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From YouTube: Committee on Government Operations on February 11, 2019
Description
Docket #0311, petition for a special law re: An Act Regarding the Terms of Office for City Councillors;
Docket #0312, petition for a special law re: An Act Relative to Election Procedures in the City of Boston; and,
Docket #0313, petition for a special law re: An Act Concerning a Vacancy in the Office of City Councillor-At-Large
A
20:19
we
are
here
today
to
hold
a
hearing
on
the
following
matters:
talk
at
0,
3,
1,
1
order,
sponsoring
a
petition
for
a
special.
Are
we
gaining
and
act
regarding
the
term
of
offices
for
City
Council?
The
petition
seeks
to
make
the
term
of
office
for
district
city,
council
and
city
council
at-large
a
four-year
term.
We
hear
also
discussed
our
kids
0
3
1
to
order
approving
a
petition
for
a
special.
Are
we
getting
an
act
relative
to
an
election
procedures
in
the
city
of
Boston?
A
This
proposal
would
allow
an
individual
only
to
seek
the
nomination
for
one
elective
office
at
the
same
municipal
election.
We're
also
going
to
discuss
dark
at
0
3
1
3
order,
approving
a
petition
for
a
special
order
regarding
an
act
concerning
a
vacancy
in
the
office
of
city
councilor
Lodge.
This
proposal
would
require
a
preliminary
election
if
the
vacancy
occurred
in
office
at
Lodge
after
365
days
under
the
current
law.
There
is
no
election
for
this
office
if
a
vacancy
occurs.
A
Rather,
the
candidate
that
received
the
next
highest
number
of
votes
of
the
defeated
candidates
of
the
Minister
election
would
then
serve
all
three,
our
Home
Rule
petitions
that
were
sponsored
by
our
colleague
and
president
council
Andrea
Campbell.
It
also
should
be
noted
that
these
proposals
were
sponsored
by
Council
Frank
Baker
was
also
the
chair
of
the
Special
Committee
on
China
reform.
Back
in
2016.
At
that
hearing,
we
discussed
the
cost
of
Elections
the
process,
the
turnout
in
fairness
to
voters.
A
The
council
did
pass
an
act
regarding
to
the
terms
of
offices
for
City
Council
and
act
relative
to
election
procedures
in
the
city
Boston
in
new
drafts
with
technical
language
changes,
but
these
petitions
did
not
pass
at
the
State
House.
Hence
the
repr
puzzles
that
have
been
set
forth
by
our
president.
Further.
Since
then,
we've
had
a
few
new
members
to
the
body.
We
thought
it
was
important
to
have
another
hearing.
A
A
Zakim
and
then
council,
the
will
in
that
order.
I
guess
we'll
turn
it
over
to
the
lead
sponsor
for
initial
comments
and
then
we'll
get
right
into
it.
And
then
we
can
have
some
Q&A
from
colleagues
to
our
panel,
and
it
should
note
that,
obviously
we
here
we're
joined
by
Dion
I,
our
issues,
our
election
commissioner
and
also
his
trusted
right
hand
assist
and
mr.
Pema.
So
she
recognizes
council
president
Andre
Campbell
Thank.
B
B
You
know,
as
we
move
forward
as
a
body
on
the
early
voting
petition,
where
there
was
earlier
hearing
and
I
was
proud
to
partner
with
councillors
they
command
Janey,
on
that
this
was
an
opportune
time
to
bring
forth
other
legislation
having
to
do
with
elections
in
election
reform,
as
council
president
have
always
been
passionate,
not
just
about
talking
about
my
district,
in
particular
the
neighborhoods
of
Dorchester
in
Mattapan,
specifically,
but
also
looking
at.
How
do
we
strengthen
the
council
as
institution
understanding
that
we're
not
going
to
change
our
charter
overnight?
B
This
is
a
strong
mayor,
City
I,
understand
that
and
I
get
that
I
get
that
also
via
our
Turner
and
paper
work.
But
there
are
ways
I
think
that
we
can
change
some
of
our
election
procedures
to
allow
for
greater
participation,
increased
Civic
turnout,
save
the
city,
millions
of
dollars
and
strengthen
the
council
as
a
body
including
making
it
more
autonomous,
and
so
that's
what
I
hope
that
these
three
bills
that
we
discussed
today
will
get
at.
B
In
addition
to
the
early
voting
legislation,
I
am
also
going
to,
hopefully,
with
the
support
of
my
colleagues
on
the
council,
push
for
us
to
change
a
rule
that
currently
allows
for
a
candidate
to
run
for
both
mayor
and
the
City
Council.
This
body
passed
it
before,
but
it
was
not
successful
at
the
State
House.
A
second
piece
of
legislation
has
to
do
with
the
terms
of
office
for
the
city
council.
Right
now,
the
council
serves
two
years.
B
We
are
seeing
that
other
municipalities
across
the
country
are
doing
this
and
I
have
been
successful
in
having
a
long
term.
It
also
allows
councillors
to
be
able
to
be
effective
in
their
jobs
right
now.
We
have
a
two-year
term.
So,
if
you're
trying
to
plan
something
of
significance
or
to
move
a
policy
and
policy
initiative,
it
can
be
very
hard.
B
So
we
hope
that
this
will
change
that
and,
lastly,
the
last
piece
of
legislation
that
has
also
been
at
this
body
or
before
this
body
before
under
the
leadership
I
believe
a
council
Malley
who's
sitting
to
my
left
and
in
councillor
Baker
was
aligning
the
vacancy
for
the
at-large
seats
with
the
vacancy
rule
for
the
district
seats.
