MassDems Holiday Reception with Maura and Kim

Omni Parker Hotel

In case anyone wanted to stop by the Omni Parkerhouse (right on the Redline, Park Street stop) for a festive Holiday Reception with our Governor and Lieutenant Governor put on by the Mass Dems.

In addition to getting some of those delicious rolls, here are some fun party games to play while there: 

Of course, it would be rude not to include the hosts of the event as well. 

  • Ask MASSDEMS staffers, Steve, Joe, Nigel, Ryan, Alex, and Tyler if: 

    • they had any qualms with M&K endorsing someone who walked away from the Democratic party--over an issue that has been a core part of the Dem platform for 50+ years--instead of a woman who the Quincy Dems awarded the Dennis F. Ryan Community Award, honoring those who have demonstrated the principles of the Democratic Party.

    • they've noticed there are no women in the state party staff.

Finally, you might see Mayor Koch there.  If you see him there you could remind him that Quincy needs 

  • a formalized climate action plan 

  • electric car chargers

  • his support for the specialized opt-in building code which will

    • help MA meet its carbon reduction targets mandated by the Global Warming Solutions Act.

    • transform the energy market by increasing demand for high efficiency equipment installations

    • create “electric ready” and “solar ready” facilities and capabilities decreasing the eventual costs of retrofits for building owners

I hope someone has the time and willingness to trek up there tonight. It could be fun. No need for throwing wine in anyone’s face,

or to be escorted from the premises.

And I should point out, full disclosure, I won’t be there. That’s only because I really don’t want to. Inside house, good. Outside house, bad.

If you go, please let me know how it was: joe.c.murphy@gmail.com

Otherwise, have a happy holiday season and wonderful new year.

Joe

2021 Joe Murphy Quincy Sun Profile

Joe2019.jpg

Joe Murphy,

Candidate for Ward One

If elected your top priorities will be…?

If I am elected, my top priority will be restoring communication between the residents and their city councilor. All other issues improve with better communication. Residents should expect to hear back from their ward councilor when they reach out. The job is to represent ward one communities despite the will of the political clique or generous campaign donors. Once again, I pledge to have weekly office hours for people to drop in and talk about their concerns. When it’s safe to do so, these meetups will be in locations around the ward. Until then, they will be by the phone, video conferencing, or whatever method is best for the constituents.

When the constituents are heard by their councilor, they will see quicker responses to everyday concerns. Potholes, litter, graffiti, streetlights, illegal parking, construction detours, side streets becoming raceways, drainage, tide gates, and snow removal are all everyday problems that require the ward councilor to be a diplomatic, but relentless, advocate for our neighborhoods.

Ward one will start getting answers to questions that have been ignored for too long. We deserve to know what is going on in our local government, even if the topic is controversial, polarizing, or unpleasant. For example, currently, conversations like the planning of the Maritime Center get punted into the future, leaving people to guess about an important issue. Why should the fate of the Maritime Center or the Houghs Neck Community Center be discussed without involving the people who use these facilities? The former Maritime Center needed to be replaced, but it was in regular use when it was torn down with no agreed-upon plan to replace it. I plan on having more frequent community meetings where people are part of the discussion and provide input, not told what decisions have been made unilaterally. While no city leader can have unanimous approval on every issue, I will have the conversations, popular or not, and ward one will be heard.

An open dialog with constituents will guarantee that ward one residents will get to weigh in on citywide issues as well. Our residents have strong opinions on many pressing subjects. For example, Quincy College has been struggling, but why should Covid relief money be used to buy QC a new building? Because the answer was going to be “no” through regular procedure.  And what about Hospital Hill? We were assured of a substantial medical service there, and now it seems the chance for a medical amenity there dwindles by the day. 

Quincy is the largest city in the Commonwealth without an emergency room, but possibly the last American city that owns and operates a community college. We were told that we did not need an emergency room because of all the other ERs surrounding us. By that logic, perhaps we should let the state take over Quincy College. I think ward one residents have opinions about all these topics and as ward councilor, I would welcome hearing them.

Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent?

Voters should elect me to be the ward one city councilor because I am dedicated to improving the city and the lives of the people in it. I am not interested in making political connections or raising money. I believe that some elected officials have lost sight of Quincy’s best interest. The job of ward councilor is to not only take care of the projects the administration wants completed in ward one, but to advocate for the projects the residents care about. The job is to be a representative and that sometimes means being a thorn in the administration’s side. 

