Some citizens are unenthusiastic about voting because of the power of incumbency. Research finds that in about 85 percent of political campaigns the candidate presently in office is re-elected. Also, a strong incumbent will discourage the rise of opponents. On Sept. 8 there will be a preliminary election in Boston for the City Council. However, there will be no election for the four at-large seats because there are not nine or more contenders. Also, there will be no election for seven of the nine district seats because there are not two or more candidates in each race. Only in District 4 in Dorchester and District 7 in Roxbury will there be contests.
Tito Jackson in District 7 will undoubtedly move on to the final. It is uncertain which of the five other contestants he will confront: Kevin Dwire, Charles Clemons Jr., Haywood Fennell Sr., Roy Owens or Althea Garrison. However, Jackson has performed well in office and is likely to be re-elected.
In District 4, the incumbent Charles Yancey will have a tough fight against Andrea Campbell, who has been tirelessly campaigning from door-to-door. The other candidate Terrance Williams will not likely survive the primary.
Regardless of the anticipated outcome, it is important to vote. Be somebody and be counted.