Councilor Edwards files city charter amendment to expand Council's budgetary power

BOSTON (July 6, 2020) - Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards has filed a proposed amendment to Boston’s city charter that would give the Boston City Council budgetary powers equal to those of the mayor. 

The historic proposal was filed under a provision in state law that allows local elected officials to propose amendments to city charters which has never been used before.

“I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few weeks thinking about how to answer the calls for systemic change and investment in our future,” said Councilor Edwards. “An annual up or down vote alone on the mayor’s budget cannot bring about the long term change that is needed and that people are calling for. That change will not come from any one vote or annual budget. It’s time to break the wheel of Boston’s budget making process. This will take time, research, negotiations, and sustained conversations about what we want to invest in as a city. Until we change the budget process, we don’t have an opportunity

to have those conversations in a meaningful way.”

The proposed amendment specifically targets the budgetary powers of the City and is separate from the complete charter reform Edwards proposed earlier this year. "Boston can move forward on specific reforms to our budgetary process even as we pursue a democratic process to examine the entire charter,” added Councilor Edwards. “That process will require much more organizing and eventually candidates will have to run for an opportunity to write the charter. I am still committed to writing a clear, accessible, complete charter but right now people are asking for direct impact and influence on our budget. We can give them that power by modernizing and democratizing the budgetary process and expanding participatory budgeting, which would give residents greater control over portions of the budget."

Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapters 43B, section 10, subsection (b), a member of the city council may suggest a charter amendment. After a hearing and final vote by the city council the Attorney General must approve the question's  constitutionality and then it will be put to the voters to decide in November 2021. This proposal would be the first known charter amendment to be implemented using this process.

If Boston voters approve this amendment next fall, the Boston City Council and the Mayor would share power over the city’s budget. This includes the ability to create proposals for the city’s capital and operating budgets, change line items within the proposals, allocate parts of the budget for a participatory budget process (voter direct allocation), and amend the budget for Boston Public Schools.

Additionally, this change would also give the city council tools to more quickly respond to the need for budget cuts in times of fiscal austerity and allow for public deliberation on what services could or should be reduced without lasting harm. This change also allows for earlier budgetary deliberation should either the Mayor or Council desire to do so.

###

City Councilor Edwards announces Snow Angel Community Service Program

BOSTON (10 January 2018) - Newly-inaugurated Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards announced a district-wide initiative aimed to serve our most vulnerable neighbors during the winter months and connect residents through community service. 

The “Snow Angels” program will connect elderly and disabled residents unable to shovel in front of their homes to on-call, neighborhood volunteers ready to alleviate the burden shoveling can impose. 

“If Thursday’s snowstorm is any indication, there are many people in our neighborhoods who need assistance beyond what the City can provide for them. The beautiful thing about our district is that there are good-hearted individuals ready and willing to step up to the plate and help,” said Councilor Edwards. “The Snow Angels program will aim to coordinate and connect both communities.”

Councilor Edwards outlined that, depending on the amount of the volunteers, the program hopes to match neighbors in need to a Snow Angel within 500 feet of their home during each snowstorm. 

Edwards noted that she’s received the support of District One’s delegation such as Rep. Adrian Madaro of East Boston, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz of the North End, and Rep. Daniel Ryan of Charlestown. She is also actively looking for community sponsors to cover costs of shovels, snow melt, etc. 

What else does Councilor Edwards hope to achieve besides clear sidewalks? 

“Community connection,” Edwards said. “I hope that this will provide a vehicle for residents to engage and invest in their neighborhood but also cultivate long-lasting relationships between neighbors for generations to come.” 

Snow Angels must be 18-years-old and up, reside in the district, and are volunteering at their own risk. 

In order to be eligible for the service, you or someone you know must be an elderly or disabled resident of Charlestown, East Boston, or the North End. Snow Angel services are for residential properties only. 

To sign-up for the service or to become a Snow Angel, please call (617) 635-3200 or e-mail gabriela.coletta@boston.gov with your name, age, address, and telephone number. 

Source: Office of City Councilor Lydia Edwards 

Jack Kelly Endorses Lydia Edwards for Boston City Council

BOSTON (October 25, 2017) —Jack Kelly, lifelong Charlestown resident and former city councilor-at-large candidate, endorsed Lydia Edwards for district one Boston city councilor.

