Title: The New Voting Boston

" This is radio Boston com David where. Jane Clayson is away this week. If you wanted to use. Versus it was very appreciated everyone's. Just have to respect the culture. That line from City Council candidate don't -- them could be the model and in Boston. Much touted image of the city of many shades and colors it celebrates its diversity. And this year's candidates for mayor and especially City Council reflected image more than ever before how big -- Active rainbow yeah. I think the new buses represented in the City Council -- probably more than I've ever -- but recent history shows that when it comes to voting in new Boston has yet to rise. Voting turnout in city elections has been of his. No surprise then that new Boston pretty much looks like all Boston when it comes to City Hall. Could it be different this year in the post Obama election euphoria. Expectations for city turnout have been high. The candidates enter the race with a new voters and to the polls come September or November. On radio Boston this week we're talking to political operatives candidates in a mayor who -- the old Boston to the new one. We start with one that we -- him any spots."

" I'm doing there. You want my image hit win any candidate running licensing out of harm's. Take advantage of a -- date -- and -- to businesses and residents -- he's -- Company and understandably."

" Vegetables wilting in the mid day heat here Nguyen is working maverick square for votes. White shirt and tie earnest and easy route 27 he's a long shot to win. These -- an American success to write -- I came here to Boston with nothing in the city it's on its hands does. The son of a south Vietnamese army -- sent to re education. In the war. Here -- parents and nine siblings were lifted out of Vietnam in moved into housing project himself the in 1991. He went to Latin academy and Bentley College got a master's degree. In joined the top firm as a certified public accountant he now heads the Vietnamese American citizens. By the way that was the coolest new entry candidate possible can't win right if that's slogan helped him win help if but of course you gotta get people that. Be able to pronounce it that they know with -- and I get different variations grown up. Getting people to remember your name or even a variation of it in a huge field as hard. But the chances people can pronouncing your name are better now and and you Boston with a minority equals much art. Population of Vietnamese immigrants. Approximately. I would at thirty to 40000. Vietnamese immigrants. In Boston back in 1992. Just a year after hip and his family arrived in Boston. The -- long serving in late Austin city councilor dapper -- Took disapproving noted that changing the character to which yesterday he commented that it looked like side kind of price. Hit windows the first Vietnamese American to be running for a seat on the same significance. I don't I don't know -- it went on buses and accounts that are. Again. I thought. -- marine feasting and new Boston features Guatemalan you know salvadorans. And yeah it went in them are running for. Public office that is -- this with you and okay thanks but this year the race for City Council reflects the face of the new Boston as never before. Fifteen candidates most of them young and accomplished vying for war seats of --"

" You have six -- white candidates six. African American six black candidates. As soon as he -- routine knows candidates and one Asian. And I think it would generate a lot of excitement than I hope that the turnout for this election would be higher than that the last the last election."

" Fellow miners -- and welcome to Americans where. The -- windows notebooks and the heart foundation and games."

" In the same field candidates John -- ceremonies trying to be the first Haitian American to be elected to city. There sorry. The mosque itself and the City Council -- It's not just myself. And Jamaica plains Tomas Gonzales is canvassing the same neighborhood where he grew up. He hopes to become the second Latino city councilor and their first born and raised in Boston."

" Yeah. I -- a press play very and it. Yeah in -- backyard in Dorchester I Yonhap classically is making her case for becoming the first woman how literally the City Council."

" I'm running for the Boston city councilor at large because I think it's important that government reflects the constituency -- represent. We need intergenerational. Gender ethnic and cultural diversity and inclusion on every level of our government. Presley."

" Lights -- wounds in backyards with high beam personal. -- girl from a tough neighborhood whose mother struggled to senator private school while their father was in and out of prison for addiction. She came to Boston University excelled went to work for congressman Kennedy and then for Senator Kerry. And -- suspiciously her story starts in Japan."

" You know there's something in the water. Melodic. Entering the home made an elegant thing."

" In repressive bleak upbeat Presley says this is the new Boston -- Encountering Jamaica Plain where one in my supported Chinese American was talking to. And Latino voters about my candidacy so the Chinese supporters speak thinks it. To a Latino voter about a black woman running for the Boston City Council."

" For the new bused in to be represented by city government. The new Boston has to turn out to vote. But when it comes to city elections it's been a no show so it's not the new Boston but the old electorate that decides who governs."

