NAGE/SEIU Local 5000 chooses Jon Santiago for mayor of Boston

BOSTON—The National Association of Government Employees (NAGE / SEIU Local 5000) has endorsed Jon Santiago in the race for mayor of Boston. NAGE becomes the latest labor union to throw their support behind Santiago, following Laborers Local 223, the Dorchester-based building trades group. 

“On behalf of the 20,000 NAGE members living and working in Massachusetts and more than 2,000 in the City of Boston, I am proud to announce our support of Jon Santiago for Mayor of Boston,” said David Holway, national president. “This is the most consequential election in the history of Boston and our members believe in Jon Santiago’s ability to unify the city through proven crisis leadership and foster a recovery rooted in equity and opportunity for all.” 

NAGE represents public and private workers including federal, state and municipal employees including first responders, correctional officers, nurses and emergency medical technicians and office workers. NAGE affiliated with SEIU in 1982 and remains committed to empowering union workers of every race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, physical ability and sexual orientation and building lasting economic security for their members. 

“I am honored and humbled that NAGE workers from here in Boston and across our state have placed their trust in me and are joining this movement to build our city back from this pandemic, stronger than ever before,” said Santiago. “By building this coalition of working people and neighbors from every background who share our vision for a recovery rooted in equity and opportunity, we’re going to bring Boston together and strengthen the way our city serves its people. I can’t wait to have the men and women of NAGE / SEIU Local 5000 at our side in this campaign as we write the next chapter of our Boston story.” 

With today’s endorsement, NAGE joins a list of endorsers supporting Santiago for mayor. The group includes Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz of the North End, Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran and Representatives Kevin Honan of Allston, Rep. Ed Coppinger of West Roxbury and Rep. Dan Ryan of Charlestown. Other notable endorsements for Santiago include Dorchester’s Laborers Local Union 223, community leader Horace Small, former Executive Director of the Union of Minority Neighborhoods, and the Latino Victory Fund. 

Jon Santiago is currently serving his second term as the State Representative for the 9th Suffolk District representing the South End, Roxbury, Back Bay, and Fenway neighborhoods of Boston. He is an emergency room physician employed at Boston Medical Center, the city’s safety net hospital. He serves as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and has deployed overseas. Prior to these experiences, Santiago served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic. He lives in the South End with his wife, Alexandra. 

Source:
Sean Downey
Hilltop Public Solutions
sdowney@hilltoppublicsolutions.com

Charlestown's state Representative Dan Ryan is the latest Boston official to endorse Santiago for Mayor

(BOSTON, April 25, 2021)—Jon Santiago has earned the endorsement of another Boston legislator with Charlestown State Representative Dan Ryan joining his campaign for mayor.


“I’m proud to support Jon Santiago for mayor and am excited to begin campaigning side by side with him,” said Ryan. “Dr. Santiago is a proven leader of teams, a passionate public servant, and front-line healthcare worker that we need in this moment for our city. Jon is uniquely positioned to lead our city through these challenging times and chart a full and equitable recovery for Boston.”


Ryan was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 and represents the 2nd Suffolk District including Charlestown. Ryan currently serves as the Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws. In the House, Ryan has been among the body’s leading voices on issues important to veterans. He was also among the most vocal advocates for the landmark 2018 opioid prevention bill, engaging with law enforcement and advocates to expand crisis intervention response training. He and Santiago worked closely together on the milestone Student Opportunity Act, passing a once-in-a-generation package to strengthen public education in Boston and throughout the commonwealth.  


“Dan Ryan is a tireless advocate for Boston at the state house and in his community, and I’m honored to welcome him to our campaign,” said Santiago. “His work on the opioid crisis, issues important to veterans, and expanding public education funding have helped create a safer and stronger Massachusetts. His endorsement is so important in this race, and I look forward to working with him to lead us through a recovery to a post-pandemic Boston that’s stronger than ever before.”


With today’s endorsement, Ryan joins four of his Boston colleagues in the legislature including Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, and Representatives Kevin Honan and Ed Coppinger in supporting Santiago’s campaign. Other notable endorsements for Santiago include Laborers Local Union 223, community leader Horace Small, former Executive Director of the Union of Minority Neighborhoods, and the Latino Victory Fund.


Jon Santiago is currently serving his second term as the State Representative for the 9th Suffolk District representing the South End, Roxbury, Back Bay, and Fenway neighborhoods of Boston. He is an emergency room physician employed at Boston Medical Center, the city’s safety net hospital. He serves as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and has deployed overseas. Prior to these experiences, Santiago served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic. He lives in the South End with his wife, Alexandra. 

Source: Santiago Campaign 4/25/2021

City Councilor Edwards to speak on charter amendment: August 6

Proposal filed by Councilor Edwards would modernize Boston’s budgetary process, expand participatory budgeting

WHAT: The Boston City Council’s Committee on Government Operations will hold a hearing on a proposed amendment to the city charter filed by Councilor Lydia Edwards. Councilor Edwards filed the amendment in response to the calls for systemic change in Boston and nationally. 

Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapters 43B, section 10, subsection (b), a member of the city council may suggest a charter amendment. 

The proposal by Councilor Edwards will give Boston residents a choice in what the city’s budgetary process should be and, if approved by voters, would give taxpayers a greater say in how their tax dollars are spent by allowing for an expanded participatory budgetary process. 

