10/27/09 Pt 2 of Mayor Tom Menino's Debate with Opponent Michael Flaherty

" And -- 969 Boston talks live from Daniel law appears mayor Thomas Menino and city councilor Michael Flaherty for Boston's mayoral forum."

" Store video third round the -- course some sort -- permanent -- mark. My bet."

" Like Michael said. Results from elementary and middle schools. -- returns and rehabilitation. Are summarized schools. The Jeremiah -- high school. And roll hall. We just spent 37 million all that's cool. New library new communities. In the renovation that school. That's when -- first community learning options were driving back to memorize those schools libraries. Victories have all one place for continuity in the education that's what I'm talking about was spent. So -- when -- rehabilitation of school. Are they gonna -- now it that was. Jeremiah Burke high school McDermott -- the virtual and out of hand how much might be spent on rehabilitate it goes all the ultimate goal. But the good villains. -- the best schools in Boston the destruction physical structure -- pressure today and they have been a lot of years. Let's not just about the physical structure -- vocal on of those classrooms. -- books most classrooms have technology those -- from their cages ready to teach every day of those classrooms that's what education don't vote. Now city. As I mentioned about. No we have -- appointments with the issue. And when -- examples so when people say underperforming. Not just Boston has brought statewide as a problem not a necessity whereas probably all have a as we go forward this issue of education I'm proud to work and so every 5% of my kids who want to college. The issues they stand college what found they can -- college so what I did grant program success Boston. We're work for the kids who graduate my schools and a program -- we track those kids as Iran college today hit a track all you around. That's up one feature for us mr. my Iraq has been dropping out I recognize that -- you'll mayor of the country. Which they'll fall one cent and response -- the protocol."

" The longer you're applaud the less -- This is the third and final round of questions Michelle McPhee show roker asked the first and last question. And this round the first response. We'll come from Germany you know and then from councilor Michael clarity."

" And I -- you. And it permission of the development. A a level or biological laboratory was approved in one of the most densely populated areas of the city. Even apartment and admitted that -- if not equally protected from that and terrorist attack do you thing. Like you still think the -- of the laboratory in that -- is the best idea. Would you be willing to consider an alternative site. One that does not densely populated and if not. What acting in assurances what you demand of the federal agency in the developer to be put in place to protect the residents. That immediate area in that. EM I will act and again the question but not formulated by the journal it. What agency of the city we'll have over that of this facility in will it be public."

" All of you board established to address concerns. -- the front prepared. The public health commissioner of the board that will oversee. Via. The bio lab and on all the entry. And they will be -- there is important. Point to right now oversee the development and -- oversight and safety of that board that bio lab a lot of open. And telling meets all requirements. Of the public health mission we are most stringent regulations in place to date. The bio lab went all the entries we put about this. But about this level four lab and it's an on television with an outlet to charger. It's -- college campus. -- part of that level or -- out on a Cambridge campus it was dangerous. I doubt it. -- will work on making sure the city also we have some of the toughest regulations. In the country right you don't want on a level for a level three -- and actually -- 2000. But my legislation. Work on public health mission make sure we had restrictions employees aren't all those laughed nervously -- judgment -- we -- do."

" Thank you."

" Boston is home to work over 5000 labs. An awful lot of folks are aware that so when the level for a vial that came forward before the City Council is actually sold in Kansas City Council into the public. As being safe. As a submarine. Any balls. Think about that as safe as a submarine and a ball. And given that we had 5000 labs I was wont to say yeah right that's this is something that maybe could put Boston on the map with respect for life sciences. My opinion has changed. I think he's in change and number of fronts of the two previous year the other recent they had within the mechanical systems. And independent study that came back. That day in court so that it was a big decision was arbitrary capricious. And also hope of all things. We don't have a comprehensive evacuation plan. Administration says they have one what good is it if it's not in the hands of the people who need it the most -- to the people from the South Bend in Jamaica Plain and lower rock's great. My advice to them if we have a to have a level four and we don't distribute this critical information it's a run towards the lap. Not to run over against the -- you oftentimes see signs that are actually pointing at each other. But really the telltale signs. Of all things was a snowstorm. A snowstorm a couple winters ago brought Boston to its needs. Cripple commerce. Children didn't get home to their parents -- the Boston Public Schools until after 11 o'clock at night and all things we couldn't handle snow. And I said god forbid if something happens whether it was an act of terror or an accident. What would happen how would people be able to get out. Safely in effect that we could even handle a snowstorm and I think Boston knows no to a known snow for a long time. That it's kind of put the brakes on and of course it's not -- please and so we would need to have. The city department that would be needing to monitor that. But most importantly that the -- is particularly need to be respected. They recognize that they weren't respected throughout the process again the cake was state. The decision was made before the community actually their chance to weigh in. It's not a good location it's time to retrofit that building where 90% of the original plan. Was to not house global war in May do we build a school in a -- we put people to work in another fashion but not to -- level will violent thank you."

