Nearly half of the voters in the preliminary election for District 2 City Council seat supported an alternative to the establishment candidate. With that in mind, and in a show of unity following a competitive summer campaign, Corey Dinopoulos endorsed the true-progressive candidate Mike Kelley’s bid for the seat being vacated by Councilor Bill Linehan.
Dinopoulos, who finished third in the preliminary, is the first candidate to make an endorsement in the final election. By supporting Kelley, Dinopoulos joins a notable list of elected officials and community and labor organizations that have endorsed candidate Kelley’s vision for District 2. The list includes: Attorney General Maura Healey, Sen. Linda Dorcena-Forry, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of MA, Victory Fund, 1199 SEIU and SEIU 888, among many others. Kelley continues to grow the coalition supporting his “putting people first” agenda, which calls responsible development and housing affordability, as well as a strong commitment to provide excellent constituent service to every neighborhood in District 2, setting him apart from the establishment candidate.
Dinopoulos said, “I’ve endorsed Mike in this election because I believe he undeniably is the only candidate who will be a voice for the entire district and each of its diverse neighborhoods. And I know he will be a tireless advocate for the issues that matter most to us, making our community more affordable and improving the infrastructure for all modes of transportation, pedestrians, bicycles and public transit. I’m very grateful to those whoo supported me in this election, and I look forward to working with all of them to elect Mike on Nov. 7.”
In thanking Dinopoulos, Kelley said, “Corey ran a strong campaign on the issues facing District 2. We need more young community leaders like him who are willing to get involved and be active participants in the neighborhood’s decisions around issues crucial to its growth. His contributions to the race made me a better candidate. I am grateful for his support as we work to unify the district going forward.”
“This election will be extremely close, but with the support of community leaders like Corey; I’m confident that our “putting people first” agenda will win the day.”
Corey, what is your definition “establishment candidate?” According to their websites, both Flynn and Kelley list 6 elected officials as endorsements, with 2 of Flynn’s being clerks. Kelley had a big job in Mayor Menino’s administration and hasn’t worked since then. Seems like he’s been waiting for his next political opportunity. Flynn hasn’t worked in politics. (I know, probation officer is viewed as a hack job, but he doesn’t work in a politician’s office). Flynn’s father was mayor almost 25 years ago, when Ed was finishing college and starting 20 years in the Navy. And Ray hasn’t been active in any local campaigns since his own. Kelley’s campaign has political people. Flynn’s campaign is made up mostly of his family. I think a better case can be made for Mike Kelley as the “establishment candidate.”