One example is caring for our tax dollars. In a recent article, Councilor McCarthy said “I'm learning every day, but I've really enjoyed understanding municipal financing and how things get done. The mayor has been really smart with the bonding." What the mayor has done with “the bonding” is pushed off paying for Quincy’s massive unfunded pension obligations, at much higher cost, until long after he is out of office. My daughters and their classmates at Atherton Hough Elementary will be among the residents still dealing with that debt in 20 to 30 years. 

If elected, the administration will get questions from ward one residents, not protection.  For instance, why was this bond sprung on the Council at the last minute? Why are the tens of millions in “yearly savings” from this maneuver not being given back to the taxpayers in reduced taxes? The process of taking on a half-billion-dollar bond was so unorthodox, one councilor remarked “[the bond request] came out of committee as one thing, and left council as another. Every part of that meeting was odd...” But ward one’s elected representative saw nothing strange, had no qualms, and made no comment except, “The mayor has been really smart with the bonding.” Not only will I ask questions, if elected, but I will also call for an independent, outside review of the city’s financial plan and forecast. 

I would bring some fresh ideas to Quincy as well. I want to start a participatory budgeting (PB) program like they have in 7,000 other cities around the world. PB uses democratic engagement with the community and then incorporates that into the regular budgeting process. The citizens propose ideas to be voted on and enacted. Perhaps Quincy Tree Alliance would propose tree planting to offset recent culling due to development. QCAN could put forth a curbside composting pilot. Maybe Quincy Recreation needs money to create a Rock Band Summer camp. The point is the people will have a direct say in at least one slice of the annual budget. 

My wife and I are raising two Quincy girls. We chose Quincy because it had what we look for in a home: down-to-Earth, friendly people. So, we put down roots in the Neck and are here for the long haul. I will keep my family, your family, my neighbors, and your neighbors in mind when I work hard as your city councilor.

 

Patriot Ledger in Ward One

https://www.patriotledger.com/news/20191101/quincy-ward-1-candidates-prioritize-infrastructure-improvements

Once this election is over, we really need to combine forces and demand proper coverage of local news. While the Patriot Ledger is happy to write an article about vandalism, in the form of an egging from back in April, five days before an election, they show hardly any interest in issues-based journalism. The linked article is the only time the Ledger has written about my campaign since the preliminary.

The Framers knew that a democracy needs a robust and free press in order to succeed. I subscribe to the Patriot Ledger and I want the paper to do well, but it has to do a better job of covering local politics.

some of the highlights of the article:

The challenger said he was motivated to run because he feels communication between the council and Ward 1 residents could be improved. He said the city needs to “put some urgency” into its infrastructure projects and focus on their environmental impact, too.

We have 27 miles of coastline. The fact that we aren’t keeping it clean is unacceptable,” Murphy said, adding he would make sure builders meet with experts from the energy field before going forward with any new developments.

He also agreed that the city needs to improve its seawalls, and said he wants to improved navigation on public roads for cars and pedestrians alike.

“Ward 1 sidewalks are hit or miss,” Murphy said. “If you were in a wheelchair or had a stroller,” there are definitely some places that you have to stay off the sidewalk.”

Voter Q&A II, the sequel

Vicki, a ward one voter, asks:
I would be interested in knowing what your plan is to deal with the … dog owners who continue to allow their dogs to wander off leash; both attended and unattended. In addition the …animal control department that continues to allow repeat offenders … with no resolution. Thanks for your time.

Thanks for the question, Vicki.

Ward One loves dogs.  That’s a pretty uncontroversial statement.  I know we love dogs because I’ve upset the majority of them the past couple months while door-knocking.  Even when you aren’t home, your dogs have made me feel completely unwelcome, despite what your welcome mats convey. ;)

~Before I was brushing Maddy’s and Ellie’s hair, I was brushing Billy’s hair. He was the best. Miss ya, Buddy.

~Before I was brushing Maddy’s and Ellie’s hair, I was brushing Billy’s hair. He was the best. Miss ya, Buddy.


Our love of dogs is what makes this a sensitive issue.  Dogs love to roam free.  Many people have highly-trained and behaved dogs that can handle going off-leash in public.  They are friendly, they are outgoing, and many owners want to let their dogs frolic freely.  Unfortunately, it is against the law for very good reasons.  Just because your dog is friendly and capable of freely interacting with other dogs, kids, and people, doesn’t mean that the dogs, kids and people on the other side of the meeting can handle such interactions. 

As an example, for a rescue dog with a sad past, an unrestrained dog running towards them can be a nightmare.  Their instinct to run or fight can turn the situation tragic.  They may feel like they need to protect their owner, they may run into the street, they may pull their owner down.  

