從市長到部長 馬丁華殊年薪將加700元

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)。(檔案照片)

            (Boston Orange 綜合報導)還未排出確認聽證會日期，還在執行波士頓市長職務的候任美國勞工部部長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Wlash)，已有媒體迫不及待的揭露，這位即將上任的新部長，和歷任前部長相比，有點兩袖清風。

            根據一份1月22日申報的表格來看，馬丁華殊資產，包括做為市長的年薪19萬9000元，以及股票，壽險，以及銀行戶口，加起來的總值在35萬元至95萬元之間。

            他的個人住宅也還揹著50萬元到100萬元的兩筆貸款。

            馬丁華殊還買了兩個退休計畫，一份是從工會那兒買的，可讓他在60歲以後，每月有1998元的收入，另外一份是經由波士頓市政府買的，那可讓他在65歲以後，每月獲得9769.17元的收入。不過這兩筆資產，還不能完全確認。

            馬丁華殊當市長前，是大波士頓建築業工會的頭，那是個包括20個本地建築工程工會的雨傘組織。他還是本地223勞工工會會長。這些組織都棣屬於AFL-CIO勞力工會聯盟之下。AFL-CIO的領導，Richard Trumka也在支持馬丁華殊被提名為勞工部部長上出了力。

            之前，馬丁華殊也是麻州眾議員。

            和同時期被拜登(Biden)總統提名，或是前任總統川普任用的一眾閣員比起來，馬丁華殊的資產實在不多。例如拜登挑選的財政部部長葉倫(Janet Yellen)，申報的資產在800萬元到1960萬元之間。前任勞工部部長，原本是一家大律師樓合夥人的Eugene Scalia，他出任部長前的年收入超過600萬元。

            在2001到2009年間擔任勞工部部長，2017年到2021年擔任交通部部長的趙小蘭，她和夫婿Michell McConnell的資產，原本只有大約300萬元，但2007年她母親過世，繼承了一些母親的遺產後，她和夫婿的共同資產跳升為1270萬元，目前已再增加至3500萬元左右。網路上的資料稱，趙小蘭父親趙錫成的福茂集團，價值超過12億元。

            馬丁華殊是在2013年時首度當選為波士頓市長，2017年再當選連任。一旦聯邦聽證會通過他的任命提案，馬丁華殊的勞工部部長年薪，也只有$199,700，比他的市長年薪多700元。

波士頓市長宣佈2020年內建造了1023戶可負擔住宅

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THE CREATION OF 1,023 NEW UNITS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN 2020 New deed-restricted housing units were permitted by the City of Boston in 2020 during a global pandemic

 

