On January 7, 2008 after the inauguration at Faneuil Hall, I was reelected in a unanimous vote as president of the Boston City Council for a second term, making me the longest serving woman council president. I am deeply humbled by the support of my colleagues and it is my pleasure to continue serving the Boston City Council and the people of Boston. During my inaugural address, I announced several initiatives for the 2008 legislative year.

We need to continue to make our neighborhoods safer by continuing to build trust between police and the community; we must improve the Boston public school system for our youth; we ought to have fair and equal to all zoning rules, encouraging the increasing of jobs and revenue growth; and finally, we have to continue lowering property taxes, particularly for seniors.

My greatest hope for 2008 is for the council to work together, in the same spirit of collegiality and collaboration that defined our efforts in 2007 and with renewed focus on these and other issues that impact the quality of life in our city. The people of Boston deserve no less.

City-Wide Civic Summit

This spring, I will convene a city-wide summit for community groups and their leaders, initiating a conversation on our city’s civic health and vitality. It is an opportunity to discuss greater civic engagement in our neighborhoods and in the city of Boston as a whole. Aside from the positive energy that the forum will bring to our city, it will also provide support and training for our civic advocates. I have received several phone calls, e-mails, and letters in support of the forum, offering help and every resource needed to organize a successful summit. I deeply appreciate your support. The forum will be hosted by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and I expect to announce more information in the coming weeks.

Special Committee on the Boston Common

I believe that Boston Common is a historic jewel in our city thus it needs the focus and attention of our body. Since the public space is at the junction of three city neighborhoods, Councillor Ross, as chair, Councillor LaMattina and Councillor Linehan will lead in this special committee.

City Council Centennial Committee

The centennial committee will define, document, promote and celebrate the history of the Boston City Council as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2009. Second, the committee will report on the council’s historical structure and operations, as well as make recommendations for a stronger and more effective body.

Shared Policy Priorities and Found Research

Over the next few weeks, the City Council will meet to discuss and develop a shared set of policy priorities in order to help craft a forward-looking agenda. Once our priorities are set, we will create independent research and recommendations on the areas of policy making and budget deliberations.

Post-Audit and Oversight Committee

I believe that in order to increase our body's effectiveness, the role of the post audit and oversight committee needs to be increased. It is our responsibility and duty to guarantee that the funds we appropriate and the legislation that we pass are spent and implemented to the maximum benefit of our citizens.