“I am proud to endorse Lydia Edwards for Boston City Council to represent East Boston, the North End, and my beloved home of Charlestown,” says Kelly. “Lydia will bring a fresh perspective, an independent voice and above all else, a relentless advocacy for all residents of Charlestown.”

“Lydia and I met initially as opponents. Over the course of the summer, she knocked on my door, as she did for many of my neighbors. I was impressed by her tenacious intellect, experience and desire to learn about all of the important issues facing our community.”

“In addition, Lydia's willingness to listen and receive feedback from those in recovery, demonstrate her ability to lead on day one for all.”

“We need bold, independent leadership as Charlestown faces major projects like One Charlestown, the North Washington Street Bridge, and Wynn Casino. I trust Lydia to do right by our neighborhood and I know she’ll stand with us.”

“I hope my neighbors in District 1 will join me in voting for Lydia on November 7th.”

"Jack's endorsement means a lot to me,” said Edwards. “His personal journey deserves an immense amount of respect.  But more than just his personal story, his work in Charlestown on many of the issues we face in District 1 - such as traffic, addiction prevention and housing is something I highly value.   I am beyond humbled to receive his support.”

“We met as opponents and became friends while we discussed ideas for recovery, traffic and the need for strong, independent leadership in Charlestown. If elected, I will continue to rely on Jack for his friendship, guidance and leadership for all of District 1, but especially Charlestown.”

Edwards, a public interest attorney and community advocate, is no stranger to public service. She has spent her career fighting for women and working families. In her role as the Deputy Director of the city’s new Office of Housing Stability, she found innovative solutions to mitigating Boston’s housing crisis and stood up for vulnerable members of our community by co-founding East Boston’s community soup kitchen.

Lydia's top priorities include ensuring pathways to homeownership for all residents, quality public schools for local families, responsible community-driven development, and reliable transportation.

Edwards is a resident of East Boston with her husband, Rogerio, a licensed electrician and small business owner. The general election will take place on Tuesday November, 7th. For more information please visit: www.lydiaedwards.org.

###
Source: Edwards Campaign 10/25

Margaret Farmer Endorses Lydia Edwards for City Council

BOSTON (October 16, 2017) — East Boston resident and former candidate for Boston City Council Margaret Farmer endorsed Lydia Edwards for Boston city councilor.

“The issues that face the City of Boston, District 1 are complex, intertwining and far- reaching,”  says Farmer. “With a $3.1 Billion dollar budget to oversee, there is nothing “nuts and bolts” about the job for Boston City Councilor. Their work affects the lives of every resident, visitor, and business in the City of Boston, all day, every day. Lydia Edwards understands this. Lydia has worked in our community to effect far-reaching change and protect our most vulnerable residents.”

“For these, and so many more reasons, I support Lydia Edwards for Boston City Council.”

“I am extremely grateful for Margaret’s support” says Edwards. “She ran a strong, issues-driven race and helped bring into focus the top priorities of our district. Margaret and I listened to thousands of residents throughout the campaign and it’s clear what the requirements are for our next city councilor: responsiveness, accessibility, and creative-thinking in tackling some of our most complex problems.”

“I am confident that with vested community leaders like Margaret we can work together to continue building bridges and move our district forward.”

Farmer adds to the growing list of recent endorsements for Lydia including State Representative Adrian Madaro of East Boston; members of the Boston state delegation State Senator Linda Dorcena Dorry, State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, State Representative Russell Holmes; City Councilor Andrea Campbell, Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr., the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, and the Working Families Party.

Edwards, a public interest attorney and community advocate, has spent her career fighting for women and working families. In her role as the Deputy Director of the city’s new Office of Housing Stability, she found innovative solutions to mitigating Boston’s housing crisis and stood up for vulnerable members of our community by co-founding East Boston’s community soup kitchen.

Lydia promises to bring a bold, independent voice with a fresh perspective to City Hall and her top priorities include ensuring pathways to homeownership for all residents, quality public schools for local families, responsible community-driven development, and reliable transportation.

Edwards is a resident of East Boston with her husband, Rogerio, a licensed electrician and small business owner.

Lydia’s next East Boston event is an open reception co-host by State Representative Adrian Madaro on Monday, October 23rd at 5:30 PM at Angela’s Cafe in Orient Heights at 1012 Bennington Street in East Boston. All are welcomed to come and seniors are complimentary. For more information, please call Gabriela (617) 329-5172.

The general election will take place on Tuesday November, 7th. For more information please visit: www.lydiaedwards.org.