BOSTON - Friday, January 29, 2021 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today that in 2020 Boston surpassed the 1,000-unit mark for new affordable housing units permitted in a single year. This 1,023 unit total represents the largest number of affordable units in a single year since 2017, when a total of 1,044 units were permitted. In 2020, this high number of permits was achieved despite the months-long construction shutdown necessitated by the global coronavirus pandemic.   "We are committed to creating a Boston that anyone, at any income level, can afford to live in," said Mayor Walsh. "As a result of our administration's commitment to the safety and security of Boston residents, especially during these trying times, we are continuing to create more affordable housing in our neighborhoods, which will allow more people and families to find homes in the neighborhoods they love." A record 30 percent of all housing units permitted in 2020 were income-restricted. Out of all the housing units in Boston, nearly 20 percent are reserved for low- and moderate-income residents; and more than 25 percent of its rental housing stock is reserved for low- and moderate-income residents. Boston's share of affordable housing is higher than any other major city in the country. "Despite the challenges created by the pandemic this past year, the City of Boston's steadfast commitment to increasing affordable housing allowed us to continue our partnership to open Phase One of a new development in Roxbury that will create a total of 475 apartments, to break ground on another in Mattapan that will build 135 apartments and to look forward to a third in Nubian Square that will start this year," said Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO of Preservation of Affordable Housing, a nonprofit developer based in Boston. 2020's permit totals for income-restricted housing include 911 units that are within one-half miles of public transportation, such as the new 135 units that will be built at The Loop at Mattapan Station, and the 44 units at 25 Amory Street in Jackson Square in Jamaica Plain, which is part of the Jamaica Plain and Roxbury planning effort. Of the 1,023 total, fifty units were set aside for individuals experiencing homelessness. Eighty units are reserved for households earning at or below 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) or $38,350 per year, including some of the 23 units reserved for senior Bostonians at 41 North Margin Street in Boston's North End, or some of the 42 units that will be built for seniors in East Boston's Maverick Square. Another 523 units are reserved for households earning at or below 60 percent of AMI or $65,000 per year for a family of three. The remaining 477 of those units will be deed-restricted units for households with a combined income of up to 80 percent of AMI or about $85,000 for a family of the same size.  Maintaining Boston's historically high level of income-restricted housing has always been a goal of Mayor Walsh's comprehensive housing policy, Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. Currently, the City of Boston has permitted 7,325 and is on track to create the 15,820 new affordable units called for in the housing plan, despite the construction shutdown that occurred in 2020 due to the pandemic.  "The past year was unprecedented in our efforts to meet the housing challenges faced by residents across the Commonwealth, yet the collaborative resolve by the housing community - both public and private  - resulted in highly successful outcomes like the production of more than 1,000 new affordable rental homes for households in Boston," said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay. "Despite this trying time, we continue to stand steadfast with our partners to create housing and economic opportunities throughout the state and commend the City of Boston for its leadership and results in this critical effort."  The onset of the coronavirus and subsequent quarantine infused the work to create new income-restricted housing with even deeper urgency. The need to shelter in place throughout this crisis has underlined the need for safe, stable, affordable housing for all Bostonians, particularly its most vulnerable residents, and those suffering economically due to job or income loss.  "While it was a very difficult year, with many challenges, Boston was able to permit, fund, and begin construction on over 1,000 new affordable, income-restricted housing units," said Sheila A. Dillon, Chief of Housing. "These new units will provide safe and secure homes for seniors, families, and our homeless. The pandemic has reinforced that safe and affordable housing is a critical public health response."  Since 2014, funding from the city's operating and capital funding for housing programs has increased by more than 300%, while adjustments to the Inclusionary Development and Linkage Policies, and the adoption of the Community Preservation Act have resulted in tens of millions of dollars of additional revenue for housing. This funding has supported the creation of affordable rental and homeownership opportunities, the development of permanent supportive housing for homeless households, and assistance for renters facing eviction. It has also supported the conversion of hundreds of market-rate units into income-restricted affordable housing and the creation of the first City-funded rental voucher program for low-income Bostonians. In 2020, the Walsh administration invested $40 million in public resources into income-restricted, affordable housing which leveraged another $270 million in other public and private investment sources for a total $310 million investment.  In 2020, the Boston Planning & Development Agency approved 10,123 new residential units, of which 2,826 were income-restricted, representing over 27 percent of total units. Since the release of the original Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030 plan in 2014, 26,623 new units of housing have been completed, making significant progress in meeting Boston's housing needs. An additional 9,354 units are currently under construction.  Income-restricted housing stock has grown along with overall new production, with nearly 5,600 income-restricted units completed and over 1,700 units under construction. As a result of the new supply, advertised rents had been stabilizing in Boston, even before the COVID-19 Pandemic. For more information on the City of Boston's work to create more housing, please visit Housing A Changing City: Boston 2030.   About the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND The Department of Neighborhood Development is responsible for housing the homeless, developing affordable housing, and ensuring that renters and homeowners can find, maintain, and stay in their homes. As part of the ongoing coronavirus response, the Office of Housing Stability is also conducting tenant's rights workshops to educate residents about the eviction moratorium and their rights. The Boston Home Center continues to provide down payment assistance to first-time home buyers and home repairs for seniors and low-income residents. The Supportive Housing Division is working with various partners around the city to rapidly house individuals who are experiencing homelessness. For more information, please visit the DND website.

