CITY COUNCIL HEARING DOCKET #0174 The Right of Free Petition – April 9
A hearing on an ordinance regarding the right of free petition.
A hearing on an ordinance regarding the right of free petition.
From: https://ayannapressley.com “Ayanna Pressley is an advocate, a policy-maker, an activist, and survivor. Her election to the Boston City Council in 2009 marked the first time a woman of color was elected to the Council in its 100-year history. This laid the foundation for Ayanna’s groundbreaking work, which has consistently strived to improve the lives of people that are too often been left behind. Ayanna is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District.” “In 2016, Ayanna was named one of The New York Times 14 Young Democrats to Watch. In 2015, she earned the EMILY’s List Rising Star Award and was named one of Boston Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People. In 2014, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce named her as one of their Ten Outstanding Young Leaders, and the Victim Rights Law Center presented her with their Leadership Award. She is also an Aspen-Rodel Fellow in Public Leadership, Class of 2012. Ayanna lives in the Ashmont/Adams neighborhood of Dorchester with her husband Conan Harris, nine-year-old stepdaughter Cora, and cat Sojourner Truth” For press inquiries, reach out to: Ryan Hand, Communications Director press@ayannapressley.com (617) 528-9046
Jamarhl Crawford Editor/Publisher Over the years the since the Blackstonian’s birth in 2002, myself and various partner organizations and individuals have joined together to organize numerous events, community meetings, legislative campaigns, press conferences and more all in an attempt to address the critical issues facing communities of color in Boston. There is only one candidate who has been there throughout it all and that is Carlos Henriquez. I met Carlos before he was ever in politics. I have seen him go from a manager at Kinko’s (who was already employing youth from his neighborhood), to constituent services director in City Council in Michael Flaherty’s office (still using his position to help people), to a candidate for District 7 and finally ascending to the State House as a State Rep. Carlos has been there for the food drives and giveaways, the community town hall forums, the press conferences, the community cookouts, the backdoor brainstorm sessions, the push to stop “BPD Safe Homes initiative”, “3 Strikes in MA”, “Mandatory Minimums”, “Jobs Not Jails”, “CORI” and more… Many people may think I endorse Carlos simply because he is my friend. Its actually the other way around. He is my friend because of the same qualities he possesses as a human which makes him a great candidate. Furthermore, beyond the human qualities and family legacy of community service, he is by far THE MOST knowledgable and experienced candidate in this race. Carlos is the only one who has experience with legislation and budget and has worked in previously City Council. District 7 is the district in most need of services and for far too long our elected representative in City Hall has not delivered. We need someone who knows the job, knows the issues AND has action based tangible plans, has the relationships already and is not starting from scratch. Carlos has an actual documented track record of service. I said many years ago in a rap I made promoting the then election: “When the situation bleakest, we need strong leaders and in a suit or sneakers that is Carlos Henriquez” I stand by that today. I strongly endorse Carlos Henriquez for Boston City Council District 7 and encourage you to VOTE on TUESDAY SEPT. 26th. Jamarhl Crawford Blackstonian, Mass Police Reform, 10,000 Strong Boston, Organize The Hood Boston (formerly Occupy),
The Signatures Are In! Verified Candidates List for City of Boston PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT THE FINAL OFFICIAL CERTIFIED LIST THIS IS THE LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE VERIFIED SIGNATURES TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS
BOSTON CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MICHELLE WU FILES FREE PETITION ORDINANCE Proposal would require action in response to petitions signed by 250 or more residents BOSTON – February 27, 2017 – Today Boston City Council President Michelle Wu filed an ordinance to codify the right of free petition at the municipal level in Boston. The proposed legislation would require the Council to hold a public hearing on the subject of any group petition signed by 250 or more residents. “Good government thrives on civic engagement,” said Wu. “This ordinance will provide another outlet for residents to get involved in influencing policy and public discourse in Boston. One of the Council’s most important duties is to provide a platform for community voice. Codifying the right of free petition will ensure that the City Council is as responsive as possible to the issues facing families across the city.” Council President Wu also gave special thanks to Boston activist and civic leader Jamarhl Crawford for sparking the idea of exploring free petition at the local level in Boston. “This proposal itself is an example of how conversation and partnership with community leads to new ideas,” said Wu. Jamarhl Crawford said, “The Right of Free Petition Ordinance is a simple and logical step to encourage civic participation in all neighborhoods and will provide residents with a voice on issues that affect their quality of life in the City of Boston. My hope is that the residents of Boston will use this new ordinance as a tool to bring their long neglected issues and innovative ideas to the forefront.” The right of free petition is unique to Massachusetts, found in Article XIX of the state constitution and dating back to colonial times. At the Massachusetts State House, the right of free petition guarantees that any citizen may file a bill through his or her state legislator. Several cities and towns have laws codifying free petition at the municipal level in place already, including Chelsea, Lawrence, Winthrop, and Newton. Councilor Wu will formally introduce the proposed ordinance at this week’s City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 1st, and it will be assigned to the Council’s Government Operations Committee to schedule a public hearing.
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