Some news from my old stomping grounds. Today, Kim Janey made Boston history as she was sworn in as Acting Mayor becoming both the first woman and first Africa-American to hold the position.
As President of Boston City Council, Janey landed the post after Marty Walsh submitted his resignation following his confirmation as the new U.S. Secretary of Labor earlier this week. Walsh was well into his second term of his mayoralty and would have likely sought a third term until President Biden saw fit to appoint him to his cabinet.
The question is whether Janey will make her mark on Boston as the likes of Walsh, Tom Menino, Ray Flynn and Kevin White or if she will be but a footnote. Boston voters will be choosing a mayor in November. As of this writing there are seven candidates and it is unclear if Janey will throw her hat into the ring.
Even if Janey does run in November there is no guarantee she will win much less serve in office for 20 years as Menino did when he ran in 1993 after serving as Acting Mayor. Should Janey contest the election three of her opponents will be visible minority women all of whom serve on Boston City Council - Andrea Campbell, Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George. Campbell and Wu are also former Boston City Council Presidents. Massachusetts State Representative Jon Santiago and former Boston Economic Development chief John Barros are also running. So Janey will have her work cut out for her if she presents herself to Boston voters.
Whatever becomes of Janey in November she made history today.
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