Sam yoon's blog

Fixing Boston's Budget

Sam yoon — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:51:29 +0000

When I decided to run for Mayor, I knew that it would be an opportunity to tell the truth about how City Hall works – or doesn’t.

I’m writing today, on the eve of my vote on a $2.45 billion budget, to tell you an uncomfortable truth: Boston’s budget process is an embarrassment.

The Budget Problem

It is a process designed by insiders, for insiders – made for preserving the status quo. It ensures that Tom Menino stays in control, and that we make only baby step progress on our most pressing problems.

Planning Boston's Future

Sam yoon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:21:51 +0000

For a city to thrive and grow it needs an economic development and planning strategy that is focused on the future, that seeks out innovative ideas – and acts on them. And as the old proverb goes: “Without a vision, the people perish.”

The planning process in Boston is not working – and it is not working because there is no long-term vision coming from City Hall.

Internal squabbling, a lack of new ideas and stale leadership are choking the city’s development.

Let’s look at just some of what is happening in Boston: