District 5 Councilor Enrique J. Pepén by Bostopia News (2024)

Bostopia NewsMay 20, 2024

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City Council: Taxes and Budget VoteI look at the Boston City Council's recent votes on Wu's tax proposal and amendments to the budget. Jun 10, 202401:06:10Boston's Doom LoopI look at Mayor Wu's proposed change in our property tax law and ask, is it enough to escape the doom loop?!Jun 03, 202456:39The Blue Can Not Be BrokenI outline a mega hearing the Boston City Council held with the Boston Police Department.May 27, 202401:18:10District 5 Councilor Enrique J. PepénI look at the history of Enrique J. Pepén and try to figure out what makes the 26-year-old think. May 20, 202444:27And The Most Police Friendly Boston Mayor Is.....I break down the last 40 years of Boston police budgets to try to answer the question of, "Who is the most ploce friendly Boston mayor?"And after inflation, arbitration, economic growth, the answer is more complicated than I thought.May 13, 202446:09Raid on Northeastern Solidarity Encampment: Interview with Zeltzin Mozo and Patricio PinoI interview two Northeastern University students, Zeltzin Mozo and Patricio Pino, to learn about their experience at the solidarity encampment and the police raid.May 06, 202446:06Emerson College Encampment Raid: My First Hand AccountI give my perspective on what I witnessed during the Boston Police's raid against the Emerson College Encampment and then share my thoughts on why Wu did this. Apr 29, 202401:01:44Wu's Budget: Woke or WalshI look at Mayor Michelle Wu's proposed FY25 budget and ask the question: Is this in line with her public image or is it just more of the same from the Walsh Administration?Apr 22, 202433:47The Waltham Murders: Interview with Susan ZalkindI interview investigative reporter Susan Zalkind on her new book The Waltham Murders: One Woman's Pursuit to Expose the Truth Behind a Murder and a National Tragedy. Apr 15, 202401:14:09District 3 Councilor John FitzGeraldI look at the biography and history of newly elected District 3 Boston City Councilor John FitzGeraldApr 08, 202442:06City Council Debates Future of BPDAI look at the recent Boston City Council meeting to absorb BPDA properties, positions, and planning department into the City's grasp.In a 8-3-2 vote, I break down the politics and behind-the-scenes dynamics that make the City Council such a fascinating political body. Apr 01, 202456:30The Case for White StadiumI go through the history of White Stadium and why I support the proposed partnership with the NWSL.Mar 25, 202449:43Immigration in Massachusetts - Interview with Stephanie Rosario Rodriguez from MIRAI interview Stephanie Rosario Rodriguez, Senior Director of Programs for Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition about the state of immigration here in MassachusettsMar 18, 202445:21Clerk Erin Murphy or Bullsh*t Jobs of MassachusettsI look at the surprising announcement by Councilor Murphy that she is running for Clerk of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and first have to figure out what this is and does it even matter?Mar 11, 202434:15Honey Fitz and the Joys of Graft: Boston Liquor License History (Part 2)I look at the rise of John Francis "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald, the Progressive Movement that went after the spoils system here in Boston, and why the State House controls our liquor. This is Part 2, go back to the previous episode for this to make sense!Mar 04, 202448:48Booze and Brahmins: History of Boston's Liquor License WoesTo answer the question of why Boston needs to go begging to the statehouse to increase our liquor licenses you need to know A LOT of history, which I provide for you!Irish immigration, the Know Nothings, Eugentics, Disease, Alcohol, the Kennedys, this one has it all! Definitely a part 1 of who knows how many. Feb 26, 202444:15Polling, Immigration, and Massachusetts ExceptionalismI look through a recent Suffolk poll to get into the mind of the Massachusetts voter.... and it's horrifying. Feb 19, 202450:42Parents of the O'Bryant: Interview with Liza Cagua-McAllister, Tammy Hammack, and Stacey Kramer I am joined by 3 parents from the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science to discuss Wu's plans to relocate the school to West Roxbury.How to get involved: Don't Move O'B Coalitiondontmoveobcoalition@gmail.comBlack Community Information Center, Inc.