Changing of the guard

There is a constant level of frustration for serious public servants. They have goals and objectives in mind that continually stay just beyond reach. In our democratic system of government, even the President of the United States lacks the authority to implement by his sole power many of the programs he would like to see.

During his 32 years as a Boston City Councilor, Charles Yancey sought numerous improvements in the community. With a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and a master’s degree from Harvard University, Yancey well understood the importance of higher education. He pushed for modern libraries in his district and every year had a successful program to provide books for youngsters in order to encourage reading.

Under Boston’s strong mayor system, city councilors have little clout to push through programs. For 32 years Yancey served his constituents as best as he could. It was not the time in history for him to gain the mayor’s office that would have enabled him to implement the ideas and proposals he had envisioned.

Now a new generation of representation has been elected to the Boston City Council. As Yancey departs with distinction, it is wise for the community to welcome Andrea Joy Campbell, who will confront those frustrations in office anew.