So
as
a
district
councillor,
if
I
were
to
suddenly
vacate
my
seat,
there'd
be
a
special
election
for
folks
to
run
for
that
seat.
B
Right
now,
currently,
when
there's
a
vacancy
for
the
at-large
seat,
there's
no
special
election,
the
next
top
vote-getter
joins
the
council.
I
think
it's
more
democratic
if
it
were
aligned
to
the
special
election
rules
for
the
district
seat.
It's
a
new,
it's
a
new
dynamic,
then
say
the
previous
election.
You
also
might
get
folks
who
might
be
far
more
interested
in
running
that
sort
of
second
time
around
if
they
had
the
opportunity
to
participate.
So
this
is
also
an
opportunity
to
have
a
conversation
on
that
rule
and,
like
I,
said
at
the
council
meeting.
B
A
Thank
You
councillor
Campbell,
we've
also
been
joined
by
our
colleague
city
councilor,
Kim
Janey,
any
other
colleagues
wishing
to
start
with
a
quick
opening.
I
don't
want
to
get
into
hearing
from
the
commissioner
and
the
Registrar
so
based
on
that
welcome
good
afternoon,
commissioner
I'm
gonna
have
them
in
registrar.
If
you
can
just
maybe
just
stayed
some
of
your
thoughts
and
opinions
on
these
three
we'll
take
them
all.
A
C
C
A
C
You,
okay,
doctor
docket
number
0
3
1
2,
which
is
an
act
relative
to
the
election
procedures
in
the
city
of
Boston,
which
would
essentially
prevent
a
candidate
for
seeking
to
municipal
offices.
At
the
same
time,
that
has
the
potential
of
also
leading
to
cost
savings.
Should
a
candidate
be
successfully
elected
to
to
to
municipal
offices,
there
would
be
a
need
for
a
special
election
could
be
a
citywide
or
district
election,
and
it
could
cost
as
much
as
800,000.
C
C
It
says
that
if
a
vacancy
should
occur
after
365
days,
so
one
question
that
we
had
is
what
would
happen
less
than
365
days
and
the
other
at
the
other
end
of
that
spectrum
is
what
if
a
vacancy
occurred
in
less
than
180
days
prior
to
the
next
regular
election,
would
they
still
need
to
be
a
special
currently
written
when
there
is
a
district
councillor
vacancy
if
their
vacancy
occurs
less
than
180
days
prior
to
the
regular
election?
There
is
no
need
for
a
special
election.
C
D
A
F
F
Thank
You,
commissioner
and
I
would
just
like
to
add.
I
am
interested
in
learning
more
about
these
these
proposals,
but,
as
a
side
note,
I,
know
you're
making
good
progress
on
helping
our
veterans
that
are
overseas
gain
access
to
voting.
Is
there
any
updates
on
on
what
what
the
latest
is
in
terms
of
deployed
veterans,
making
sure
that
their
ballots
are
get
into
their
hands
at
the
right
time?
Any
any
new
information
on
that
one.
C
Thing
I
can
say
that
we're
currently
engaging
in
conversations
with
the
Secretary
of
State's
office.
We
wanted
to
see
what
we
need
to
do
on
the
city
level
to
expand
some
of
the
options
that
are
currently
available
during
state
and
federal
elections
to
our
military
serving
overseas,
and
also
our
overseas
was
the
United
States
citizens.
Obviously,
currently
your
Kaaba
voters
is
the
term
that
we
use
to
refer
to
them.
Is
they
have
options
such
as
emailing
things
to
us
and
also
scanning
things
to
an
imbalance
to
us,
and
that
would
speed
up
the
process.
C
Those
options
are
not
available
for
City
elections,
and
so
we're
looking
to
see
we're
researching
that
we
are
also
monitoring
transiently
in
the
master
city
election
industry.
Recently
in
West
Virginia,
they
used
a
mobile
application.
That
is
seems
to
be
very
secure
and
confidential
and
in
an
efficient
way
and
for
folks
to
cast
a
vote
in
the
military.
C
They
use
it
for
the
first
time
in
a
federal
election
and
there's
a
report
coming
forward
to
explain
how
that
worked
in
and
also
to
give
a
shed
more
light
as
to
how
secure
of
a
process
that
is
so.
Those
are
some
things
that
we're
looking
at
in
terms
of
some
of
the
things
that
were
currently
doing.
Savini
want
to
talk
about
some
of
the
outreach
efforts
that
we
just
recently
discussed
to
get
information
out
to
our
military
yeah.
D
Right
now,
as
military
voters
request,
ballots
be
mailed
to
them
for
municipal
elections,
we
will
send
out
a
blast
email
to
all
those
folks
that
have
supplied
emails
to.
Let
them
know
what
options
they
do
have
if
they
think
that
their
ballot
is
not
gonna
get
back
to
us
in
time,
which
could
be
an
option
of
a
federal
right
in
ballot,
and
they
can
access
that
through
the
federal
website,
but
that's
only
if
they
think
that
their
ballot
will
not
return
to
us
in
time.
So
there
are
some
options
available.
F
You
that's
a
that's
an
important
issue
for
me,
the
opportunity
several
times
to
be
overseas
in
the
in
the
Middle
East
and
in
the
Caribbean,
and
it
was
always
frustrating
to
try
to
get
my
ballot
meal
to
me,
especially
since
we
were
often
moving
in
not
in
one
location.
At
the
same
time.
So
just
whatever
we
can
do
to
make
it
easier
for
deployed
veterans
to
vote,
B
would
be
very
important.