MAYOR WALSH ISSUES SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR RESIDENTS AS COLDEST WEATHER OF THE SEASON ARRIVES

MAYOR WALSH ISSUES SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR RESIDENTS AS COLDEST WEATHER OF THE SEASON ARRIVES Residents encouraged to take caution over the weekend; warming centers activated in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines   BOSTON - Friday, January 29, 2021 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today shared a set of tips and guidelines for residents to manage this weekend's bitterly cold weather. Boston is experiencing sub-zero wind chill temperatures through Sunday, January 31. This weekend's temperatures meet the thresholds for activating the use of warming centers in the city in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.   "We want to ensure that every Boston resident stays warm and safe with the bitter cold weather this weekend," said Mayor Walsh. "It is essential that we support and look out for each other, while also making sure we are observing COVID-19 public health guidelines. Please continue to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and avoid crowds as we brave these cold temperatures. I urge Bostonians to call 911 if they see someone in distress, as we are here to help and make sure people are safe."  Wind chill values today are predicted to be as low as -8 degrees Fahrenheit, expected to be as low as -7 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, before rising to above freezing temperatures. The City is also tracking and monitoring a possible winter storm that's expected to arrive late Monday into early Tuesday, and preparations are being made to support the needs of Boston residents.  Warming centers are open today from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Due to COVID-19 public health regulations, all warming center visitors will be screened for symptoms before entry, must wear a face covering (covering both the nose and mouth), maintain 6 feet of distance from others, and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Visitors must bring their own water bottles, and must limit belongings to one small bag. Occupancy will be monitored to ensure it doesn't exceed 25 percent of the building's maximum permitted occupancy to maintain proper distancing. The spaces will be cleaned and disinfected hourly. The locations of the warming centers include: Allston/Brighton: BCYF Jackson-Mann Community Center, 500 Cambridge St., Allston Charlestown: BCYF Charlestown Community Center, 255 Medford St., Charlestown  Dorchester: BCYF Holland Community Center, 85 Olney St., Dorchester East Boston: BCYF Paris Street Community Center, 112 Paris St., East Boston Hyde Park: BCYF Hyde Park Community Center, 1179 River St., Hyde Park Jamaica Plain: BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South St., Jamaica Plain  Mattapan: BCYF Mildred Avenue Community Center, 5 Mildred Ave., Mattapan  North End: BCYF Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet St., Boston Roslindale: BCYF Menino Community Center, 125 Brookway Rd., Roslindale  Roxbury: BCYF Tobin Community Center,1481 Tremont St., Boston South Boston: BCYF Condon Community Center, 200 D St., S. Boston South End: BCYF Blackstone Community Center, 50 West Brookline Street, Boston West Roxbury: BCYF Roche Community Center,1716 Centre St., West Roxbury Mayor Walsh advised residents to take precautions as the weather persists throughout the weekend, reminding them especially to check in on older adults, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness. If you see homeless and vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, they are encouraged to call 911 as well.  The Mayor encouraged all persons in shelters, auxiliary sites and families with young children to stay indoors and avoid the extremely cold weather. Additionally, the Mayor announced other precautions the city is putting in place to protect residents from the cold weather: Three mobile outreach vehicles on the street in the daytime at the Pine Street Inn. Further outreach will be provided by other agencies downtown and in the Back Bay. A van provided by The City of Boston Office of Recovery Services to help persons in need access the  Engagement Center, the PAATHS Program and Emergency Shelters from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The 24/7 opening of all adult emergency shelters and winter overflow sites began Thursday night and will extend through the weekend. The Boston Police Department (BPD) is making announcements on every shift for officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for vulnerable people on the streets. BPD will conduct wellness checks or assist with transportation to available shelters and coordinate with emergency medical personnel for unsheltered homeless persons in distress.  The BPD Street Outreach Unit will be available as a resource to assist the districts, outreach providers and 911 dispatch as needed.   The MBTA will similarly make announcements on every shift for MBTA Police officers and transportation personnel to be on the lookout for vulnerable people. The agency will have extra officers on duty who will make vehicles available to provide transportation to shelter or to contact emergency medical personnel for unsheltered homeless persons in distress. Key safety tips include:  Dress for the weather: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, residents are required to wear face masks or cloth face coverings in all public places, whether indoors or outdoors, even when they are able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.  Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well. Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.   Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch for signs of frostbite: Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Watch for signs of hypothermia: These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911. Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants: In accordance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately. If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint. Heating safety: Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.  Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color. It is poisonous and can be deadly. Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold: The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate a home's main water shut off valve, and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage. Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing. Circulate warm air around pipes by keeping cabinet doors open. Circulate a trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold to help prevent them freezing up. Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight. If pipes do freeze, slowly thaw them with a hair dryer, if possible. If water is lost in all taps, call BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.   Emergency home repair resources:  Income-eligible homeowners and Boston's residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).    In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a new brand new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.    For emergency alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. For more information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow @CityofBoston on Twitter.

