Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey makes history as the first black person, woman

Kim Janey took over as acting mayor of Boston, becoming the city’s first black executive.

A Roxbury native and District 7 councilor, Janey, 55, a former education advocate, will also be the first woman in Boston to serve as mayor.

Boston City Council President officially took office at 9:01 pm Monday night – a minute after former Mayor Marty Walsh submitted a letter of resignation after his confirmation to become secretary of labor for the nation.

According to the city statute, the incumbent council president acts as incumbent mayor if an incumbent mayor resigns mid-term.

“It’s surreal,” she said recently The Boston Globe about getting into position. “Particularly when I think about my own training while growing up. Just seeing how far our city has come. It’s incredible. “

As acting mayor, Janey can only perform functions that are urgent or “don’t allow delays”, as specified in the regulation.

But, an incumbent mayor can still approve or veto ordinances approved by the City Council and can perform many other executive tasks, such as dealing with municipal contracts and concessions and dealing with payroll.

Walsh, who is moving to Washington DC while Boston faces the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, said on Monday that his team and Janey’s team worked together to ensure a smooth transition.

“We had extensive planning sessions,” said Walsh. “Each department has been involved in this process and is taking proactive steps to ensure continuity of services and operations in the city of Boston.”

He added: “I am confident, more than confident, that the city government will move forward smoothly, from the daily services our residents depend on to our COVID response and public safety (e) the many long-term capital improvements we have launched. in all of our different neighborhoods. “

On a tweet, Janey congratulated Walsh for his confirmation in the Senate, calling him “the proud son of Dorchester who will bring our city with [him] to the [Department of Labor]. “

“America’s workers will benefit greatly from their passion,” wrote Janey. “Now, we look at a new day – a new chapter – in the history of Boston.”

Congratulations on the confirmation, Secretary Walsh. You are a proud son of Dorchester, who will bring our city with you to the @USDOL. America’s workers will benefit greatly from their passion.

Now, we look at a new day – a new chapter – in the history of Boston. https://t.co/Tp2802GKd4

– Kim Janey (@Kim_Janey) March 22, 2021

In reflecting on his own administration as mayor, Walsh expressed his astonishment at the historic moment that Boston would experience after Janey was installed.

“I was texting the Chairman of the Board, Janey, last night. I sent a message: ‘Think about it for a minute: a little girl from Roxbury is about to become mayor of Boston,’ ”said Walsh. “And her response was, ‘Think about it for a minute: a little boy from Dorchester is about to become the (…) Secretary of Labor for the United States of America. What an amazing city we live in. “