" They are pretty traditional middle class -- middle class."

" Former city councilor and former mayoral candidate Larry Dick -- says. It's also the Catholics the Irish and the Italians itself Boston in West Roxbury who consistently vote."

" These are folks who are older most of time they are property owners. In many cases they are elderly people in. Subsidized housing where they're easy to find and the polling place is offered in the building."

" Cops firemen teachers city employees they all turn out consistently. Not so the new Boston. When Deval Patrick -- historic race for governor in 200656%. Of Boston's registered voters turned out."

" And when Barack Obama ran in 2008. Turnout was 62%. But in the hearing between. In the elections for City Council in 2007. The turnout was only thirteen point 6%."

" And the last three mayors races have attracted a dismal turn out of no more than 36%."

" In the minority communities the big difference from a generation ago is that many of the people living. In the traditional minority communities are not citizens one person and six census estimates. Who lives in the city is not an American citizen."

" Consider the Vietnamese community from which hit wind is running for City Council. Estimated to number forty."

" How many of them are registered to vote defeat. I would say optimistically speaking are probably -- 3500. To 4000 registered voters."

" No more than 10%. And few of that population are here illegally. Some of the worst on voting of all in the city of Boston belongs to the most affluent and educated to Beacon Hill and back bay and commonwealth avenue. The car and others say those voters don't need government for jobs goats and their kids to public schools and don't care about Little League parks. All the more reason why the poor and minority should be voting in city elections. But consistent. They have I think the new Boston is represented in the City Council race probably more than I've ever seen tomorrow's Gonzales who's run before and worked in the Menino administration. Believes -- be as strong turnout this year because candidates from the new Boston need to find new voters and you'll see. Probably a lot more diversity in the city -- turn out pretty well anywhere else I'm we're probably gonna be beta drivers of turnout and the masters in my opinion. Because we have smaller segments of the population that never wanted to come. Withdrawn about despite all the top few voters don't turn out for a field like this one City Hall will continue to be the face of the old boss. And the new Boston they come to mean season in which people of all colors. On interest in them. If you're registered voter in Boston you have the chance to vote in the primary on September 22. The past history says the chances are you want are you planning to vote and if not why and why you think that such -- turnout for city elections. Join our conversation at 18042382552180423. Talk. By the way you can find out about each of the fifteen candidates running for City Council in four candidates running for mayor. By going to our website at radio Boston Dodd award. Joining me in the studio is one of the few reports for one of the few -- few news outlets left it's still covered city politics. David -- of the Boston Phoenix David welcome program. On. So you've heard us introduce a couple of candidates -- tell us about it -- a whole seems to me to be pretty attractive."

" It's it's a very interesting very deep field. Who we had fifteen candidates which is what we have now we had 154. Years ago when there was one opening. But that time really -- the candidates were serious candidates and half warrant. And part of part of that at least be a 500. A signature. Requirement that would up to 1500 this year so number people who would have been on didn't make it this year. But the result has got very serious candidates would we clearly have but incredibly diverse field we have side. And amazingly we have no candidate. Who lives in South Boston there's no -- Selby in the race amazingly for Boston's. Whereas we have more. Black. Candidates than you could vote for -- year old four. You know four -- the available to you also a couple of I'm Hispanic voters you have Vietnamese American. It's and tremendously diverse field with a lot of depth that you in terms of government experience you know so. Tito Jackson of variants in candidate really at this point isn't even looked at is as likely to make the top four you know but it -- squash like guys."

" We I shouldn't rep you say we we we should go back to some of the civic lesson here which is to say that. They're fifteen candidates for city councilor at large the primary is gonna narrow the field to -- candidates running for four. Voters can vote for four Q and candidates primarily in of course we should also said in the mayor's race there are four candidates. The primary takes those four down to two."

" That's right -- final vote in November. And so be very antsy when when the City Council still gets narrowed down to eight I think people start paying a lot more attention to right now it's almost like there's too many for people who get a handle on. And also they're having a lot of trouble raising the money it's needed to get their name out there very unknown. Individuals we of the two incumbents running for reelection of course John Connolly in and Steve Murphy so they have a little bit more money and name recognition. One of the challengers Felix Arroyo who's the son of that the former city -- has a lot of name recognition nor release more than some of the others. But. But the wrestler fighting just even get their names and."

