UPDATE: Boston’s Democratic mayoral candidates just engaged in a heated community forum, answering pressing questions from voters as the primary election approaches in just one week. Held on Tuesday evening at the Bethel AME Church in Jamaica Plain, this forum addressed critical issues including immigration, housing, and the future of the Madison Park School.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu took the stage, emphasizing her commitment to the community. “They are wrong about the law, they are wrong on safety, and they need to see that rather than being bullied, we are standing up,” Wu declared. She framed the election as a referendum on the city’s identity and progress, urging voters to unite for continued advancement.
Challenger Josh Kraft positioned himself as a pragmatic alternative, focusing on local needs. “I agree with the mayor to stand up to Donald Trump, but my main focus is the residents of Boston and their needs: better streets, better schools, safety,” Kraft argued, pledging to address safety independently.
Community Advocate Domingos DeRosa took a more critical stance, advocating for dialogue with the federal government. “If I were mayor today, I would go back to that table and have that conversation… and come up with a solution where we can do this humanely,” DeRosa stated, reflecting community concerns over immigration policies.
All candidates expressed commitment to enhancing resources for families facing deportation threats and pledged to prioritize renovations at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School. Kraft promised to redirect funds from the school capital budget to improve the institution, while DeRosa highlighted his long-standing dedication to the school’s improvement. “I commit more than just words – I spent the last 35 years since the day I walked into Madison to make a change for the school – I continue to do that,” he asserted.
The candidates also addressed the urgent issue of closing the racial homeownership gap, a pressing concern in Boston’s diverse community.
Notably, the fourth candidate, Robert Cappucci, was absent due to a family emergency, leaving the remaining candidates to dominate the dialogue. With the preliminary contest scheduled for September 9, 2023, early voting is currently underway, having begun on August 30 and lasting until September 5.
As the primary date rapidly approaches, the stakes are high for all candidates, with voters keenly watching how each will respond to the city’s most pressing challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the election draws near.
