The Case for Change
By City Councilor At-Large and candidate for Mayor, Sam Yoon

Our country is moving forward. Under the leadership of an exciting new president, we’re restoring our standing in the world and charting a path for a new economy, for a new generation. Finally, we have a federal government that wants to invest in cities. But Boston is being left behind – because we are in stuck in old politics and an old way of doing business.

Tom Menino has been mayor for sixteen years and is now asking for another four-year term. It’s time for a change.

Our city, so rich in resources and talent, should be an example of new and innovative ways of governing. Instead, we are falling behind – while others enjoy the benefits that come with fresh, new leadership. Boston has resources like no other city. Our research universities and technology companies should make City Hall a laboratory for innovation. It’s time we reinvent government to tap into the extraordinary talent and creativity of our city.

Before serving as a city councilor, I spent ten years working in community-based non-profits, as an affordable housing developer and a community organizer. I’m running for mayor because I know city government could be a powerful instrument of change – if you have people on the inside who believe in collaboration and bottom-up thinking.

We could wait for Mayor Menino to retire on his own terms – but the people of Boston can’t wait another four years to catch up.

There is a sixth grader in the Boston Public School system who, in four years, is either going drop out – or get on track to go to college. That sixth grader cannot wait another four years. There is a generation of young people dying on our streets, when they should be developing leadership skills that will prepare them for a new economy. Those young people cannot wait another four years.

We need to convert to a green economy and lead the way in developing green-collar jobs. We need to start using 21st Century technology that is commonplace in every other city – like 311 and performance-based management. Boston is already behind – we can’t fall behind another four years.

I hope that everyone will be part of the bottom-up change that would rebuild a our city. Together, we can unlock our potential and create a bright future for Boston – for this generation and the next.