" And that that's a real struggle for them but it seems to me we're here at this point of excitement and expectation. Because of Sammy and the city counselor who's running from Mary's won two races came out of nowhere do to win four years ago. After Obama's victory last November it seemed like it was just great expectations be it turn out. And tell us you only sees this and these identity politics as an opportunity for him to win as the -- from there how is it."

" Let's say they're they're really hoping to draw in low. On reliable voters is at war. There's some 55000. People who who registered and voted last year who would not registered before so new voters -- this and that and number voted in a city elections before. Here in Boston so. If those folks do come out for a local elections. It's can be very good for Sammy unit one of things I. Just recently wrote in article in the Phoenix. Attract all the precincts you talk but that it goes away. Turnout changed between 060708. Flaherty versus you know seven head to head. 31 almost 1121. Ratio that those same precincts that Hillary Clinton beat Obama in the primary. And where Duvall Patrick a lesson 50% and and likewise you won the good precincts for. But. Obviously. Deval Patrick won Boston Obama won Boston but in between you and winning the same precincts loss Boston to flattered by a wide margin. And that is because in those precincts which were primarily. Like you said minority precincts. Where young professionals. Live in the city. Those folks in turnout in those in the city election between will be this year it's on them."

" So it seems to media to candidates here. -- and of course Michael Flaherty the other city counselor who's running from there and they represent different and it's now. Used is coming on a vote that notoriously dozen children meanwhile if anybody represents the old electorate. Turn out and dependence on that it's -- they turn out for him."

" That's right and and the insecure with clear because he really is trying to position itself as the bridge between old and new. Sort like Hillary Clinton did it against Obama the sort of I represented new progressive he's only 39 years old just turned forty. But he also has that base. Among the firefighters and police unions is older folks you know the light iris and and so forth. Those those folks are used like you said traditionally come out about he's really relying on those folks. -- to vote in through in the primary to beat -- who whose voters won't come out to vote. And then he's editor and try to get those progressive young voters to go with him as the alternative to and they can come."

" That's -- call. Joshua -- eleven radio Boston."

" David I hear that call. To discredit. Part of the Boston public school system I was born and raised in the city -- I commented there's more along -- And our civic responsibility. Arts in bulk and growing up little -- public school system it was never. -- portrayed in that light it was. Barely ever mention the fact that I think that that would have been it. Opportunities that our. Our society is just not. Taking into account and I'm not supporter of the nothing about it and really. Really excited about that. Election into -- and being part of Bob and public schools -- all -- always. -- involved being in a diverse atmosphere. Learning atmosphere that era. And just the fact that but missed opportunity starting in school contact in grade school. From very early on."

" What Josh -- is that the schools but it also the fact is I mean David did you they're very few papers are outlets covered city politics to which mr. reporters of course. You know the Phoenix joking has been doing it -- the magazine it's the and and and the and of course covers it well but very little coverage. Thanks for the called Josh. And David Bernstein stand by just for a moment radio Boston this week we're looking at a big parts frosts and he'll have."

" Candidates -- for citywide office. In asking if the issue of what is going to look for candidates for change coming up forming -- Flynn gives us Houston. When so few people of any -- to work for city elections and listeners do you vote why or why not give us a call 1800. 42325. That's 80423. Top or comment online at radio Boston dot -- As we head into a break another candidate gives us his pitch to read about all fifteen but -- Boston dot org. I'm David wearing this is ready to Boston stay with us. I -- ego you see I'm running Brett Clark's boss City Council. What this election's going down to is the candidate's ability to mix with the electorate it doesn't matter what cult you -- There -- people who. Whose homes. They are young people out here with killing themselves. Those are not issues of --"

" New. Vote in the Boston luncheon don't know how about from there the have you ever voted in -- Boston options before it's just plastic. Do you know anything about the candidates that are running like -- one -- not so much that a few fires that had credit."

" On the floor wolf reports because I used to work for his father while Ford's it was a state rep."

" Did you vote in the last possible election and now I'm not being introspective. You know who your air around Cutler is."

" Ma'am. Now. That's our intern Corey -- Crowley grilling passers by on Beacon Hill. It's -- radio Boston -- in February. Turn out for municipal elections is tanking considered turn out for the last few City Council elections when there wasn't a race for mayor. From the thirties to the mid twenty's to just thirteen point 6% of registered voters in 2000 and -- We're asking what that means for the energetic and diverse crop of candidates or making a go of the City Council race this year. Here's City Council candidate I -- Presley giving her page as to why city elections matter."

