The Blackstonian has moved!

You should be automatically redirected in 5 seconds. If not, visit
http://blackstonian.com
and update your bookmarks.

Showing posts with label Campaign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Campaign. Show all posts

Voter ID billboard irks Latino advocates

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Voter ID billboard irks Latino advocates

image from FoxNews Latino
Associated Press / April 13, 2011

SOUTHBRIDGE — A billboard near a largely Latino district in Southbridge asking voters to show ID for Tuesday’s special election primary for a State House seat — not a requirement in Massachusetts — is drawing fire from Latino advocates who say it is part of a larger campaign of voter intimidation.

The billboard, sponsored by the groups Empower Massachusetts and Show ID to Vote, both with connections to the conservative Tea Party movement, tells voters to “protect the integrity of the vote’’ and “show ID’’ next to a picture of a white woman holding an identification card.

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/04/13/voter_id_billboard_irks_latino_advocates/
READ MORE - Voter ID billboard irks Latino advocates

Campaign eyes Mass. redistricting, minority voting

Monday, March 28, 2011

Campaign eyes Mass. redistricting, minority voting
By Associated Press  |   Monday, March 28, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics

BOSTON — A coalition of advocates has launched a campaign to strengthen the voting power of Massachusetts’ Latinos, blacks and Asian Americans during redistricting efforts.

The "Drawing Democracy Project" will urge residents to attend statewide hearing dates on redistricting and put pressure on state officials as they redraw voting district lines.

Common Cause, MassVote and Oiste (oh-EE’-steh) — a group that trains Latinos to run for office — are part of the campaign.

Minority advocates have complained that previous redistricting plans packed minority groups together and weakened their voting potential.

The project comes after census data showed significant population increases among blacks, Latinos and Asian-Americans in Massachusetts.

A 24-member panel is redrawing the state’s congressional districts to reflect the loss of one seat in the U.S. House due to population shifts.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1326623
READ MORE - Campaign eyes Mass. redistricting, minority voting

Tito Jackson sets out to engage voters

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Tito Jackson sets out to engage voters
By Colneth Smiley Jr.  |   Thursday, March 17, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics
Photo by Mark Garfinkel

Vowing to combat the voter apathy he witnessed in his own election, District 7 City Councilor-elect Tito Jackson took to the streets of District 7 to thank his supporters after a quiet congratulatory breakfast with his mother and family yesterday morning.

“Apathy is a two-way street,” Jackson told the Herald. “Residents should know what’s going on in their community, but it’s incumbent upon elected officials to make sure they know what’s going on and to deliver to them.”

The former aide to Gov. Deval Patrick received 82 percent of the votes, beating out opponent Cornell Mills, who received only 16 percent of a total 3,452 votes for the seat vacated by the ouster of Chuck Turner, who has been ordered to start serving his three-year prison term on federal corruption charges March 25.

The turnout was a slight uptick from the last month’s primary, which brought out only 2,887 voters. The district has more than 30,000 voters listed as active on city rolls.

Winning on a platform to provide employment opportunities and safer streets for inner-city residents, Jackson celebrated his victory Tuesday night at Biff’s Lounge in Dorchester and engaged with the public yesterday through interviews on local radio stations Touch 106.1 FM and Big City 101.3 FM.

“It is important for people to have access to their city councilor,” said Jackson, who said he plans on using senior centers, local libraries and restaurants to interact with his Roxbury/Jamaica Plain/Dorchester and Fenway constituents.

“It’s a huge honor, and I’m humbled by people coming out to support not only me but the vision of people in our community working with one another to make sure the city lives up to its true potential as a destination rather than a pass through,” Jackson said.

Mills, the son of disgraced ex-state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, reportedly offered congratulations to Jackson with a handshake and hug. Mills could not be reached for comment.

Jackson will be sworn in as councilor within the next two weeks.