波士頓黃氏公所主席續任就職 疫情期間多數宗親僑團幹部全留任

波士頓黃氏宗親會幹部就職。前排右起，黃光沐，黃國威，
黃仁宇，黃國麟，黃周麗桃。(黃氏宗親會提供)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)在新冠病毒疫情肆虐一年，迄今未消之際，波士頓各姓氏公所大都原班人馬留任。黃氏宗親會的主要幹部也都連任，日前並慎重其事地舉行了就職典禮。

              黃氏公所位於必珠街，華埠牌樓旁的會所，因為疫情，平時已閉門謝客，就職典禮這天，也只有主要幹部出席，由全美元老黃國威監禮，主席黃仁宇，黃光沐續任。

              根據黃氏公所資料，其他職位的中文書記光野，偉健，財政開洪，寶華，外交鷹立，協健，核數英健，展唐，庶務達榮，議長國麟等黃氏宗親，也大都是去年的職員。婦女部也仍然由黃周麗桃，黃仕蓮續任主席。

黃氏宗親會兩名主席，黃光沐(左)，黃仁宇(中)
向祖宗獻三牲。(黃氏宗親會提供)

             黃氏公所在過去這廿，三十年間，共出過多名全美元老，包括黃偉炎，黃煜棠，黃君裕，黃官羨，黃國威，黃立輝。前二人已於多年前辭世，今年又有黃君裕撒手人間，波士頓最大宗親會之一的黃氏公所，現在還有三名全美元老。

              住在大同村，同時擔任華埠居民會共同主席的黃國威表示，這場疫情真的讓人生活難過，華埠商家更慘，開門就賠本，還不知要撐到何時。今年的農曆年春宴也停辦，宗親無法聚會，商鋪也沒生意，真是很難過。

              過去這一年，雖然因為疫情，黃氏公所自己未辦活動，但中國駐紐約總領事館送達的2000個口罩，他們都發給了宗親。黃氏公所還捐款1000元，支持中華公所的送口罩支持第一線工作人員，以及屋村華裔居民等活動。黃氏公所也體恤的給租用黃氏物業的肥牛火鍋，小桃園等店家減租。

              華埠內的李氏公所主席李奇舜，伍胥山公所主席伍輝民，余風采堂前任主席余麗媖等人也都表示，礙於疫情，所有職員今年繼續留任。

疫情期間 波士頓僑教中心線上推動僑務

           (Boston Orange)波士頓華僑文教服務中心於1月21日下午5時30分舉辦「波士頓地區僑務工作線上座談會」，說明僑務工作重點，討論與協調2021年度文教中心各重要活動安排及意見交流，會議由波士頓文教中心主任潘昭榮主持，計有波士頓地區僑務委員蔣宗壬等僑務榮譽職人員、各僑團（校）負責人及青年代表近30人參加，獲致多項具體建議。