" Many people unfortunately are under the misnomer that municipal government is the bottom rung of power they distinct federal state city. But instead -- seeing it as the bottom -- of -- I think it's critically important that we seat for what it is and that is the form of government that is closest to community because it is all about your."

" There's the pitch but will voters come up to the plate. -- identity politics of the momentum built up by Barack Obama and Deval Patrick carry through to help candidates like. -- your Scotland Willis are fully Felix Arroyo junior with -- in the studio -- David Bernstein political writer for the Boston Phoenix. And joining us now on the phone is Ray Flynn and -- were bused in from 1984 and 1993. Former ambassador to the VATICAN. Welcome to radio -- mister mayor."

" Good afternoon I'm David good afternoon David nice to be with -- this afternoon."

" Boy mr. mayor we've got a long way since 1983. When you were first elected mayor the biggest election turnout in modern -- city history 201000. Votes. Overall 70% of registered voters turned out that year. In terms of -- city to seize them awful long way down since then hasn't."

" Yes which certainly has. You know I'm glad you brought that forward because it's that it always hasn't been this way. In Boston 1983 was the largest voter turnout in -- Boston political history and it seemed like every. Every may have selection race every house had a political sign on -- every car had a bumper sticker in the elderly. Can -- be different cuts and mothers with babies called and drove in gave this to the polls to vote. -- in a nutshell they had -- hope in their candidates and their candidates in the city. They believed that elections matter. And that it candidates could make a difference. In different and we -- from the estate they believed in government and -- confidence in the political system. Of course David both David we're. The camp candidates have fought and sometimes he even. We're we're we're sometimes said dirty. But when the elections were over it was time -- people came together and it move it move this city of Boston forward. And and in some great listening to you work year round beat the introduction here. I would say David that. It's about turnout of course I think you're stressed that well. But I hope inspire his people how would discourages some and I think this is in any election it's always about hope -- ala. If its power versus some other unknown people power always win. But if people have to hope. That's the employees in the of votes mean something. Then they're going to turn out to vote and that will give them power and then they can take on the instantly or whatever new changes that Philippine."

" So what mr. -- what's going on here then is it is it that people don't see big issues are big candidates if you think they've given up hope."

" I think it's that they've been discouraged in many respects I mean politics now like me and David for mayor of Boston which 200000. Dollars. And mighty partner my opponent -- can't. I had about the same amount of money. And would look first as well -- was the first black to ever win the nomination for president four rub for mayor of Boston. Crisis state representative probably been a friend and I was the first person ever consult often. -- several elected mayor brought offense so -- told came from similar background. Economically and socially as well as representing that similar people of that need to been concerned. We raise additional -- Quite frankly other people didn't talk about conflicts that -- emerged as the defining. He should not in the campaign. Housing and social justice and police officers on the street can't."

" When -- he wanted to do but a couple positions let's take a phone call from. -- this mystery centers Clinton back -- are."

" I. Think that there will be turnout to be churning out from the minority communities. And I. I'd been watching -- politics for a long time I know how usual that is however what I wanna talk about is that. That. That it is an educated voters. In in municipal election. Look at this simple issues and the qualifications. Of candidates. To solve problems. And -- Department. And those department aren't the police we have that the crime problem. It is deep public works department -- sidewalks aren't -- It is not near the particulate into -- Indians. On a particular war war overseas. -- are all -- us that the men into issues. Country to."

" With -- that's a good that's a good issues -- it you know what part of that part of the thing that allows people to make decisions mister mayor seems to me of course is. What kind of coverage they get in the media. Do you remember that king that that that king Flynn race in 1983 and how many reporters who run that race."

" It it would in City Hall on loan David they would thirteen reported very competent. And professional reporters. That reported to City Hall every single day to file a story about profanity. And they were all of course very aggressive looking for -- and new angle on on the issues. And they did an outstanding job they also converted that coverage of City Hall on the neighborhoods. To an outstanding coverage of the election itself. We would go around sometimes that would be more reporters. Get a candidate's forum that that would actually beat people. We would be answering questions 53 orders from the Boston -- the Phoenix from Boston Herald. Channel from instrument the whole thing and it was."

