years working for the City of Boston gives her experience and connections which will help her succeed on the Council. As a member of the LGBTQ community, she brings an important perspective and representation to the table. I agree with her positions and priorities, and apparently others do as well: she has received many endorsements, including by Sunrise Boston.
For District 9 City Councilor
In District 9, I am excited to endorse Liz Breadon. Liz has decades of experience working to improve Allston-Brighton, including leading the charges to save the Presentation School and the Faneuil Library. She cares about the right issues the right order. I value the diversity that she will bring to the Council as a member of the LGBTQ community. Liz has been endorsed by Right to The City Vote and the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus.
