Boston Chowder
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Boston has long been famous for it's chowder. We consider chowder to be a perfect metaphor for communication, engagement, inclusivity, transparency and accountability.Just as a chowder blends diverse ingredients into a rich, cohesive, and satisfying dish, these intellectual processes blend different ideas, perspectives, and people to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
"Promoting Community Engagement to Offer Citywide Solutions"
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WITH THE NOVEMBER 4TH BOSTON GENERAL ELECTION QUICKLY APPROACHING, WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE POLITICAL TERRAIN, OFFERING SOME INSIGHT AS TO THE STRUCTURE OF CITY GOVERNMENT
The City of Boston operates under a "strong mayor" form of government, which centralizes executive power in the office of the Mayor. This system is designed to provide efficient and decisive leadership. The government is composed of two main elected branches: the executive branch, led by the Mayor, and the legislative branch, which is the City Council.The Boston City Council is the legislative body of the city and is responsible for creating and amending local laws. It consists of 13 members: four at-large members who represent the entire city, and nine district councilors who represent specific geographic areas.Without going into all the nuances, and a lengthy list of details, and responsibilities that the Mayor, and City Council are charged with, we offer that the Mayor holds strong executive power, and the City Council provides a critical system of checks and balances, including oversight as to prevent the concentration of too much authority in any single office.In this way, the Mayor and City Council in Boston's government work in a symbiotic relationship—one to lead and execute, and the other to legislate and provide oversight. This system is designed to ensure that the city's government is both effective and accountable to its citizens.
THE STAGE FOR THE NOVEMBER SHOWDOWN IS SET. SOME POLITICAL OBSERVERS SEE A TEST OF POLITICAL CLOUT POSSIBLY INFLUENCING THE RESULTS.
Mayor Michelle Wu exhibited a decisive victory in the city’s preliminary mayoral election. The results not only cemented her dominance but also revealed the fault lines that will define the November contest for City Council.Wu handily defeated her main challenger, Josh Kraft, capturing 71.84% of the vote, compared to Kraft's 23.07%. This significant margin underscored her popular support across the city, and effectively influenced Kraft to withdraw from the race.Attention will now turn to the at-large City Council race, where four seats are up for grabs. The preliminary results provide a clear picture of the November battleground. The top four vote-getters, all incumbents, have secured their spots on the November ballot.These results highlight the strategic stakes for Mayor Wu. Louijeune and Santana, who are seen as close allies of the mayor, finished in the top four. However, the other two incumbents who advanced, Mejia and Murphy, have often been vocal critics of Wu's policies.The dynamics of the November election will be a test of political alliances and influence. Mayor Wu's ability to boost her preferred candidates, particularly Valdez and Santana, could be the key to shifting the balance of power on the City Council. Her support includes a documented public vote for Valdez, that is widely seen as a strong, if unofficial endorsement, and a fundraiser for Santana, who had struggles in the preliminary election.If she can successfully mobilize the progressive vote and help her allies unseat a critic like Murphy or Mejia, it would be a significant victory for the Mayor, ensuring a City Council more aligned with her administration's agenda.
Boston Chowder would like to go on record in support of the following Boston City Councilor At-Large candidates.
We ask that you please consider these aspirants for your At-Large Council choices.
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Boston Chowder endorses City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune;A tireless advocate and a powerful voice for change. Ruthzee Louijeune not only understands the challenges we face but is active in building a future where every resident can thrive.Louijeune's journey began with a foundation built on firsthand experience. As the daughter of a working-class immigrant family, she developed a deep and personal understanding of the struggles of housing instability, the need for equitable education, and the systemic barriers that many communities continue to face. This lived experience has been a powerful source of her empathy and dedication throughout her career.Before her time on the City Council, Louijeune applied her convictions to the legal field. As an attorney, she focused on critical issues like housing and voting rights. She has represented families in Boston Housing Court who were facing eviction and foreclosure and has worked with organizations like the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA) to expand homeownership opportunities for first-generation buyers.Building on her legal and personal background, Louijeune entered public service, making history as the first Haitian American woman to serve on the Boston City Council. In this role, she has brought a new perspective and a deep commitment to social justice to her work. During her Council tenure, she has been a strong advocate for affordable housing and accessible homeownership, supporting measures such as using city-owned land for affordable housing, advocating for a real estate transfer fee to fund housing, and working on programs to help first-generation homebuyers. She has also supported measures to prevent displacement and help tenants and homeowners facing foreclosure. Her policy work is meticulously detailed to ensure that our city's growth benefits long-time residents and not just wealthy developers.Furthermore, her approach to leadership is rooted in consistent community engagement. She has tirelessly worked to listen to her constituents, hosting open forums and ensuring that the voices of everyday Bostonians are heard and amplified in City Hall. This collaborative spirit is essential for addressing our most complex problems, from climate resilience to public safety, and is a hallmark of her trusted service.For her unwavering dedication, her clear vision, and her proven ability to turn her convictions into tangible progress, we urge you to join us in supporting Ruthzee Louijeune. Her leadership is not just about what is possible for Boston, but about what is necessary for us to build a city that is truly equitable, just, and prosperous for all.
Boston Chowder proudly endorses Erin Murphy;A candidate who embodies the spirit of Boston and a lifetime of dedicated public service. A lifelong resident of Dorchester and a single mother who raised her four children in the neighborhood, Erin's deep roots and personal experience as a Boston Public Schools teacher for over two decades give her a unique and invaluable perspective on the challenges facing our city's families.Erin's commitment to her community is evident in her long-standing advocacy for education reform and her tireless work in public health, particularly in addressing substance use disorder. Her efforts have been recognized with awards and accolades, including commendations from the Mayor and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. This isn't just a political platform for her; it's a passion born from a genuine desire to improve lives.As a City Councilor, Erin has been a strong and steady voice for responsible, common-sense policies. While some may label her a moderate, we see a leader focused on the core issues that matter most to Boston residents: public safety & health, affordable housing, and fiscal responsibility. She has fought to provide tax relief for seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes, demonstrating a clear understanding of the financial pressures facing many of our neighbors.Erin's record is one of thoughtful and independent decision-making. She has consistently prioritized the well-being of her constituents, even when it means taking a different path from the political mainstream. Her votes against rent control and non-citizen voting petitions, and her opposition to ranked-choice voting, show a commitment to practical solutions and a desire to ensure a transparent and accessible government for all.Erin's emphasis on public safety has earned her the respect and endorsement of Boston's law enforcement and first responder unions. She understands that safe streets are the foundation of a thriving community and has championed policies like community policing and funding to combat gang violence. Her accessibility and commitment to being a "go-to call" for every resident reflect her belief that public service is about being present, accountable, and transparent.Erin Murphy is the clear choice for Boston. Her proven track record, deep community ties, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of our city make her the leader we need. Her strong support from a broad coalition of labor, public safety, and elected officials is a testament to her effectiveness and integrity. We urge you to join us in supporting Erin Murphy, a true public servant who works tirelessly for the people of Boston.
Boston Chowder endorses City Councilor Julia Mejia;A fierce and authentic advocate for the people of Boston. From her very first day in office, she has distinguished herself as a champion of community-led solutions and a tireless voice for the city's most vulnerable residents.Unlike many politicians, Julia Mejia doesn't just talk about listening—she embodies it through a work ethic defined by radical accessibility. Her commitment to being present in neighborhoods, not just during campaigns, and her active engagement on social media ensures that constituents' concerns are not only heard but acted upon. Her core beliefs are rooted in community power and equity, and she consistently prioritizes the needs of those often left out of conversations, from small business owners to youth activists.Mejia’s policy work is a direct reflection of her values. She has consistently fought for housing justice, pushing for stronger tenant protections and more deeply affordable housing. Her focus on equitable development ensures that Boston's growth benefits all residents, not just a few. Furthermore, her belief in government transparency drives her to challenge the status quo and hold institutions accountable. She is not afraid to stand alone on an issue if she believes it is the right thing to do, and in the best interest of Boston, and it's residents.Julia Mejia is more than a City Councilor; she is a bold leader whose courage to challenge the existing system and ability to build bridges across diverse communities represents the true spirit of Boston. Her passion and authenticity are exactly what the city needs to move forward toward a more just and inclusive future. We urge you to join us in support.
Boston Chowder fully supports Frank Baker;As a lifelong Bostonian and a former six-term City Councilor, Frank Baker offers a proven track record of dedicated service to the community. Having represented District 3 for over a decade, he is known for a straight-talking, hands-on approach and a commitment to constituent services.His campaign for an at-large seat is rooted in a vision for a safer, stronger, and more livable city for all. He has consistently championed issues that directly impact residents' daily lives, including public safety, economic development, and quality-of-life improvements for working families and seniors.Frank has consistently demonstrated a willingness to listen to his constituents and vote his conscience. He is a pragmatic and steady voice, unafraid to stand against popular opinion to represent the best interests of his community.Frank Baker's experience and dedication to putting neighborhoods first make him the right choice for Boston. He has a history of showing up, listening to residents' concerns, and working tirelessly to get things done. His steadfast leadership and deep roots in the city's neighborhoods are what Boston needs on the City Council. Please consider Frank Baker this Tuesday. #1 on the ballot.
Ruthzee Louijeune
Ruthzee Louijeune was born and raised in the Mattapan section of Boston, and is currently residing in Hyde Park. She is the daughter of working-class Haitian immigrants and a graduate of Boston Public Schools, Columbia University, Harvard Law School, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.She is the first Haitian American to be elected to Boston municipal government and to serve as City Council President. Her personal history is a significant part of her platform.Before her time on the City Council, Louijeune worked as an attorney, focusing on issues like housing and voting rights. She has represented families in Boston Housing Court who were facing eviction and foreclosure and has worked with organizations like the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA) to expand homeownership opportunities for first-generation buyers. Her legal background provides a foundation for her policy work, particularly on housing affordability.In her Council tenure Louijeune has been a strong advocate for affordable housing and accessible home ownership. She has supported using city-owned land for affordable housing, advocated for a real estate transfer fee to fund housing, and worked on programs to help first-generation homebuyers. She has also supported measures to prevent displacement and help tenants and homeowners facing foreclosure.Louijeune has also prioritized education. She has advocated for teacher diversity, improved school buildings, and increased support services for students, including mental and behavioral health.
Another central theme of her work is addressing systemic racial and economic disparities. She has championed policies to make city contracts more accessible to small, local businesses, and has worked to ensure diverse hiring in the construction industry.Louijeune was unanimously elected by her peers to serve as City Council President. In this role, she has gained a reputation for being a collaborative and thoughtful leader in a body that has at times been divided.Some of her policy priorities on the City Council has focused on several key areas:
. As the former Chair of the Committee on Civil Rights and Immigrant Advancement, she has focused on issues impacting immigrant communities. She has successfully advocated for increased funding for organizations that assist new arrivals and has supported measures to expand voting rights for legal immigrants in city elections.. As a Boston Public Schools graduate, she has prioritized advocating for teacher diversity, improved school buildings, and supportive services for students.
. Her work across various issues, including housing and public health, is rooted in a stated commitment to addressing systemic racial disparities, promoting racial justice and equity.Some accomplishments while in office:
. She has advocated for the expansion of the Office of Returning Citizens, which supports formerly incarcerated individuals.
. She made history as the first Haitian American to be elected to Boston municipal government and the first to serve as President of the City Council.