" Thank you the second question -- last sexually harassed by Kelly crosswind the first response from councilor mark of clarity and then Mayor Menino."

" Back to education but -- spend 100 million each year to bus students far from their homes. What changes in the school assignment and transportation system would you make. To achieve savings. And maintaining educational equity and equality."

" The reason the assignment plan is such as because we don't have enough quality schools throughout all of our neighborhoods the first issues we need to. -- deal with the quality and improve quality education. The second issue is -- test a little earlier is a performance review in cities that to eliminate wasteful spending. We're actually educating 5000 less kids today. There we were ten years ago transport I should say we're transporting 5000 list it's an eight were ten years ago with only five fewer buses to show for. So when you see the busses coming three neighborhood with 346 children on it and you sort of say why why -- a colossal waste of resources you -- is a colossal waste of resources. That's a management issue. The the innovation in the technologies in the computer software is fit. To restore sanity to the way that we transport children to to a school. So -- were able to actually address quality and we're able to move off of the 5050 will recognize a huge savings. You are correct we're spending almost eighty million dollars a year in school transportation. That's eighty million dollars it's going to fuel tanks. Brake pads which you wiper fluid etc. maintenance and written here that should be going into the classroom. The smaller class size extended school day MCAS -- SAT prep. How about school sports and the role the school's sports plays in keeping kids in school often drives and out of game. They'll be great great use of resources we are on pace to be in a hundred million dollars probably -- sake. Two to three years from now. -- spiraled out of control might join the City Council and was one and in 2000 I tell what fiscal year 01. Was around 42 to 45 million dollars. Granted we need to make sure we're transporting special -- students that's obviously given. But we obviously haven't -- a practice of how we're gonna transport kids because it is a colossal way. Some as a resource is very precious resources that are around the deserved in the classroom teaching and learning. -- impairment you don't."

" The -- transportation issues are very complex issue. We think about -- Sara -- having three million dollars. On transportation. Are about budget is spent. The special needs kids. A parochial school it's."

" Americans -- make her kids but broke. China schools kids should take I that budget. And that's why I wanna bring all our schools -- the choice schools -- parents have the opportunity to send their kids through school near their home. So what that charge and nutritionally got a grant I think about senator without -- this whole issue of transportation that's it it's very complex. 'cause the other schools that we -- also for the same school buses in this city of Boston. Until we get every school. There's choice schools. When I get yeah okay. That's why I is -- have a plan that I believe will work attract the mayors throughout the Cromwell. A -- with those goals. -- with us on this issue as -- up there. Move those underperforming schools up the choice school -- so you protect your chance to -- underperforming schools have one apartments schools okay. Now I know I -- we haven't watched them. And -- the means. Not -- and apartments schools groups like people. And with the real issues. I'll remove the schools -- forward I'm proud of the progress from me in Boston we got product huge weekend. But just think about we take every -- we don't discriminate against its. Some of those schools discriminate groups don't take every kid into the classroom they don't dump kids and implement it into our system and went. June -- they -- we have a 100% graduation rate well because it's not the Boston Public Schools. Let's get real about this issue is when it gets. It's about the future but if you can work together to improve our schools system."

" The third course and a new third round us from David version the first responses from Mayor Menino and and from a counselor clarity."

" I've mister mayor. There's a question about housing. The Boston has lost more than 1700 Hud apartments to market conversions. And 8000 more are at risk today including more than 1200 apartments. At Georgetown and -- estates in Hyde Park where you're from. What legislation or measures to use port to regret to address Boston's expiring use housing situation."

" Thank you Michael -- that question I appreciate it. Let me just say that them iPod legislation. That try to preserve those units. During my you have the in the way wanted true we're preserve 9500 units of housing honestly Boston. I'm working with. Congressman. Frank. Congressman Lynch. And also trying to get the legislation changed now Washington and how we preserve those units for the people who occupy those joins us any. I've in the forefront my own publication -- the state house applaud the speaker. I thought the Senate president trying to move that legislation forward and I lived in Georgetown one time I know those people how -- got. -- one of support them. But the hardworking individuals. We have to support them in the air president units they have a good one I think we'll continue our military task force to restart on the -- in the next couple weeks again. I wanna work with them -- delivering quality and us and."

