Boston politician Ed Flynn recently completed his two-year term as president of the City Council, and continues to represent District 2, which includes South Boston, South End, Chinatown and Downtown.
The lifelong resident of South Boston and son of former Mayor Ray Flynn talks about his work on the council, and about the city’s immigrant and Irish-American communities.
What are your reflections after serving as president of the Boston City Council?
"I assumed leadership of the body during a particularly difficult time in our city and country: navigating the Omicron variant and subsequent transition back to in-person work and Council meetings, a new budget process, a contentious redistricting process that was ultimately sent back by a federal judge, as well as a number of ethical and legal lapses from several Council colleagues.
"I think locally and nationally. We have seen a deterioration in civility, professionalism and decorum in those who hold public office and the way we treat each other, and it is very unfortunate. To that end, I organized training sessions with colleagues and staff focusing on ethics and professionalism and partnered with the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the National Institute for Civil Discourse. I also sponsored an anti-bullying policy for the Boston City Council.
"I advocated successfully against $30 million budget cuts to the Boston Police Department and against decreasing Office of Veterans Services budget, and helped pass an ordinance giving the Boston Police Department more data on firearms trafficking to help us develop strategies on gun violence prevention."
You represent District 2, which includes downtown Boston and several neighborhoods. What are some of your priorities in 2024?
"I love serving District 2 and I am looking forward to being able to continue to focus on the quality of life and nuts and bolts issues that affect my constituents.
"Boston is one of the most expensive cities to live in, and affordable and workforce housing is a critical need. I will continue my focus on these issues as we work to protect our constituents from being displaced from their own communities.
"Last November, I was sworn in as a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services, and I look forward to advocating and ensuring that our veterans and military families have the services they need and are well cared for.
"I have been working on the issue of pest control since being elected, especially since the pandemic. Last year, I met with the New York City’s 'Rat Czar,' Kathleen Corradi to discuss New York’s pest control operation, and my main focus is to advocate for a streamlined and centralized office focused solely on pest control, looking at trash contracts, trash containerization and hiring more staff personnel.
"Lastly, it is critical that we bring more people back into the offices in Downtown and make sure the community is engaged in matters related to transportation and development. Many residents and business leaders in District 2 are concerned about the future of the city’s office space as well as transportation developments that may impact our businesses and quality of life."
Immigrant rights have been a staple of your political life. How does local government help immigrants get a foothold in Boston?
"Moving to a new country and restarting your life with your family is not an easy process, and especially so when English is not your first language. The Office of Immigrant Advancement and the Office of Language Access are great resources for our immigrant neighbors to equip them with information and materials to get enrolled in programs and schools, and to learn the basics of how to navigate a new life in a new city and country.
"I represent the largest Asian immigrant community in Chinatown as well as a large number of Spanish-speaking constituents in public housing in the South End and South Boston. It is critical that our immigrant neighbors receive communication and outreach from the City that are translated or interpreted into their respective languages.
"Five members of my staff are immigrants and speak fluent Cantonese, Mandarin and Spanish, and do a fantastic job in helping our immigrant constituents access services and resources. The City also now offers interpretation services at various meetings upon request."
Does Ireland still have a special relationship with Boston, and how can we keep it strong as demographics shift?
"I believe the connection between Boston and Ireland is still strong, and we still have a long line of Irish American elected officials in Boston and in Massachusetts who value the familial ties, relationship, friendship and trade relations with Ireland.
"As Council President, I was honored to welcome Irish dignitaries to Boston over the last two years. In March, 2022, we hosted Education Minister Norma Foley, and last September we welcomed the mayors of County Cork and County Kerry and their respective delegations.
"While demographics are shifting, we keep many Irish and Irish American traditions alive here, such as St. Patrick’s Day and the many wonderful Irish and Irish American businesses and cultural groups.
"Irish Americans continue to contribute to our city and country in business, government, politics, religion, the U.S. military, building trades and organized labor. They continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to social and economic justice and maintain a strong sense of community and I don’t see that going away anytime soon. I also think that the Irish stories of resilience and perseverance during times of adversity resonate with many different groups across the city."
