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Mayor urged to use convention funds for youth
Madison Park, Globe Correspondent
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Several city councilors want Mayor Thomas M. Menino to spend some
of the surplus money from the 2004 Democratic National Convention on
youth programs and summer jobs.
After the convention last summer, the city had a $6.5 million
surplus of private donations. In January, the convention's host
committee voted to give the city $1 million, which Menino said would
go toward a city beautification project. The committee and city have
yet to decide how the rest of the money would be spent.
In yesterday's City Council meeting, Councilor at Large Felix D.
Arroyo and four of his colleagues called for a hearing to discuss
ways to use the rest of the surplus. Arroyo suggested that the money
be used to supplement needs in the city budget, such as summer jobs
and youth programs.
''There are a lot of needs," Arroyo said. ''Out of such a big
budget, they need to cover the summer jobs. This [money] is a
resource that could help to serve the youth of the city."
There have been 21 homicides in Boston this year and many expect
more violence this summer.
''This summer could be a perfect storm," said Councilor Jerry P.
McDermott of Allston-Brighton. ''Youth staffing levels are down,
and, with a spike in youth violence, we should have more hiring and
something to support the youth in Boston."
Maria Dominguez Gray, a youth worker for the Phillips Brooks
House Association, agreed.
''Over the past four years, we've seen a steady decline in
funding," Gray said. ''To youth, jobs are the most important
thing."
Officials from the convention host committee, Boston 2004, could
not be reached for comment yesterday.
Councilor at Large Maura A. Hennigan, who is also running for
mayor, supported the idea.
''An investment in our youth is the best use," she said. ''Let's
not throw this money around."
Arroyo filed for a hearing and invited representatives from the
Boston 2004 Host Committee and city administrators to
attend.
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