Many children and adults are comfortable and experienced around dogs of all sizes and types, but so many are not.  For those who have a fear of dogs, an unrestrained dog approaching them can also trigger unfortunate reactions and traumatic feelings.   

When you add the fact that unleashed dogs leave waste behind (whether noticed or unnoticed) that is often not retrieved by the responsible human, it is clear why the ordinance is what it is: dogs need to be leashed.

Quincy has been slow to develop dog parks, and, if on the City Council, I would vote in favor of establishing and expediting dog parks. I would like to see more than just the one being proposed in conjunction with the new animal shelter. I want our dogs who can run off-leash to enjoy their time to run, and I want our dogs who need to be shielded from those interactions to also enjoy their outdoor time.  And I want the owners of both sets to relax during dog-time without stress or fear.  To that end, I would also work with animal control and QPD to properly enforce the established ordinances now.
~thanks

October 2019, Quincy Sun Profile

Section One BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

IMG_4338.jpg

Name: Joe Murphy
Age: 42
Street Address: 18 Macy St. 

Occupation: Assistant Director for Administration, MIT Center for Bits and Atoms Education: Berklee College of Music, Bachelor of Arts

Municipal/Government/Relevant Experience: Member of Atherton Hough PTO, Quincy Climate Action Network, Former board member of a local community council.

Section Two: Written response to the following question (up to 400 words): 
If elected, my top priorities will be: 

Restoring communication and dialogue:  Ward One is a politically active and knowledgeable constituency and they not only deserve a responsive councilor, they demand it. Far too many residents have told me that they do not hear back from the current councilor. I will also prioritize community meetings and office hours that allow for citizen-input before decisions are made on projects.  Presently, meetings are called only to inform the citizens about the decisions that are being inflicted on them.

A renewed focus on infrastructure and the basics of local government: The current administration has been focused on vane and luxurious development while neglecting our 400 year old city’s foundation.  Get outside Quincy center and you’ll find our streets are pocked with potholes that cost drivers a hidden car repair tax. Our sidewalks are often untraversable for our disabled, elderly, or strollers. Eighteen months after the March 2018 flood there still has not been any significant coastal resiliency projects done to our seawalls or tide gates. After years of rehabilitating our coastline, our storm drain systems have been left to rot and we are being sued by the federal government for failing to protect our own waters.

I would also call for the creation of a green-zoning task force.  This would be a collaboration between some of the talented, experienced builders we have in Quincy and environmental experts to modernize and innovate our zoning codes. With all of the revitalization and building Quincy is undertaking, we should transform ourselves into a leader in energy-efficient building practices. Construction practices have a significant impact on greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions as well as the affordability of residential housing.  Modifying current practices can do much to lower GHG emissions and the cost of housing.

To help mitigate the current practice of inflicting decisions on our residents with little or no input, I’m also proposing Quincy begin a participatory budget program. This is a democratic process in which residents decide how to spend part of a public budget. It would give Quincy’s people a real say over real money.

Finally, due to the past, present, and future plans to amass monstrous debt and unfunded pension liabilities, the city needs an independent, outside financial review of our current fiscal situation as well as our forecast and plans.  We can not let lofty designs leave our children and retirees in a financial mess.

Section Three: Written response to the following question (up to 400 words): Voters should elect me to the office I seek because . . . . 

I understand that the job of Ward One Councilor is to be our representative at City Hall, not the Mayor’s deputy in our community. 

The current councilor’s special relationship with the Mayor has not rendered adequate attention or service here in our ward. And while the current councilor was not dealt an easy hand, with two significant storms hitting us early in his tenure, the lack of urgency shown after these events did not rise to the adversity we faced. For an administration that has never met a piece of debt it didn’t like, they suddenly found caution when it came to funding seawalls, tide gates and storm drain rehabilitation. This shows the types of projects that the mayor and our councilor value, and what they are willing to wait on. With another four years of this administration all but certain, pulling in ideas from outside the Quincy political clique is more important than ever.  We need more independent voices who are willing to ask tough questions and say “no” when appropriate.  

My desire to serve my neighbors as city councilor came from my previous career in the music industry.  I was a union representative for AFM Local 47. When not on a gig, I spent my days fighting to enforce contracts, proper conditions, and decent treatment of working musicians.  I chased payments and residuals and fought to keep their benefits in tact. I hustled to find them new work and pushed to keep that work “union.” It was challenging, rewarding, and fun. I used creative problem solving to bring employers and musicians together, to find a way for live music to exist. Serving as a city councilor will bring me a similar challenge, the same reward, and the same fun.