" Mr. -- I wanna rescue are also on that is because that's that's I think it's terrific points very different now. I wonder also today here we see that candidates. Work very specifically offer of you know those voter list of super voters and they spend all their time really trying to target those specific you know thirty or 40000. Best voters and I wonder whether it you know and to some extent that leaves the rest of the city not getting any any information retention and not seeing the race. Is that different now than it was."

" That's a good point that's a very very astute point I think that's a mistake for candidates to do that. Because I think the best voted for the people who are are discouraged right now from voting. And your job is to inspire them and you have to replace him cope with without -- state. -- you can do that you're gonna find out that these -- gonna become the most enlightened people -- of the people that have been just waiting for an opportunity. To be encouraged to be invited to be out."

" That's that's true mr. may ever remember. Remember 7 o'clock comes around over and self the on Election Day. The -- are already longshoreman and railroad workers waiting to get in there I mean you know. That you're obligation to vote was about the same as your obligation to be at mass on Sunday you better show up right."

" Right scoreless the last -- longshoreman now when there aren't that many warehouse workers we have a lot of so called young professional Soviet now. It doesn't matter who they are. The question because we where we where immigrants to we would have sons and daughters of immigrants still right up the votes but didn't have any money either. And and didn't have any political power. So we started from the bottom to work our way and fought our way up to the top just like. These newcomers such -- the credits so you have to if you gonna be if politics you have to reach out to who we are constituency. Constituents. And we've going to lumps. Well we've got to bring to the polls and I think that the best people to bring to the polls. And I think that's what Malkin did and that's what great when did 1980 -- where people that didn't vote before because we just waiting to be out. They made the difference in this city especially in the area of race relations they brought the city together because they would I -- polarization in the --"

" That was a transformational election hey we got a call from -- from Rosalind welcome Sandra."

" I want to view it at I think a lot of people Ike churned up from voting. Basically because. The announced. -- being contact. In securing. Boating. The loyalty among committee. Well voters and the people that work but. I think -- pretty a lot of pressure exerted on them. It's. Had people coming out carry signs. People that are. President at polling places when I go to and local polling place -- City employees. Actively. In about in -- mean come. And a lot of people feel that it didn't matter on anybody else. It's just not gonna work."

" thanks selects are well Sandra excuse me -- mean it is you know we're we're in a situation where. Challenges faced tremendous. Obstacles here and of course identity politics helps if you. Wanna be the first -- the first black American woman if you wanna be the first Vietnamese. That helps you doesn't it."

" It certainly does try I don't I don't agree with the ladies that the power of the City Hall necessarily did dictates what the election is going to would probably be. The election outcome is going to -- That that is actually easy an excuse not to get involved. -- it's up to the people to get involved should not be discouraged. To take pride in their city to take pride in the enable would they are great candidates running for. For Roth has sent Boston get to know them support them get actively involved don't -- big developers. The media and the powerful special address. Dictate elections in Boston like they have for so long a period of -- speed opiate grassroots encouraged people to get out appearance vote you'd be surprised. There -- a lot of people. Well like you that wanna be invited wanna be encouraged. In right now -- discouraged that they can easily be encouraged. Any can we played that apathy with the hope but it takes some work. And it takes the right message that takes a lot of work."

" Yeah I think that's that's true and I think that it is that. There is a problem though that that we really have moved over the years to route to where people. Are are paying more attention to national. Politics and and his national news more than their local. News NEC you know the declining readership and local newspapers. You see that it -- local news. -- the local 6 o'clock news is not watched very much particularly by these young professionals relate the decision that there's isn't covering a city well it."

" It's the bag which wouldn't that wouldn't get it right read about his that there is no. No media reporting of local issues of city politics. There is in the Phoenix site I that's all the time I think he's newspapers state but I don't see anything of these newspapers. About development at about special projects about special deals body inside politics in the analysis of city issues I don't see any at."

" Well it's interesting you know it's interesting David some of the people even talking about those new voters the well to do the educated they know everything about either inside politics in Sri Lanka what's going on about dark -- they don't know what's going on the school systems in Boston insulting your trust -- he we gonna take a break. We'll be back in a moment we come back we'd be talking to some young political operatives looking to mobilize new Boston voters. And get them to the polls. I would say goodbye now to David Bernstein of Phoenix. Thanks so much for doing public service by actually covering city politics in doing it -- Mary -- stay with us listeners we'd like to hear more for a beat is still believe that city government can do anything for you williams' turn out for preliminary elections. A September 22. Give us call at 1804238255. At 180423. Talk. Or comment online at radio Boston dot org more after a break I'm David -- wary. This is -- Boston."

