I am running for Boston City Council At-Large to advocate for all of you who live, work and play in this great city. I’ve lived in Boston my whole life and I see the city moving in the wrong direction. Our public schools are not meeting the needs of our students, youth-on-youth violence is dramatically increasing, the unemployment level is sky high, and many important decisions that have long-term effects on this city are being made behind closed doors without our input.

We pay taxes every year and hope that those we elect are working for our best interests. The City has decided to close community centers, schools and libraries and we are told it is due to lack of funding. Yet at the same time, there’s a push to spend $2 billion on a new convention center, and no one is asking why this would be a better use of taxpayer dollars instead of preserving our schools. Boston needs a leader who will fight for the right priorities, bring people together to solve problems, and be accountable to voters.

Solving these issues takes real leadership - someone who is not afraid to ask difficult questions and challenge entrenched views; someone not worried about upsetting long sitting elected officials. That’s who I am. I’m a fighter for the people’s will: quality education, safer streets, good paying jobs, and open government. I have been actively involved in Boston for over 25 years, and now I am taking the next step to serve my city.

This will not be an easy campaign, but it will be one where you will see an honest, hard-working father and husband pour his heart and soul into solving some of our most difficult issues. I am asking you for your support and your vote so I can bring new ideas and new leadership to the Boston City Council. We must do better as a city, and if I have the honor of serving you, we will.