Quincy needs city councilors who understand and know their true role, and Ward One needs someone who isn’t satisfied to sit back and wait for solutions. As councilor, I will be available and accountable to you. Your concerns will be my concerns; your fights will be my fights.
Thank you to all my friends and supporters for giving up their free time and energy to help me. You inspire me and I will never feel worthy of the sacrifices you and your family make for this campaign. Thanks especially to my family for your patience and support. I love you Cheryl, Maddy, and Ellie.

Environmental Forum

On Thursday evening, 10/17, QCAN held their biennial candidate’s night. This is one of my favorite events of the campaign season. It gives me a rare opportunity to draw distinctions between me and my opponent.

I’m hoping to get video from the night soon so I can post it, but for now here is the play by play in text format. Paraphrased from my memory. I’ll update this post as more video and images become available.

Ward one was up first.


QCAN: Why should voters choose you instead of your opponent?
DM: Results. After the flood I did some stuff (paraphrasing).
Joe: Urgency. I see the problems in the environment as urgent and in need of more decisive action. After my last campaign, I joined QCAN to work on these problems, my opponent has refused to even meet with QCAN.
DM: False! Except for the part about refusing to meet with QCAN.

Another question that came up was over electric vehicles.

“Weymouth and Braintree both have electric vehicles within their fleets, yet here in Quincy the city fleet still has no EVs or even a hybrid vehicle, despite the council resolution passed roughly three years ago. Why do you think that is, and how would you approach this issue? “

I reminded everyone that I fielded this same question 2 years ago and nothing has happened since then. Let’s flash back sh

My take on electric vehicles. Same Question, Same Forum, 2 years earlier

As to why, nothing has happened?

DM: I think we may have added one gas/electric hybrid. (other words)

Joe: The administration is just not interested. We have seen how fast the administration can jump to action when it’s an issue they care about. If they want to block the building of a bridge or throw together a partially baked plan for a special education center, they can do it in no time. The reason we haven’t seen a single electric vehicle or hybrid is just a lack of urgency and interest.

Another question was on how to get Quincy’s recycling rate up, what to do about apartment’s that don’t have recycling for their tenants.

Joe: People want to do the right thing. When we have hazardous waste drop-off day, the line curls around Southern Artery back to Wendy’s. The textile bins outside my daughters’ school is overflowing at all times. We need to make recycling more available to people who don’t have the curbside option. Make drop-offs that they can hit before or after work, for example. Make them ubiquitous and easy.
For the city as a whole we need outreach. If our elected officials are willing to knock on your door to ask for a vote, they can knock on your door to tell you about the recycling program, find out if you have any needs that are preventing your recycling, etc. We need to utilize the schools. Kids care about this issue, I read a quote that the reason the Mayor changed his stance on plastic bags was because middle-schoolers wrote to him. We can educate the kids and those kids will keep the parents in-line. We can set recycling goals for each school, ward, etc. Make it engaging. We can get this recycling rate up.

Other thoughts on the night. I ended by saying:

Folks, if you think this is important, you need to send new city councilors to office. The change we need to see in Quincy is not going to come from the top down, we need to approach it from the legislative branch. We saw pictures of our police officers wading through six feet of water on Sea St. last year but that is still not enough to put some fire into this issue for our current leaders. It’s up to the voters to send a message by sending people to the City Council who are going to do something.

A Q&A from a voter...

I got a message on my @votejoemurphy facebook page recently asking for answers to a couple of inciteful questions. Thank you , Dan, I hope my answers below help you understand my positions.
If anyone else out there has questions for me, I wouldn’t mind making this a regular feature….

Joe pondering the big questions…

Joe pondering the big questions…

1: How do you feel about the condo/high end apartment boom in Quincy?

I think it’s short-sighted. There is a place for high-end or luxury housing in Quincy, but we are seeing too much of it compared to workforce and affordable housing development. They Mayor’s answer is a vague promise to use some of the housing trust to alleviate the problem. Keep in mind, developers have paid over 20 million dollars in fees to this housing trust rather than build more affordable units. That’s how much more profitable it is to build high end over workforce or affordable. Evictions are up. Rents are up. Salaries and wages are flat. It’s not sustainable. Mayor Koch’s vague assurance was “How we decide to invest that money [the housing trust] will help the marketplace.”

Well, I feel better.

And let’s not forget that economies go up and then eventually down. What will this look like if hundreds of these luxury units go vacant during a recession?

2: Are you for or against the Mayors plans for Quincy Center?