F
I
know
you
are
making
progress
and
I
just
want
to
acknowledge
that
the
other
issue
that
is
important
to
me
is
making
sure
that
those
in
the
disability
community
have
equal
access
to
to
voting
as
well
there
any
voting
locations
in
the
city
that
we
may
just
long
term.
You
know
long-term
planning
that
we
may
have
to
think
about
to
make
sure
it's
always
ad.
A
compliant
or
disability.
C
F
Other
important,
the
other
issue
that
is
important
to
me,
is
making
sure
that
the
absentee
ballot
process
you
know
is
in
languages
other
than
English.
If
requested.
What
is
what
is
the
latest
on
that
or
any
any
updates
on
how
we
can
make
that
process
easier
for
those
in
our
immigrant
community?
Yes,.
C
So
you
know
we
sure
your
concern
in
having
absentee
ballots,
particularly
now
for
regular
elections.
We
have
ballots
available
in
English,
Spanish,
Chinese
and
Vietnamese,
but
that's
the
only
for
Election
Day
for
absentee
for
early
voting.
Those
languages
aren't
available
with,
as
it
relates
to
absentee
we're
concerned
that
someone
who
is
voting
not
at
a
polling
place
where
we
have
folks
who
are
there
to
provide
assistance,
the
more
that
they
can
act
independently.
C
The
so
having
language
other
languages
available,
I
think,
is
very
important
and
that's
a
priority
for
us
for
this
year.
We
we
intend
to
do
what
we
can
to
make
sure
the
municipal
ballot
is
accessible
and
at
least
those
languages
that
I
just
mentioned
and
and
we're
talking
to
the
state
to
see
if
they
could
consider
going
forward
to
making
sure
that's
also
the
same
during
state
run.
Elections
is.
F
C
I'm
sure
there
are
many
other
languages
that
could
be
included,
but
the
ones
that
you
know
we're
required
to
do.
English
Spanish,
based
on
Department
of
Justice
federal
guidelines,
and
we
also
established
local
state
guidelines
that
requires
Chinese
and
Vietnamese
ballots.
So
we'd
like
to
at
least
be
consistent
at
the
polls,
as
well
as
same
with
absentee
ballots
with
those
four
languages.
F
G
G
So,
just
to
be
on
the
record
that
we've
been
here
before
I
think
was
two
years
ago.
I
think
a
huge
majority
of
this
body
voted
unanimously
voted
in
favor
of
the
four-year
term,
not
voting
for
the
not
running
for
two
seats.
At
the
same
time,
I
will
continue
to
support
those
I'm
a
little
agnostic
on
the
fifth
place.
G
A
Make
my
crazy
point
any
concerns
from
the
election
in
terms
of
if,
if
you're
gonna
run
citywide
in
a
special,
it's
22
wards
255
precincts
in
a
very
condensed
period
of
time.
That
would
tell
me
that
it
would
be
technically
this
someone
that
has
existing
name
recognition
or
comes
from
sort
of
a
political
family.
If
you
will,
or
even
someone
that's
held
office
before
probably,
would
have
a
significant
leg
up
on
any
potential
opponents,
because
it's
a
condensed
election
frame
and
you're
running
across
the
city.
A
I,
don't
know
whether
or
not
the
election
department
has
any
thoughts.
Oh,
she
has
any
ideas
on
that,
but
that
sort
of
was
what
would
come
to
come
to
mind
it.
You
would
probably
get
a
lot
of
interest,
but
it
would
most
likely
the
winner
would
be
so
on
that
has
as
a
significant
name,
recognition
and
or
is
held
office.
A
Before
that's
my
sense
and
whether
or
not
that's
the
intent
here
or
not
but
doesn't
seem
to
be
the
point,
it
would
be
more
for
more
participation
and
more
engagement
and
I
think
we
would
probably
step
providing
an
opportunity
for
someone
that
has
high
name
Rick.
But
you
guys
have
better
sense.
Maybe
from
your
vantage
point
and.
C
A
History,
there's
been
any
instances
where
there
was
like
two
vacancies
at
large
in
a
calendar
year
or
a
year
apart,
not
since
the
new
form
I
guess,
but
at
one
point
we
had
at
one
point
for
everyone
at
home,
edification
right
now.
We
currently
have
nine
district
and
four
at
lodge
at
one
point.
The
entire
council
was
that
large
up
until
about
it,
was
1983
1983.
H
A
Based
on
history,
is
there
any
a
situation
prior
to
83,
where
there
was
more
than
one
at
lodge
turnover
and
then
I
guess
what
did
they
do
then,
when
everyone
they
were
all
at-large,
it
would
just
was
revert
to
the
14.
The
1450
than
sixteenth
I,
guess
really
sure.
Is
that
interesting
I'd
like
to
know
that
but
counsel
O'mara
I'm
at
O'malley.
Mr.
I
Chairman,
thank
you,
madam
president,
for
your
leadership
on
these
issues
and
chairman
Flaherty
for
calling
a
quick
hearing.
Obviously
we
are
hopeful
that
we
can
work
quickly
on
these
initiatives
to
complement
some
of
the
great
work
by
Councillor,
Zakim
and
Janney
as
well.
Yeah
I
I
appreciate
some
of
the
concern
that's
been
raised
by
my
colleagues
about
the
cost
associated
with
a
special
election
or
the
fact
that
it
may
indeed
allow
for
a
candidate
I'm
talking
about
docket
number
303
1/3
right
now
that
need
that
a
special
election
may
benefit
a
better
politically
connected
individual.