The city councilor said he plans to continue to thank voters today with a possible “stand-out” in Roxbury’s Grove Hall.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1323933
READ MORE - Tito Jackson sets out to engage voters

Tito Jackson grabs District 7 seat

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Tito Jackson grabs District 7 seat

By O’Ryan Johnson  |   Wednesday, March 16, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics
Photo by Mark Garfinkel

The same day a federal judge turned down disgraced ex-City Councilor Chuck Turner’s jail sentence appeal, Roxbury voters turned out in low numbers to elect Tito Jackson as his successor.

“I feel wonderful,” Jackson told the Herald last night. “I just walked into my mom’s room and gave her a hug. She said she knew it was going to happen. It was the culmination of her prayers and her mother’s prayers. My first step is to attend to a couple hundred folks who worked long and hard in the cold, who have pushed through a labor of love for this community.”

Jackson, a former aide to Gov. Deval Patrick, defeated Cornell Mills, the son of disgraced ex-state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, with 2,829 votes to 556. There are more than 30,000 people on the active voter rolls in District 7.

Each man had voiced confidence earlier yesterday that he would emerge victorious heading into the final hours of the election, with Mills saying his campaigners would do everything they could to get more voters to the polls.

“The weather has been nice, but turnout has been slow,” Mills said yesterday afternoon. “We’re going to target some areas and try to push those numbers up.”

Mills couldn’t be immediately reached last night.

Jackson said he felt the community was rallying behind his campaign.

“There’s been a lot of hugs,” he said. “But there’s nothing like the elders in the community coming around you, encouraging you. We’re both (Jackson and Mills) sons of this community.”

Meanwhile, U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock scolded Turner in federal court paperwork, ordering him to report to prison next week.

“My review satisfies me that the defendant’s appeal is without merit and consistent with other litigation initiatives pursued by defendant, taken for the purpose of delay,” he wrote. Turner must report to federal prison on March 25 to begin serving a three-year sentence. Turner, who endorsed Jackson could not be reached for comment.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1323642
READ MORE - Tito Jackson grabs District 7 seat

Boston Herald recognizes Tito Jackson "owes" endorsers/donors

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Boston Herald recognizes Tito Jackson "owes" endorsers/donors


"For one thing his campaign is backed by every public employee union known to man and he will be expected to return that support in kind."

- Boston Herald on Tito Jackson Tue. March 15th




READ MORE - Boston Herald recognizes Tito Jackson "owes" endorsers/donors

VOTE!!!! TODAY!!!! MARCH 15!!! VOTE CORNELL MILLS

VOTE!!!! TODAY!!!! MARCH 15!!! VOTE CORNELL MILLS
READ MORE - VOTE!!!! TODAY!!!! MARCH 15!!! VOTE CORNELL MILLS

ALL NEW INFO: PEOPLE'S REPORT: TITO JACKSON Part II; The Anti-Chuck

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

BLACKSTONIAN EXCLUSIVE
ALL NEW INFO!

PEOPLE'S REPORT:
TITO JACKSON Part II
The Anti-Chuck

Editor's Note:

Many of you by now may have read the Blackstonian People's Report on Tito Jackson. I have received many, many comments about this article and I would say out of 100 or so comments to me personally, via email and phone, there were about 4 people who had problems with the report.  I told them as I tell everyone, If you have a problem then do the research and point out what is factually untrue.  Many of us may get emotional about some of the information contained therein, but it cannot be disputed based on merit and fact.

One significant emotional response has been...
(paraphrasing)
"You are wrong for putting out this information on another Black Man"
This is a very destructive logic. So, the inference is because Tito and I are both Black Men his record and actions should not be questioned and challenged? That's dangerous. I have no allegiance to color. My only allegiance is to Right versus Wrong, which is why I have called out Black Men who participate or contribute to any of the ills we are facing as a people. This is an open public political campaign and one in which is the District that I live in and have since I was born. I will not only exert my right to research, study and inform our people, I will defend it and there is nothing stopping you from doing your own research and prooving me factually wrong. I encourage and challenge you to do it and then you vote your conscience on March 15th.