You know, much of the development happening at Quincy Center is deemed “mixed use.” But I don’t really think the “use” of these developments is all that mixed, what I think is mixed is our feelings about it. Of course, we all want Quincy Center to be a safe, attractive, and lively hub of activity. It’s a natural spot to put some of our larger housing undertakings due to its proximity to amenities and transportation. For the same reasons, it’s a logical spot to put culinary and cultural attractions that people from other towns might come to enjoy.
But what about the Robertson Family who has owned Hancock St. storefronts for nearly 100 years. When Remick’s and Sears left town, that family continued to operate. When Woolworth pulled up stakes, that family continued to provide jobs and retail for locals. Shouldn’t the redevelopment of QC honor and include our loyal small-business owners rather than push them out now that we no longer “need” their contribution.
I’m also concerned about balance. QC is looking at around 12-1500 new units since 2015. So far less than 20 restaurants have moved in. What about other amenities? I have been concerned with Quincy becoming a boarding house or bedroom community for Boston since my first campaign. If I become city councilor I will look to encourage the addition of amenities for the people who already live in Quincy and I would balance the goldrush mentality of luxury housing development.

3: Are you for or against the Mayors plans for the Quincy Hospital site?

I stand with the Hospital Hill Neighbors Association. What’s happening at “Hospital Hill” is a classic example of what I refer to as the bureaucratic rope-a-dope. The administration and complicit city councilors play games with meetings and votes while trying to appease, manipulate, ignore, or bully citizen-opposition to the projects the Mayor wants to see happen. Only Anne Mahoney voted to delay the passing of the land-disposition agreement. The ward councilor who represents these citizens voted in the affirmative even while sighting the concerns of the residents. The reasoning? The councilor had faith the planning board would fully vet it. This is the rope-a-dope I’m talking about. It’s all about surviving the meeting, while exhausting the opposition. Eventually, life happens for these concerned citizens and there will come a meeting they can’t get to, or they will have to take their eyes off the ball.
Quincy is now the largest city in MA without a hospital. We have a satellite emergency room that eased the transition, but in this rope-a-dope it was simply appeasing citizens while the mayor’s plans moved on. So now it looks like Quincy will then become the largest city in MA without an Emergency Room…probably by 2021.

4: Are you for or against a city wide freeze on new multi unit condo development?

I find these “freeze” talks to be election year theatre that makes voters feel that certain politicians are in tune with their fears or concerns. Something similar was floated in the last city council election year and nothing came of it. I don’t want a smoke-in-mirror lark to give us a false sense of action. A solution that I can get behind is electing politicians that don’t come from Quincy’s political clique and aren’t swimming up to their ears in developer money. That means voting a lot of politicians out of office.

5: Are you for or against development of the Washington St area of the former Shipyard into Quincy new Retail zone?

I am excited that there is a retail zone being contemplated. Residential projects (including large apartment complexes), though they are truly businesses, bring in the residential property tax rate. It is good to add retail and business zones that can provide commercial property taxes which are charged 2x the residential rate.

6: Beyond another study...How would you fix Quincy's traffic problem.

I don’t foresee me ever voting for another traffic study ;) Traffic can be helped with just a bit of political will and common sense. Too many of our traffic lights can not be easily programmed. We should be investing in smart traffic lights and we should be making adjustments to the timings as needed. We should invest in our infrastructure so that the city is more easily traversed by foot or bike. We need the MBTA to respect south shore commuters so that more people come back to the T. Large housing projects should be strategically placed so that we can attract more and more residents who will forego car ownership. Quincy averages about 2 cars per household whereas it is slightly less than 1 in Boston and even less in Cambridge.

Anyway, Dan, thanks for the great questions. I hope I answered most of what you wanted to know about my views. Dan and everyone else, please let me know what you think! A major pillar of my campaign is about listening to you and getting your input, something I feel is not happening now.

Draft Submission to Quincy Sun*:

I’m Joe Murphy and I am running for city council to represent Quincy’s Ward One. 

I first ran for this office in 2017, making this my second attempt. I learned so much from talking to my constituents in my first campaign and I feel like I have a better understanding of what they want, and what they are lacking in representation.  If elected, I will be available and accountable to all Ward One residents.  I will be independent and focused on improving the lives of the Ward One residents from all our neighborhoods. 

The priorities of my campaign are infrastructure repairs and upgrades, coastal resiliency, encouraging smart-development projects and a greater variety of amenities for Quincy residents. I will continue to stand up to the MBTA mistreatment and work to make Quincy more walkable and bikeable to help relieve much of the traffic issues we now face.  My ideas are outlined at my website, www.votejoemurphy.com.  My campaign priorities and solutions come directly from conversations with Ward One residents.

