UPDATE: Boston’s Democratic mayoral candidates faced off in a heated community forum just ONE WEEK before the crucial primary election, scheduled for September 9, 2023. Held at the Bethel AME Church in Jamaica Plain, the forum allowed voters to directly question the candidates on pressing issues like immigration, housing, and education.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu took center stage, assuring constituents, “I will always have your backs.” Wu passionately defended her administration’s stance against the Trump administration, stating, “This election is about who we are as a city, what we stand for, and the progress we can achieve if we unite.”
Challenger Josh Kraft emphasized his focus on local concerns, stating, “I agree with the mayor to stand up to Donald Trump, but my main focus is the residents of Boston and their needs: better streets, better schools, safety.” Kraft vowed to redirect funds from the school capital budget to enhance the city’s infrastructure, specifically mentioning the urgent renovation needs of Madison Park Technical Vocational High School. “We will find funding. I will redirect money from the school capital budget – perhaps money going to White Stadium now,” he asserted.
Community Advocate Domingos DeRosa took a more critical approach, urging a more diplomatic conversation with the federal government on immigration policies. “If I were mayor today, I would go back to that table and have that conversation with the federal government,” he said, advocating for humane solutions to deportation threats. All candidates expressed commitment to support families facing deportation and pledged to bridge the racial homeownership gap.
The forum was notable not only for its contentious exchanges but also for the absence of fourth candidate Robert Cappucci, who withdrew last minute due to a family emergency. With early voting already underway since August 30, 2023 and continuing through September 5, 2023, the urgency of the upcoming primary looms large over Boston’s political landscape.
The preliminary election will narrow the candidate field to two finalists, making this forum a pivotal moment for voters to assess their options. As tensions rise, residents are encouraged to engage in early voting and make their voices heard in this crucial decision for Boston’s future.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.