I
That's
less
of
my
concern
and
I.
Think
history,
particularly
recent
history
in
elections
in
this
city,
has
demonstrated
to
us
that
there
is
an
increased
sense
of
excitement
and
awareness.
We
have
seen
voter
turnout
in
participation
rates
far
exceed
what
many
of
the
prognosticators
thought
was
going
to
happen.
We
also
saw
some
incredible
upsets
of
challengers,
defeating
incumbents
on
this
body,
that
folks,
who
have
left
this
body,
etc.
So
I
think
that
I'm
a
big
proponent
of
Dockett,
what
0,
3,
1
3
I
think
that
elections
cost
money.
I
We
recognize
that,
but
the
fact
that
we
can
have
a
fair,
more
equitable
scenario
in
place
where
there
is
a
vacancy
and
would
allow
for
a
candidate
to
put
his
or
her
name
on
the
ballot
run,
a
campaign
I'll,
be
it
in
a
brief
period
of
time
that
has
been
successful
for
the
districts,
and
there
was
a
time
when
there
was
almost
a
majority
of
district
councillors,
or
there
wasn't
majority
of
district
councillors
who
had
won
their
seats
through
special
elections.
I
may
be
the
last
one
sitting
or
standing
and
it's.
I
It
has
always
been
rather
frustrating
to
me
that
we
seem
to
have
two
different
sets
of
rules
for
city
councillors,
district
councillors.
If
any
of
us
were
to
leave
today,
there
would
be
a
special
election
for
our
seat
if
it
would
be
less
than
180
days
from
the
next
scheduled,
the
election,
the
seat
would
remain
vacant.
I
think
that
rule
should
be
extended
to
the
at-large
as
well.
That's
how
we
figure
it
out,
I,
just
try.
I
You
brought
up
a
point
that,
to
be
candid,
I
hadn't
thought
before
is
that
we
do
elect
for
up
to
four
candidates.
In
a
normal
municipal
election
in
the
at-large
field,
other
cities
have
done
this
and
again
we
can
sort
you
all
can
working
in
concert
with
us
can
sort
of
make
those
determinations
in
those
rules.
I
I
We
have
to
be
careful
not
being
hypocritical,
saying
we
should
have
four
years,
because
we
want
to
save
money
for
tax
payers
when
in
fact
many
of
us
also
support
having
a
special
election
for
a
vacancy
of
the
net
large
candidate
or
councillor.
So
the
better
argument,
in
my
opinion
of
going
to
a
four-year
term,
is
that
it
will
allow
for
more
work
to
get
done
with
less
of
an
onus
on
campaigning
again,
we
can
set
these
terms.
I
We
can
set
these
rules,
it's
a
tough
vote
to
take
because
it
can
be
seen
as
self-serving,
and
we
can-
you
know,
put
language
in
this-
that
it
wouldn't
go
into
effect
until
X
number
of
years
from
now.
So
it's
not
seen
as
a
self-serving
move,
but
I
do
think
that
it
would
be.
This
city
would
be
better
served
by
that
change.
To
be
candid
of
all
the
to
use,
councillor
SEOmoz
line
I
feel
a
little
bit
agnostic
on
docket
312,
which
would
be
the
prohibition
of
a
candidate
running
for
what
more
than
one
seat.
I
I
am
NOT
an
attorney.
Several
of
my
colleagues
are
I,
just
wonder
if
that
could
be
challenged
for
the
constitutionality
constitutionality
of
preventing
someone
from
seeking
more
than
one
office
and
I
also
worry
that
it
would
then
perhaps
prevent
a
any
other
elected
official
from
seeking
any
other
any
other
position
during
the
case
of
his
or
her
term.
I
understand
why
it
was
put
into
place
I'm
old
enough
to
have
lived
through
an
election.
The
only
one
in
recent
history,
where
a
candidate
sought
two
offices
on
the
same
ballot
and
I,
don't
think
I.
I
Think
that
the
voters
were
not
happy
with
that,
and
maybe
that's
a
problem
that
sort
of
takes
care
of
itself
I
don't
need
to
oversimplify
it.
But
that's
that's
an
issue
of
the
three
dockets
before
us
today.
That's
one
that
you
know,
I
do
have
some
additional
questions
about
so
I.
Guess
from
your
perspective
of
commission
registrar,
docket,
three
one
one
really
wouldn't
affect
you
other
than
it
might
make
your
job
a
little
bit
easier
that
there
would
be
fewer
elections,
hopefully
and
I
think
what
hopes
to
come
from
this
is.
I
You
would
have
more
candidates
running
for
office
in
a
for
a
four-year
term
than
perhaps
a
two-year
term.
So
that
might
balance
it
out.
3:12
would
also
not
be
detrimental
if
it
were
to
pass
because
it
conceived
again.
This
isn't
an
issue
that
is
that
prevalent,
but
it's
prevalent
enough
that
it
would
make
it
easier
on
your
colleagues
in
the
elections,
Department
and
then
313
would
obviously
probably
be
the
most
impactful
to
you,
while
just
because
it
wouldn't
assessor
Tate
a
special
election.
I
I
J
Thank
You
mr.
chairman
I
wanna.
Thank
you,
gentlemen.
The
elections
department
for
everything
you've
done
from
implementing
early
voting
to
your
work
with
this
body
to
expand
access,
certainly
was
pleased
about
the
outcome
of
our
hearing
on
the
bill
for
early
voting
that
councilor
Janey
myself
and
a
council
president
proposed
earlier
this
year
and
look
forward
to
working
with
our
colleagues
and
getting
that
done
up
at
the
Statehouse
so
that
we
can
have
it
in
place
as
soon
as
possible.