MONEY IN

Part 1 of this report contained a graph on where Tito is receiving his money.
This Chart shows where his money comes from.

MONEY OUT

ALL NEW INFO:

A. This Chart shows where his money goes.

B. This Chart shows how much money has been spent
on his staffing and stipends from the campaign.


What does all of this mean for a Candidate who is campaigning as
the "Jobs" "Employment" "Economic Development" "Relationships to benefit District 7" candidate?
In my estimation it means that you can expect the same results indicated by the already proven results.

Endorsements


As we covered in Part I of the report
Tito has been endorsed by several unions and received money from unions, individuals and organizations which have historically been proven as the same entities who have prevented our community from achieving full access and equality.

Boston Police Patrolmen's Association (BPPA)

The newest Addition to his endorsements is the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association which is the Union for BPD Officers, the very same Union that has fought tooth and nail for well over a decade over every issue that came up for Affirmative Action or improvements in Hiring/Promotions within the BPD. They are the Union which has fought MAMLEO (Mass. Assoc. of Minority Law Enforcement Officials) at every juncture where equality and diversity was in question.

This is also the same Union which produces a racially charged and clearly uber-conservative publication which forces you to wax nostalgic about the Good Ole Days with the Good Ole Boys circa 1950 The Pax Centurion http://www.bppa.org/PAX/default.asp
If you go there right now you can find such intellectual insights and colorful terms like "yummie (young urban maggot)" which really can give you a perspective on the thought process of many of OUR "Public Servants" these are the people who are supposed to Serve and Protect us and these are the same people who have endorsed Tito.
http://www.bppa.org/bppaems/pax/story3_may05.asp

Or really just check this out from the Feb. Edition (ironically in Black History Month) where he calls the young teenage man brutalized by Police a "scumbag"

By Jim Carnell, Pax Editor

Many of us may have missed the Globe and Herald editions dated Jan. 23rd about
a rather unique and interesting exhibition by the staff of the Boston Police Academy designed for local politicians, media, and community activists. (“In defense of the proper use of force”, Boston Herald, Peter Gelzinis, 1-23-11, and “Police give lessons in how they use force”, Boston Globe, Maria Cramer, 1-23-11).
The exhibition was designed after much criticism was heaped upon the department
following a “You-tube” video which appeared on-line after the arrest of a young
scumbag who resisted arrest at Roxbury Community College last fall
http://www.bppa.org/PAX/PAX%20JabFeb%202011.pdf




Firefighters Local 718

This Firefighters Union has fought with axes and hoses against each and every attempt towards diversity.
They are the Union which has fought Boston Vulcans (Boston Black/Latino Firefighters) at every juncture where equality and diversity was in question.
Their reputation is so notorious one just need do a simple google search
"firefighters local 718 affirmative action"
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=firefighters+local+718+affirmative+action


IBEW Local 103

This union is a basic example of most unions who have fought diversity within their various professions. Whether it be Electrical Workers, Pipe Fitters, Carpenters, etc. etc. you will find that predominantly Black/Latino/Women have the most difficult time in terms of gaining employment, diversity, and equality in promotions and placement.



Bringing Big Corporations to Boston...

Constantly throughout the campaign, Tito has alluded to "2500" jobs he "created" for the State primarily with big tech companies like "Microsoft and Google" and although none of those jobs that came to the State made it to Roxbury and although Gov. Deval Patrick claims those same "2500" jobs, the true question is how many employment opportunities are available in those entities at all....

Microsoft

While Tito touts companies like Microsoft, who admittedly does some wonderful things locally, nationally and globally (foundations, donations, computer labs) we are not to think that there are not diversity problems even within the mighty corporate giant. So for District 7 the question becomes how many employment opportunities will open up beyond warehouse, etc.
Here is a record of at least one problem that may be indicative of potential problems for D7.

