Here's what Boston's at-large councilor candidates think about top city issues

Eight candidates for the Boston City Council’s four at-large seats explained their positions on a range of policies in responses to a questionnaire prepared by The Dorchester Reporter in partnership with the Boston Municipal Research Bureau last week.

There are 10 candidates on the ballot for the at-large seats in the Sept. 9 preliminary election. Voters can choose up to four candidates and the top eight vote-getters will advance to the final election on Nov. 4. The top four finishers in November will be seated on the 13-member council in January.

Eight candidates responded to the survey: incumbents Julia Mejia, Ruthzee Louijeune and Erin Murphy; along with Frank Baker, a former District 3 councilor who is running for an at-large seat this year; and four new candidates — Will Onuoha, Marvin Mathelier, Alexandra Valdez, and Rachel Nicole Miselman.

Incumbent councillor Henry Santana submitted his questionnaire after deadline and his responses were not included in this article, although readers can now view his completed questionnaire. Yves Mary Jean did not respond.

The questionnaire sent to candidates included a biographical section that asked the candidates to detail their work experience and political background, including how they identify ideologically and whom they see as role models. A second section probed into policy positions on a range of city issues, including education, public safety, housing, budgeting, and taxes.

"The Research Bureau came together with The Reporter to collect this information out of concern about the very limited information available to voters about the at-large race,” said Bureau CEO Steve Poftak. “It is always a challenge for candidates to reach voters during the summer months, and that's compounded by early and mail-in voting.

“The responses illuminate some real differences between the candidates on topics like their approach to the public schools, housing policy, and policy priorities. It is encouraging to read their thoughtful responses to some challenging questions. Our hope is that allows voters a clearer choice when they vote in the coming days."

The candidates were also asked to evaluate Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s first term and to include a letter grade or a “pass/fail” determination. The respondents were generally favorable toward the mayor, but none gave her administration an “A” grade.

Alexandra Valdez, a 33-year-old Hyde Park resident who serves as the director of the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs, settled on a “B-minus” grade.

“There have been important accomplishments, including efforts to modernize city services and invest in economic development, but there remain significant challenges in areas like housing affordability, community engagement, and equity in city programs,” Valdez wrote. “My assessment reflects both the progress made and the opportunities for growth, which I hope to address as a city councilor by ensuring policies are inclusive, responsive, and centered on the needs of residents.”

Marvin Mathelier, a 39-year-old Jamaica Plain resident who owns a small business and serves as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marines Reserves, gave Wu’s first term a “B,” saying the administration “has set a solid foundation with a couple missed opportunities.”

Frank Baker, the 57-year-old Dorchester resident who for 10 years served as District 3 councilor until stepping aside in 2023, said Wu’s term has earned her a “C,” but did not detail why.

Erin Murphy, 55 of Dorchester and an incumbent at-large councilor serving in her third term, gave Wu the lowest grade of the field, a "C-minus."

“While there have been some positive initiatives, such as investments in public facilities like BCYF centers, too often residents feel their voices are not being heard,” Murphy said. “The administration has prioritized high-profile projects, while everyday issues like sidewalks, trash collection, rats, traffic, and neighborhood services remain under-addressed. True progress requires consistent accountability, transparency, and collaboration with communities.

“I continue to advocate for these principles as I engage with residents across every Boston neighborhood, ensuring that city government responds to the needs of all residents, not just the most visible projects.”

Will Onuoha, a 42-year-old Dorchester resident who grew up in Mission Hill and has served under four mayors in a variety of City Hall posts, did not offer a grade, but wrote: “One common concern I hear is that residents do not feel like they have a voice or are part of the decision making that happens at City Hall. I think the City has failed to address major challenges like the crisis at Mass. & Cass, the widespread creation of underutilized bike lanes, proposing moving the O’Bryant High School to West Roxbury, and Boston kids still not being able to access high-quality schools.”

He added: “I think the City has done a great job reducing violent crime, promoting environmental sustainability, and investing in parks, playgrounds, open space, and cultural events. I believe the City Council needs to be more independent to call out the City’s shortcomings and work to fix them, not be a rubber stamp for the Executive Branch.”

Incumbent at-large Councilor Julia Mejia, 55 of Dorchester, said: “I would give them an incomplete. My job as a city councilor is to hold any mayoral administration accountable, no matter who is in office. I will continue pushing for robust community engagement in all projects, equitable distribution of resources, and full transparency on how city dollars are benefiting all neighborhoods. As always, there is more work to be done.”

City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, 39, who lives in Hyde Park and is serving in her second term as an at-large councilor, gave the administration a "B" grade.

“Mayor Wu has brought energy, vision, and a willingness to tackle complex structural issues, from climate resilience to housing policy,” said Louijeune. “Her administration has made progress on long-term priorities. Overall, she is doing a good job, and my hope is the next phase of her leadership will balance big-picture initiatives with a sharper, more consistent focus on the day-to-day needs of Boston’s communities.”

