Boston City Council District 6 Online Candidates Forum on Aug. 31

The three candidates for the Boston City Council District 6 seat will be participating in an online candidates forum hosted by Ward 11 and 19 Democratic Committees on Aug. 31. Winnie Eke, Kendra Hicks, and Mary Tamer are vying for the District 6 seat which is being vacated by Matt O'Malley, who chose not to run after 10 years in office. Click here for Part I and Part II of Jamaica Plain News' Q&A's with the three candidates. Tuesday night's forum starts at 7 pm and will focus on questions that are of particular concerns to District 6.

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You Can Make Sure Jamaica Plain Residents Are Counted in U.S. Census

A local organization wants volunteers for a campaign to raise awareness about the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census to make sure that all Jamaica Plain residents are counted. "JPNDC is launching a Census 2020 campaign because much of our community -- especially immigrants, people of color, and low-income households -- is at high risk of being undercounted," said a Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC) email newsletter. "If we're not counted, we lose resources and representation in government!" The JPNDC breaks down on its website why the U.S. Census is vital to Jamaica Plain, Boston and Massachusetts residents. The census is required by the US constitution.

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Rep. Elugardo’s Legislative Goals: Renewable Energy, Unnecessary Vacancies and More

On January 2, Nika Elugardo was sworn into her first term as the state representative for the 15th Suffolk District. So what's on her legislative plate? Q: Which of the bills are refiles and which ones are original bills being submitted for the first time? Elugardo: Of the 15 bills we filed, two are refiles: H2453 An Act to amend the Brownfields tax credit, and H3282 An Act to prevent unnecessary vacancies in foreclosed homes. The rest were original bills drafted by my team, by advocate partners, or in collaboration with partners.

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ICE, TPS, DACA: JP Progressives Immigration Policy & Action Forum on Nov. 13

Leaders from the Mass Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition and the Muslim Justice League are among numerous organizations who will speak at the JP Progressives' Immigration Policy & Action Forum on Nov. 13th. "In this forum, we provide up-to-date information on these critical policy changes and how they are affecting our neighbors in JP and across Massachusetts. We will hear from affected communities and discuss how we can work together to push a progressive immigration agenda for Massachusetts," says a description of the forum according to a press release. The forum will be tackling several of the major human and civil rights crisis caused by the federal administration's repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), non-renewal of temporary protected status (TPS), child separation of undocumented immigrants crossing the southern border, and travel ban of individuals from predominantly Muslim countries.

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JP Progressives Endorsements: Vote ‘Yes’ on Ballot Questions, Elugardo

JP Progressives has joined activists across the country in making thousands of calls encouraging voters in swing districts to flip the House to the Democratic Party. Here in Jamaica Plain, members have been canvassing for our endorsed candidates like Elizabeth Warren, Maura Healey, Ayanna Pressley, Sonia Chang Diaz, Liz Malia, Nika Elugardo and Rachael Rollins. We are also writing in Katie Forde for Registry of Deeds. This part of our slate represents a movement of women, many of whom, as Ayanna eloquently stated, have moved from fighting to show their voices matter to showing their leadership matters. We agree, and for this reason, it is important that voters show up in large numbers to demonstrate overwhelming support for these leaders.

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JP Progressives Leading Discussion on Impeaching President Trump on Thursday

Saying the nation is witnessing a massive corruption of the presidency worse than Watergate, the JP Progressives are hosting a conversation on Thursday on impeaching President Donald Trump. "By refusing to divest fully from his business interests, President Donald Trump has been in direct violation of the US Constitution from the moment he took the oath of office," said the JP Progressives via an e-blast inviting the community to the event. "The President is not above the law. We will not allow President Trump to profit from the presidency at the expense of our democracy. Join us for this special presentation to learn more about the campaign and the case for impeachment."

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Genevieve Day, center, co-owner of JP Knit & Stitch, participates in the weekly Stitch Night at her Hyde Square business on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.

‘Craft Activists’ Knit Women’s Rights Into Every Stitch

Every Friday night is community stitch night at JP Knit & Stitch, and this month’s gatherings have been dedicated to the Pussy Hat Project to support the Women’s Marches on Saturday. Knitters make hats and donate them with a note about the issues that concern them most. Some knitters created four or five hats. Hundreds of people have come into the store to pick up hats for the March in Boston. People offered to buy the hats, but they weren’t for sale.

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Governor Not in Favor of Allowing Syrian Refugees For Now; Mayor Walsh Unsure

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker does not want to allow any Syrian refugees into the state at this time, following last Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh seems unsure of where he stands on the issue. “I would say no as of right now,” Baker told reporters at the State House Monday, according to the Boston Globe. “No, I’m not interested in accepting refugees from Syria. My view on this is the safety and security of the people of the Commonwealth of Mass.

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City Councilors Matt O'Malley, left, and Ayanna Pressley

Ayanna Pressley Pledges Support for Matt O’Malley as Boston City Council President

There is already talk about three Boston City Councilors vying to become the next city council president -- with one being District 6 City Councilor Matt O'Malley. And O'Malley already has the public support of one sitting city councilor -- Ayanna Pressley. "O’Malley for president! City Council president that is. Matt’s a great leader and friend. I’ve complete confidence in his ability to fairly, thoughtfully, and effectively lead the council."

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