Microsoft Sued by Employees Over Racial Bias 01/03/2001


Google

Same thing with Google, most big tech companies are sorely lacking African-American and Latino faces. Even in "Diversity" we are suspiciously missing. I did a pretty good searh you let me know when you find someone that looks like you or something that applies to you. Yeah. Google it.




Threats/Armed Security

To me this is possibly the most alarming part of this report. The Blackstonian has learned that Tito Jackson has hired armed security guards during this campaign.
"Heavyweight Security"  $100
We are not suggesting that this payment equals hours spent, but apparently the campaign has deemed it necessary to  hire armed guards (armed, witnessed by several people and no secret). The question here becomes, what does it mean for a candidate to have armed security in a district they are campaigning to represent?  As hated by powerful forces that Chuck Turner was he never had armed security.

The curious thing here is throughout District 7 we have alot of  impassioned people and some in varying mental health conditions who frequent major thoroughfares and some who attend public meetings.  When a candidate has armed security the implication is that if something "popped off" you could get shot. Thats a tad insensitive and probably not a "good look" in a community where we are trying to send a message that's opposite of that. I don't think this speaks to any "Gangster" mentality by the Jackson Campaign, in fact I think it speaks more to a fear of some very skewed realities of the same District 7 one would seek to represent. While this is a critical campaign and there have been heated debates, there is nothing here that would warrant having armed security in a local race like District 7... Deval before being Gov.. maybe.. after.. definitely... Obama.. before.. during.. after.. MOST DEFINITELY... but armed security in a District 7 race?

At last night's RoxVote forum I had the opportunity to meet and speak to Mrs. Jackson, Tito's Mother. I told her that I had heard she had concerns for her son's safety. I told her that I knew and admired her husband Herb "Kwaku Zulu" Jackson and that no none of the Black Men I know and work with would harm Tito.  This after all is a Political Campaign and while we may have to discuss tough issues and have distinct differences this is not the type of campaign that should require armed security.

Throughout Busing, Charles Stuart I have never heard of a District 7 City Councilor or a Candidate who felt the need for armed security, it sends a message of fear of your own community and an unfair advantage to the elderly, women and youth who don't have the luxury of purchasing security.



READ MORE - ALL NEW INFO: PEOPLE'S REPORT: TITO JACKSON Part II; The Anti-Chuck

Basic Black: A Conversation with the Candidates for Boston City Council District 7

Tuesday, February 22, 2011


Basic Black: A Conversation with the Candidates for Boston City Council District 7

(Originally broadcast on February 18, 2011)   A Reporter's Roundtable: In conversation with the candidates for Boston City Council District 7.

Our panel: Latoyia Edwards, anchor, New England Cable News; Phillip Martin, senior investigative reporter, 89.7, WGBH Radio; Manolia Charlotin, editor, The Boston Haitian Reporter; Tito Jackson, candidate for Boston City Council District 7; and Cornell Mills, candidate for Boston City Council District 7.



Basic Black ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Boston City Council District 7
(Originally streamed February 18, 2011)  After the broadcast the conversation with the candidates for Boston City Council District 7 continued to include issues of public safety and job creation.

Our panel: Latoyia Edwards, anchor, New England Cable News; Phillip Martin, senior investigative reporter, 89.7, WGBH Radio; Manolia Charlotin, editor, The Boston Haitian Reporter; Tito Jackson, candidate for Boston City Council District 7; and Cornell Mills, candidate for Boston City Council District 7.

READ MORE - Basic Black: A Conversation with the Candidates for Boston City Council District 7

In his own words...

Sunday, February 20, 2011

In his own words...

By Herald staff  |   Sunday, February 20, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics

Read more of what Cornell Mills had to say in his interview with the Herald.

On the City Council race:

“My decision to run is based on my history. I’ve been involved in this neighborhood for over 16 years doing community service, working with the youth and working with at-risk youth doing some mentoring. I’ve done some compliance work, making sure women, residents and minorities receive opportunities on jobs. I’ve done a lot of work in the streets making sure that kids have opportunities other than drugs and guns and violence and crime.”

