E-Mail This Article to a Friend 2005 voters guide, continued

JOHN CONNOLLY, VIA E-MAIL

Mayor’s grade: A — for effort.

Why: Over the past 12 years, the mayor has built affordable-housing units far outpacing the state-mandated 40B requirements, presided over the "Boston Miracle" regarding crime prevention and community policing, and stabilized the public-school system.

Boston’s biggest problem: Improving Boston’s public schools is the key to improving Boston. As a former teacher and as someone who hopes to raise a family in Boston, I have made school reform the cornerstone of my campaign. Strong schools will give families a reason to remain in Boston. Even for those who don’t have children, a strong school system will only enhance the strength and quality of our neighborhoods.

Solution: As a former teacher who worked with at-risk Latino youth and taught children from virtually every neighborhood in Boston, I have seen the powerful impact of after-school programs that extend the school day and provide extra support for student learning and achievement. I will push for the expanded implementation of well-thought-out and carefully implemented after-school programs which will bring arts, music, sports, and supplementary academic activities into our schools.

SAM YOON, VIA E-MAIL

Mayor’s grade: B-

Why: I see the value of objective assessments (e.g., MCAS), but in general I am not a big fan of high-stakes tests and reducing someone to a simple number or score! Having said that, I would give Mayor Menino a B-, averaging a number of factors. The mayor gets high marks for his integrity, genuine care for Boston’s neighborhoods, and his strong work ethic. But city government as a whole can and should do better. It needs real improvement.

Boston’s biggest problem: Community economic development, housing reform, Boston Redevelopment Authority.

Solution: The BRA was formed in 1957 — 48 years ago, and reform is desperately needed. Community residents, much more so than developers, community nonprofits, city agencies, or even elected officials should play the greatest role in determining the future of our neighborhoods. Residents, more than anyone else, understand their neighborhoods’ quirks, their histories, their vulnerabilities, their hidden beauty, and their potential. Resident voices from Boston’s neighborhoods are not being heard.

We need a better way to facilitate community process in our city. When major development projects are being proposed, or when neighborhood-planning initiatives are being conceived, we need to make sure that the process is inclusive, genuine, and well-run. In a community process that is inclusive — residents are welcome participants, dialogue is genuine so no one is tokenized, and well-run meetings are facilitated in an open process.

DISTRICT TWO

JIM KELLY, VIA E-MAIL

Mayor’s grade: I don’t think it’s fair to have me comment on that question.

Boston’s biggest problem: I don’t believe that question can be answered so easily because there are many important issues facing our city. But if I had to pick what is most critical to an elected official I would say that it’s a question all city councilors have to face: how do we ensure that city services are managed effectively — schools, public safety, street and sidewalk repairs, maintenance of public parks — all quality-of-life issues, and do so within a budget that remains in balance and allows us to keep the city’s residential tax rate in check. Given the statutory restraints on what city councilors may do on their own, I would suggest that doing the best we can at overseeing a complicated and limited budget is our primary and most pressing concern.

SUSAN PASSONI, VIA E-MAIL

Mayor’s grade: B

Why: Mayor Menino has been good on social issues, but not as good on fiscal issues, which has resulted in Boston being ranked as the most expensive city to live in the US by the Boston Foundation and Forbes magazine. Considering the level of taxes citizens pay, our streets should be cleaner, safer, and our schools better.

Boston’s biggest problem: The biggest issue facing the City of Boston is its escalating cost of living. The level of city services is declining and our public schools need to show better academic results, both of which have further compounded the flight to the suburbs.

Solution: If elected, I would examine the structure of tax-exempt organizations and lobby for legislation to impose taxes on a number of the businesses and organizations that reside on these properties rather than only submitting payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT), which amounted to only $22.8 million in 2005 and are expected to reach $23.2 million in 2006, roughly one percent of the city’s revenues. Further, require taxation on commercial property to be formulated on the same basis as residential property. This would create additional funding to help stem the continued rise in residential real-estate costs and any surplus could be used to help support improved public schooling and programs.