What is the basis by which nonprofit institutions should make payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOTs) to Boston in a way that provides a reasonable payment for city services without harming the economic benefits of the institutions?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Question 2: City Personnel Spending
As a candidate for Mayor what do you think is the best way to control the growth in employee compensation and ensure a sustainable workforce?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Question 3: The Next Teachers' Contract
What will your priorities be for the next teachers' contract and how will you achieve successful implementation given the tight fiscal position the City will face over the next few years?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Question 4: School Dropouts
Student truancy and dropout rates remain a significant problem in Boston. Considering the financial constraints the City will face over the next few years, what would you propose to ensure that all students attend school regularly, and graduate from high school? How would you fund these programs?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 5: Charter Schools
President Obama and Governor Patrick favor expanding charter public schools, and three mayoral candidates have come out for expanding some form of them in Boston. What is your position on charter schools and their possible expansion? Do you believe charter school funding should be modified?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 6: MBTA
What should the Mayor's role be in supporting the MBTA, keeping it affordable for residents, and encouraging better service?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 7: Health Insurance Costs
What steps would you take to further control Boston's health insurance costs for active employees and retirees?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 8: Performance Measurement
How would your administration collect and use data to improve service performance?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 9: Mandatory Alcohol and Drug Testing
Do you believe mandatory alcohol and drug testing should be required for all uniformed public safety employees and EMTs and, if so, how should such testing be achieved?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 10: Public Safety
Is Boston safer than it was four years ago? How will you maintain neighborhood policing in Boston in a tight fiscal environment?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 11: Transportation
What are your top 3 priorities for transportation-related projects? How do you expect to fund them?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 12: Student Transportation
How would you change the school assignment and student transportation options for the city with the objective of satisfying parental demands and achieving savings?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 13: City Planning and Development
How would you organize planning and development in the City?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 14: Casino Gambling
Would you support an effort to authorize casino gambling in Massachusetts and in Boston?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Day 15: Jobs
What would you do to ensure that Boston's economy is growing and that jobs are being created and maintained?
Councilor Flaherty's Response
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Mayor Menino's Response
Wrap Up
Over the last four weeks, the Research Bureau and Pioneer Institute have issued sixteen briefs (as of today) outlining many of the issues Boston's next mayor will need to confront. However, his single biggest challenge will be how he manages the City through the next two years as it likely faces reductions in operating revenue or, at best, limited growth. His success will directly affect his ability to address the other issues we have raised.