Source: Edwards Campaign

Lydia Edwards wins East Boston; Challenges Opponent to Debates Across District

BOSTON (10/1/2016) —Lydia Edwards, Boston city council candidate to represent East Boston, Charlestown and the North End/Waterfront, today challenged Stephen Passacantilli to a series of debates throughout the district ahead of the November 7th general election.

“I am thrilled with the response of voters,” said Edwards. “Our communities are at a pivotal moment. My opponent and I have different perspectives on how to move the city forward and a substantive discussion on the issues facing this district is necessary.

“I look forward to highlighting those distinctions and therefore I challenge my opponent to debates in all three neighborhoods,” says Edwards. 

Edwards, a public interest attorney and community advocate, is no stranger to public service. She has spent her career fighting for women and working families. In her role as the Deputy Director of the city’s new Office of Housing Stability, she found innovative solutions to mitigating Boston’s housing crisis and stood up for vulnerable members of our community by co-founding East Boston’s community soup kitchen.

Lydia promises to bring a bold, independent voice with a fresh perspective to City Hall and her top priorities include ensuring pathways to homeownership for all residents, quality public schools for local families, responsible community-driven development, and reliable transportation.

Edwards is a resident of East Boston with her husband, Rogerio, a licensed electrician and small business owner.

The general election will take place on Tuesday November, 7th. For more information please visit: www.lydiaedwards.org.
###

Source: Edwards Campaign

Candidate Farmer pushes Massport to reduce pollution at Logan

Candidate Farmer pushes Massport to reduce pollution at Logan

(East Boston, MA September 8, 2017)--Citing concern for the environment in the neighborhoods directly surrounding Logan Airport, Margaret Farmer, Candidate for Boston City Council, has called on Massport to work with the City of Boston to fund, explore, and implement a number of solutions aimed at reducing pollution and increasing the quality of life for the community surrounding Logan Airport.

“As instances asthma and COPD continue to increase in our neighborhoods it is important to measure benchmarks of the current environment. Massport needs to fund an independent source to produce a scientific, peer-reviewed environmental study to serve as a benchmark on air quality,” said Farmer. “We should know what’s going on in our environment, and this study could cover a broad range of data, such as ultra-fine particulate matter. Local community groups like AIR, Inc. have been asking for this for many years.”

Farmer also supports State Representative Adrian Madaro’s proposal for the installation of “Real Time” tracking devices around the airport and within East Boston to allow for the monitoring of noise and air pollution. “Making data like this available to the public allows for more transparency, and it’s an opportunity for others to look at the data and find innovative solutions for pollution reduction,” she added. 

Another area Farmer sees an opportunity for Massport to work with the surrounding community is by funding the NOAH Tree Cover Project. This project, started by local East Boston students, aims to increase tree cover in East Boston from its current 15% to 30%, the average for the City. More trees will lead to less reflected heat and light on paved surfaces, increased water retention from rain, and more natural filtration of the air. “This is a great local initiative where Massport can look to increase trees in the neighborhood, especially since the airport runways reflect so much heat, and trees can’t be planted along them,” added Farmer. 

Farmer also advocates for new technology “We are seeing exciting changes happening, in Denmark especially, where large air filters are being placed around airports to collect ultra-fine particulate matter and combat the amount of carbon monoxide in the air. As MASSPORT is planning to build a garage with 5,000 additional parking spaces in the community, this is something we should consider.”

Margaret Farmer is currently running to represent District 1 in the Boston City Council. District 1 includes East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End. You can read more about her positions on Massport and other issues at http://margaretfarmerforboston.org

##

Source: Margaret Farmer for Boston City Council

Candidate Farmer: Last day to register to vote for September 26 is Wednesday, September 6

This just in from the Farmer campaign:

Boston, MA--Wednesday, September 6, 2017 is the last day to register for the primary elections in Boston. The Boston Municipal Preliminary Election includes the ballot for candidates for Boston City Council and the mayoral race. The primary election will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

“Elections work best when more people participate,” says Margaret Farmer, Candidate for Boston City Council, District 1. “I encourage everyone who can to take the time to vote in this important primary.” 

Farmer will be hosting an event for supporters on the evening of September 6, to thank everyone who has contributed to her campaign. For information about the event, please email contact@margaretfarmer.org.