" I vote for City Council among the democratic committee forward to it very civic minded people that know what's going on in the world is really kill us yeah I've pulled up reelection two I don't take them lightly both would collected a bunch of bombs that after. Act act act act."

" This is radio Boston -- David where he."

" Hello my name is Tito Jackson economic candidate for Boston City Council at -- I'm doing an event -- and with -- It combines Latin music hip hop music. Some. A bunch of other things that I'm not really that -- it can't be too but I have a really good time. I'm going to every single neighborhood in this city I've been and what spots where I've been and sell offs of abandoned neighborhoods that I may not have been able to go to as a child. I'm actually a member of the Iverson Thomas. What to find here today as a diverse group of people. Who have come together to unite for the new Boston."

" Tito Jackson another of the fifteen candidates running for Boston City Council at large this year. Just redefining the swing vote in the process you can read about the other fourteen and leave your comment that radio Boston dot org. The candidates say this election isn't about race. Well minority turnout is usually dismal for municipal elections joining our two people working to turn that around. Deborah shy as a political consultant in Boston she helped Sony Chang-Diaz get elected that State's last year. Deborah welcome the program. And -- Serena. Deputy director of the height squared task force in Jamaica Plain he's worked on get out the vote campaigns -- but the last. Eight years -- you cases thank you I want and we have and in Ray Flynn former mayor and former ambassador to the VATICAN is on the line. I want you to comment. Many many of Clinton's observation. Pieces that the Latino community in this city is never really had a political voice reflecting its numbers here largely because of non turnout is it fair. And how do you change."

" I think that it's somewhat fair we haven't really had a it's Isaac audio and now we have about a couple of candidates for the City Council march race. So much to get behind. I think that that's one big issue on the other one is that the military a couple of times in regards to power we. Talking to our constituents are people being engaged. And really getting excited about the issues that people care about. For the most part I see some of that I'm in the last eight years I've seen a little bit of a turn. But it really hasn't on the rest of the way. I think that there's some poignant issues. I'm that are happening in -- communities. Bilingual education being one of them and -- system in general for that matter. And often times. You know everybody has some sort of lofty ideas and and the specifics and really getting into people and talking to people I'm dismissed him. Have a shot a what you learned about identity politics in Boston working for that Sonia Chang. I mean I think an -- if you look at the numbers and he can interpret and heatley line that."

" Black community did support senator -- I'm not as strongly as they had in the 06 election. And that the white community supported. Sonia. But I think what the message was on to all of the voters was a message about. Change in about. Having both ethics and accountability on the one hand and the progressive values on the other. So I'm not sure that. I can I don't wanna ignore identity politics but I don't think it was the whole story but."

" Identity politics we New York with wit when you -- huge win. And I tell -- politics are pretty important when you're the -- running to be the first. Those -- the first people you can get out you would like can you talk a lot about pulling the vote. If you trying to get people identity politics. He's he's gonna pull people in presumably."

" Well but every candidate whose -- In the last few elections has has crossed over past identity politics. I'm representing a -- now in Newton. Where more than 90% of the population his wife eight and he's black I certainly hope that we're gonna have crossover from identity. The you know white community to support in -- we're certainly seeing that in in our. I'll contact with voters Deval Patrick got elected in what is largely white state. Saw it was but what he was it was outlawed whole lot of -- for him. -- for Deval Patrick a lot of -- right but you have to start. With a look at -- Lisa Wong. Yeah now with star in Pittsburgh at this -- regret -- sorry. You know you have to move -- your basic your theses tiny part of the population."