• • •

On his mother, former Sen. Dianne Wilkerson:

“My mother has been very supportive. She has a lot of experience in politics.

“She’s made sure that myself and my brother have been involved in politics. I worked on my first political campaign at the age of 10. And more importantly, I’ve sat in those basement meetings. I’ve been a part of this civil rights struggle. Even though we have a governor that’s an African-American and we have a president that’s African-American, we’re far from a post-racial society.”

• • •

On Wilkerson’s arrest and subsequent conviction for federal corruption:

“As you go through trials and tribulations in life and as you try to become a better person, there are stages that you have to go through to get to where I am at today.

“When this incident first happened I was in denial. I was upset about it. I couldn’t believe it happened. That denial then turned into anger. I was mad; I wanted to lash out. That anger can easily turn into depression if you don’t channel it in the proper way.

“If you’re able to get past that anger and that depression and you come into acceptance, then you leave it up to God. So at this point, I’m acting on God’s plan. I feel like God has given me this opportunity to make a difference. I’m not angry. I’m not depressed. I’m at peace with the situation.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1318150
READ MORE - In his own words...

Cornell Mills: I’m my own man Stands by mother Dianne Wilkerson

Cornell Mills: I’m my own man
Stands by mother Dianne Wilkerson

FAMILY TIME: City Council candidate Cornell Mills, left, campaigns with his daughter, Amaris, 8, and son, Cornell Jr., 11, by his side. Mills says he stands with his mother, ex-state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson.
Photo By Stuart Cahill
By Colneth Smiley Jr. and Jessica Fargen  |   Sunday, February 20, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics

Photo by Stuart Cahill
City Council candidate Cornell Mills is standing by his mother, disgraced former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, but he insists he is running for office as his own man.

“The good that she’s done for this community far outweighs the negative aspects,’’ Mills, 36, told the Herald in a rare interview on his mother, who begins serving a 3 1/2-year prison term next month on a federal corruption conviction.

“There are always two sides to the issue, and she’s going to have her opportunity to give her version of what happened,” he added. “But I am very proud of her record. I’m very proud of all the accomplishments that she’s made.

“I’m running on my record. I’m not running based on anything that my mother’s done.”

Mills — a real-estate agent, former civilian investigator for the district attorney’s office and married father of four — is facing an uphill battle against heavily favored Tito Jackson in the District 7 special election to replace Chuck Turner. The 70-year-old former councilor also heads to prison next month for his conviction in the federal corruption case.

“With my mother gone and with Chuck Turner being gone from his seat, there’s a lack in leadership,” said Mills, seated at his Roxbury kitchen table. “There’s a void in advocacy. So I wanted to make sure this community knew there was still someone here that’s willing to fight for them.”

Last week, Mills earned a spot on the March 15 election ballot, garnering 10 percent of the vote, far behind Jackson’s 67 percent.

Mills said he and his older brother, Kendall, grew up watching his mother struggle as a single parent who fought fervently for the poor. Before she ran for office, Wilkerson was a civil rights attorney who served as lead counsel for the NAACP. She is credited with winning a landmark case that resulted in the desegregation of Hub public housing.

“Whenever you fight for the poor or for the less privileged, there are a lot of forces at play that don’t want to see you succeed,” Mills said of her eventual downfall. “And that’s the reality of where we are at today in this city.”

Mills — who worked on his first campaign when he was 10 — said he is running on a platform to “stimulate economic empowerment and development.” The Boston College High School grad describes himself above all else as a family man, raising his kids with his wife, attorney Stephanie Soriano-Mills.

“My kids walk the streets of this city,” he said. “So it’s my responsibility to do the things my elders did and sacrifice part of my life to make sure their lives are left in a better position.”

Mills acknowledges he’s facing a seasoned campaigner in Jackson, who ran unsuccessfully for the council two years ago and worked on Gov. Deval Patrick’s re-election bid.