J
I
appreciate
the
council
presidents,
bringing
these
matters
forward
and
her
efforts
to
I
think
modernize
and
improve
how
this
body
operates
and
how
we
interact
with
other
city
agencies
and
the
public
I
think
as
we
go
through
the
different
dockets
and
I
appreciate
how
Council
of
Mally
sort
of
went
one
by
one
and
I
accounts
assumed,
was
well
discussing
their
feelings
on
it.
I
do
think
for
number
zero.
Three
one
one,
the
four-year
terms
I
do
have
some
hesitancy
on
that.
I.
J
Do
think
that
perhaps-
and
this
would
be
something
for
the
bill-
the
committee
chair-
that
if
something
were
to
move
forward
in
this
front,
putting
in
a
provision
that
there
would
be
was
still
one
further
municipal
election
on
the
two-year
terms
before
the
four
years
go
into
effect.
I
think
that's
something
that
councilor
Valley
may
have
alluded
to,
and
the
issue
of
this
being
something
that
is
not
directly
impacting
the
folks
who
vote
on
that.
J
That's
just
something
I
would
suggest
you
know
as
we're
talking
about
this
and
to
make
sure
that,
in
the
interest
of
good
government
and
transparency,
that
the
people
who
we
are
through,
all
these
efforts
trying
to
make
it
easier
for
them
to
hold
their
elected
officials
accountable,
never
dissipate
in
this
process
that
we're
mindful
of
that
and
I
think
I
think
these
are
good
good
discussions
to
be
having
I
do
for
I.
Think
councilmen
I
think
you
mentioned
this.
Is
that
I?
J
You
know
when
someone's
on
the
ballot
for
two
offices,
the
voters
maybe
sometimes
take
care
of
that
problem
themselves.
It's
certainly
something
worth
discussing
and
I
think
in
general,
when
we're
talking
about
election
modernization,
access
for
everyone
in
the
city
and
to
councillor
Flynn's
continued
points
about
access
for
folks
with
disabilities
for
people
in
the
Armed
Forces
who
are
serving
overseas.
J
That's
I
think
of
paramount
concern
to
me,
as
chair
of
our
Civil
Rights
Committee,
that
everyone
is
having
access,
so
that's
the
lens
to
which
I'm
viewing
all
of
these
proposals
and
I
look
forward
to
continuing
discussions
with
you
all
on
the
mechanics.
It
sounds
like
mechanically
speaking.
These
are
all
very
doable
for
the
elections.
Department,
it's
a
question
of.
J
What's
the
best
policy
for
the
city
of
Boston,
our
voters,
as
well
as
what
we're
going
to
be
doing
up
at
the
Statehouse,
so
I
look
forward
to
continuing
these
conversations,
but
these
are
big
decisions
to
make
and
how
we
govern
ourselves
and
how
we
govern
the
city.
I
don't
want
to
be
mindful
of
that.
So
thank
you.
Mr.
chairman.
Thank.
H
H
That
I
completely
agree
with
the
intention
behind
trying
to
make
sure
that
we're
being
extremely
responsible
about
city
funding
and
the
costs
associated
with
elections
and
and
running,
and
to
recognize
that
the
higher
the
voter
turnout,
the
more
meaningful
feedback
there
is
I,
do
want
to
just
say
that
I
have
concerns
with
all
three
dockets
and
feel
my
concern
is
that
the
each
of
these
in
some
ways
gets
closer
to
restricting
ballot
access,
then
expanding
it,
and
particularly
now.
In
this
moment
we
should
be
doing
everything
to
take
down
barriers
for
participation.
H
So
just
going
one
by
one
and
I
think
some
of
this
is
just
the
difference
between
thinking
about
in
principle
and
philosophically
you
know
what
should
happen
versus
in
reality,
kind
of
what
the
the
actual
mechanisms
are
and
what
individual
experiences
are.
So
I'll
just
go
through
one
by
one,
so
for
docket,
0,
3,
1
1
about
the
two-year
term
versus
a
four-year
term,
I
again
understand
where
the
proponents
are
coming
from
in
costs
and
in
giving
more
time.
H
But
the
reality
is
that
unless
there
is
campaign
finance
reform,
this
will
mean
that
incumbents
have
more
time
to
build
up
war
chests,
and
it
will
be
more
difficult
for
newcomers
to
try
to
raise
the
amount
of
money
needed
to
compete
and
potentially
run
for
office
again
against
an
incumbent,
so
absent
campaign
finance
reform.
I
would
I
would
not
be
able
to
support
that
one.
The
second
one
I
think
I
feel
the
least
strongly
about
is
similar
to
councillor
Malley.
H
It's
you
know
in
some
ways
it's
a
statement
to
the
voters
about
about
your
intention,
but
at
the
same
time
I
would
especially
in
this
moment
err
on
the
side
of
just
letting
people
make
their
choices
and
then
and
then
putting
that
up
for
a
vote
and
then
finally
zero.
Three
one
three.
So
this
the
special
election
for
at-large
I
mean
I,
think
councilor
flirty,
and
maybe
this
is
just
our
our
experiences
right
coloring
this
versus
district
councillors.
It
is,
it
is
incredibly
intense
to
run
a
citywide
election
and
I.