" Thank you. As mayor -- and -- I intend to fight to keep Nike people in their homes. I'll continue to do the things -- done on the city councilor exporters. It supporting expiring is legislation. And joining Michael Cain and his organization and city life out here in front of people's homes. Fighting again to keep people in -- bring awareness. To this very critical issues so. In my great -- lived in high point village I've stood with the folks of high -- village. Also stood with the folks at lake estates. And other expiring use buildings across the city of Boston. Now one thing I think we need to do is put pressure not only in the federal government who finds it very convenient to bail out CEOs in tycoons. And corporate America. But they're not so quick to bailout that people will losing their homes. People losing their homes because of lost their job because they're in a predatory loan and I have lost their entire life savings and pension. And so being sensitive to those issues but also using our strength as a city for a pretty big depository. To 2.4 billion dollar budget but banks would like to do business. With the city of Boston. And asking banks to step up to the plate. And efforts to renegotiate loans like the woman I had met yes they actually on Sunday. Who -- bought a piece of property of for 509000. Dollars properties now worth 280000. Dollars. Okay and that she's lost her job. She went to her bank renegotiated alone -- very interest only for seven years. She's a single mom what do you say -- that. We need a knock on the doors of these banks to make who were fighting to keep people in their homes not only X support the expiring use legislation. But also support S -- keep people -- but. And nothing nothing hurts the situation mall when a person actually the Stanley -- the amount of out of their house and become homeless we most if we can do better we should be using more about political influence. Using a depository capital in leaning on the banks that call Boston their home to step up to the plate here and help us renegotiate loans to keep people. In their properties thank you."

" But the final question these two minute rounds we ask -- show McPhee and the first responded this councilor Michael clarity."

" Well this question pertains to cry from the city of -- and much attention. Has been giving to -- violence in the city of Boston however recent possibly statistics show. That's domestic violence. Incidents continue to make up approximately 10%. Of all violent crime statistics and man what deputy take to further reduce incidents of domestic."

" Well understood that I had a front row seat. A former prosecutors insisted -- attorney. Was assigned to Iraq's -- East Boston and Charlestown district courts and this is an issue that was was very prevalent back when I was in the DA's office. -- all along this campaign is statistics don't tell the whole story. Talking to people -- living the experience. Like mothers of lost a child to gunfire but the mother that I met yesterday that said that her child fifteen years old student at -- a good student. And -- says mama don't feel safe in my neighborhood. I'm I have to -- crew I have to be part of an organization a game to get to and from school and get to a from a football practice safely. That's how is that there's a problem all it. With respect to domestic violence why those stats are not accurate because particularly with domestic violence. A lot of unreported. Crime happens. Particularly the immigrant community with a not so quick to dial 911 from a myriad of issues so the 10% figure that you have I would say that that is much bigger than that. Clearly education. Not just for the court system when someone gets arrested and arraigned and go to the -- in a victim witness advocate and putting in -- back together. I think will be huge resource here with our community health centers. They have great community health centers. On the front lines servicing some of our most -- residents and oftentimes they see things. Before they actually happen. Empowering community health and just giving them."

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" 730 to 969 Boston Sox were in the middle of the the mayoral debate the final mayoral big debate tonight at this annual hall marketplace. The panel including. -- Michelle McPhee asked in the question moderated by Charles Ogletree who haven't. With technical difficulties solo please bear witness is the Boston may -- debate the final one before next Tuesday's election. And you're listening to right here on 969 Boston talks might take Morse. At the conclusion will take your calls will take your emails -- 969 WTKK dot com is the email let's get. Back to the debate live from the annual hall. Gonna take a break 6178221969. Pound 969 free called back in a moment on 969 Boston talks."

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" Dot com commercial -- six to turn -- since nine Boston saw. 969 WTKK bust and -- 736 let's go back to -- annual hall marketplace for the final mayoral debate tonight. Boston Mayor Tom Menino facing off against the challenger Michael clarity."

" they come -- the City Hall work with us. Help reduce their real estate taxes at City Hall I think it's a very important feature we have an -- government out of we have many programs. To help seniors. Have a place to live. Nutrition program to pass went to recall 40000 -- just see what services they need. As John Merrick continue to service those individuals through them opportunity. The opportunity right -- the taxes is one of those opportunities we have nationally. Counselor to."

" They Cuba first thing I'll do as near Boston as Alexi reach out to well all of the commission is. Of by the elderly commission both the past and present ask them what are we doing well. It would we not doing well. And I'll reach out to all the senior advocate agencies -- the same question what are we doing well what do we not doing well. And I'll surveyed our seniors and saying what are we doing well. How can we do a better job representing your interest here at City Hall. I think by doing that one you're opening up the door to final all the myriad of issues. That impacts. -- the baby boomers in their parents. -- parent to a raising their own grandchildren. Clearly minutes serving time and that's not something I support -- is capable. They ought to be I think they out of be able staying in and the job with the exception of the office of mayor of Boston. But -- that age discrimination and particularly during this down economy. I think a lot of people have taken an unnecessary elbow. Under the auspices of a down economy -- things -- kind of -- we can't. I'm not so so I'm not to show the a lot of that wasn't fabricated. In an effort to sort of move people out. Slot or or a job so seniors will have a great advocate my parents -- seniors and I like going on another for Sunday night dinner."