Rachel Nicole Miselman, a 53-year-old, educator and lawyer who lives in East Boston, did not offer a letter grade but concluded “much improvement is needed in order for every neighborhood to prosper.”

The Reporter and Research Bureau asked the candidates to identify their “top priority if elected.”

Mejia said she would focus on “continuing to strengthen democracy, civic engagement, and accountability by creating meaningful models that center co-governance, participatory democracy, and representation. Our office recently passed Ranked Choice Voting in Boston and would work to implement it effectively if re-elected. We aim to restore the Elected School Committee and establish a municipal Office of Inspector General.

“We are concerned about the decision-making surrounding our schools, such as closures, facilities plans or lack thereof, and more, and we will continue to advocate for culturally competent and neighborhood-centered decision-making processes.”

Said Louijeune: “If re-elected, housing will remain my top priority. The cost of living in Boston is simply too high, and we need both immediate relief and long-term solutions. That means expanding rental voucher programs and creating more affordable homeownership opportunities that match what residents can actually afford. It also means closing the racial wealth gap by supporting first-generation homeownership grant programs targeted to communities that have faced historic discrimination, such as blockbusting and redlining.

She added: “We should make greater use of public land and buildings for affordable housing and homeownership development, ensuring these projects are built with community stability in mind. I recently sponsored an ordinance to prioritize turning vacant municipal buildings into affordable housing, a practical step that could address both the housing crises and revitalize unused spaces. I would continue to use my role to push for policies that keep people in Boston and give working families a real path to stability and opportunity.”

Murphy said that her “top priority is ensuring that every neighborhood and resident in Boston has access to the resources, safety, and opportunities they need to thrive. Over the past four years, I have focused on delivering real results, not just promises, on issues ranging from safe, accessible sidewalks to housing stability, public safety, and equitable city services.

She noted: “My 24 years as a Boston Public Schools educator have given me firsthand insight into the challenges facing students, families, and our schools, and I tirelessly advocate for them at City Hall and in the community. I will continue to use my position to support responsible development, protect tenants’ rights, improve transportation and pedestrian safety, and strengthen community engagement across all neighborhoods. Being an incumbent allows me to build on this track record, turning experience and relationships into tangible improvements for residents citywide.”

Baker responded crisply: “Build more job training program.”

Onuoha said his priority would be “access to housing that Bostonians can afford.”

He explained: “A housing affordability crisis — marked by skyrocketing housing costs, gentrification, and displacement — threatens that fundamental right for too many residents. We need strong leadership to ensure that Boston remains a city where everyone can live and thrive, not just the wealthy few.”

Valdez said her top interest would be “education, with a special focus on early education and bilingual programs. As a mother and a former English learner myself, I understand firsthand how critical these programs are for giving children a strong foundation and equal opportunity to succeed.

“As a city councilor, I would use my role to advocate for increased resources, accessible programs, and community partnerships that support early learners and bilingual students. I would work to ensure that families have the tools, support, and opportunities they need, and that every child regardless of their background or zip code can thrive academically and socially.”

For his part, Mathelier responded: “Housing affordability. I’ll fight for more affordable rental units and expanded first-time homebuyer programs by taxing greedy out-of-town developers profiting from displacing hard-working Bostonians. We need to pass rent stabilization at the state house, and do more to subsidize deeply affordable units. We also need to tackle real zoning reform to improve predictability of the building approval process. Finally, we need greater transparency into the process through which projects are approved.”

Miselman offered expanded educational opportunities, public safety, and economic growth as her three top prorities.

The Reporter was keenly interested in how the candidates for City Council might approach a complicated, unresolved problem that continues to impact Dorchester and Mattapan specifically: the August 2024 state-facilitated closure of Carney Hospital, which now sits empty on a 10-acre campus in Lower Mills.

A 33-member working group — which included the incumbent city councilors— submitted a report on findings about the impacts of the hospital’s closure and possible next steps last April. However, to date, there have been no concrete steps taken to replace critical health services that were lost when the Carney shut down a year ago.

Council President Louijeune offered the most detailed response from the field: “In the wake of Carney’s closure, Boston needs to approach the site with two guiding principles: protect the public’s health and preserve the community’s sense of stability. I believe the Dorchester campus should remain centered on health care, whether that means a full-service hospital, a network of urgent care and specialty services, or a health and wellness hub that integrates mental health, primary care, and preventative medicine. There is also room for some housing, done thoughtfully.”

She added: “The goal is not just to fill a building, but to restore the essential services and trust it once embodied. This will require collaboration between the city, the state, health care providers, and the community itself. If done right, the redevelopment of the Carney site can serve as a statement about the kind of city we want to be, one that does not abandon its neighborhoods when they need us most.