H
Do
worry
that
if
there
were
a
period,
if
it
were
a
special
election
in
the
same
time,
frames
I
I,
don't
know
how
someone
could
kind
of
emerge
without
any
prior
infrastructure
and
therefore
it
would
favor
those
who
either
came
in
fifth
place
to
begin
with,
or
have
some
other
connections
or
or
a
political
influence.
And
so
in
some
ways.
My
my
thinking
is
that
the
current
system
makes
it
such
that
running
for
office.
H
So
I
agree
with
the
intention
behind
trying
to
kind
of
streamline
and
strengthen
the
council,
but
I
just
think
we
should
air
it
entirely
on
the
side
of
opening
up
the
ballot
at
this
point
and
and
bringing
in
new
voices
and
not
at
all
anything
that
would
potentially
strengthen
incumbency
over
potential
challengers.
Thank
you
very
much.
B
Thank
you
and
thank
you
to
all
my
colleagues
for
weighing
in
you
know,
I,
just
with
respect
to
respectfully
counselor
Wu.
We
agree
agree
to
disagree
in
terms
of
the
reality
piece.
I
think
whether
it's
looking
at
my
race
in
particular
and
challenging
a
32
year
incumbent
or
some
comments
from
some
colleagues
who
aren't
present
here
at
the
council
meeting
around.
B
The
difficulty
in
incumbency,
whether
it's
a
two-year
term
or
four-year
term,
it's
hard
all
around
and
frankly
I
think
I
think
it
was
councillor
McCarthy
that
spoke
to
this
too,
which
is
if
people
have
more
time
to
gear
up
and
to
really
think
about
running
for
the
council.
They
have
more
time
to
do
that.
It's
so
I
think
it's
just
a
difference
on
how
that
reality
actually
shows
up.
B
I
also
think
it's
extremely
important
not
only
to
save
money
for
the
city
with
respect
to
these
elections,
when
we
know
the
turnout
is
not
going
to
change
anytime
soon,
I'm
in
d4
I,
you
know
worked
really
hard
to
make
sure
that
that
turnout
was
high.
You
do
the
same
thing,
so
all
the
colleagues
on
the
council,
but
for
me
it's
about
saving
money
and
it's
about
aligning
with
the
current
system,
and
so
all
these
bills
are
about
alignment.
B
So,
if
we
have
a
mayor,
that's
four
years:
I
want
us
to
be
aligned
because
I
think
that
allows
the
council
and
his
members
to
get
more
things
done
as
an
institution.
I
also
think
that
alignment
allows
us
to
be
more
effective
in
the
work,
so
we
have
one
year,
but
that
other
year
really
is
spent
working
and
campaigning
at
the
same
time,
which
is
incredibly
challenging.
B
So
the
reality
is
I
think
within
with
respect
to
the
work,
it's
really
difficult
to
to
move
substantive
impactful
change
and
to
follow
an
ordinance
that
we
passed
and
make
sure
it
is
actually
implemented
the
way
we
want
if
you're
running
every
other
year,
so
I
think
with
respect
to
my
colleagues
on
some
of
this
were
gonna
agree
to
disagree,
but
I
appreciate
the
voice
of
everyone
here.
I
think
one
of
the
few
questions
I
had
with
respect
to
some
of
the
points
that
you
made,
commissioner,
with
respect
to
docket
zero
zero.
B
Three
one:
three:
you
know
the
whole
goal
is
to
align
it
with
the
district
seat
rule,
and
so,
if
we
have
to
make
adjustments
on
the
180
days,
365
more
than
willing
to
do
that,
it's
truly
to
create
alignment
with
respect
to
any
vacancy
and
that
the
process
show
up
the
same
way
with
respect
to
at-large
in
the
district
seat.
I'm
just
curious.
How
many,
when
has
this
rule
sort
of
been
triggered?
B
When
is
this
sort
of
gone
in
effect
and
I'm
also
open
to
this
idea?
If
we
sort
of
change
something
and
we're
seeing
that
you
know
what
this
is
disastrous,
that
maybe
we
need
to
revisit
I
mean
we
do
that
quite
a
bit
with
with
a
lot
of
legislation,
frankly
around
here,
to
remain
open-minded
and
to
try
something
else.
But
I've
heard
at
least
that
it
is
more
democratic
to
align
these
processes
to
allow
more
folks
to
participate
in
a
greater
way.
I
D
I
Then
the
one
prior
to
that
was
probably
mr.
Murphy
when
I
Anela
moved
it
was
Murphy
and
before
that
it
was
if
I
may.
Mr.
chairman,
it
was
when
Christopher
I
and
Ella
died.
Bruce
bowling
was
the
fifth
place
finisher
and
at
large
he
was
a
district.
Councillor
ran
at
large,
came
in
fifth
place
and
then
ascended.
A
A
E
E
E
H
B
I
I
One
of
the
reasons
why
I
support
docket
0,
3,
1
3
so
strongly
is
because
it
will
make
sure
that
a
candidate
receives
a
majority
of
the
vote,
which
isn't
the
case
right
now
and
just
finally
I
appreciate
again
I
think
there
was
some
really
good
feedback.
I
like
and
respect
all
my
colleagues
immensely
and
appreciate
they've.
Given
me
a
lot
to
think
about,
I
would
just
push
back
on
the
notion
that
a
special
election
would
somehow
restrict
voter
access
or
participation
access
when
that
seems
rather
counterintuitive.
I
What
we're
trying
to
do
here
I
would
argue
that
the
current
system
actually
restricts
voter
access,
because
you've
got
individuals
and
I
say
this.