              潘昭榮首先感謝參與座談的代表及人員對僑務的關心與支持，鼓勵大家踴躍發言、交換意見及凝聚共識，以作為波士頓地區今年返國參加僑務委員會議的僑務委員及代表建言之參考，並說明新版護照已開放受理申請，有意申辦之僑胞請以電子郵件向駐波士頓臺北經文處預約，接著簡報僑委會委員長童振源所揭示僑務工作4大目標、2項戰略、5項策略，推廣僑務電子報Line官方帳號，僑委會及文教中心臉書粉專，僑胞卡及特約商店，i臺灣窗口，以及繼續鼓勵僑胞踴躍支持臺灣加入聯合國、WHA及返國參加慶典活動等。

                  此外，潘昭榮亦說明僑委會目前對海外僑胞及僑臺商面對疫情挑戰所提供各項協助方案，如「海外僑臺商防疫紓困整合方案」、「海外信用保證基金新冠肺炎疫情紓困方案3.0」、「全球僑胞遠距健康諮詢服務方案」、「全球僑臺商農業服務方案」、「全球僑臺商產學合作服務方案」、「智慧經濟電子報」，鼓勵僑胞踴躍運用；以及僑委會支援海外口罩需求，力挺全僑共同抗疫，並運用數位學習管道持續輸出優質僑教等創新措施。

             參與此次座談人員，除僑務委員蔣宗壬，計有僑務顧問郭競儒、張昆、馮文鸞等僑務榮譽職人員；紐英崙李氏公所主席李奇舜，國民黨波士頓分部常委張韻蘭，紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事長蔡明機、會長康雅雰，大波士頓臺灣基督長老教會石明軒，新英格蘭成功大學校友會會長陳婉如等僑團代表；新英格蘭大波士頓臺灣商會會長林才民，波克萊臺灣商會楊羅東、陳玉瑛等臺商會人員；波士頓慈濟人文學校校長彭淑敏、勒星頓中文學校校長陳伯淯，波士頓文教中心民俗文化種子教師林賢琪，以及哈佛大學臺灣同學會會長蕭育舜、許祐湉等。(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心提供)

AG SECURES MORE THAN $1 MILLION FROM TWO ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTERS OVER ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER BILLING

 AG SECURES MORE THAN $1 MILLION FROM TWO ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTERS OVER ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER BILLING

Facilities in Marlborough and Lowell Billed for Services Not Provided and in Violation of MassHealth Regulations

            BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey announced today that two adult day health centers in Marlborough and Lowell will pay more than $1 million to resolve allegations that they improperly billed the state’s Medicaid Program (MassHealth) for adult day health services.

            Fun Life Adult Day Care (Fun Life) in Marlborough and Monarch Elder Care (Monarch) in Lowell will pay $1,060,957.92 to resolve allegations that, since 2014, the companies improperly billed MassHealth for adult day health services that were not provided or that were in excess of permissible billing practices, in violation of MassHealth regulations. Both facilities are owned and operated by Malay Patel of Lowell.

            “False and improper billing to MassHealth takes away critical funds from a program that provides health care to some of our most underserved populations,” said AG Healey. “Companies must follow MassHealth billing regulations to ensure these critical resources are being allocated appropriately.”

“Today’s outcome is the result of MassHealth’s strong program integrity efforts to prevent inappropriate payments, and demonstrates the important partnership between MassHealth and the Medicaid Fraud Division to hold providers accountable for violating MassHealth regulations,” said Assistant Secretary for MassHealth and Medicaid Director Dan Tsai.​

            The AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division began investigating these two companies after referrals from MassHealth. The investigation found that, on numerous occasions, Fun Life and Monarch billed for more hours than members actually attended adult day health programs. The companies also improperly submitted claims in excess of per diem billing requirements. 