(617) 427-2522Boston Educational Justice Allianceinfo@bostonedjustice.orgFor Parents at the O'Bryantobryantparentcouncil@gmail.comFeb 12, 202401:10:56Ed Flynn Goes to Israel or How to Sell a Genocide I look back on the events leading up to Ed Flynn's trip to Israel and what "lessons" he took away from it. Feb 05, 202449:07The Fall of the Anti-Vax Candidates and the Rise of Erin MurphyI look through the ward/precinct data in the past election to answer the question, "Did the Anti-Vax candidates have any political relevancy?" and spoiler alert but no, they did not. (still listen to the episode though!)However, I did pick up on an alarming trend about Erin Murphy that I am not too thrilled with...Jan 29, 202436:50Future of BPS under Wu, Interview with Ext. Director Ruby ReyesI interview Executive Director Ruby Reyes from the Boston Education Justice Alliance on Mayor Wu's plans for BPS. Is it that different from Mayor Walsh? What does the McKinsey consulting firm have to do with it? Jan 22, 202401:01:17Wu's State of the CityI give a brief breakdown of Wu's state of the city address and then have a live recording of me listening and reacting. Jan 15, 202453:16Goodbye, Hello, and RitualsI look at the last city council meeting of the previous session, the swearing-in ceremony, and the first meeting on January 1st. We hear the goodbye statements from outgoing councilors, Ruthzee's first speech as President, and I discuss the controversies of the presidential vote and of course "oathgate."I also reflect on the roles of rituals in the Boston City Council and in our government. Jan 08, 202449:372023 ReflectionsI look back at the handful of big stories from 2023 to see if I have any lasting thoughts, unanswered questions, and ultimately try to figure out what direction we are all heading.Jan 01, 202427:45Electeds of Color Holiday Party or Fox News FreakoutI go through the Fox News hysteria over the Elected's of Color Holiday Party and what it teaches us about conservative media and messaging. Dec 25, 202346:28Interview with Tori Bedford - Mass and Cass UpdateI am once again joined by GBH reporter Tori Bedford to discuss the recent housing sweep on Mass and Cass. How did it differ from Wu's previous sweep? What is the role of the police? And will we be back again 2 years later to do it all again?Dec 18, 202353:26Police Union Contract or No Need For AsterisksHow did Michelle Wu go from calling for a 10% decrease to the Police Budget in 2020 to agreeing to a 21% increase in 2023?What did the George Floyd protests mean for Boston?We finally have our answers.Dec 11, 202349:35President LouijeuneHow did it take Ruthzee Louijeune only 45 hours to wrap up being the next Boston City Council President?Redistricting, a liberal media, and a more conservative city council. Dec 04, 202342:13Mayor Michelle Wu - Year 2 ReviewI look through the highs and many many lows of Wu's second year. After receiving the grade of a C in her first year, her sophom*ore year was even more disastrous. Also, there is a major show announcement at the end! Support Independent Media: https://www.patreon.com/BostopiaNewsFollow:Twitter/Tiktok/Instagram: Bostopia News Nov 27, 202357:02General Election RecapI give an overview of the 2023 general election and how it ultimately didn't change anything. We are still in the WUniverse and now things will just be a little quieter. Nov 08, 202346:47Henry Santana vs Bridget Nee-WalshI look at the only interesting element of the At-Large city council race. Nov 03, 202348:48The BRIC Backtrack I look at two recent city council meetings and the allocation of $3.4 million in additional funding to the BRIC system. Most importantly, why Wu went back on a campaign promise and her coordination with Councilors Gigi and Sharon. Oct 21, 202359:06That time is not now.I document and analyze recent statements made by Massachusetts politicians and the local media concerning Palestine and IsraelOct 15, 202359:30Long Shot At-Large Candidates or The Rise of the Anti-Vax Councilors!I look at the Tier-3 level At-Large candidates for the Boston City Council: Clifton Braithwaite, Catherine Vitale, and Shawn Nelson. However, I