As
someone
who
unsuccessfully
ran
for
City
Council
at-large
before
I
was
elected
to
the
district
seat,
so
I
have
some
understanding
of
the
the
awesome
task.
I
It
is
to
run
citywide,
but
the
current
system
does
not
allow
for
the
same
level
of
of
direct
representation
that
we're
talking
about
in
this
reform
here
and
if
we
were
to
say
well,
it
would
benefit
a
special
election
would
benefit
someone
with
name
recognition
or
the
ability
to
raise
money.
Well,
I
would
argue
that
any
running
at
large
and
any
campaign.
That
is
true,
and
it
is
certainly
up
to
the
individual.
To
make
that
case.
I
We
have
seen
example,
after
example,
of
candidates
who
didn't
raise
as
much
money
weren't
as
well-known,
often
times
challenging
incumbents
when
successfully
so
again,
I
just
I
take
take
a
little
bit
of
issue
with
folks
saying
that
establishing
a
special
election
which
would
guarantee
a
candidate
would
get
a
majority
of
the
vote
because
of
the
system
that
we
have
with
the
preliminary
and
then
a
final
somehow
restricts
voter
access.
That's
not
the
case.
Finally,
I
understand
it's
a
it's
a
shorter
period
of
time.
I
A
All
right,
seeing
no
additional
thoughts
and
comments
from
my
colleagues
I
know
that
we
had
invited
some
folks
to
offer
some
testimony
ian
key
from
policy
director
and
communications
manager
for
mass
vote
and
also
beth
wong
director
of
mass
voter
table,
probably
just
to
make
it
easy.
If
you
wanted
to
come
right
down
to
that
podium
there,
and
you
could
offer
public
testimony
if
you
want,
if
that
makes
it
easier
and
welcome
to
the
boston
city,
council
and
good
afternoon,
state
your
name
and
affiliation
for
the
record.
Even
though
I
just
did.
K
Wrong
and
I'm
the
director
of
the
Massachusetts
voter
table.
Thank
you
so
much
for
inviting
me
to
speak.
The
Massachusetts
voter
table
is
a
coalition
of
community
organizations,
some
of
which
you
may
be
familiar
with
that
fights
for
resources
and
representation
for
communities
of
color,
working-class
working
families,
low-income
people
of
all
ages.
We
seek
to
increase
Civic
access,
engagement
and
representation
towards
achieving
a
multiracial
democracy
by
civic
access.
I
mean
anyone
who
wants
to
vote
can
vote.
Civic
engagement
is
everyone
who
wants
to
vote
should
or
everyone
who
can
vote
should
vote
in
civic
representation.
K
We
work
with
community
organizations
to
increase
civic
engagement
in
every
single
election
from
the
preliminary
election
in
off-off
years
to
the
presidential
elections,
14
of
our
17
coalition
members
have
some
kind
of
membership
or
based
in
the
City
of
Boston.
In
2018,
our
coalition
members
contact
it's
over
17,000
voters
and
and
nearly
13,000
of
those
turned
out
to
vote,
which
is
a
seventy
three
point:
five
percent,
the
voter
participant
voter
participation
rate,
which
is
13
points
higher
than
the
statewide
average.
We
target
voters
who
campaigns
typically
do
not
reach.
K
K
This
is
a
small
tweak
in
the
timing
of
elections
that
will
allow
more
people
to
participate,
because
it's
part
of
the
habit
of
voting
and
I
do
agree
that
these
races
are
likely
to
become
more
expensive,
which
is
why
we
need
to
advocate
for
increased
for
more
expansive
reforms
like
such
as
the
voucher
system
for
public
financing.
That
Seattle
has
and
then
second
I'm.
K
K
I
think
when
I
think
of
the
issue
with
low
turnout
in
special
elections,
I
think
a
lot
of
the
problem
is
that
people
don't
know
if
they
live
in
the
district
and
so
when
in
an
at-large
election,
it's
obvious.
If
you
live
in
the
district,
are
you
a
resident
of
the
city
of
Boston?
Yes,
then,
you
can
vote
in
the
special
election.
K
I
think
that
the
issues
with
turnout
are
a
little
bit
different
with
the
special
elections
were
at
large,
since
it's
so
obvious
whether
people
live
in
the
city
or
not,
whereas
it's
really
not
obvious.
If
someone
lives
in
a
specific
district,
and
so
that's
why
I
think
that
a
special
election,
especially
if,
if
there's
a
four
year
city
council
term
special
elections,
offer
a
more
democratic
pathway
to
electing
the
next
at-large
city,
councilor
and
then
I
definitely
hear
the
points
about
people
with
greater
infrastructure
are
likely
to
be
elected
in
an
at-large
race.
K
That's
why
I
think
and
considering
how
crowded
the
field
is
for
the
at-large
election
for
later
this
year?
That's
why
I
think
that
we
need
to
again
look
towards
more
expansive
voting
reforms
like
rank
choice
voting,
since
there
will
be
so
many
people
who
I
think
would
vie
for
that,
one
one
or
maybe
two
at-large
positions
so
and
then.
K
Finally,
we
support
enact
relative
to
election
procedures
in
the
City
of
Boston
as
another
common-sense
reform,
since
we
believe
that
leaders
should
commit
to
one
type
one
role,
instead
of
finding
ways
to
play
a
game
of
getting
many
roles,
and
so
we
are
broadly
supportive
of
all
three
measures
and
really
think
Council
President
cam,
and
for
taking
for
advancing
these
civic
access
and
engagement
reforms.
We
do
think
that
these
are
important
steps
and
we
need
to
take
a
look
at
other
ways
to
broaden
civic
access
and
engagement.
