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September 18, 2003
The right choice
Elected public officials hold office for only as
long as the electorate wish them to serve. No politician has the
right to expect to be chosen to serve indefinitely. While incumbency
provides many advantages, there are also some disadvantages. It
is impossible to hold office for an extended time without disappointing
a number of constituents.
Charles Yancey, who has been Boston City Councilor
from Dorchesters 4th district for 20 years, faces a serious
opponent for the first time. Some who have grievances against
Yanceys performance over the years have decided to support
his opponent, Ego Ezedi.
That would be a major mistake. African Americans,
Latinos and Asians are entering an extraordinary period in the
citys history. For the first time ever, the citys
so-called minorities have become the majority population. However,
this will not result in political dominance immediately because
too many people of color have not yet become citizens. But a political
sea change is imminent.
The under-18 population in the 2000 US Census provides
a clear indication of what the trend will be in this decade. Only
25.4 percent of the under 18 population in Boston is white. Blacks
and those designated others account for 43.5 percent
of the total. Latinos and Asians account
for 31.1 percent. In light of this demographic shift,
the political agenda for the community must be to begin to organize
to assert the political primacy that the new demographics portend.
When he first announced his candidacy, Ezedi promised
that he would get the potholes filled and would arrange for other
services essentially by being overly friendly with the mayor.
Indeed there is no reason to be rude to the mayor or anyone else.
Every human being deserves respect. But it is absurd to suggest
that we should sacrifice the agenda that benefits the community
in order to be assured that potholes will be filled promptly.
Boston has a strong-mayor form of government. The
mayor controls all city services. The only way that a city
councilor can guarantee to his constituents that
they will receive priority treatment for city services is if the
councilor agrees to be subservient. Ezedi has essentially declared
that he is willing to be obsequious.
Over the years Yancey has demonstrated a willingness
to stand against the vested interests which promote policies that
do not benefit people of color. It is no wonder, then, that the
mayor and several city councilors have embraced the Ezedi campaign.
White politicians can read the demographic data. They know that
the only way they can retain their control of the city is to see
to it that only blacks and Latinos who are tractable get elected.
Without fanfare Yancey has accomplished much for
his district. He built the Mattapan Police Station, a library
and community centers. He pushed the MBTA to include more stops
on the Fairmont Commuter Rail line. Since 1987 he has distributed
125,000 free books to children in his annual book fair. He passed
legislation to require school buses to install those yellow safety
arms to prevent school children from bolting into traffic after
leaving the bus.
On the council Yancey has been a stalwart advocate
of human rights, public education, housing and economic development.
He is not flashy and charismatic, but he is right on the issues.
Yancey is personally aware of the indignities imposed on non-whites
in Boston over the years. He understands how the games are played
in Bostons political arena, and with the communities of
color in the majority, he will be able to build a government that
benefits everyone.
Vote the slate! Charles Yancey, Felix Arroyo and
Chuck Turner.
Editors note: Turner, who is facing no
challenger,
will appear on the November ballot only.
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