In Roman mythology, Janus is the god of January, representing beginnings and transitions. The double-faced Janus looks forward and backward at the same time, in a way I think, mirrors Boston’s struggle to embrace both the city’s heritage and its future.
That struggle was on display during last week’s vote for Boston City Council president. Bill Linehan defeated Ayanna Pressley. On its face, it’s a straight-ahead win, but Linehan’s victory is fraught with the weight of history, race and for some, betrayal.
Three-term city councilor Bill Linehan hails from South Boston, where politics and power is mother’s milk. In contrast, two-term up-and-comer Ayanna Pressley catapulted to the top of the at-large ticket with national politics credentials, and a base in the shifting demographics of New Boston. While both were eminently qualified for the Council presidency, each epitomizes very different Bostons.
The 8-5 council vote was split along racial and generational lines, and with one exception, new Boston/old Boston boundaries. Pressley’s supporters were three councilors of color plus two of the youngest city councilors, Matt O’ Malley, and newly elected Josh Zakim, The eight who supported Linehan were all older and all white, except for 28-year-old Michele Wu.
Wu, whose progressive bona fides include mentoring by Senator Elizabeth Warren, defended her vote for Linehan as something more than political horse-trading insisting she “will make sure that diversity, inclusion and access are always a part of the conversation.” But Wu’s New Boston supporters feel betrayed, saying her vote helped preserve the status quo. And they are outraged that she put aside Linehan’s past offenses, including his public opposition to State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry, who is black, hosting the St Patrick’s Day Brunch.
There was hissing and cheering during the final vote count, a sharp contrast to Mayor Marty Walsh’s inauguration hours earlier, infused with ‘One Boston’ spirit and hope.
Bill Linehan now holds one of Boston’s most highly visible power positions. As City Council president he will lead the council, make committee assignments, and serve as mayor if Walsh is incapacitated.
There is a particular irony in January 2014 with Mayor Marty Walsh, the old Boston pol pushing forward emphasizing inclusion, while the most diverse city council—ever-- seems stuck in the past. And one more thing-- only by standing still can the Roman god Janus look in both directions. Boston can’t afford a fixed position –if it is to be a city on the move, it must set a course for progress.
