Bill Forry, Editor
Should Boston hold a special election this summer to replace Mayor Walsh when he leaves City Hall to become Labor Secretary? The consensus answer, judging by the public debate surrounding a home rule petition against holding one proposed by City Councillor Ricardo Arroyo, is a resounding “no.”
Secretary of State William Galvin, the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, NAACP Boston, MassVOTE, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and the majority of councillors who are on the record about the matter have all spoken up clearly to say what we also believe: It does not make sense to schedule a special this year, particularly when there is already a municipal election set for September and November. The council should expedite its efforts to get this sensible proposal to the Legislature for its approval. Gov. Baker has already indicated that he will sign it.
Many Voices Calling for Cancellation of Special Election
By Lauren Bennett
The City Council Committee on Government Operations, chaired by Councilor Lydia Edwards, held a hearing on January 26 regarding a home rule petition filed by Councilor Ricardo Arroyo “which will amend the city’s charter” should there be a vacancy in the office of mayor, she said. In the case of this home rule petition, the Council chair will become the mayor “for the remainder of the term,” Edwards added.
Currently, the city charter says that if the mayor leaves before March 5, the City Council is “required to call for a special election to fill that vacancy,” Edwards said at the hearing. Should there be a special election, there will be a primary and a general election, as well as a primary and a general election in November as well, for a total of four elections.