In Boston, Tania Fernandes Anderson, the District 7 councilor, finds herself in a precarious position amid serious allegations of corruption. Despite her refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing, she has recently changed her cell phone number, presumably to avoid public scrutiny over claims that she cheated taxpayers.
Currently, Fernandes Anderson is facing charges related to a kickback scheme. While she has yet to fully admit guilt in court, her hearing is scheduled for May 5.
According to federal indictment details, Fernandes Anderson is accused of granting a $13,000 bonus to a staff member who is a relative—though not an immediate family member—under the condition that $7,000 be returned to her. This exchange was allegedly coordinated through text messages and took place in a City Hall bathroom in June 2023.
Her controversial actions have left her staff members uncertain about job security, while constituents are now in search of a replacement councilor to represent District 7.
On a recent occasion, Boston’s political landscape seemed to intentionally overlook Fernandes Anderson during a significant event. While politicians gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the FieldHouse+, constructed by the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester in honor of Boston Marathon bombing victim Martin Richard, not a single mention was made of the embattled councilor.
With every other Boston politician involved, it was clear that acknowledging her presence—or absence—would have overshadowed the solemnity of the occasion. Such a lack of acknowledgment highlights the depths of betrayal felt by the city’s residents, a sentiment that has left many hoping this will be the last chapter in her controversial saga.
In a different aspect of city governance, the Boston Elections Department is undergoing significant changes following last fall’s ballot shortages. Secretary of State William Galvin has taken action by appointing Michael Sullivan, the former director of the state office of Campaign and Political Finance, to oversee the department as part of a receivership.
The Massachusetts Secretary of State ordered this revamp after widespread complaints that residents faced long lines, with many unable to vote due to insufficient state-issued ballots at polling stations during the presidential and state elections last fall.
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed optimism about Sullivan’s appointment, citing his extensive experience and expertise. In a communication to councilors, she emphasized the commitment to work collaboratively with Sullivan and the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Election Division staff.
Following a state investigation, the Boston Elections Department has been instructed to revise its practices to better align with state election laws. In Wu’s letter, she mentioned several steps being taken to comply with these directives.
Notably, the Elections Department structure has been updated. It will now report to the People Operations and Administration Cabinet, providing it with direct organizational support from Paul Chong, the Commissioner of City Records.
To improve operations, the city has hired a process improvement manager by reallocating an existing role. Additionally, The Elections Group, a nonpartisan consulting firm, will offer support and recommend short-term strategies for immediate implementation over the next few months.
Though Wu’s letter does not specify the financial implications of these overhauls, she referenced a proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 that includes investments intended to facilitate these operational reforms. This budget indicates a notable increase of 14.32%, as it rises from $6.4 million in fiscal year 2025 to a proposed $7.3 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
As significant transformations unfold in Boston’s electoral management, the hope remains that both the city council and the Elections Department can restore public trust and integrity moving forward.
image source from：https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/04/20/pols-politics-betrayal-in-boston-galvin-looks-to-fix-city-election-flaws/