Jackson, declining to comment on the scandal that brought down Wilkerson and Turner, said he’s focused on the economy.

“The real issue is on the here and now,” Jackson said. “People in our community need work, jobs and economic justice. People want to walk down safe and clean streets.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1318057
READ MORE - Cornell Mills: I’m my own man Stands by mother Dianne Wilkerson

SPECIAL ELECTION FINAL RESULTS

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

SPECIAL ELECTION FINAL RESULTS
CORNELL MILLS TO FACE TITO JACKSON IN MARCH 15TH FINAL ELECTION


FINAL RESULTS


Unofficial Election Results
Special Preliminary Municipal Election
February 15, 2011
City Councillor District 7
Unofficial Results

02/15/11
21:27:27

Registered Voters 40985 - Cards Cast 2886 7.04%
Num. Report Precinct 31 - Num. Reporting 31 100.00%

DIST. 7 CITY COUNCILLOR
Total
Number of Precincts 31
Precincts Reporting 31 100.0 %
Vote For 1
Total Votes 2886
Number of Uncast Votes 0
TITO JACKSON 1943 67.33%
CORNELL MILLS 271 9.39%
DANIELLE R WILLIAMS 258 8.94%
ALTHEA GARRISON 150 5.20%
NATALIE E CARITHERS 96 3.33%
ROY OWENS 89 3.08%
Write-in Votes 79 2.74%

READ MORE - SPECIAL ELECTION FINAL RESULTS

VIDEO: All About Boston Candidates Forum: Cornell Mills, Tito Jackson

Monday, February 14, 2011

All About Boston Candidates Forum: Cornell Mills, Tito Jackson

All About Boston
Hosted by Seth McCoy this thirty minute talk show airs live in the City of Boston on the Boston Neighborhood Network every Thursday at 7:00 PM.
You can also live stream the show via the web site: http://www.bnntv.org/
Join All About Boston on Facebook

WATCH AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF
VOTE TUESDAY FEB 15th!


Aired Feb. 10th
All About Boston Candidates Forum
Cornell Mills
Tito Jackson
Part 1


Aired Feb. 10th
All About Boston Candidates Forum
Cornell Mills
Tito Jackson
Part 2
READ MORE - VIDEO: All About Boston Candidates Forum: Cornell Mills, Tito Jackson

Round 1 tomorrow for Turner’s seat Despite crowded field, low turnout expected in special council election

Round 1 tomorrow for Turner’s seat
Despite crowded field, low turnout expected in special council election
By Andrew Ryan
Globe Staff / February 14, 2011

On paper, Tito Jackson looks like the runaway favorite to take the top spot in tomorrow’s special preliminary election for the City Council seat held for a decade by Chuck Turner.

Of the six names on the ballot, Jackson has won the high-profile endorsements, secured the overwhelming support of labor unions, and dominated the fund-raising battle, amassing $40,000 compared to his nearest rival’s $3,500.

But this is an unusual election in the dead of winter when turnout is expected to be extremely low. That means just a handful of votes may decide which two candidates will face off in the final election March 15.

“It’s not so much your endorsements that count,’’ said Joyce Ferriabough Bolling, a longtime political watcher from District 7 whose husband, Bruce Bolling, held the seat for a decade. “What it will be is how you count your votes and how you bring those people to the polls.’’

FULL STORY HERE:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/02/14/round_1_tomorrow_for_turners_seat/?page=1
READ MORE - Round 1 tomorrow for Turner’s seat Despite crowded field, low turnout expected in special council election

Roxbury residents seek strong candidate Wanted: powerful advocate

Roxbury residents seek strong candidate
Wanted: powerful advocate

By O’Ryan Johnson  |   Monday, February 14, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics

Roxbury voters — set to replace disgraced City Councilor Chuck Turner in tomorrow’s special election — said they want a powerful neighborhood advocate who will tackle crime, jobs and education.