. A notable accomplishment was her successful leadership of the contentious redistricting process, which passed a new map that met federal court standards and allowed for municipal elections to proceed on schedule.Louijeune has received numerous endorsements from various groups, including the Greater Boston Labor Council, the Boston Teachers Union, and the Sierra Club, indicating support from labor, education, and environmental communities. South Boston Beat recognizes City Councilor Louijeune's proven unflagging dedication, and hard work representing Boston residents.https://www.ruthzeeforboston.com
Erin Murphy
Long-time Boston resident Erin Murphy is a native of Dorchester and a single mother who raised her four children in the neighborhood. This local connection is a central part of her identity as a public servant.She has a background as a Boston Public Schools teacher for over two decades, which has given her a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing families, including educational disparities and economic instability. This experience is a foundation for her advocacy on education reform and public health.A significant part of her public service has been dedicated to public health, specifically substance use disorder and recovery. She has raised funds for recovery services and received awards for her work in this area, including being recognized by the Mayor and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.Murphy is a registered Democrat, and is generally considered one of the more politically moderate or conservative members of the Boston City Council. She has often been part of a centrist voting bloc that provides a counterpoint to the more progressive members of the council.Her priorities generally focus on constituent services, public health, education, public safety, and affordable housing. She has expressed concern about rising property taxes and has introduced legislation to provide tax relief for seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes.Murphy has emphasized a commitment to transparency and accountability, and accessibility in city government. A core part of her public service has been her focus on being present in every neighborhood and being a "go-to call" for constituents.Listed are some of Murphy's notable votes:Voted against a home rule petition for rent control as it stood.
Voted against a home rule petition to allow non-citizen residents to vote in municipal elections.
Voted against the city's redistricting map in 2022.
Voted against a home rule petition to adopt ranked-choice voting, arguing that the system could be confusing for voters who are not native English speakers.Her strong focus on public safety has earned her endorsements from various law enforcement and first responder unions. She supports policies that are oriented to making Boston's streets safer, including community policing, and has advocated for funding to address gang violence.Murphy has received numerous endorsements from labor and public safetyorganizations, including the Greater Boston Labor Council and AFSCME Council 93, as well as a number of public safety organizations like Boston's four major first responder unions. She has been endorsed by a range of current and former elected officials, including Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, former Mayor Raymond L. Flynn, and a number of state representatives and city councilors.In the 2023 At-Large election, she was re-elected with the second-highest number of votes. South Boston Beat believes that as a result of Councilor Murphy's proven hard work and dedication her numbers will continue to grow.https://erinforboston.com
Julia Mejia
Julia Mejia is an At-Large City Councilor in Boston. Her record and political platform often appeal to voters who prioritize social justice, government accountability, and a community-centered approach to politics.Mejia's personal story is a central part of her public identity. She was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Dorchester by a single, undocumented mother. This experience, which required her to advocate for her family within various city systems from a young age, has shaped her approach to politics. A tenet of her policy is to ensure that no resident feels ignored by the government that is supposed to serve them.A graduate of Boston Public Schools, she was the first in her family to graduate high school and college. As a Boston Public Schools graduate, Mejia has a strong focus on educational reform. She has advocated for an elected school committee and for a shift in school funding to ensure that all schools have foundational resources like nurses, counselors, and librarians, all to increase resources for students.Before her time on the City Council, Mejia was a community organizer. She founded the Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network (CPLAN), which focused on empowering families to engage with educational policy. This background is reflected in her "co-governance" philosophy, which seeks to involve residents directly in the policymaking process. She believes in holding government accountable to the people it serves, not just to powerful interests. She is a strong advocate for increasing civic engagement and government transparency.Councilor Mejia has been a vocal advocate for policies aimed at creating a more equitable and accessible city, and has been successful in passing several pieces of legislation. Her major accomplishments include:Promoting Language Access: Mejia led the passage of a Language Access Ordinance that requires all official city information to be available in Boston's top 11 languages, ensuring that more residents can access vital services.Fostering Government Transparency: She created and chairs the Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility. This committee is dedicated to ensuring that city departments operate with transparency and that their policies and procedures are effective and inclusive.Advancing Diversity and Inclusion: Mejia has been instrumental in the creation of new city offices designed to support