In addition to the financial settlement, both facilities have agreed to contract with an independent compliance monitor to oversee a three-year independent compliance program. The program will include updated policies and procedures on billing, new training for billing staff, and yearly audits conducted by the monitor, at Fun Life’s and Monarch’s expense. 

The AG’s Office has resolved previous cases of improper billing at adult day health facilities. In August 2020, the AG’s Office settled with two adult day health centers in Boston and Dartmouth for $186,000 to resolve allegations that they improperly billed MassHealth. In November 2019, AG Healey secured a settlement with an adult day health facility in Springfield, recouping nearly $275,000 for MassHealth for improper billing. In November 2018, three adult day health facilities agreed to pay more than $500,000 to settle allegations that they too engaged in improper billing.

This matter was handled by Managing Attorney Kevin Lownds, Assistant Attorney General Ali Russo, Senior Healthcare Fraud Investigator Aleksandra Andriyevskaya, and Investigator Johan Gonzalez, all of AG Healey’s Medicaid Fraud Division, with substantial assistance from MassHealth and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. The Medicaid Fraud Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

波士頓市長選戰出現第3名參選者 波市議員Annissa Essaibi George宣佈參選

 

Annissa Essaibi George宣佈參波士頓市長，全家人一起亮相。(圖片來自宣佈競選信件)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)波士頓市長競選這下子真的升溫了，出現第三個宣佈參選人，也是波士頓市不分區市議員，曾擔任東波士頓公校老師13年，現年47歲的Annissa Essaibi George，今早10點多發信通知選民，她要參選波士頓市長啦!

             波士頓市最早宣佈參選市長的是波士頓市有史以來的第一位華裔，第二位亞裔市議員，現年36歲的吳弭(Michelle Wu)。她在2020年9月15日宣佈參選。

             一星期之後，波士頓市第四區市議員，現年38歲的Andrea Campbell，也宣佈參選了。

             這時候，波士頓的現任市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)還未表態，是否競選連任，人們普遍認為，如果馬丁華殊競選連任，由於在位者參選必贏的歷史有前證，其他人的機會都很渺茫。當時坊間議論的重點是，這兩名宣佈參選者，無論哪一個人當選，都將為波士頓市締造出現首名有色人種，女性市長的歷史紀錄。

             今年1月7日，拜登總統提名馬丁華殊出任勞工部部長，波士頓市長選戰於是一下子局面完全不同，某某某可能參選的消息滿天飛，波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯說他90%可能，波士頓市健康及人民服務長Marty Martinez也說他當然考慮參選。

             不過，正式宣佈參選的第三人，直到今天才出現。

             葛羅斯今日稍晚時，也令所有人意外的，正式表態，現年56歲的他將不會參選波士頓市市長，退休是為多花些時間和家人在一起。

             Annissa Essaibi George今早才發信通知選民，”我正在參選波士頓市長(I’m running for Mayor of Boston)”，但波士頓環球報，波士頓前鋒報等報章，昨(27)晚就已經發佈了這消息。

             Annissa Essaibi George在她發給選民的信上說，”波士頓市我家，我根植於此，這個關係促使我更辛勤的要為波士頓做更多事”。

             Annissa Essaibi George在2015年當選為波士頓市不分區市議員，並連任迄今。之前，從2001年起，她在東波士頓高中教經濟，企業管理，以及健康及人民服務。她還擔任軟球助理教練。