Margaret Farmer is one of three candidates currently running to represent District 1 in the Boston City Council. District 1 includes East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End. You can read more about her candidacy and position on issues at her website http://www.margaretfarmer.org. 

Source: 
Margaret Farmer for Boston City Council
www.margaretfarmerforBoston.com
978-729-7771

Campaign: Passacantilli Will Hire Neighborhood Liaisons from Each Community

BOSTON – Stephen Passacantilli, candidate for Boston City Council - District 1, has announced that he will hire a neighborhood liaison for each community in the district if elected to the City Council.  Passacantilli is a North End civic leader, Boston Public Schools parent, and former staffer to City Councilor Sal LaMattina.

Passacantilli said, "As former constituent services director for Councilor LaMattina and past president of my local neighborhood council, I know how important it is to have accessible representation in the community and at City Hall.  If elected to the City Council, I will hire a neighborhood-specific liaison for Charlestown, for East Boston, and for the North

End.  Residents deserve to know their City Councilor and their staff, and must always be able to get an answer on issues – big or small – in a timely manner.  I will always prioritize responsive and effective constituent services."

Last month, Passacantilli showed this commitment by becoming the only candidate to open campaign offices in each of the district's three neighborhoods.

Many know Passacantilli from his years of public service across Boston. He is a lifelong resident of the North End where he has been deeply involved as past president of his local civic association and through local charities and community organizations like North End Against Drugs (NEAD) and the North End Beautification Committee. Passacantilli is also an active Boston Public Schools parent and serves on the board of the Gavin Foundation.

Passacantilli and his wife, Renee, are raising their two children, Grace and Evan, just around the corner where he grew up in the North End.

Source: Passacantilli campaign

Passacantilli Campaign Knocks on 8,000th Door

BOSTON – Stephen Passacantilli's campaign for Boston City Council District 1 has announced a major milestone.  This past week, the campaign knocked on their 8,000th door and leads all other campaigns in social media engagement with over 1,300 Facebook followers.

Passacantilli is a North End civic leader, Boston Public Schools parent, and former staffer to City Councilor Sal LaMattina.

Passacantilli said, "I am so proud of the strong grassroots campaign we are building.  We've been out knocking on doors and calling voters in East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End, and the response has been incredible.  As past head of my local neighborhood council, I know how important it is to hear directly from residents about the issues that matter to them.  That's why we're so focused on going directly to residents to discuss our platform and hear their concerns.  As a lifelong Bostonian with kids in the Boston Public Schools, I'll bring a unique perspective and experience to the Boston City Council.  Residents of District 1 deserve a City Councilor who will take the lead on issues like public safety, education, addiction and recovery, and development.  On the City Council, I will always put you first."

Just last month, Passacantilli became the only candidate to open campaign offices in each of the district's three neighborhoods.

Many know Passacantilli from his years of public service across Boston. He is a lifelong resident of the North End where he has been deeply involved as past president of his local civic association and through local charities and community organizations like North End Against Drugs (NEAD) and the North End Beautification Committee. Passacantilli is also an active Boston Public Schools parent and serves on the board of the Gavin Foundation.

Source: Passacantilli Campaign 8/18/2017

Political News: Local Resident to Run Passacantilli Campaign

NORTH END – Stephen Passacantilli, a North End civic leader, Boston Public Schools parent, and former staffer to City Councilor Sal LaMattina has hired lifelong North End resident Haley Renda to run his campaign for Boston City Council.  Passacantilli is running for District 1 City Councilor, which includes East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End.


Haley Renda grew up in the North End and is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tulane University.  Prior to being hired to run the Passacantilli campaign, Renda worked with non-profits in Boston and New Orleans.  She spent time working on issues of substance abuse and recovery at the Gavin Foundation in South Boston and fighting human trafficking at the Eden House.  Renda was also an active volunteer with the Women's Action Group.


Passacantilli said, "I'm excited to have Haley Renda running my campaign for Boston City Council.  Haley has done incredible things in her life, and I'm looking forward to working with her to talk about our shared vision for District 1.  From increasing access to parks, open space, and the waterfront, to expanding the ability to attend great schools close to home, and standing up for our seniors, I know that we are going tobe able to get things done for District 1 by working together."

"I've known Stephen Passacantilli since I was a kid, and I've seen how much he's done for our community and Boston as a whole," said Renda.  "When Stephen reached out to me, I was excited to work with someone so committed to helping people and a proven record of success."


