This week, New York City became the focus of American politics when former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempt to return was thwarted by a new state senator named Zohran Mamdani. One Massachusetts lawmaker took advantage of the opportunity to offer counsel to Mamdani or any other Democratic mayor as New Yorkers cast their ballots.
In order to make cities safer and more affordable, Rep. Jake Auchincloss laid out a number of ideas that he believes local leaders can implement. Addressing violations of quality of life was the focus of his final point. It featured a small, seemingly insignificant nugget that Auchincloss claims is a recurring factor eroding Democratic support.
He wrote, “I believe Democrats lose support every time a customer has to ask the CVS clerk to unlock the shampoo.”
Residents of Massachusetts and the rest of the nation have become increasingly irritated in recent years with companies, particularly pharmacies, securing some products behind glass barriers that need to be opened by an employee.
Auchincloss thinks that this minor annoyance stems from a broader unwillingness on the part of fellow Democrats to uphold high standards and combat violations of public order. He wrote that there are connections between drug usage, loitering, panhandling, encampments, vandalism, and stealing.
Auchincloss says the answer is to combine increased police presence with new funding for the development of walkable communities and the growth of community health facilities.
Some Boston municipal authorities and people have recently expressed concern about the kinds of anarchy Auchincloss portrayed. Congregate drug usage and related quality-of-life problems expanded to other areas of the city after Mayor Michelle Wu left her camp near the intersection of Mass and Cass. People who live in areas like the South End and downtown have been particularly outspoken about their dissatisfaction.
This year’s Boston mayoral race, in which Wu is running against Josh Kraft, a well-funded opponent, may be heavily influenced by the subject. Wu has been under fire from the longstanding philanthropist and political newcomer, who claims Wu made a mess of the Mass and Cass problem and is ignoring the people’ fresh worries.
Wu says she is working with community leaders to make reforms and acknowledges the effects of the tent removal operation.
According to data provided last year, shoplifting reports in Boston increased by 55% between the first half of 2019 and the same period in 2024.
Auchincloss released his recommendations before to Mamdani’s shocking defection in New York City. It is unclear if Mamdani will heed any of the congressman’s recommendations. First, he needs to win this year’s general election. It’s unclear what Auchincloss thinks of Mamdani, who proudly calls himself a democratic socialist. Auchincloss did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
Democrats from Massachusetts did comment on Mamdani’s victory. Prominent progressive figures including Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey congratulated her. In several interviews and posts on social media, Wu commended Mamdani, who considers the Boston mayor as an inspiration. Governor Maura Healey avoided talking on Mamdani’s win.
Since 2022, Ross Cristantiello has been a general assignment news correspondent for Boston.com, covering a variety of topics including as local politics, crime, and the environment.
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