Matt O'Malley Wants Neighborhood Schools for West Roxbury

Matt O'Malley 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?
Education is by far the number one issue facing residents of the city of Boston.  I am motivated to run because I know I can work to foster a top-notch public educational system in Boston.  As a city councilor, I will work tirelessly for better resources, supplies, and support for BPS students, parents, teachers, and staff.  I believe we have a moral obligation to build the best public educational system in the country.

What is the number one issue facing West Roxbury?
Since this abbreviated campaign has begun, I have been knocking on doors throughout the 6th Council District.  The most frequently asked question in West Roxbury (and Jamaica Plain) is: What can you do about education?  As a product of the Boston Public Schools (Boston Latin School), I have insight into what works and what could be better.  I will fight for more funding to hire more teachers and lower class size.  I will move to extend the school day by one hour.  I will support a return to neighborhood schools and offer parents more choice in the school assignment process.  I will work with non-profits and colleges and universities to provide better support, afterschool programming, and work towards creating universal Pre-K/K1 in the Boston Public Schools.

What experiences in your private or work life have prepared you to serve on the council?
I have the right mix of professional experience coupled with my involvement in the community.  I was a legislative aide in the Boston and Washington, D.C. city councils.  I was the Legislative Director for the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department.  I was the Political Director for MassEquality.  Equally important, I coached a team in the Parkway Challenger's Program, taught CCD at Holy Name, founded a neighborhood beautificiation group, and serve on the Roslindale Day Parade committee.

Would you hold regular office hours with district residents?
Absolutely.  I will have weekly office hours in Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury.

Which current member of the council do you think your votes would most resemble?
I would think that my votes would most resemble Councilor At-Large John Connolly, who has endorsed me.  John is a tough, innovative, and pragmatic councilor.  I would be honored to serve with him as a partner fighting for the residents of District 6.  Additionally, Roslindale and Hyde Park Councilor Rob Consalvo, who has also endorsed me, is a tenacious advocate for his constituents.  I hope to follow the style of both councilors.

How would you have voted on the Boston Fire Department contract?
I was proud of the way that the council and members of Local 718 handled the firefighter's contract and would have worked with all parties in achieving a fair consensus. While I support collective bargaining, I do not believe that any city employee should be compensated for passing a drug test. The protracted situation regarding the contract negotiations should serve as a roadmap on ways to reform the collective bargaining process.  I would argue that the council should play a larger role during contract negotiations.

Which city program or agency is most in need of protection from cuts?
Boston Public Schools.

Is there waste in the city budget? If so, where?
I think there is waste in not collecting adequate P.I.L.O.T. (payment in lieu of taxes) fees from certain tax-exempt colleges and universities.  Additionally, I think that a reformed student assignment plan would present an opportunity to recoup some transportation costs which could be put back in the classroom.

What do you think of Mayor Menino's administration? How will you work with him on district issues?
I think that overall Mayor Menino and his team deserve tremendous credit for their work in making Boston a better city.  I will stand with the Mayor on issues in which we agree, and stand up for what I believe on issues in which we don't.  Perhaps the Mayor's greatest strength is his visibility in the neighborhoods.  He understands that decisions made at City Hall affect the neighborhoods.  I will follow his example in working for the betterment of District 6.

Did you vote for Menino or Michael Flaherty in the election last Fall?
I voted to reelect Mayor Tom Menino.

What should be done to improve the Boston Public School system? Did you support the state's recent education reform package?
I supported certain aspects of the state's ed reform package and disagreed with others.  Of the initiatives that I supported, and think should be acted upon in the BPS, are calls for more funding for lower class size, empowering faculty and staff, closing the achievement gap, and lengthening the school day. 

Does the MBTA serve Boston and District 6 well? What public transportation changes would you work to achieve?
The MBTA does serve the district well. I would advocate increasing the hours of service of the MBTA (particularly rail), and increasing a public safety presence on the Orange line.

Is there an "epidemic" of violent crime in Boston? How would you address public safety city-wide and in District 6?
While Boston is seen as a safe-big city, every crime committed is one too many.  While I wouldn't say that we are in the midst of an epidemic, I would say that more needs to be done to combat violence in the city.  My time spent as a Legislative Director at the Sheriff's Department has given me a unique perspective on what needs to be done in terms of reentry, treatment, and education.  Additionally, I support increased community policing and having cops walk and bike their districts.  Finally, the council needs to work with stakeholders in reviving the Boston Miracle and work with citizens and public safety personnel alike in combating all matters of crime.

Does the Boston Redevelopment Authority work well for the city? Should it be reformed?
I support reform of the BRA and believe that separating their planning and development into two separate agencies is the right