Elections

David Halbert Running for Boston City Council At-Large

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The field for this year's at-large Boston City Council election continues to grow with a wealth of viable candidates. Mattapan's David Halbert is one of those candidates. While Halbert doesn't live in JP, he does have a strong connection to the neighborhood, having been the Jamaica Plain liaison for former District 6 City Councilor John Tobin. Halbert also previously worked for At-Large Boston City Councilor Sam Yoon, as well as Governor Deval Patrick. Currently, Halbert is the deputy director of community affairs at the Middlesex County Sheriff's office.

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Government

Poll: Should Boston City Council Terms be Two or Four Years?

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Stop us if you've heard this before. The Boston City Council voted to change the length of their terms from two to four years. Back in 2016, the council voted 12-1 to change term limits, with only At-Large City Councilor Michelle Wu voting against it. On Wednesday, the council voted 11-2 in favor of changing their own term limits, with Wu once again voting against it, as did District 7 City Councilor Josh Zakim. Councilor Wu regularly provides recap notes on all Boston City Council meetings and provided insight into why her colleagues supported extending terms, as well as why she and Zakim voted against it. "Several councilors had stated at the working session on Monday and on the council floor today that having a longer term would strengthen the council as a counterweight to the mayor’s office, and it would save the city money by eliminating the need to run a citywide election in the non-mayoral odd year," wrote Wu.

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Elections

Jamaica Plain Doctor Mohammad Dar Running for Congress Against Lynch

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Jamaica Plain's Mohammad Dar, who most recently practiced internal medicine at the VA hospitals in Brockton and West Roxbury, is running as a Democratic Party candidate for the 8th Congressional District in 2020. Dar would face incumbent Rep. Stephen Lynch, if Lynch chooses to run again. “It is time for change. We need more than incremental change. We need bravery in our politics.

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Elections

Dorchester’s Julia Mejia Running for Boston City Council At-Large

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Julia Mejia is running for Boston City Council At-Large and feels she would bring a strong focus on schools, as she founded and leads a network that helps parents and students increase equal access to high-quality public education. "I've devoted my life to helping those most impacted by the decisions made by policymakers to step out and speak up," said Mejia via press release. Professionally, Mejia founded and directs the Collaborative Parent Leadership Network (CPLAN), which is comprised of community parents and students from district, charter, parochial and METCO schools. The network works with policymakers and educations to increase equal access to high-quality public education. Formed in 2015, CPLAN has garnered influence by having five members appointed to statewide Department of Education board, while also serving as an advisory to nonprofits and public agencies to include parents in decision making.

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Elections

Alejandra St. Guillen Running for At-Large Boston City Council

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It looks like next fall's at-large Boston City Council election is going to be full of candidates. One candidate who will definitely be taken serious is Alejandra St. Guillen. St. Guillen has serious Bostonian cred, from being raised in Mission Hill, attending Boston Latin School and she currently lives in West Roxbury with her wife, their son and two rescue dogs.

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