             當老師之前，她曾經為波士頓私營企業協會擔任學生服務聯絡員，協助學生獲取工作場所的學習經驗。

             她在競選網站上說，除了波士頓公校的品質，經濟發展之外，她也致力促進波士頓市的公共安全。

             她有四個小孩。她本人是第一代美國人，父親於1972年從突尼西亞移民來美。她母親的父母是德國流離失所人士營地中的波蘭人。

             波士頓環球報在報導中說，Annissa Essaibi George稱自己為阿拉伯裔美國人。她那第二次世界大戰後，在一個德國流離失所人士營中出生的波蘭裔母親，在波士頓環球報擔任電話接線生長達25年，直到被裁員為止。她父親在波士頓大學當警衛20多年，1972年才從突尼西亞移民來美，是虔誠穆斯林教徒。她自己在天主教教義中長大，但深受父母的文化薰陶。

             波士頓環球報指出，去年的波士頓市預算投票，彰顯了Annissa Essaibi George和吳弭，Andrea Campbell的極大不同。馬丁華殊去年夏天提出的36億美元營運預算，吳弭和Campbell都投了反對票，認為那不足以處理波士頓市內的系統性種族歧視。Annissa Essaibi George則是投贊成票的其中一人。他們那批人認為，否決馬丁華殊提出的預算案是財政上的不負責任，因為其中包括了很好的項目及服務。該預算案最後以8比5票通過。

             在競選經費上，最早宣佈參選的吳弭和Andrea Campbell，依序各籌得535,000元，

          以及513,000元。上個月，她倆各募得約9萬元競選經費。Essaibi-George目前已籌得11萬元。(更新版)