" Are at the next of course you don't. It is common wisdom or at least it had been for the past 100 years -- The people generally work harder and perform better when they're working in their own best interest that is true they live. Which is -- Boston had a residency plan for city workers. But over the past years this concept has been rewarded in many of the city's most coveted positions and jobs have been -- know given away to suburbs. After only ten years of employment under the existing residency weren't as mayor or will you restore the city of Boston's residency ordinance. Tour's original intention under law. Will you guarantee that there'll be opportunity for Boston residents to take advantage of the economic benefits of being a city implored."

" Is I support the residents who climb into a mall Boston. Get real parochial hip wanna raise the city educated here in the city and recognize. That that C workers do phenomenal work. They also add tremendous value to all the neighborhoods of our city. Right now what's the problem is that it's a collectively -- issue that is unevenly distributed throughout the different bargaining units -- we ought to have -- Boston is one rule. That's fairly applied to everybody. The way it works now is if you -- the city petunias are allowed to after certain date are allowed to what to leave the city of Boston. But that core issue is why people leave Boston as -- a fight to make sure the people wanna stay. Will that fix the schools would have high expectations act as an -- colleges and universities -- neighborhoods will be safe and clean. So for people the opportunity to stay here but also make city -- and more affordable people being priced out I recognize that issue. So while it's a bargain for issue I'll respect the bargaining process the collective bargaining process. But I really like to make sure that we keep the spirit which is we want Boston jobs -- Boston residents thank you."

" Last contract renegotiate yet we give him a ten year off quote a residency. But every City Council voted for that went before them through your approval of -- Finding part we talk about those issues spoke. We are here stand up and believe those issues are what I've done it may have continued improvement with the Boston. Safer streets. -- schools. More jobs and you'll see it before and Boston. Wires out. Population increased. I was 30000 people. Over the last ten years those people coming to Boston. They want -- The excitement the great city the vitality of want that's for the cities all vote. I'm not -- us Davis did not work and I'll pay the city of numbers I know that you haven't on the day with every -- it pocket of people. For the residency issue is an issue I've negotiated. I've -- here in here for ten years it is they have the most spot. We know something. The table hypocrites who works if you look at the move back here and in the recent sense of we have numbers that show that tries -- we'll continue to work all view. Make this -- Secure."

" Though final question for Rudolph from the audience. First response from Mayor Menino and then from counsel -- it. And here's her question Mayor Menino after sixteen years in office smeared you only have to minorities in your cabinet. And if you were your administration. Why should we believe this will change. And former serve. Council clarity portage your commitment to have been minorities as part of your administration. Little ball."

" I guess they don't count roberts' career. Was Latino. As a minority. There's actually three and in my. Meant to cabinet right now. Apple iTunes -- minority. 5% of the command -- the Boston Police Department. Is minority. Is not just I have minority administration is what you're -- and Edwards -- improve the quality of life. The people of those networks. It's out pulpit every day hit my staff out yet I luster put people here -- recast to win the hut. And Washington. Present throughout to be the second in command of hot. Chuckle which a couple of years ago I lost -- but the government of Deval Patrick. We have diversity within my administration. This technological these class. Double the number of minorities apply to take the test. But also folks. Not Palestinians say I'm perfect. We go to break your -- always tried to a good start it's how you improve a coil like. Those people who live in the neighborhoods are Boston every minute we're not. There's one new one every neighborhood bars and I think my administration will last sixty years. As I could drive improved market while like many of London was Iran to represent the last 25 years. Customs wearing."

" Thank. You."

" The stake is the opportunity. The mayor said that. That a population has increased its increased because of empty Nester is. And and in young people versus in ways that are actually leaving. A clarity administration -- that demonstrated a small sample but inviting senior to be part of this. The clarity -- that people and make decisions department heads superintendents chief commissioners will actually for the first time look like the face of the city of Boston. He and you know and buy an -- by having a bright talented individual like CM by helping me lead the city but also having the support the endorsement of folks like Mel king and former mayor Ray Flynn. They understand that the next generation of political leadership is about collaboration. It's about getting people involved it's about that new ideas. And so not just my cabinet but let's also take a look at the Boston Police upon practically the upper Echelon of the commission the chief. Super tennis deputy superintendents not only do we need to to prevent crime and to solve crime. We also need to build trust and it's not just with those leadership positions it's also the individualized units. Mobile operations the gang unit the drug unit the dogs in the hospice will be coming back in January folks amounted unit. But. It's about. Spreading in around it's not just about what I -- window dressing which has been going on it's not about the boards in the task force that don't make decisions and not compensated. It's about respecting each and every one of you your communities in your great contributions to our city you'll all be part of the clarity administration. Thank you."

" Boston."