When you knock on a door in Ward One, there are themes and topics that come up repeatedly.  On one street, it might be a cracked sidewalk that has not been addressed in years and neighbors will tell you how often people trip over it.  The next street over folks will point to the grass in a park that is routinely overgrown. Another set of residents will show you a storm drain that backs up during every big storm and sends water into their basements. Near Bernie’s in the Neck, people point to the blighted house with the shattered windows that has been allowed to haunt the neighborhood for the better part of a decade.  Further down Sea St. they’ll bring up the boat ramp that remains unusable for most of the day. They point to the Maritime Center that was shuttered before the plans for a replacement were finalized and initiated. In Merrymount you’ll hear about commuters racing through their neighborhoods to shave off a few minutes and get further up Quincy Shore Drive. In Quincy Center you’ll hear about ill-conceived traffic patterns that make getting around impossible.  People don’t need to look far to point out the ways the city could improve their lives. 

No candidate will possess a magic wand that can solve all our problems easily.  But we can ask that our leaders start discussions and formulate strategies to start picking these problems off one at a time. 

To make myself as available as possible, I will host weekly office hours at locations around Ward One so that constituents who want the ear of the councilor can come and talk in person. I will also host regular community meetings to get the input of residents before decisions are made.  Too many times, our community meetings are held to tell us what decisions are being inflicted upon us rather than making us a part of the discussion.

I will use social media to let constituents know what we are working on, to take in their concerns, and get them answers quickly.  In 2019, we need to be able to find people where they are: online, offline, in their homes, during office hours, and on the phone. It should not be hard for residents to reach and get a response from their Ward Councilor.  If we are willing to walk around the neighborhood to win your vote, we need to be willing to be around to earn your vote.

It’s important that we send new voices to city council. The city works best when there are checks and balances and a mix of experience and fresh ideas.  If elected, I will support the good initiatives, and push back on the bad. I will partner with fellow councilors to enrich life in Quincy but the needs of Ward One will always be at the center of my work.  

*This submission to the Quincy Sun was made too late in the election cycle. If I’m fortunate enough to get past the primary it should run then.

Environmental Pledges

I’ve recently been asked about my positions on environmental issues by Sunrise Boston.

Green New Deal Pledge:
THE GREEN NEW DEAL PLEDGE 

“The American people need a Green New Deal — a 10-year WWII-scale mobilization, as put forth by Senator Edward Markey and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to stop climate change, achieve environmental sustainability, create millions of good jobs, and realize economic prosperity for all. 

I pledge that I will use my office to champion a Green New Dealin any and all ways, including but not limited to: developing and supporting Green New Deal legislation and/or resolutions; building support amongst my colleagues for a Green New Deal; and publicly advocating for the necessity of a Green New Deal. In order to fully uphold this duty, I pledge to not take contributions over $200 from oil, gas, and coal industry executives, lobbyists, or PACs and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.” 

Joseph Murphy, Candidate for Quincy City Council, Ward One

Fossil Fuel Money Pledge:

VoteJoeMurphy

@VoteJoeMurphy

I pledge not to take contributions over $200 from oil, gas, and coal industry executives, lobbyists, or PACs and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits. -joe murphy Candidate for Quincy City Council, ward one


Happy Labor Day

There are so many things to write about on labor day.   The contributions of organized labor to this country are profound and so ubiquitous that many don't even know whom they should thank.  (weekends, 8 hour work days...etc)

My favorite job of all time was as a union rep at the musicians union.  Everyday was creative problem solving, everyday was helping working musicians.  I think it was this experience that makes me want to be city councilor.  


I thought it might be fun to tell one of my favorite stories from my days as a union business representative. 

my old stomping grounds in Hollywood

my old stomping grounds in Hollywood

I was a live performance business representative for the Los Angeles chapter of the American Federation of Musicians (LOCAL 47!).   One day I got a call from a woman, let’s call her Deb, who was upset that a gig she had at a local restaurant was cancelled two days before it was supposed to happen.  I told Deb that what she is describing would violate the terms of the live performance contracts.  I asked if she had already filed the contract with us or, if not, could she forward me the signed contract.  She then told me that she had never joined the union, but was hoping that there might be something we can do.

I will admit for a second there I was stumped.  I had never had a non-member call and ask for assistance before.  But I quickly realized that the union exists to help musicians. Period.  I told her that I would see what I could do, but I managed her expectations.  The employer was under no contractual obligations to offer any relief.
 

I called the restaurant and spoke to the person Deb said she was dealing with.  The manager of the restaurant was actually very willing to talk.  She said that Deb was understandably upset and that there conversation never got anywhere because Deb was angry, got a little profane and hung up on her.  I said that she’d have to understand that, for a self-employed musician, a lost gig could mean the difference between rent and no rent.  The manager explained that the owner of the restaurant had decided to allow a last-minute event at the same time they had scheduled Deb, that the new event did not require music and so she had to cancel.  

