Southie Shout-out

to Councillor Bill Linehan

We give a Southie Shout-out to City Councilor Bill Linehan for defending himself and his reputation regarding a recent article published in South Boston Online.  In the article written by Former Mayor of Boston and Ambassador to the Vatican Ray Flynn, South Boston is depicted in a state of disrepair due to lack of strong political leaders such as Flynn himself and Senate President William Bulger.   Flynn tells  a story about talking to a young South Boston man that he met in line at O'Brien Funeral Home that complains to Flynn that he can't find a job.  "At least you and Bulger got some guys in the union, or on the T and the Water and Sewer.  We got nothing but drugs,"   The quote goes on to blame "greedy politicians destroying the city." 

In last weeks issue of South Boston Online,  Linehan wrote a Letter to the Editor calling out the former mayor for the offensive and negative portrayal.  Linehan goes on to to defend his record and the fact he considers finding work for his constituents as an integral part of his job.  Continuing on, Linehan says that such "negative rhetoric" makes young people feel "disenfranchised" and then informs Flynn that what he should have done is pointed this disillusioned Southie resident to Linehan's office instead of writing such a negative article.

We say, "Good for you Bill!"  Being a local politician, at times, can be a thankless job.  Congressman Stephen Lynch, Senator Jack Hart, Councilor Bill Linehan, and Representative Nick Collins work hard and the love of South Boston and its people are at the core of what motivate them.  For this reason, we should be supportive.