The First Female President Of The Boston City Council In 30 Years
Maureen Feeney of Dorchester was elected as the first Boston City Council President in 30 years. This is a historical event because last woman who led the Boston City Council was in 1976 when Louise Day Hicks was President. It is also historical because she actually gained more support from other councilors than incumbent and longtime president Michael Flaherty. It is uncertain how such a blindsiding could have happened. Either it was due to Michael Flaherty’s own ambition or the ambitions of his colleagues getting in the way. Regardless as to how it happened, a lot of people think that it has been way too long since the last woman was in charge.
Of course, it is also known that Maureen Feeney was able to lock up the support of at least 8 of the 13 members currently serving on the Boston City Council. This was enough votes to help her capture the post. This is something that has thrilled Maureen Feeney who is eager to begin formulating an agenda as president.
While this brings Maureen Feeney great happiness, she also knows that she is privileged to work with a lot of wonderful people. What has really encouraged her though is that Michael Flaherty was actually gracious enough to offer to step aside and support her. He even went so far as to encourage Michael P. Ross, Jerry P. McDermott, Robert Consalvo and James M. Kelly to support her instead of him. This meant a great deal to her since his support came only days before the election when a major battle could have occurred instead.
Why This Is An Important Event
Some people may be wondering why this is even a big deal in the first place. Well, it is because of the way in which the political system has been set up in Boston. The system is formed in such a way that if anything should happen to Mayor Tom Menino, then the Boston City Council President Maureen Feeney will then be in charge. Otherwise, the position of Boston City Council President makes a nice jumping point for anyone who wants to become mayor.
The Woman Behind The Name
Maureen Feeney grew up in the Franklin Field projects in Dorchester. She is the daughter of a father who worked as a pipe-fitter and a mother who was a full-time homemaker. Her family consisted of 5 brothers and 1 sister, of whom she is the eldest.
For several years, Maureen Feeney worked in the insurance industry. Then in the 1980s she took a job at City Hall handling constituent services for Councilor James E. Byrne. When Councilor James E. Byrne decided not to run for re-election in 1993, she won his seat. This was her first term on the Boston City Council. Since then she has gone on to win the 4 following elections by an overwhelming majority of voters. For all of the great service that she has provided, she was selected as Woman of the Year in 2000 by Friends for Children. This is a charity that provides mothers and children with social services and directs them to other social service agencies as well. Now this 58-year-old Democrat from Dorchester is the first woman in 30 years to serve as a President on the Boston City Council. This will position her to be able to wield considerable influence over diverse matters such as policing, elections and education.
Previous Achievements
Success is nothing new to Maureen Feeney. She has a proven track record, which includes:
1.In the past Maureen Feeney has chaired the committee on Government Operations, Boston 2004, and University- Community Relations.
2.Maureen Feeney has served as Vice President of the City Council.
3.She has chaired the committee for Housing, the committee for Census & Redistricting in 2002.
4.She was the Vice-Chair for the committee on Ways and Means.
5.Maureen Feeney was a Trustee of the Boston Medical Center.
6.She sits on the board of directors of several organizations including the Daniel Marr Boys and Girls Club and the Bay Cove Human Services.
7.For about 20 years Maureen Feeney served on the Ward 16 Democratic Committee. Through a previous election she came to serve on the executive committee here.
8.She has also created a meals program at the Long Island Shelter.
9.Maureen Feeney is known for organizing annual blood drives throughout the city.
As you can clearly see, Maureen is an experienced leader with a proven track record. She is known for serving her constituents and is acknowledged as an expert when it comes to delivering health care services. Maureen Feeney has also taken a strong stand in protecting the non-profit health care facilities, which serve her constituents.
Major Changes On The Horizon
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.