spend most of the time on Catherine and Shawn, looking at their political development and how they became symbols of the Anti-Vax Right in Boston. Can they win?! No. But what they represent is with us to stay.Sep 30, 202301:28:27The Case Against a Rent Control Ballot QuestionDeep Dive: I explore the open question of whether or not housing advocates should support a rent control ballot question in 2024. Looking at polling similarities with the Fair Share Amendment and national success in passing rent control, I am against the idea. Sep 20, 202341:26The Council - Prelim RecapI do a quick recap and review of the Preliminary election. As well as thoughts on the role of the media, why liberals vote, and predictions for the general election. Sep 13, 202335:58The Council - Enrique or Ricardo for District 5?I break down the 4 candidates for District 5 and go through my back and forth on who I think people should support, Enrique or Ricardo. Aug 22, 202351:33The Council - Rachael Rollins and Ricardo's ChancesI go through the investigation and resignation of Rachael Rollins and what insight it gives us into Ricardo Arroyo and the baggage he enters the preliminary race with. Part 2 will come sooner than usual I promise!Aug 18, 202351:50The Council - Budget Battle (Part 2)I finally get to the closeout of the Boston Budget for FY24. I apologize for the delay, vacations and family matters come first! In this episode, I pick up where we left off and discuss the Wu vetos, the debate over the budget itself, the council's historic override, and Wu's dismissal of it. AND many of my theories of Wu's meddling in the council are proven to be correct! Jul 19, 202340:56The Council - Budget Battle (Part 1)I go through the first half of the on going back and forth between the mayor and the Boston City Council. Looking through Wu's proposed budget, the political drama behind Worrell and Gigi changing their votes, and the operating budget that was sent to Wu on 6/14.Jun 15, 202301:08:58The Council - Map Wars (Part 2)I break down how the City Council went from a 9-4 vote on a Progressive Map to a 10-2 vote on a Conservative Map and mostly rely on the people's champion At-Large Councilor Julia Mejia to guide us through it. May 27, 202337:12The Council - Map Wars (Part 1)I look at the judge's decision that threw out the recently passed Boston City Council district map and Wu's attempt to take the matter into her own hands. May 22, 202346:02The Council - Kenzie BokWe say goodbye to the Joe Manchin of the Boston City Council. I take a look back on Kenzie's life, her political development, and her new job.Apr 06, 202335:28Deep Dive - Boston School Committee SagaI jump back and forth in time between the Boston School Committee restructuring of 1984-1992 and the most recent Boston City Council debate and Wu veto. I go into the material and ideological conditions that produced the current Boston School Committee and how the debate back then (in some ways) mirrors our own today. Feb 19, 202357:04Deep Dive - New Map, Same CouncilI finally have the data to look at the new Boston City Council map. I go through the demographic changes and try to see if some new opportunities have emerged.Feb 05, 202340:58The Wu Watch - Year 1I go through the 3 positives and 3 negatives of Mayor Wu's first term and what we have to look forward to in year 2.Nov 28, 202236:44Deep Dive - Redistricting 2022I go through the last 2 months of redistricting, from Ricardo being removed as chair to Frank Baker's attack on Protestants. Mostly talk through the Conservative's attempts to stall, derail, and delay the process. Nov 06, 202201:06:07Deep Dive - Suffolk DA Final ThoughtsElection breakdown, released documents, Globe's integrity, and what Ricardo could have done differently. This one has it all!Sep 11, 202238:51The Council - The Great DivideI play audio from the electrifying Boston City Council meeting on Wednesday, and cover the continued political fallout from the Suffolk DA election.Sep 02, 202201:00:32Deep Dive - Suffolk DA Bombshell I think through everything that has unfolded over the last week regarding the Boston Globe, Ricardo Arroyo, Kevin Hayden, the right-wing trolls, and the failures of our institutions and discourse. And most importantly, who should you vote for?Aug 29, 202233:26