" It is dead and I would say and I agree without I think that they may -- is the ignition cute to sort of thing vector based. But really when you start talking about some of the the point issues when when people feel like this is going to be reflective of why -- and it gets me excited about. I'm being able to change what the face of politics has been I think that that's when a base really -- creates a movement and being able to elect a candidate to office -- the excitement. Even though it's now coming from that I feel it coming from the candidates for City Council is now. A lot of that began. Because of the Obama election of course -- counselor decides to run and he has this vision. People. From the -- Boston and you know it's largely collection of people of color of liberals have a white students. Com but of course more than identity politics that drives and many -- ratings. And in the black community -- very I think 7% favorable rating. Amongst voters black voters who vote. For strike. I'm most definitely I mean I think that subsidy politics and that sense gets a little complicated. When you have -- mayor who's been in office for sixteen years who. Has taken -- Boston com has made gains has been addressing some appointment -- are happening. I think that -- the black community whether it's Latino community. It becomes really challenging to be evidence say. While these are the things that I want to be changed and this is a candidate that important to me what."

" Yeah and I think I'm on a press Lisa did in the piece he just shared. City government is really about delivering services. And what EC in the community is that they're people who are sort of constituency oriented voters who say. It's really about what you fix my pothole -- picked up my trash. And those voters will support the candidate they think is most likely to continue to pick up the trash. Parents. -- let's say -- god joins -- from rocks where Roxbury excuse me welcome to radio bust injuries."

" Hey Howard yeah. Good thank. Q how much are allowing the end here I. Does. Transcend racial politics but really do. I think that you're talking about a new generation that you see what Obama that has been able to cross those kinds of racial ideological. Agenda -- that generations before them have not been able to you I think that. It really have to start with identity politics but I agree with your day comment but. It have to also trance. And all those lines that that have created. You know barriers are too few people. Shake it off but I also don't feel that new Boston's. Is. Particular about right I think it's about -- Attitude I don't think that this City Council. My husband served as president of the council about just fixing potholes for a camp."

" to judge stop stop the suspense Joyce I didn't behave yourself by your by your husband former black city councilor. Bruce -- I believe. Yes -- Joyce her about political consultant."

" And I. Or more at a time that we're getting the last. Yeah and you know I think that it's still a barrier broke and I think that it's never been a woman of color. On city council on attractively for example. Stepped behind. Seeing -- put ourselves out front -- that. It's a shame and I agree it was the air my friend that. Haven't raised 200000 dollar academic game is kinda."

" It's a -- it is it is in the it is obscene and it's it's difficult we're talking about how to get more people involved in this race. I'm -- phone call because we just took the call from a city councilor City Council Samuel who's running for mayor welcome city councilor. Now we just think we just had been talking about you because your race is so clearly a campaign is so clearly based on the scenario. Of the new Boston coming over to vote for you white -- people of color. How do you propose to get those people to the ballot. --"

" I've been listening to this show and it's terrific because that abroad message. -- on this show and and I have to command. Mayor Ray Flynn for a reinforcement not just civic engagement. And civic participation. And help that's important to healthy democracy. So what I like -- and I is that -- let the let it not be lost. That political leaders. -- mayor of this city about our candidate for the -- but he -- in this particular have a responsibility. To project that message. Especially in the context of a campaign. And it's it's kind of dismaying that you know that the mayor currently university in refusal to participate in some form -- vote. Under their you know coalition of course like organization whose job it is just that -- this participation is refusing to participate you know."

" You know a counselor counselor and an an in terms of the of a fairness here. We're talking about the overall I'm gonna cut you off there thanks for joining us we we we wanna give -- chance to participate. As councilor Sam Yoon. He's running an energetic campaign can he deliver that vote and he's obviously. He he's obviously concerned about the competition and fair competition most people that run against the incumbent or can he deliver those people that he's talking about."

" Traffic and well wishes I would say that if the CD gets excited until the election I think the people have been hitting on some -- Point -- points again and regards to. Voter turn out right getting people tuned to see that something can change one way or the other or to address some of the key issues that they have. I feel like. The primary is an excellent opportunity. For them to really ignite that base to have -- come out. If he comes on top or on top two I think the people start believing that hey this is something that can happen and -- really can -- forward into the election you know."

" Mayor -- here with us yes we're gonna go back you know. Mayor -- it talks about the win. When he was running for office people. We're voting for jobs I think mr. mayor you said that even you're running for work at the same time that this was government was about. Solid things that were close to the heart."