“This is why when pharmacies began to close in some of our most vulnerable neighborhoods I filed a petition to extend the closure notice period to give our residents adequate notice. I continue to support all options that give our residents more health care options, not less.”

Onuoha, who called the closure “a huge blow to Dorchester and its surrounding communities,” said that “redevelopment should prioritize health care uses and patient care. As City Councilor, I will support the work of the Dorchester Health Planning Working Group to ensure that health care needs are met (or temporarily mitigated). Additionally, I will advocate for increased funding for community health centers and other forms of care that can attempt to fill this coverage gap for our neighbors.

He added: “I will also work closely with residents and community stakeholders to explore the possibility of mixed-use healthcare/workforce/senior housing.”

Valdez said that she would advocate for “immediate solutions to ensure residents continue to have access to essential medical services, including partnerships with nearby hospitals, urgent care centers, and community health clinics.”

“Regarding the Dorchester campus, I believe any re-purposing or redevelopment must prioritize the health and well-being of the community,” Valdez said. “Ideally, the site should continue to serve as a hub for healthcare services, with a focus on maternal health, early education, and preventive care, while also exploring opportunities for job training programs in the health sciences.

“This approach would ensure the campus remains a vital, accessible resource for residents while supporting workforce development and long-term community well-being.”

Said Baker: “I have many ideas and would be actively involved in the discussion.”

Miselman said she “would like to see” the Carney campus re-opened or re-purposed as a “community center, with a dedicated section for adult learning.”

Murphy was far more expansive in her answer: “The August 2024 closure of Carney Hospital left a significant void in Dorchester’s public health landscape,” she wrote. “As a neighbor and someone who has relied on Carney for emergency care for my own family, I know firsthand the critical role it played in our community. The hospital was also one of the largest local employers, supporting jobs for neighborhood residents.

She added: “I have been clear that the Carney campus must remain focused on healthcare, not housing. I support the recommendations of the Dorchester Health Planning Working Group, which emphasize restoring direct healthcare services on-site, including urgent care, primary care, and behavioral health, alongside co-located social services that address broader community needs. The report also highlights the importance of engaging residents so that redevelopment decisions reflect the priorities of Dorchester and Mattapan.

“My approach is to advocate for a full-service healthcare facility at the Carney site that meets both immediate and long-term needs, preserves jobs, and ensures this critical community resource is never lost again. This is about keeping essential services accessible, strengthening public health, and supporting the neighborhood workforce.”

Mejia noted that she was “very vocal” about the closure and wants to “explore strengthening the [Dept. of Public Health’s] ability to enforce the state regulations so that bad actors like Steward Health Care [cannot] close facilities without following the proper process in the future.”

Julia Mejia is a registered Democrat who characterizes her ideology as “progressive, people-centered, and independent.” She cited Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley as her role model politically. “As a City Councilor, she was the only one who showed up to community events I hosted, showing me what true representation looks like.”

Erin Murphy, a “proud Democrat,” said her approach is “rooted in common sense, hard work, and ethics.”

She noted that the late Mel King, a former state representative who was a finalist for mayor of Boston in 1983, inspired her as a local politician who showed that “the work does not end on Election Day.” Murphy also cited her grandparents, Richard and Marge Murphy, who were civic leaders in Dorchester in her youth.

Ruthzee Louijeune, also a Democrat, describes herself as “focused on creating a more just and equitable city rooted in progressive values of shared prosperity.”

Her role models include her father, Robert Louijeune, former state Rep. Marie St. Fleur, for whom she worked as an intern; and Karilyn Crockett, who was her mentor at the non-profit Boston history organization MYTOWN.

Valdez said she is a Democrat who sees her ideology as “community centered and equity driven.” She cited former US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Michelle Obama, and Rep. Pressley as sources of inspiration.

“When I worked at the Boston City Council, I saw firsthand what policy rooted in the community looked like through her leadership,” she said of Pressley.

Mathelier noted that he’s “a Democrat, but not someone who’s a political insider.” He said he’s “inspired by Mayor Menino’s dedication to getting to know residents from every neighborhood” and by Mel King’s “passionate advocacy and message of love, hope, and unity.”

Onuoha, who is an unenrolled voter, describes himself as “politically moderate.” Mayor Menino was Onuoha’s top choice as a political role model, calling him “like a second father” who told him, “Kid, you’ve got to go to law school.”

Former Gov. Deval Patrick and former HUD Administrator Julian Castro are other examples cited by Onuoha.

Miselman is a registered Republican. “Pragmatism permeates my every act,” she wrote.

Baker said that he’s a “common sense Democrat” who sees Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Delano Roosevelt as influences, along with Kevin White, the late Boston mayor, and for Mass. House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran as local leaders whom he admires.

The full survey responses from each participating candidate may be reviewed online below in PDF form.

The candidates appear here in the same order they will appear on ballots:

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