B
Just
want
to
say
best
thank
you
and
thank
you
for
the
work
you're
doing
and
thank
you
for
being
here
today
and
agree
with
you
around
some
of
the
other
reforms
that
may
be
outside
of
our
authority
that
we
will
work
with
you
and
many
other
organizations
on
and
will,
of
course,
continue.
The
conversation
in
partnership
with
folks
here,
including
counsel
Rulon
we
precinct
and
all
those
things
too,
which
would
be
a
separate
hearing
related
to
something
we
filed
as
well.
So
thank
you
very
much.
Okay,
Thank
You.
L
Thank
you,
I
know.
Most
of
you
guys
are
looking
for
Cheryl
Crawford,
but
you
get
me
so
yeah,
another
Irish,
another
Irish,
kid
sorry,
but
anyway,
mass
vote
as
you
most,
as
most
of
you
know,
works
from
a
culture
of
active
political
participation
by
providing
civic
organizations
the
tools
they
need
to
organize
register
and
educate
our
voters
with
an
emphasis
on
historically
disenfranchised
communities.
Mass
vote
builds
civic
coalitions
to
advocate
for
democratic
reforms
that
make
the
electoral
process
more
accountable
and
accessible
for
all
people.
L
As
such,
we
proudly
support
the
following
resolutions
recommended
by
council
council
president
campbell
the
four-year
terms
I'm
just
going
to
read
this
prepared
statement
in
order
for
our
elected
officials
to
properly
operate.
We
must
give
them
an
appropriate
timeframe
to
do
so.
For
too
long,
and
too
often
we
see
public
officials
having
to
campaign
for
half
their
time
instead
of
being
able
to
be
fully
immersed
in
their
elected
duties,
to
create,
regulate
and
innovate
policy
that
potentially
could
be
beneficial
to
our
city
and
its
future.
This
is
no
side
gig.
L
As
a
former
intern
with
council
watt,
Matina
I
understand
that
this
position
of
a
councillor
is
a
nuts-and-bolts
type
and
that
councillors
job
description
can
be
ever
so
broad.
We
require
full-time
city
councilors,
and
we
need
them
to
be
able
to
focus
on
the
job
at
hand.
Our
counselors
need
time
just
like
anyone
to
operate,
prepare
and
be
informed
and
be
able
to
act
without
worrying
and
about
fundraising
for
their
campaign
chests.
L
At
the
time
major
cities
such
as
Indianapolis
Nashville,
Denver,
Seattle,
Washington,
DC,
Columbus,
Ohio
and
even
New
York
City
asterisks
have
councillors,
serve
four-year
terms
and
recognize
this
fact
mid
term
municipal
elections
create
confusion
for
voters
and
bring
with
it
an
unfortunate
history
of
low
voter
turnout.
When
not
coinciding
with
the
mayor's
term.
Lengths
Boston
has
experienced
a
dismal
voter
turnout
in
the
municipal
midterms
in
2011.
The
city
had
not
even
one
fifth
input
from
its
registered
voters
and
in
2015
not
even
one
six
of
them
casted
a
ballot.
It
is
more
than
likely.
L
We
will
discover
even
lower
numbers
this
year,
with
nearly
the
same
operating
costs
as
well.
Voting
should
be
simple
and
councilors
should
be
able
to
hone
in
on
their
duties
to
their
constituencies
in
regards
to
special
elections.
Oh
three,
oh
one,
three
just
like
most,
if
not
all
vacancies,
we
have
special
elections,
whether
it's
at
the
federal
level
or
state
level.
We
respect
a
citizen's
input
on
open
seats
and
should
extend
this
right
to
the
local
level,
especially
in
regards
to
the
at-large
position.
L
Citizens
of
Boston
in
all
other
municipalities
and
towns
deserve
the
ability,
just
as
they
do
at
the
state
and
federal
levels
to
choose
their
voices
at
City.
Hall
special
elections
should
include
all
options
and
not
be
limited
to
an
archaic
mechanism
that
denies
our
democratic
process
in
regards
for
running
for
multiple
offices
at
once.
Elected
office
is
a
sacred
privilege
and
should
be
treated
as
such.
L
B
L
New
York
is
a
very
complicated
system,
as
you
guys
probably
know
they
have
a
Public
Advocate
and
they
have
a
counselor
system,
a
lot
of
seats,
a
lot
of
different
there's
different
methods,
obviously
for
voting
I'm,
not
sure
of
the
specifics
by
know,
there's
a
little
bit
of
difference,
but
between
our
council
a
lot
of
difference
between
our
council
and
theirs.
We.
I
L
Immigrants,
my
hometown,
is
actually
Indianapolis,
they
have
four-year
terms
and
we've
actually
seen
participation
in
those
elections
increase.
Obviously,
just
because
people
understand
that
for
your
term
there's
a
lot
of
things
to
do-
and
this
is
that's
a
part-time
council
yeah.
So
just
so
you
know.
B
A
Obviously,
I
appreciate
you
at
time,
and
attention
to
this
to
these
matters,
I
should
say:
darken
zero,
three
one,
one
zero
three
one:
two
and
0
1
0
3,
1
3.
So
as
minnici
will
speak
to
the
league
sponsors
and
try
to
that
committee
report
back
and
I
know
that
there's
a
sort
of
election
package,
if
you
will
awaiting
waiting
to
be
sent
up
to
2,
you
know
so
we'll
see
what
if
any
of
these
are
all
these
can
be
included
in
the
near
future.