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

DISTRICT SIX

JOHN TOBIN, VIA E-MAIL

Mayor’s grade: C+ on the Boston Public Schools.

Why: While our city’s schools have made some significant gains under the mayor’s leadership, we still have a long way to go. Our school system is still struggling, not enough students are reaching their benchmarks, and families are still leaving the city in search of a better-quality educational system. One of the problems facing the BPS is the condition of its buildings and properties. In some schools students are trying to learn in deteriorating buildings and crumbling schoolyards that have not been updated in years. We also have more work to do to close the achievement gap.

Boston’s biggest problem: The lack of neighborhood schools.

Solution: I believe that Boston should have neighborhood schools. In 2004, the BPS set out to revamp its student-assignment process. I developed recommendations which would allow children to either attend a school within walking distance of their home or choose a school in any other part of the city. Neighborhood schools make it easier for parents to participate in the classroom. Families that live nearby are more likely to attend school functions and to volunteer. I believe that without parental involvement, we will continue to fight an uphill battle.

GIBRÁN RIVERA, VIA E-MAIL

Mayor’s grade: A solid B.

Why: The city has made steady progress on two of its most pressing issues: housing and education. I appreciate the mayor’s focus on the neighborhoods even as our city’s downtown continues to develop. We agree on issues like the residency requirement and his decision to allow the appointed school committee to listen to the community on school assignment. We disagree on the biolab and the role of the BRA.

Boston’s biggest problem: The city council must address the housing crisis today.

Solution: In order to increase the supply of housing that people can afford: 1) redefining "affordable" according to the incomes of those who live in the City of Boston so that working people can actually afford the "affordable" housing that is built; 2) increasing the percentage of units in the inclusionary zoning set aside in new development, and making the "cash out" option both a higher amount and paid into the Neighborhood Housing Trust to fund more affordable homes; 3) supporting the Community Preservation Act, which would bring more funds to the city for housing, open spaces, and historic preservation.

In order to prevent the unjust displacement of our current residents: 1) reviewing property-tax calculations to make the current system fairer for homeowners; 2) the Community Stabilization Act, which would provide protections against displacement for homeowners as well as tenants in large buildings.

DISTRICT NINE

JERRY MCDERMOTT, VIA TELEPHONEMayor’s grade: A

Why: Having seen his work ethic, and having worked just as hard with him to add to the quality of life in my district, I know he puts his heart and soul [into] his job. He may not always articulate a grandiose vision. But he’s in the building before I am, and when I leave late, he’s still working there. He has a hunger for the job, even after 12 years. Is there room for improvement? Sure, but then he’d get an A+.

Boston’s biggest problem: I think the single greatest problem facing the city is the cost of housing.

Solution: I think the solution is to require area universities to cap enrollment and set a reasonable date to have 100 percent of their undergraduate students on campus. Affordable housing is one of the big issues in my district, and it goes hand-in-hand with rowdy parties. Instead of leaving taxpayers to foot the bill, universities should take the responsibility to house their young men and women. It would go a long way in releasing house stock and allowing other folks a bigger bite of the apple. Plus, living on-campus, students would get better grades, parents would feel better, and we wouldn’t have as much of the sexual assault, date rape, underage drinking, and other problems as we do [with] unsupervised off-campus apartments.

PAUL CREIGHTON, VIA E-MAIL

Mayor’s grade: B- and trending downward.

Why: 1) He has failed to bring any new, creative ideas to the city-budget problem of expenses outpacing revenues; 2) The improvements in the public schools that he promised 10 years ago have not been achieved; 3) the Menino administration views city government as if it were a private matter; it minimizes any meaningful public involvement in public policy.

Boston’s biggest problem: The biggest issue facing the city is the lack of openness in city government and the lack of opportunity for public involvement in the discussion of public affairs. Critical decisions are made virtually in secret, consequently the mayor’s grade is dropping.

Solution: When I am elected I will call a "blue ribbon" panel to perform a complete review of the procedures and policies governing public notice and public participation in all aspects of city government. Then we will go to the neighborhoods for their "two cents" on how to open up our city government. This is 2005. We should not have to scour the back pages of newspapers to see what the government is doing or go to the back entrance of City Hall to see if public-notice provisions are being followed.