Boston Councilors Propose Rule Change In Event Of Mayoral Vacancy

Boston MA

22 March, 2021

5:03 PM

Description

BOSTON — Mayor Marty Walsh's confirmation as Labor Secretary will shake up the City Council's leadership, as president Kim Janey is moving to serve as active mayor. Councilors are introducing a motion at their meeting on Wednesday to amend council rules to separate the powers of the acting mayor and the city council in the event of a mayoral vacancy, such as the one created by Walsh's departure. If the proposal passes, all duties will be assigned to the President Pro Tempore. Matt O'Malley, councilor for District 6, will become the acting City Council President Pro Tempore, according to a letter from Janey included in the docket for the council's meeting on Wednesday. Janey thanked her fellow councilors in her letter, citing her pride at leading the most diverse council to date. "Together, we have made progress on the issues that matter most to the people of Boston — from public education to public health from racial justice to climate justice," Janey says in the letter. "Moving forward, I know we will partner together to lead our City through an equitable recovery, safe reopening and citywide renewal. Together, we will lay the foundation necessary to become the more just, more vibrant, more resilient Boston we dream to be."