“We need a strong candidate that will be willing to fight and stand up for us and make sure we’re getting the same city services that everyone else in Boston is getting. We pay the same taxes,” said Cheryl Crawford, 52, of Roxbury.

Crawford was part of the standing-room-only crowd of about 150 at the Crispus Attucks Children’s Center yesterday in Grove Hall for the final candidates’ forum. District 7 candidates Tito Jackson, Cornell Mills, Danielle Williams, Natalie Carithers and Roy Owens are all vying for the seat vacated by Turner, who’s appealing his three-year sentence on a federal bribery conviction.

Jackson, a former Patrick administration staffer, said he would use his background in economic development and job creation to fight crime and blight.

“I’ve never been robbed by somebody who had a job,” he said. “Most of the ills that we have in our community are based on the fact that people don’t have money in their pockets. So we need to make sure that we bring businesses back to our community, that we support our entrepreneurs.”

Mills — the son of former state Sen. Diane Wilkerson, who’s facing 3 1/2 years behind bars on a federal bribery conviction — also homed in on neighborhood violence and mentioned his credentials as an investigator with the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office, locating witnesses to homicides.

“This is a short-term race with long-term consequences,” Mills said. “If we don’t elect the right leader to move this community forward, we’re going to end up taking 10 steps backwards.”

Williams, a former aide to state Rep. Gloria Fox, said she has 20 years of experience working in the community.

“I’m tired of people coming in our community, outsiders dictating to us, what we’re going to do, how we’re going to do it,” Williams said. “I’m sick of it. That’s why I came from behind the desk, to come out and talk to my community to say, ‘Enough is enough.’ ”

Carithers, a former aide to ex state Rep. Willie Mae Allen, touted her work bringing one of the 2006 gubernatorial debates to Roxbury. Owens, a frequent candidate for office, railed against abortion.

“What I’m looking for in a candidate is someone who is actually going to do for this community,” voter Vernon Jackson, 30, said. “There are people dying out here.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1316551
READ MORE - Roxbury residents seek strong candidate Wanted: powerful advocate

Long shortchanged, voters now get real choices

Long shortchanged, voters now get real choices

By Joe Fitzgerald  |   Monday, February 14, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Columnists

When the six candidates vying to replace banished city councilor Chuck Turner met last week in what was billed as a “speed dating” forum, much was made of the format that had them table-hopping among attendees, providing maximum interaction with the voting public.

What a terrific idea. Nothing helps the political process more than an informed electorate.

Not much was said about the site, however, which was too bad, because if the walls of old Hibernian Hall could have spoken, what stories they would have told about a time in this city’s history when “power to the people” had real meaning.

Those flats, row houses and triple-deckers now comprising much of District 7 were once home to a disenfranchised Irish population, until James Michael Curley led flocks of cleaning ladies and day laborers to the polls where their votes eventually changed the face of City Hall.

A decade ago when Eddie Jenkins, a dynamic Roxbury lawyer, ran for Suffolk District Attorney and lost to Dan Conley, his disappointed staff contended Eddie fell short because he “needed an extra 40,000 white votes.” No mention was made of the 100,000 dormant votes that languished in the barren wards of Roxbury, Mattapan and Dorchester where window posters, lawn signs and bumper stickers were virtually non-existent.

It wasn’t racism that cost Eddie a shot at that office; it was apathy.

A year later veteran District 4 city councilor Charles Yancey, the only colleague to oppose Turner’s well-deserved expulsion, was challenged by newcomer Ego Ezedi, an associate pastor at Mattapan’s Morning Star Baptist Church. Yancey denounced him as the white man’s candidate, which was scurrilous as well as ridiculous, given that Ezedi was the son of Nigerian parents.

What Yancey was implying was that a black incumbent shouldn’t be challenged by another black.