Many know Passacantilli from his years of public service across Boston. He is a lifelong resident of the North End where he has been deeply involved as past president of his local civic association and through local charities and community organizations like North End Against Drugs (NEAD) and the North End Beautification Committee. Passacantilli is also an active Boston Public Schools parent and serves on the Board of the Gavin Foundation.


Passacantilli and his wife, Renee, are raising their two children, Grace and Evan, just around the corner where he grew up in the North End.

Source: Passacantilli campaign 7/10/2017

Stephen Passacantilli to Formally Kick Off Campaign for Boston City Council in East Boston

This just in from the Passacantilli campaign:

EAST BOSTON – Stephen Passacantilli, a North End civic leader, Boston Public Schools parent, and former staffer to City Councilor Sal LaMattina will formally launch his campaign for Boston City Council (District 1) in East Boston this week.  Passacantilli's East Boston Kickoff is this Wednesday, June 7 from 6-8pm at the Orient Heights Yacht Club on Bayswater Street.

Passacantilli said, "I'm excited to officially launch my campaign for Boston City Council here in East Boston. I am running for City Council because I want to ensure that all residents of East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End have access to great schools close to home, safe streets, accessible transportation, and top-notch services for our seniors."

He continued, "I have been out knocking on doors, attending community events, and calling East Boston voters, and the response has been incredible. I know how important it is for East Boston to have a real voice in government. I will be a bold, independent voice for our communities, and I will always put you first."

Many know Passacantilli from his years of public service across Boston. He is a lifelong resident of the North End where he has been deeply involved as past president of his local civic association and through local charities and community organizations like North End Against Drugs (NEAD) and the North End Beautification Committee. Passacantilli is also an active Boston Public Schools parent and a member of the Ward 3 Democratic Committee.

Passacantilli and his wife, Renee, are raising their two children, Grace and Evan, just around the corner where he grew up in the North End.

Source:

Contact: Adam Webster

c: (617) 733-3751

e: webster@castlepointpartners.com

Boston Globe names city council candidate Lydia Edwards "2017 Game Changer"

District 1 City Council Candidate Lydia Edwards

(BOSTON, MA May 22, 2017) – Lydia Edwards, East Boston resident and candidate for district 1 Boston City Councilor, was named a 2017 Game Changer by the Boston Globe as part of their series highlighting innovation and leadership in the metro Boston area.

The Globe praised Edwards ability to build relationships and conversations among “three constituencies that often can feel as if they’re speaking completely different languages”: tenants, landlords, and city hall to come up with solutions for gentrification and displacement. 

"We have to come up with a way we can talk and have all of us feel like part of the solution," Edwards says. “I am honored to receive this distinction from the Boston Globe and to shed light on this issue.”

Edwards campaign kickoff is taking place in East Boston on Wednesday, May 24th at 5:30PM at La Hacienda located at 150 Meridian Street. All are welcomed to attend. 

Link to Boston Globe article.

Source: Edwards Campaign

Margaret Farmer announces candidacy for District 1 city council seat

At the invitation of EastBoston.com this week, Margaret Farmer provided the following statement: 

"I am proud to announce my candidacy for Boston City Council, District 1. As a longtime East Boston resident, and a president of the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association for the past 5 years I have dedicated my time to working on the issues most important to us, including development and transportation.

I have received those 2 AM phone calls about a local fire, and the 7:30 phone calls about trash spread out across the street. I understand that a city councilor has a huge effect on the day to day lives of residents, and can promise that core city services will remain a strong priority while fighting to improve Charlestown, East Boston and the North End for current residents. I will work to promote intelligent, appropriate development while promoting transportation options and continued investments in our schools. At the same time, City Government can, and should, work better for all of our citizens."

Margaret Farmer, Candidate for City Council, District 1

Michael Sinatra on his decision not to seek the District 1 city council seat

Sent to Eastboston.com today: 

"After much discussion with my fiancée and family, I have decided to withdraw from the City Council race. I am getting married in August, so I have many life events to look forward to in the coming months and I want to be able to enjoy this happy and exciting time in my life. With that in mind, it would be unfair to me as well as all the residents of District 1 if I cannot give this campaign the undivided attention that it deserves. Therefore, at this moment in time I have decided to explore other job opportunities that would allow me more time to spend with my new wife and family."

Michael Sinatra, is currently Chief of Staff for Councilor Salvatore LaMattina, who earlier this year announced that he would not seek re-election.