I said that I understood.  I also said that had this been a union engagement she would have been required to pay Deb 100% of her wages for a last minute cancellation (the more notice you give to cancel, the lower the amount you owed).  I said that while she was under no obligation to offer relief to Deb, many musicians call my office to ask about live performance venues and that I’d be obligated to say that her establishment has been known to cancel with little notice.  I also said that I really don’t want to do any such thing because I appreciate that they hired live musicians at all. I told her that it would be much better to tell musicians that the venue had been known to reschedule at the last minute.  The manager appreciated that I wanted to find a compromise and she told me to have Deb call for immediate rescheduling for the following week.

I called Deb and she was very relieved to have the gig back on the books.  She said that she didn’t really know the union did this for its musicians.  She was under the impression that they just take 3% of her gig.  I said the union provides health insurance, pension, contract enforcement, job placement, breaks, overtime, etc.   I told her that she should talk to other union musicians and not get all her info from employers.  Deb said she was interested in joining. But, it was at the end of my time there and we moved to Quincy a couple weeks later.  I hope Deb joined.

Unions exist to help all workers, not just their members.   Happy Labor Day!

Quincy is Everything Q&A


Candidate Name: Joseph Murphy (Joe)
Years in Quincy: 10
Occupation: Assistant Director for Administration, MIT Center for Bits and Atoms
Political Party: D
What are you running for? Quincy Ward One, City Council

Yes or No or Neutral: I want to abide by the “Yes, No, Neutral” format, but please do see notes below.

Is Global Warming real? Yes

Do you favor Cannabis Shops? Yes

Do you believe “Sober Houses” belong in residential neighborhoods? yes

Should Jaywalking be enforced? yes

Should the city be doing more for addicts? yes

Is Quincy on the right path to success? No

Should Quincy have a full time water ferry to Boston? Harbor Islands? Yes

Should low income housing be mandatory for new construction? Yes

Notes: 

Cannabis shops: I am in favor of legal marijuana.  I believe it reduces the amount of people being arrested for possession, cultivation, and distribution.  This saves jurisdictions significant money that comes from the criminalization of marijuana.  It also adds tax revenue and keeps the substance safer. 
That being said, we have to demand that dispensaries are extremely good citizens.  They should go above and beyond to make their neighbors comfortable.  Their properties should be immaculate and their landscaping and exterior should add to the neighborhood.

Sober houses: are an important part of our battle against addiction.  By ostracizing addicts and making them live away from “mainstream” everyday society in a sterile or institutional setting, we risk pushing them into a subculture that finds itself often in a revolving-door spanning recovery and relapse.
Again, it is incumbent on these sober houses, and their residents, to be exemplary neighbors and contributors to the community. 

Jaywalking: Egregious, dangerous, or obstructive jaywalking should be fined like other traffic violations.  We all need to share the road and think of others as we traverse the city.

Housing: We need affordable housing in Quincy.  If elected, I will work to make sure truly affordable housing (some of what is considered “affordable” by government regs is still too high for many people) is available in Quincy.  But I will stand against developers who try to pervert the 40b housing laws to push in a project that does not fit with the integrity of our neighborhood. 

Is Quincy on the right path?  Not totally.  While we are doing some good things in Quincy, our priorities are often out of whack.

Question and Answer: 

1. How will you encourage the strengthening and enforcement of city regulations to make businesses, tenants and homeowners to keep their property clean? Not pave over their lawns and shovel their walks.

Neighbors should be able to easily and anonymously report properties that they are concerned about.  If you notice someone preparing to pave over a lawn, you should immediately be able to contact inspectional services who will investigate the situation promptly to see if this is an approved project and shut it down if necessary. Folks should be able to report troubling maintenance issues so that the city may be able to warn a homeowner before it reaches the level of blight.
Many homes are in disrepair because of financial hardships.  It is my hope that in the tight-knit communities we have in Quincy, neighbors may be able to help neighbors avoid the fines that can come from leaving a property in a blighted condition.  
We should also encourage our young people to get into this level of work and help with yard cleanups and lawn and snow maintenance for homeowners that can’t afford to hire a professional and are unable to do it themselves. Not only is this a win/win but that experience is good for our youth. 

2. Is the QPD doing a good job? If not, what will you do to make sure that there is more police presence in our neighborhoods to ensure our safety?