“That black-against-black thing bothered me,” Ezedi admitted. “But it was Pastor (John) Borders who finally convinced me. He said, ‘Why would you turn away from the district rather than run against another black man? In South Boston they do this all the time. McGillicuddy takes on Murphy, each one putting his message out, and whichever one wins, the community comes out stronger. That’s why they have such great participation over there. Why shouldn’t we have that here, too?’ ”

Tomorrow District 7 will have exactly that, with Tito Jackson, Cornell Mills, Roy Owens, Althea Garrison, Danielle Williams, and Natalie Carithers offering clear and exciting choices to voters who’ve been shortchanged too long.

May it be the dawning of a new and mighty day.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1316517
READ MORE - Long shortchanged, voters now get real choices

150+ Roxbury Supporters for Cornell Mills!!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Over 150+ Roxbury Supporters for Cornell Mills!!
Vote Tuesday Feb. 15th!
Committee to Elect Cornell Mills
617-800-9414
Get Involved!!!
DONATE  |  VOLUNTEER

READ MORE - 150+ Roxbury Supporters for Cornell Mills!!

TODAY!! Candidates Forum 2/13/11 @Crispus Attucks-Humboldt Ave. 2pm

Candidates Forum for District 7 City Council Seat

With support from MassVote Civic Engagement Initiative, the GARRISON-TROTTER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION in conjunction with the FRANKLIN PARK COALITION, PROJECT RIGHT and PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE

SUNDAY February 13th, 2011
Starting 2:00pm Sharp Ending 4:00pm Sharp

Location
Crispus Attucks Children's Center
@Humboldt Ave. and Crawford St.

Primary Election Tuesday, Feb 15th.
Final Election Tuesday, March 15th.

For further Information contact Louis Elisa GTNA 617-980-9522
READ MORE - TODAY!! Candidates Forum 2/13/11 @Crispus Attucks-Humboldt Ave. 2pm

Tito Jackson’s upbeat message

CITY COUNCIL ENDORSEMENT | GLOBE EDITORIAL
Tito Jackson’s upbeat message
February 11, 2011

RESIDENTS OF Boston’s District 7 need an honest city councilor who will represent the area in an upbeat, inclusive way. The district, which covers Roxbury and parts of the South End, Dorchester, and Fenway, includes some of the city’s most troubled neighborhoods. Yet a new generation of leadership is emerging in Boston — one focused more on tackling concrete problems and expanding the economic pie than on refighting the same old battles. Tito Jackson, a 35-year-old economic-development specialist, embodies this shift. He’s the standout among the seven candidates vying for the District 7 seat in a special preliminary election on Tuesday.

FULL STORY HERE:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2011/02/11/tito_jacksons_upbeat_message/?fb_ref=homepage
READ MORE - Tito Jackson’s upbeat message

Amiable vs. edgy for council

Amiable vs. edgy for council

By Lawrence Harmon
Globe Columnist / February 13, 2011

VOTERS IN Roxbury got burned in their relationship with ousted city councilor Chuck Turner, who was sentenced last month to three years in prison for accepting a bribe and lying to the FBI. RoxVote, a civic engagement coalition, offered voters a way to move on last Tuesday by sponsoring a lively “speed dating’’ candidates’ night at Hibernian Hall in Dudley Square.

Six candidates seeking to succeed Turner in the District 7 race lined up to impress the voters. At a prearranged signal, each sat down at an assigned table and fielded questions for 15 minutes from a dozen or more voters. At the buzzer, the candidates moved to the next occupied table until every voter had an opportunity to query every candidate.

FULL STORY HERE:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2011/02/13/amiable_vs_edgy_for_council/
READ MORE - Amiable vs. edgy for council

2/8 RoxVote District 7 Candidates Forum at Hibernian Hall 6pm

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

TONITE!
RoxVote Forum at Hibernian Hall
Candidates Night at Hibernian Hall (184 Dudley Street)
Tuesday, February 8th   6pm to 8:30pm.
http://www.RoxVote.org

READ MORE - 2/8 RoxVote District 7 Candidates Forum at Hibernian Hall 6pm

 
 
 

Labels

Twitter