Bostopia News

I go into Michael Cox's history growing up in Boston, what happened back in 1995, his suspension in Ann Arbor, and most importantly, his views on the George Floyd protests and Defund the Police.

I complete the saga of this year's budget fight by returning to Kenzie's plan to reduce OT spending in FY 21 (it didn't go well). Then we make it to the present where I break down Kendra's attempts to increase funding and Kenzie's stated reasons for voting no. Finally, end with my predictions about the police union contract with the city. 

Corrections:

- Ricardo running for DA, not AG

- There are 6-8 weeks left in Summer, not months

Part 1: I go into the final result of the budget process, take a look at the conflict between the City Council and the mayor over what exactly the city council can do with its new budget power, and begin looking at Kenzie Bok's history (2020 budget fight) of sabotaging defund efforts in Boston.

I go more unscripted than usual to vent my frustration over Mayor Wu's decision to veto millions meant for a jobs program and give it back to the police. 

I take a look at the 58 or so amendments the City Council added to the budget, and think through how it was unanimously passed. Also, express some fears for next year and make a prediction of what Wu will do next!  

After Mike's endorsement of Maura Healey, I decided to talk through Mike's political history and his endorsements of establishment candidates over their more "progressive" challengers. Most importantly, what lessons we can learn from people on the Left who gain elected office, how their theory of change morphs over time, and what can we do about it. 

I take a deep dive into the life of Tania Fernandes Anderson  trying to get a read on our new District 7 councilor. Around 18:30 the outro is her maiden speech. 

I discuss the recent Special Election in District 1. 

I am back! I go through my initial reaction to Wu's first proposed budget, how it compares to the last 2 budgets under Walsh and Janey, and where I think it fails. 

As promised, Candidate for District 1 Boston City Council Gabriela "Gigi" Coletta joins me. In case you missed it, I also interviewed Tania Del Rio and both interviews were recorded before any were published.