MAYOR WALSH LEADS 41ST ANNUAL HOMELESS CENSUS WITH PRECAUTIONS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

MAYOR WALSH LEADS 41ST ANNUAL HOMELESS CENSUS WITH PRECAUTIONS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC  The annual count of Boston's homeless individuals guides the City's resources   Mayor Walsh and volunteers speaking with unsheltered individuals for the 2021 Census BOSTON - Thursday, January 28, 2021 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh yesterday led a reduced group of volunteers, including City and State officials, homeless services providers, and public health and safety first responders, in conducting the City of Boston's 41st annual unsheltered homeless street count. Census organizers intentionally reduced the number of volunteers this year as a safety measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The street count also started later and did not include the usual kickoff event at City Hall, to prevent volunteers from gathering as a large group. The street count is part of the City's comprehensive census of homeless adults, youth and families in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and domestic violence programs, and individuals staying outside in Boston each year.  "Every year, our homeless census guides our work to dedicate programs and resources to support individuals who face homelessness, and it plays a vital role in our larger goal to prevent and end homelessness in the City of Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "The homeless census also serves as an important reminder of our shared commitment to helping our most vulnerable residents. In Boston, we know everyone should be cared for and respected, and deserves a place to call home." The annual homeless census is usually required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a key component of Boston's $31 million federal grant for housing and services for homeless households. This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic the homeless census was not required by HUD, but was still conducted. The census also helps inform the City of Boston's policy development and allocation of resources. The information gained through the census is shared with other homeless service providers to aid in the coordination among the Continuum of Care members. Boston continues to have the lowest percentage of unsheltered people living on the street of any major city conducting a census, with under 2 percent of Boston's homeless population sleeping on the street in 2019, the most recent year for which HUD has published national data. Nationwide, 37 percent of all homeless persons were unsheltered in 2019. This year, roughly 80 volunteers canvassed 45 areas after midnight, covering every city neighborhood, Logan Airport, and the transit and parks systems. Volunteers canvassed their assigned areas, identified those sleeping on the street, and conducted a short survey, when that could be conducted safely, per COVID-19 guidelines. The surveys will be closely analyzed to ensure accuracy and then cross-checked and combined with the results of the simultaneous shelter count.  "When we first thought about conducting our street count this year, we wondered how to do so given concerns about the coronavirus," said Jim Greene Assistant Director for Street Homelessness Initiatives for the City of Boston. "We surveyed long time census team leaders and the response was amazing; everyone agreed to help in any way they could. The overnight and daytime emergency shelter staff, street outreach teams, homeless youth workers, substance abuse and mental health clinicians, and first responders who joined us for the count have been on the front lines of this work every day throughout the pandemic. They have the skill and experience to conduct a count and keep homeless people safe. We appreciate them stepping up again tonight." The City of Boston's collaborative work to house, shelter, and keep homeless individuals and families safe has continued throughout the pandemic. In December, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that, despite the pandemic, since the launch of Rising to the Challenge: Boston's Plan to Prevent and End Youth and Young Adult Homelessness in December 2019, the City of Boston has housed more than 100 youth between the ages of 18 and 24 years old experiencing homelessness. As part of the continued effort to end youth homelessness and support youth at risk of becoming homeless, the Mayor also announced $335,000 to support career training and college courses for 40 young people aged 18-24 at risk of homelessness.  Boston's Way Home, the City's plan to end chronic and veteran homelessness prioritizes the housing first approach, an evidence-based approach to ending homelessness that uses principles such as everyone is deserving of permanent and stable housing without preconditions like sobriety or treatment. Since the plan's launch in 2015, City agencies and community partners have dramatically redesigned the way services are delivered to homeless individuals, increasing resources devoted to housing and deploying new technologies to match homeless individuals with housing and services. Since the launch of Boston's Way Home, the City has: Housed more than 1,064 chronically homeless individuals, representing more than 6,700 years of homelessness ended. (The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines chronically homeless individuals as adults with a disability who have been either living in an emergency shelter or a place not meant for human habitation continuously for 12 months or more, or who have had four occasions of homelessness in the past three years that total 12 months or more.) Reduced chronic homelessness in Boston by 19 percent since 2016, at a time when chronic homelessness has been rising nationally Housed more than 1,300 homeless veterans and ended chronic homelessness among veterans Reduced the number of homeless veterans in Boston on a single night by 32 percent since 2014, when Mayor Walsh launched his Homes for the Brave Initiative to end veteran homelessness Partnered with six affordable housing owners in Boston to create a homeless veteran preference within their housing Announced an action plan to support young Bostonians experiencing homelessness and awarded $4.7 million to create 157 housing opportunities for youth and young adults that have already housed more than 100 young people experiencing homelessness. Reached the goal of raising more than $10 million for the Boston's Way Home Fund to build 200 new units of supportive, long-term housing for chronically homeless men and women. The City of Boston anticipates receiving more than $31 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support Boston's homelessness programs in 2021 through HUD's McKinney Homeless Continuum of Care program. The funding was awarded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which renewed existing Continuum of Care grants for another year.  To further prevent displacement, which can lead to homelessness, Mayor Walsh filed and advocated for several pieces of legislation during the 2019-2020 Massachusetts legislative session aimed at protecting residents. The bills passed provide the City of Boston with more flexibility to leverage the strong development market to fund affordable housing and workforce training programs, and increase the State CPA match, allowing Boston to invest more in our communities and support affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space. This work builds on Boston's commitment to ensure all neighborhoods have affordable and equitable housing options to benefit the most vulnerable and least represented communities. Mayor Walsh was supportive of Governor Baker's housing choice legislation that was recently signed into law. This policy supports other municipalities in building up their affordable housing stock which will provide more options for residents across the Commonwealth and help ease Boston's housing burden. The results from this year's homeless census will be available in the coming months. About the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) The Department of Neighborhood Development is responsible for housing the homeless, developing affordable housing, and ensuring that renters and homeowners can find, maintain, and stay in their homes. As part of the ongoing coronavirus response, the Office of Housing Stability is also conducting tenant's rights workshops to educate residents about the eviction moratorium and their rights. The Boston Home Center continues to provide down payment assistance to first-time home buyers and home repairs for seniors and low-income residents. The Supportive Housing Division is working with various partners around the city to rapidly house individuals who are experiencing homelessness. For more information, please visit the DND website.