Why Boston Needs Unenrolled Candidates Like Will Onuoha on City Council

  In this week’s episode, Jennifer welcomes Will Onuoha, a lifelong Bostonian, political science and international relations graduate, and a candidate for Boston City Council At-Large. Will’s extensive career in city government spans over 20 years, including a decade as Boston’s Housing Commissioner under Mayor Marty Walsh. Raised in Mission Hill and a beneficiary of community support in the aftermath of the Charles Stewart era, Will is a self-described centrist and humanitarian, mentored by the late Mayor Tom Menino and dedicated to practical solutions for Boston’s toughest challenges. Jennifer and Will dive into Boston’s escalating housing crisis, shortcomings in public education, and the ongoing humanitarian disaster at Mass and Cass. Will shares his frustration with the current City Council’s focus on national controversies instead of local needs, calls out the grandstanding on issues like international conflict resolutions and ICE enforcement, and outlines actionable ideas for affordable workforce housing reform. The discussion includes strong criticism of leadership that ignores the city’s most vulnerable residents, especially seniors, and exposes hidden consequences of illegal immigration, human rights violations, and the exploitation of undocumented workers. Will’s campaign is bolstered by endorsements from notable former city leaders and first responders. He urges Bostonian's and supporters nationwide to help restore professionalism and common sense to City Hall. “The United States government is having a difficult time…so I don’t know what makes the city council think a resolution from them is going to make an international conflict go away.” ~ Will Onuoha   This week on Political Contessa: Housing as the city’s top crisis and policy failures that deter new development Underperformance in Boston Public Schools and the connection between literacy and incarceration rates Harsh realities and humanitarian failures at Mass and Cass, Boston’s opioid crisis epicenter Exorbitant property taxes and lack of senior protections in Boston Grandstanding over national and international issues instead of solving local problems Workforce housing solutions and the power of public-private partnerships Dangers and exploitation facing undocumented immigrants in Boston The need for constituent-centered service, honesty, and a return to professionalism on City Council Connect with Will Onuoha: Website: willforboston.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @willforboston Facebook: Will for Boston Resources Mentioned: Preliminary Election Date: September 9th General Election Date: November 4th Boston’s “Analysis of Impediments” Housing Ordinance (April 2022)     Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa   Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.   Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts   Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.