" Well you know I really think it's important for all the vote gets all the guests today David to. It would -- king did and do what I tried to do. And not just focused on my district my neighborhood. That say yeah that I was that I grew up again. But go reaching out to take broad cross section of people we got -- said the same cover -- at the same part of the world that you're from because I think. People developed a healthy respect for you if people went to enable it if you knock on -- was -- went to the east coast churches. And you speak to those people let me just say look I mean not to vote -- I understand it might be somebody that you have. In mind more so than me but I just wanted to know that I I respect you wanna be on air wanna be everybody's mayor and if you elect me. I'm gonna do the very best job like can't be open and inclusive -- if you don't get it vote it is to me -- people can vote for you they have to respect --"

" Mr. mayor want you to listen and and I want you Debra and he's used to listen to this clip this is for milk and -- you know was the first African American to run for mayor of Boston. Sentiment historic race against Ray Flynn. Here's we have disable this coming election when I spoke when this week."

" I think it would happen with. Obama has -- kind of young people and actress than people of color. To believe in the possibility that can happen by participating in the process. We have a large field which includes a number of candidates a couple of they all know one fundamental thing. It is not enough of being one of them to win without getting disappointment. People from -- and neighborhoods in the city."

" Well there there it is -- I think that's exactly right I think that you have to be able to talk to all of Boston I mean world citizens of this -- nonsense and -- a lot of the issues that. You know I have from which are across the stable element that's numbered them escape anybody wanna go to a call from Natalie from lol what the degree of Boston."

" Hi David thank you for taking my call. I just wanted to win and the diversity of this idiot box and in particular drilling lifted it. Linguistic diversity of president because that 2000 census data shows that about a third spot and doesn't speak languages other than English and constantly cut. Spanish Vietnamese Haitian creole many other languages. And I don't see how voters can not -- and healing experience and track and I know it doesn't need there was an effort to make sure that the ballots. At least -- the candidates means chains federated and in. But I think he has and again -- particular area. You know what's being done to adjust the language barriers and turnout."

" We we gotta we gotta Natalie let be taken up we our time is short. What do you think. Okay well there's a lot of things going on it a lot of it has to happen at the state level with election reform it's both about language and it was a translator -- Home rule petition that just went before the state. I'm not sure it's going to pass. Because his a lot of opposition to the kind of reform because the kind of reform we're talking about like Election Day registration. Like Saturday voting like no excuse absentee balloting. All and the language issue that Natalie -- are all things that tend to threatening comments and so when you have. The kind of reform that -- phone and others are pushing for. You're going habit incumbents -- at the Statehouse perhaps resisting."

" He's gonna say. We have been so easy for people to register to vote to separate table outside a Dunkin' Donuts. Starbucks. We made it easy how much easier to have to make it before people. Come out to vote. I think in the same way com where you have a registration card comes in many other different languages of the people speak in this -- in the city you need to make the ballots that -- You need to be able whether it's Chinese creole. Spanish English. So you can be able to read on your own language -- feel comfortable in the voting and -- only going to be a bit more inclusive that's only gonna invite more people to the -- briefly when as he has been his suggestion coming of the self and it municipal election should be over and even years along with -- gubernatorial and presidential election good idea. Secretary of state would have canceled -- I mean running the city elections on a year to year basis I mean that that has been discussed I think that whether it's that whether it's make holidays and we'll come out. Com -- they voting. You know in in in general the whole accessibility thesis I think it's key and the more inclusive we are becoming mayor may have -- just you have that -- emeritus office you have the last last privilege here quickly."

" It looked to be done once -- point when he second's first important point is we should -- term limits all the elected officials. That will not have an impact on this coming election but it will in the future. It it term limits is very very important it will inspire people it would encourage people will give people hope not to vote."

" Thanks again mr. mayor thanks all for -- I guess that's all the time we have today my guess he's loosening of deputy director of the height squared test which Jamaica Plain. -- shop Boston political consultant. Former mayor former ambassador to the Holy See rate flonase on castle island take care your grandkids right. Thanks to all of you thanks to our listeners are great show today."

" Next week on radio -- more and more parents are hoping to send their kids to Charter Schools this fall. 34. Or Boston or can they now support raising the cap on charters. But critics say the schools draining resources and busting unions to be the most needy students behind. We'll look at Charter Schools in the mayor's race that's actually. -- A program was produced by -- Jessica apple with help from mark in turn -- probably. We had additional help this week from Karen -- scope is a technical director of the senior producer of radio Boston's -- even. I'm David Boulware Jane -- will be back next week enjoying the weekend remember you have until the second to register for the primary you haven't. And try again next week for week you'll."