Boston is about to face one of its toughest fiscal tests in decades. Federal funding cuts to housing, food assistance/SNAP benefits, and education are no longer distant threats — they are immediate realities that will ripple through our neighborhoods. These cuts will banger working families, seniors, and the most vulnerable residents who depend on the city’s safety net.
At a time when national support for our residents most in need is shrinking, Boston must lead with independence and discipline. This is not the moment for partisanship or politics-as-usual. It is a time for leadership that puts people before event and solutions before slogans.
Independent leadership means being honest about our challenges and creative about how we meet them. The question is simple: how can we maintain essential city services and protect our most vulnerable residents — without raising taxes on families already struggling to make ends meet?
The answer lies in using the financial tools already available to us, especially municipal bonds. Bonds are not new or risky; they are a proven, responsible way for cities to invest in infrastructure, affordable housing, and education while keeping taxes stable. Properly managed, they can help Boston bridge funding gaps, create jobs, and strengthen neighborhoods without adding new burdens to taxpayers.
Municipal bonds are not about spending more — they are about managing smarter. They allow us to invest today in what matters most — housing stability, quality schools, and safe streets —while keeping control and accountability local. Every dollar raised through these investments should build resilience and opportunity for Boston residents.
We cannot wait for Washington to fix Boston problems. The responsibility is ours. By planning wisely and acting boldly, Boston can protect essential programs, sustain growth, and remain a city that works for everyone — not just those at the best.
Looking toward 2026, we face a clear choice: continue reacting to federal shortfalls with painful cuts, or lead with purpose and foresight. If we choose the latter, Boston can maintain fiscal balance while upholding its commitment to fairness and opportunity.
As voters head to the polls this year, it is important to look beyond 2025 and toward the challenges ahead. The decisions made today will shape our city well into the next decade. For those who may have tuned out because the mayor is not on the ballot, I urge you to re-engage. This moment is critical. The leadership we choose will determine whether Boston continues to invest in its people or falls behind.
Boston has always been a global beacon of innovation, resilience, and self-reliance. Let us continue that tradition by embracing independent leadership and smart fiscal solutions —so we can keep Boston strong, fair, and thriving for everyone who calls it home.
Winston Pierre is a candidate for Boston City Council District 5
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