Election Spotlight: Boston City Council

By WGBH News
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Nov. 4, 2011

BOSTON — Election Day is finally upon us — and for the Boston City Council, there's no such thing as a minor election year. WGBH's "The Callie Crossley Show" held radio roundtables with candidates in the toughest races. Here's your chance to review the issues facing the city that's the workplace, home, nightspot, historic monument or anchor for everyone in the region. And if you're a Boston voter and undecided, maybe it'll even help you make up your mind.

At Large

Seven candidates are vying for four City Council At Large seats — and the race is tough enough that one accused the incumbents of being pawns of Mayor Tom Menino. The results of this race could reshape the diversity and dynamics in Boston’s lawmaking body, from the number of women on the council to those representing communities of color.

Part One: Challenger Sean Ryan and sitting councilors Ayanna Pressley and John Connolly discussed education and Occupy Boston.
 

Part Two:  Felix Arroyo and Council President Stephen Murphy, former councilor Michael Flaherty and businessman Will Dorcena talked about Wal-Mart's bid to open in Boston and Flaherty's accusation that the incumbents are in Mayor Menino's pocket.


 

District 3 (Dorchester)

When Maureen Feeney announced that she would not seek a ninth term, the political enthusiasm that’s been bottled up over the years in District 3 burst forth, with seven candidates tossing their hats into the ring.

The primary winnowed the field to two somewhat controversial men: John O’Toole and Frank Baker, who appeared on the show with a now-defeated competitor on Sept. 21.


 

District 2 (South Boston, South End, Chinatown)

Largely made up of South Boston, the South End and Chinatown, District 2 has a diverse constituency and a variety of neighborhood personalities. This race is between incumbent Bill Linehan and first-time candidate Suzanne Lee, a retired school principal, political activist and first-generation immigrant from China.
 

Check out the candidates on Twitter:
At Large
@FelixArroyo
@JohnRConnolly
@WillDorcena
@mfflaherty
@councilormurphy
@AyannaPressley
@RyanForBoston

District 2
@Lee4Boston

District 3
@FrankBakerCC
@johnotoole_d3