During Thursday’s hearing the council will review the proposal by Councilor Edwards and suggest possible changes to it. Once the ballot question is finalized and approved by the city council it will be reviewed by the Attorney General to determine its constitutionality. If ruled to be constitutional, Boston voters will decide the future of the city’s budget process during the November 2021 municipal election.[1][2][3]

WHERE: Streaming live at http://www.boston.gov/city-council-tv 

WHEN: 10 a.m., Thursday, August 6

OFFICIAL HEARING NOTICE: https://www.boston.gov/public-notices/13660021

For more information: please contact Ricardo Patrón - ricardo.patron@boston.gov

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Mayor Walsh announces Lina Tramelli as Neighborhood Liaison for East Boston

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Lina Tramelli as the East Boston Neighborhood Liaison within the Mayor’s Civic Engagement Cabinet. Jesús García-Mota who previously held this position will now be Mayor Walsh’s liaison to the citywide Latino community. 

“Lina has a fantastic background in public service and I couldn’t be more excited for her to become the East Boston liaison,” said Mayor Walsh. “East Boston is a neighborhood full of tradition, growth and diversity and I know she will continue to be an advocate for the residents and businesses in East Boston.” 

As the East Boston liaison, Lina will serve as the primary contact for constituents and businesses looking to connect with the Mayor's Office, and will facilitate the delivery of services in collaboration with City departments.

The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) encourages, facilitates and maximizes citizen input and participation through service requests, neighborhood meetings, mailings and emergency responses. To report non-emergency issues to the City, residents are encouraged to connect with BOS:311 by dialing 3-1-1 or by downloading the free BOS:311 app on iOS or Android platforms. 

“I sincerely want to thank Mayor Walsh for this appointment as his liaison to East Boston,” said Lina. “Since taking office, the Mayor has made sure East Boston receives excellent city services and I very much look forward to continuing that mission and joining his administration” 

Born in Colombia, Lina received her bachelor's degree from the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá. She graduated from Harvard University with a master’s in Liberal Arts last year. 

Lina is a native Spanish speaker and proficient in Italian. In her spare time, Lina enjoys exploring the different cultural institutions in East Boston as well as enjoying the local food scene. She is a resident of East Boston.

Source: Mr. S. Chambers, Mayor's Office 3/20/2019

Mayor holds "Open House" in East Boston: May 8

East Boston News: DiCara to discuss his book on June 9

He's a smart guy even though he may be right a little more than half the time!
East Boston News: DiCara to discuss his book on June 9

East Boston Shines: Community Clean Up, Saturday, May 10th at 9:00am

(East Boston, MA, May 5, 2014) – Come Volunteer to Beautify and Clean East Boston!  On Saturday, May 10th, East Boston Volunteers will join East Boston Main Streets at 9:00 a.m. at Maverick Square to kick of the 12th annual East Boston Shines Community Clean-up Campaign.
East Boston Main Streets is inviting volunteers to help clean up the neighborhood. Volunteers will meet at Maverick Square at 9:00 am on Saturday, May 10th to clean the streets, mulch tree pits, and plant flowers. We will then walk to Central Square and do the same.  Come join us – this is a family friendly event. 

Brooms, gloves, and T-shirts will be provided.   

For more details or questions please call Max Gruner, Executive Director of East Boston Main Streets at 617-561-1044.

EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Our mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and do business in East Boston.

Source: EBMS

For most part at-large status quo reigns in East Boston too.

Eastboston.com has the unofficial results of the At-Large race for Boston City Council in Ward 1. (PDF)

With the exception of Michael Flaherty's fourth place finish in East Boston, the election results in Ward 1 were very similar to the citywide totals for the four winning candidates. Ayanna Pressley who topped the ticket citywide finished fight in East Boston.

Lamattina named vice president of City Council

District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina was named Vice President of the Council last week by President Stephen Murphy, a move that recognizes the hard work and collaboration that have characterized LaMattina’s time as a councilor.

“I am truly honored to take on this role,” said LaMattina, “and I want to thank Councilor Murphy for placing his trust in me. I will continue to work every day for the people of my district and for everyone throughout the City of Boston.”

LaMattina was also appointed to six standing committees of the Council, including the City, Neighborhood Services & Veterans Affairs Committee, which he will chair for a second consecutive term.

“Providing day-to-day services is an essential duty of city government,” LaMattina said. “People have a right to expect that basic functions – like having snow cleared, clean streets, potholes filled and street lights fixed – will happen without fail. When these things happen smoothly the public generally doesn’t notice – and that’s the way it should be.”

LaMattina will also serve on committees that oversee city policy on Economic Development & Planning, Education, Environment & Health, Rules & Administration, and Ways & Means.

“It’s always been my belief that public service is among the noblest callings that an individual can have,” said LaMattina. “I try to never forget that I have been entrusted by citizens to be their voice, and that is how I approach my work every day.”

LaMattina has represented the neighborhoods of District 1 – Charlestown, the North End, East Boston and downtown – since the summer of 2006. He is a native of East Boston.

Source: Office of City Councilor Sal Lamattina (District 1).

Ernani Dearaujo named to BHA's Monitoring Committee by Mayor Menino

East Boston Neighborhood Coordinator Ernani Dearaujo has been named to the Monitoring Committee of the Boston Housing Authority. The new responsibilities will be in addition to his current duties as coordinator from the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services. The city council is set to confirm Dearaujo on Monday, September 27.

Said Dearaujo: "I am honored to be named to this committee by Mayor Menino and confirmed by the City Council. I will serve as Chairman for a two-year term."

The nine-member, BHA Monitoring Committee is appointed by the Mayor of Boston to periodically review matters relating to the management and performance of the agency, and to report them to the Mayor.

The committee reviews and approves the annual federal and state operating budget; the annual modernization applications; and all property dispositions which would reduce the total number of housing units owned by the housing authority that have not been approved prior to the enactment of an act (Case of Armando Perez v. BHA) by the Massachusetts Superior Court.