marginalized communities, including the Office of Black Male Advancement and the Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement. She also sponsored the Fair Chance Act, which aims to promote diversity in hiring and workplace culture across city agencies.Supporting Small Businesses & Economic Empowerment: She has worked to support small businesses and entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities. One notable example is the Residential Kitchen Ordinance, which makes it easier for residents to start food businesses from their homes.Prioritizing Youth and Education: Her work has included advocating for more youth engagement in government and addressing issues of social-emotional wellness and violence prevention.Participatory Budgeting: She has been a strong proponent of increasing participatory budgeting, a process that allows residents to directly decide how a portion of the city's budget is spent.Councilor Mejia has established herself as an independent and often progressive voice on the City Council. She has demonstrated a willingness to challenge the status quo and vote against the mayoral administration when she believes it's in the best interest of her constituents. She chairs the City Council's Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility. This committee is dedicated to ensuring that city departments are held accountable to the public and that government services are delivered equitably across all neighborhoods.South Boston Beat recognizes Councilor Mejia's dedication, perseverance, and powerful voice that she brings to the Council on behalf of the residents of Boston.https://www.juliaforboston.com
Frank Baker
Frank Baker, a long-time Dorchester resident, and former District 3 City Councilor is running for an At-Large seat in the 2025 Boston municipal election. This means he is seeking to represent the entire city, not just a single district. During his time in office, he held several key positions and was involved in various policy and legislative matters.Throughout his six terms (2012 to 2024) Councilor Baker was known for his emphasis on practical, neighborhood-level issues. His ability and "get-it-done" approach to city government, included many works regarding public safety, public health, substance abuse services, education, housing, and economic developmentHe has been a champion for local businesses, and has chaired the City Council's Jobs, Wages, and Workforce Development Committee, focused on issues related to employment and labor.Baker's other committee leadership roles include:. Chair of the Special Committee on Charter Reform: In this role, he proposed extending city councilor terms from two years to four years. His argument was that two-year terms meant council members spent much of their time running for reelection rather than focusing on their duties, and that a four-year term could save the city about $1.6 million by eliminating elections in low-turnout years.. Vice Chair of the Planning, Development and Transportation Committee: Baker was involved in discussions about development and infrastructure projects within his district, including the redevelopment of the former Boston Globe site and a proposed stadium.Legislative Actions and Stances:. Redistricting: Baker was one of four councilors who voted against the city's redistricting map after the 2020 U.S. Census. He took issue with the plan because it altered the shape of his district and split precincts around the Adams Village business area in Dorchester.. Rent Control: In 2023, he and one other council member voted against a home rule petition that would have allowed the city to implement proposals for rent control and reform of the Boston Planning & Development Agency.. Non-citizen Voting: In December 2023, Baker voted against a home rule petition that would have sought state approval to extend voting rights in municipal elections to non-citizen residents with legal status.. Substance Abuse and Housing: He advocated for increased services for substance abuse, including the use of "Section 35" which allows a judge to involuntarily commit someone to treatment for drug or alcohol use.In addition to his legislative roles, Baker focused on constituent services. He was involved in a project to bring a new fieldhouse to Dorchester in partnership with the Martin Richard Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs.He also previously proposed shifting the City Council's term length from two years to four years to allow councilors to focus more on their work rather than on constant campaigning.This experience gives him a deep understanding of City Hall operations, budgeting, and the legislative process. Throughout his tenure, he was known for being a more moderate or conservative voice on the Council, often standing apart from the more progressive majority. For a voter who believes the council needs a greater diversity of political perspectives, Baker's candidacy offers an opportunity to add a centrist voice to the at-large body.Baker has been described as one of the more conservative or centrist members of the City Council. He has often been a lone "no" vote on measures supported by the more progressive wing of the council. For voters who feel the current council has moved too far to the left, Baker represents a potential counterbalance and a voice for more moderate policies.Baker built a reputation for being accessible and responsive to neighborhood-level concerns, from constituent services to local development projects. For voters who value a candidate who is focused on the practical, day-to-day issues affecting residents, his record as a district councilor is a strong indicator of his approach to an at-large position.After choosing not to run for reelection in 2023, Baker stated that he was now "answering the call" from Bostonians who urged him to return to public service.South Boston Beat recognizes his past service and accomplishments in the Council. Frank's proven reputation as an independent voice on the City Council makes him a much needed component to the Council moving forward.https://www.bakerforboston.com
