Adventures in Door Knocking

Before hitting hilly Cerdan Avenue in West Roxbury, At-Large Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley pulled on some sneakers for some door knocking and coincidental exercise. Fellow sitting At-Large City Councilor John Connolly decided to keep his dress shoes on as the duo hit the West Roxbury neighborhood he grew up in.

Pressley and Connolly recently joined their campaigns as the Nov. 8 election looms. All four incumbents, including Council President Stephen Murphy and Felix Arroyo, initially all asked residents to vote for the quartet. Their hope: keeping former city councilor and mayoral candidate Michael Flaherty off the council.

As the two walked they talked about their union and friendship, which dates back at least six years.

"This wasn't about a white guy trying to get black votes, or a black woman trying to get white voters..." said Connolly.

Connolly said they have cosponsored eight pieces of legislation during Pressley's first term, more than any other legislation they cosponsored with any of the 11 other councilors.

The two met during Connolly's first run at City Council and their friendship continued while Pressley was US Sen. John Kerry's political director.

While knocking on doors the two spoke to residents about how Connolly is about schools and Pressley is about families, two very-intertwined issues. Pressley said strong schools need strong families.

Continually Connolly was saying hello to residents who already knew him, many with Connolly signs on their lawn. "She works on families, and knows the importance of parents and fathers," said Connolly, or some iteration of that motto repeatedly.

Taking her cue from Connolly, Pressley would then speak about her work with youth, girls, women, and families. The two would then of course ask for the residents' votes.

"Education is the equalizer and families are the stabilizer," said Pressley, who has worked on legislation to stop human trafficking, empower girls in schools and strengthen families.

As a part of their recent campaign share, Connolly's campaign can legally match dollar for dollar of the funds that Pressley's campaign raises. The sharing of funds started because Connolly has a plush war chest while Pressley's funds have lagged.

Pressley said door knocking is the best way to learn what's happening in the neighborhoods. "One on one contact with constituents affirm what's working and isn't. We often learn about issues that need to be addressed."

At one house, a resident complained about Occupy Boston demonstrators downtown. Connolly and Pressley listened carefully to the woman's opinions. Connolly and Pressley both said they were concerned about the costs of Occupy Boston to the City.

Said Connolly, "If West Roxbury knows (Pressley's) priorities and what she supports they will vote for her... She's only been on the council two years and it is hard to know every neighborhood, yet alone your own."

Sara Smolover asked, "Are you working well with Matt?" referring to District 6 Councilor Matt O'Malley. Both Pressley and Connolly said they were and characterized O'Mallley as someone born to be a Boston City Councilor.

Said Pressley while walking, "The issues never change: jobs, public education, public safety." She added there are often bullet points under those issues such as housing and transportation.

For resident Larry McDonough, he didn't need to hear Connolly and Pressley's pitches, and why they are campaigning as a pair, "It's a smart move. Brilliant. If you say it's legit. I believe it."