I think QPD does a very good job.  I think any police force benefits from information.  We, as citizens, cannot ignore issues in our neighborhoods and expect the police to know via a crystal ball.  People should obviously call 911 in an emergency, but also avail themselves of QPD’s non-emergency number, 617-479-1212, for lower-level real-time issues.  If you see fresh graffiti, someone yanking on car handles, or generally acting suspicious.  Call it in!   You can also contact Quincy via email and social media with general thoughts and observations that are not time-sensitive.  Quincy PD uses data to set up patrols and deployment.  We need to be their eyes and ears so they can accurately set their officers up for success.

3. What steps will you take to address an alternative education program (Vocational or skilled trade) for High School drop outs with the school committee?

I’ve been championing makerspaces in my campaign since the beginning.  These are digital fabrication laboratories that are accessible to users of all levels.  You can learn about computer programming, CNC design, laser cutters, 3d printing, carpentry, electronics, hand tools, etc.  These skills are marketable.  A makerspace is like shop class for the next century.  https://www.votejoemurphy.com/blog/makerspace
Through my work at MIT, I have help deploy many of these makerspaces throughout the world. I know how to do it and I know the impact they have on communities. 

4. Some argue that the influx of low income residents from out of Boston has caused our school system and social welfare organizations to reach the breaking point. In your opinion, does the state of Massachusetts and the Federal government provide the necessary financial resources to properly meet the need of these newcomers to our city? What can the city council do to improve this situation?

The state and federal government can always do more to fund education.  It might be the most important thing we do as a society.  
Quincy is strong city that will welcome new residents, we need to make sure the state and federal government funding follows these new children here.  
The City Council should also make sure that we have the budget to hire paraprofessionals, specialists, and other staff,  to make sure our dedicated teachers are not overburdened.

5. With all the new high-end condos/apartments building built, do you think it will bring in enough revenue to curb the annual property tax increases?

Partially, but I support facilitating the influx of a variety of new business, as in not more of the same types of business that we tend to have in Quincy, to increase our commercial tax base.  

6. What will you do to drive Quincy’s tourism?
As I stated before, we need a variety of new business types in Quincy.   We need activities that increase quality-of-life, and enrich the Quincy experience.  We should tap into our wonderful coastline with guided and unguided kayak and canoe rentals,  we should tap into our rich history with ghost tours, guided walks, and interactive theatre.  We could have mystery dinners, concerts, community theatre, and local art shows.  Let’s stop outsourcing all our activity to Boston and other communities.

7. Are you a team player or prefer to work by yourself? Team.  I’ll get it done on my own if I have to, but the results are usually better with help.

8. In your own words, your FINAL THOUGHTS, feel free to speak your mind.

I don’t expect everyone to agree with all my answers, but I promise that I will never be afraid to tell you what is on my mind.  And you will always have the chance to speak with me and change my mind if You feel I am wrong.  I will be very accessible as a city councilor, including weekly office hours in locations around ward 1.  If we can’t agree, you will know that I will always take constituent-input seriously.  
I will not hide my view to gain votes. 

I decided to run for office because I love working together with people to help them and solve problems.  Although not a lifelong Quincy resident, my wife and I chose Quincy as our home and as the place to raise our girls.  We come to Quincy with fresh eyes.  That means I don’t have all the shared experiences that many of you may have from growing up here.  But, I also don’t owe anyone a favor.  I don’t think we have to keep doing the same things over and over again while expecting better results, just because that’s how it’s always been.  And I'm not going to worry about which “important” person I have to please to gain (or stay in) office.  I'm not afraid to lose doing while doing what's best for my ward and my city. 
While you’d want much of your city council to be staffed by long-term residents, there should be a place for fresh ideas.  I have lived in several parts of the country and can be a source of a new perspective, while still loving Quincy, while still wanting my daughters’ home town to be the best it can be.

9. What's your website?
www.votejoemurphy.com or www.facebook.com/votejoemurphy

10. What's your fondest memory of Quincy?
Well, both my daughters are from Quincy now.   So all the usual milestones, birthdays, Christmas times, first steps, first days of schools, and such have made Quincy the most important place in the world to me.    But I will never forget buying our home in Houghs Neck, opening up that door for the first time and looking out the kitchen window at the Ocean.  It flashes through my mind everyday.


 

Merrymount Association Candidate's Night, Ward 1

Had a great time presenting to a nice ward one crowd at Merrymount Ward One Candidate Night.  Special thanks to the Merrymount Association and its president, Mark Sauter for a great event.  

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Video of my presentation is here, thanks to "Quincy Taxpayers Association" youtube channel. 

I also brought along an issues board for the attendees to peruse.  My issues flyer is in a smaller format below, if you can't view it click here.