Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has formally endorsed Henry Santana for councilor-at-large, and plans to maintain lending her identify to different candidates all through this election season.
“I’m watching all the races very closely,” Wu advised the Herald on Thursday. “It’s a really important election.”
Wu mentioned Santana, her former director of civic organizing, is greatest outfitted to handle a number of the “institutional knowledge” that will likely be misplaced when longtime Councilor-at-Large Michael Flaherty steps down after this yr’s election.
“I think Henry will be a great choice to really hit the ground running because he knows City Hall inside and out, having formerly worked as a Council aide and also within the administration, coordinating across all departments,” Wu mentioned. “I also feel aligned with him on his values and what must be.”
Santana is certainly one of eight candidates in search of 4 at-large seats on the City Council. The three incumbents and 5 challengers will all be on the poll this November, as Flaherty’s resolution to drop out eradicated the necessity for a preliminary election.
The 27-year-old Dorchester resident described the mayor’s endorsement as “an incredible honor, and a testament to the shared vision we hold for a brighter, more inclusive Boston.”
The mayor has additionally endorsed Sharon Durkan, one other former worker who labored for Wu when she was a metropolis councilor. Durkan, a political organizer, is in search of the open District 8 seat on the Council in subsequent Tuesday’s particular election.
That seat has been vacant since late April, when Wu appointed Kenzie Bok to steer the Boston Housing Authority.
Wu has not had a lot success with making endorsements up to now, having backed dropping candidates for legal professional common, auditor and Suffolk district legal professional in final fall’s Democratic statewide major.
She pulled the latter endorsement, nevertheless, when a 2005 sexual assault allegation towards DA candidate and District 5 City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo got here to gentle.
Wu, who was at odds with a majority of the City Council over this yr’s finances, mentioned she didn’t “necessarily see” her endorsements as being a solution to drum up extra help there, or change the physique’s dynamics.
She famous that the Council finally accepted her $4.2 billion working finances, and has been a associate on previous laws she’s tried to push by.
“This is an important institution that has a big role to play in advocating for residents and shaping decision-making,” Wu mentioned. “I’m trying to do my part to get involved, and urge everyone to do their research and make sure to vote.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”