Tania Fernandes Anderson, a once-promising Boston city councilor, is set to officially resign on Friday after pleading guilty to corruption charges. Her resignation comes as she awaits sentencing in July for her involvement in a kickback scheme that exploited city funds.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Fernandes Anderson orchestrated a plan in which she awarded a family member on her staff a $13,000 “supersize bonus” with the expectation that they would pass along thousands of dollars to her. She admitted to accepting $7,000 in cash in a City Hall bathroom earlier this year, adding a layer of scandal to her political career.
In the weeks leading up to her resignation, Fernandes Anderson faced increasing criticism from various quarters, who accused her of lacking accountability for her actions that betrayed the trust of taxpayers. While detractors voiced their discontent, she also had a group of supporters who praised her efforts to serve the community in her District 7, which includes Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and parts of the South End.
In a reflective interview with WBUR, Fernandes Anderson expressed pride in her work as a city councilor, though she mostly avoided direct discussions about her legal troubles. When it came to expressing remorse, her apology to her constituents was notably vague, stating, “I am saddened for my constituents,” and extending “deeply sorry and heartfelt compassion” to them.
During a virtual town hall meeting over the weekend, she presented a substantial 407-page “workbook” intended to guide her successor and better serve the community. The document includes her vision for the council, collaborative strategies, and an action plan for District 7.
While it’s uncertain who will benefit from her lengthy document, it received praise from former state senator Diane Wilkerson during the meeting, who likened it to a serious endeavor. Supporters at the town hall thanked Fernandes Anderson for her contributions in advocating for housing projects and mental health care, commending her friendly disposition as a pivotal aspect of her service.
Abdikarim, a candidate vying to replace her as District 7 councilor, shared how Fernandes Anderson’s historic election as the first Muslim and first African immigrant councilor was monumental for his family. He expressed gratitude for her representation and the inspiration it provided to his daughters.
However, criticism continued to mount, particularly from fellow councilor Erin Murphy. Murphy questioned whether Fernandes Anderson truly understood the gravity of her actions, noting, “The sense I got is that she didn’t feel as though she did anything wrong.” She expressed displeasure over Fernandes Anderson’s demeanor during her final council meeting, where the outgoing councilor cracked jokes, posed for pictures, and made critical remarks about the political system rather than addressing her accountability.
Murphy underscored the need for Fernandes Anderson to issue a direct and genuine apology, both to the residents of Boston and to the city council itself. She highlighted a prevailing perception that recent scandals involving council members have undermined the council’s reputation, referring to the council as a “clown show” amidst ongoing scandals.
The Boston City Council has dealt with various scandals in recent years, including the ousting of two members in disgrace earlier this year and previous corruption cases, including the conviction of late councilor Chuck Turner for bribery in 2010.
Larry DiCara, a former city councilor and advisor, lamented seeing another local leader fall from grace. He shared his concern over how such scandals distract from addressing more significant issues facing the city.
As the city anticipates the election of a new District 7 councilor in November, a crowded field of eleven candidates has already emerged. Despite her resignation, Fernandes Anderson hinted at a possible return to Boston politics but didn’t specify how or where she might involve herself in the future.
“I only want to be in a space if I feel I’m welcomed and I only want to be in a space if I’m doing right by the people,” she stated, leaving her future ambitions ambiguous.
Fernandes Anderson’s sentencing hearing is set for July 29, where a judge will decide her fate following federal prosecutors’ recommendation of a one-year prison term, three years of supervised release, and restitution of $13,000.
At the conclusion of her virtual town hall, she made a poignant appeal to attendees, asking them to pray for her to avoid jail time so she can remain with her family. She further requested that constituents feel free to greet her without using her title, stating, “Tania is good.”
image source from：wbur
