The city’s election Tuesday — in which Mayor Tom Menino trounced at-large city councilor Peggy Davis-Mullen of West Roxbury — ushers the vociferous Davis-Mullen out of Boston’s political spotlight and at-large city councilor Maura Hennigan of Jamaica Plain into it. At first blush, the make-up of the new city council seems similar to the old one, with Hennigan, who has criticized Menino in the past, taking Davis-Mullen’s place.

But Hennigan isn’t having any of it. Fresh on the heels of her speech to supporters at Doyle’s in Jamaica Plain (no, we don’t get a fee every time we mention it), Hennigan was quick to contrast her "thoughtful and deliberative" style with that of Davis-Mullen (though she didn’t refer to her council colleague by name). "I am not a confrontational person by nature. I don’t want to be perceived just as somebody who disagrees all the time," she said in response to a question about how she would differ from Davis-Mullen. "I think people tend to turn off if you’re just critical all the time."

Even so, Hennigan made sure to mention areas where she could "help create discussion" in the city — including development, education, and housing. "By being not afraid to talk about these things, we get a better product," she said. Among her suggestions for Menino and his third term was that he allow periodic luncheons with council members to turn from "presentations" into "more of a back-and-forth." She also suggested that some of Boston’s think tanks, such as the Pioneer Institute, study the city’s apparatus for development, the Boston Redevelopment Authority. "Let’s get some independent people to do some evaluation of this and make some recommendations."

For Hennigan, a 20-year veteran of the council, the new job marks something of a homecoming. Hennigan began her career on the council as an at-large member before the body was reformed to include district representatives. "I will continue to be the longest-serving member," she said.

Let’s see if she can live up to her commitment to be the loyal opposition.

Issue Date: November 7, 2001

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