Boston’s mayoral candidate Josh Kraft has called out incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu for her handling of the escalating conditions in neighborhoods impacted by the Mass and Cass spillover, particularly highlighting the growing crisis as a failure of leadership.
At a press conference held at Worcester Square, Kraft referenced a recent statement by Boston Public Health Commissioner Bisola Ojikutu, who acknowledged that the city’s current strategy to combat the open-air drug market in the Methadone Mile area has not succeeded.
Kraft urged Mayor Wu to heed the concerns of the community, experts, and advocates, advocating for a shift in strategy regarding the Mass and Cass situation.
“I’m calling on Mayor Wu to listen and act, to listen to a community that is suffering and scared… because what you’re doing here is not working,” Kraft expressed.
He criticized Wu for what he termed a rose-colored view of the city’s safety, claiming that the mayor is out of touch with the realities facing residents.
Kraft laid out a comprehensive plan that he introduced two months ago, which includes stricter enforcement on open-air drug use and related crimes, revitalizing a community syringe program to address the rise in improperly disposed needles, and launching Recover Boston—a community-driven recovery campus proposal.
He also stressed the need for a strengthened partnership with the state, which he argued has deteriorated since Wu assumed office.
Kraft painted a grim picture of the Mass and Cass area as a crisis marked by homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues, describing it as a “human tragedy” intertwined with pervasive public disorder.
Residents and business owners, especially from the South End, echoed Kraft’s sentiments, stating that the problem is more pronounced now than ever.
Brian McCarter, a 38-year-old South End resident, shared his fears about the dangerous environment, noting that he finds himself more focused on personal safety rather than the upcoming election.
City Councilor Ed Flynn, who represents part of the South End, also voiced his concern, calling for recognition of what he termed a public safety and health emergency.
Kraft’s remarks highlighted the visible drug use and crime in the neighborhood, with residents grappling with situations such as witnessing drug sales and encountering discarded needles.
He claimed that calls to the police often yield no response, stating, “To be clear, the police are not to blame… we’ll never get there on enforcement with a mayor who believes public drug use, stealing and quality of life crimes should be consequence-free.”
He expressed concern that leaving those suffering from addiction without support is not an act of compassion but rather a neglect of responsibility.
In response, Mayor Wu defended her administration’s ongoing efforts to tackle the crisis, asserting that maintaining public safety and health is a continuing challenge that stems from longstanding issues, including the 2014 closure of the Long Island Bridge and associated recovery facilities.
Wu emphasized that while not all problems have been solved, progress has been made, declaring that the conditions in Boston are better than in previous years.
She dismissed Kraft’s criticisms as unconstructive, arguing, “To say that nothing has happened or everything’s a failure… it’s not leadership to constantly tear down our first responders and public health workers and criticize the city.”
The city’s strategies have included clearing encampments in the Mass and Cass area, but Wu acknowledged that the opioid crisis remains a complex issue requiring a long-term vision.
Wu’s campaign highlighted that Kraft lacks substantial ideas beyond his criticisms, contending, “It’s not leadership when your only message… is to root against Boston.”
She noted that the administration’s focus is on effectively managing local-level solutions while also addressing a nationwide epidemic.
Wu stated that overdose rates are on the decline, an indication that her strategies have started to yield positive outcomes despite the challenges.
In the meantime, the Newmarket Business Improvement District is moving forward with the Recover Boston initiative, starting three strategy teams aimed at establishing a long-term addiction recovery campus—part of the wider goal to enhance response to the crisis.
Newmarket’s executive director, Sue Sullivan, articulated the urgency of funding the recovery campus, estimating operational costs at about $8 million annually, which she believes is feasible with a blend of city, state, and private financial contributions.
Sullivan said, “Talk means nothing unless you actually have the money to make something happen… we need to make it happen.”
As summer approaches, Wu announced plans to increase police enforcement and resources in areas heavily affected by drug-related issues, reinforcing her administration’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
The city’s approach has evolved; in February, the focus shifted towards actively addressing outdoor congregate drug use to deter trafficking activity.
Wu concluded, “We’re not quitting on the problem, and we know that there are steps that have made a real difference in Boston.”
The debate continues, highlighting the contrasting perspectives of the candidates as they navigate one of Boston’s most pressing issues.
image source from：bostonherald
