Jim Hennigan Wants More Public Transportation Coming Through District

Jim Hennigan is one of five candidates running for the vacant Boston City Council District 6 seat. Former City Councilor John Tobin stepped down in August. There will be a special preliminary election on Oct. 19 to get down to candidates. The special election to select the District 6 councilor will be on Nov. 16. District 6 includes West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.

What is the number one issue facing the city of Boston?

The Economy. The economic downturn has had a dramatic impact on many city programs and services.

What is the number one issue facing West Roxbury?

Schools.

What experiences in your private or work life have prepared you to serve on the council?

For many years I have been very involved in community activities in West Roxbury. I am the chairperson of the Board of Advisors of the West Roxbury YMCA. I co-founded the Parkway Running Club. I founded and continue to organize the Parkway Kettle Campaign, which raises money for the Salvation Army. I have been involved in coaching youth athletics for many years. I look forward to continuing my community involvement as a member of the Boston City Council.

Would you hold regular office hours with district residents?

Yes, I will hold office hours in both Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury.

Which current member of the council do you think your votes would most resemble?

I will vote with different councilors depending on the issue at hand. I do not see myself as resembling any councilor.

How would you have voted on the Boston Fire Department contract?

I support the process of collective bargaining. I also support binding arbitration. In the case of the firefighters, they were correct in settling and making concessions. Hopefully future negotiations will never get to this point.

Which city program or agency is most in need of protection from cuts?

Boston schools.

What do you think of Mayor Menino's administration? How will you work with him on district issues?

Mayor Menino takes great pride in his close connection to the city's neighborhoods. I look forward to working with the Mayor and his administration to keep our neighborhoods safe and vibrant.

Did you vote for Menino or Michael Flaherty in the election last fall?

I feel, as many people do, that my vote is private.

What should be done to improve the Boston Public School system? Did you support the state's recent education reform package?

Money that is granted to the school system should be targeted to the students and the classroom. Although I supported many aspects of the education reform act, I do not favor  an uncapped expansion of charter schools.

Does the MBTA serve Boston and District 6 well? What public transportation changes would you work to achieve?

I  feel we need more access to buses and trains during the non-peak hours and on weekends.

Is there an "epidemic" of violent crime in Boston? How would you address public safety city-wide and in District 6?

There has been a dramatic increase in violence in the city. We need neighborhood involvement to find the source of guns that are ending up in the hands of some of our youth.

We need to give teenagers choices and opportunities to help them avoid bad decisions.

Does the Boston Redevelopment Authority work well for the city? Should it be reformed?

The BRA should be subject to reviews to insure that it is properly representing and protecting the needs of the neighborhoods of the city.