Menino defends record as Hennigan attacks
Candidates spar in mayoral debate
By Andrea Estes, Boston Globe
September 29, 2005
Mayor Thomas M. Menino and his challenger, Councilor
at Large Maura A. Hennigan, sparred in a debate yesterday over issues
from potholes to Boston's ability to evacuate the city. Both sides
saw the encounter as crucial as they head into the final month of
the campaign.
Hennigan, who viewed the debate as her main chance to gain an edge
after several months of struggling to engage voters, sought to throw
the mayor off balance and went on the attack early. She charged
that in his 12-year tenure Menino failed as a steward of the city
and as a provider of services, from public safety and schools to
street repair.
''Street sweeping, snow plowing, trash collection; it doesn't get
any more basic that," she said. ''If after 12 years this administration
hasn't gotten it right, do you really think that in the next four
they would get them right?"
Menino, who had been warned by aides to avoid losing his cool, defended
his record and repeatedly sounded themes depicting an experienced,
hard-working administration that has brought better life to all
corners of the city.
He said the city has better schools, more affordable housing, and
a low crime rate, and he asserted that he had maintained high levels
of services, despite an $80 million reduction in state and federal
funding.
''It's about growth in Boston, growth in education, growth in public
service, growth in public safety, jobs," he said. ''As mayor
of this city, I'll continue to work with all of you, because staying
the same doesn't get you anywhere. We have got to continue to put
forward new programs and new ideas."
The stakes were high for both candidates. Hennigan was seeking a
place in the minds of voters in a race that she has called a one-time
shot at the city's highest office.
She had hoped for a chance to question him directly, but Menino,
not an eloquent speaker, chose the format, which had the candidates
on stage, taking questions from members of the studio audience.
Some 80 audience members, who were supposedly neutral, had been
chosen by a marketing firm to reflect Boston's ''diverse voting
community."
The only televised debate scheduled in the race so far was aired
live on ''Greater Boston" on WGBH-TV (Channel 2). It will also
be available for viewing on Comcast On Demand.
''Are our neighborhoods safer, our sidewalks and streets well maintained?"
Hennigan said, defining the central message of her campaign. ''Power
outages. Exploding manholes. Soaring real-estate taxes. All this
in Boston, the most expensive city in the nation in which to live.
And now a fourth term? We've had enough of the Menino method."
She accused him of bowing to special interests and giving tax breaks
to favored developers.
''This administration is too close to downtown development and not
to the people who live here," she said.
Menino stormed out of a television studio four years ago after a
debate with his opponent, Councilor Peggy Davis-Mullen, who needled
and attacked him for much of the half hour. This time he deftly
sidestepped the criticism and appeared cool, even after critical
questions from the audience.
''How can you justify the inequitable distribution of neighborhood
services, especially in the lower-income area that is so apparent
when you drive around the city?" Katherine Tragos of West Roxbury
asked him.
''I'm very proud of what we've done in the minority community of
Boston," Menino answered. ''Take a look at Blue Hill Avenue.
Take a look at Dudley. Look at the housing that has been built in
those neighborhoods, the schools. Ask anybody who lives there. We're
very committed. We haven't left them behind. We have them on the
front of the bus working with us."
Naida Simpson of Dorchester told Menino that her car was ''literally
falling apart because of the potholes and the deplorable conditions
of the streets."
''I think we've done a decent job," Menino responded. ''We
could do a better job. We're in the midst of changing the way we
do things."
Hennigan, who had prepared with a communications consultant for
several days before the face-off, smiled broadly throughout the
hourlong debate and frequently stepped in front of Menino while
she was taking questions. Menino jabbed the air as he spoke, never
looking directly at his opponent.
''I did extremely well," Menino said afterwards. ''I'm ready
to go again."
When Hennigan made a plea for more debates, however, Menino did
not respond.
As he left the studio, a crowd of supporters carrying green-and-white
campaign signs welcomed him, chanting ''Four more years."
Hennigan declared the night a success. ''He tried to defend his
record, but he couldn't," she said.
It was unclear whether the voters in the room shared their view.
''I'm just waiting for vision, for leadership, and I haven't seen
it," said Jesse Levey, of the South End. ''Where is the vision
for the 21st century for the city?"
Gene Tinory of West Roxbury said he was turned off by the Menino
demonstration outside the studio. ''It was extremely inappropriate,"
said Tinory, who was leaning toward Hennigan.
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