Marty hits re-election talking points in speech
Mayor Martin J. Walsh touched on health care, gender pay equity, and race relations in his remarks to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, saying “every issue that affects workers is a business issue.”
“Right now health care, for millions of Americans, is at risk,” he said about halfway through his remarks. “Especially for those who need it the most. Our seniors, children and people with pre-existing conditions. By the way, I just want to know how many people here have a pre-existing condition or know someone who does?”
A crowd of about 1,500 attended the annual meeting of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce last night took place at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in South Boston. A keynote address was delivered by attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who managed disbursement of funds to victims of the 9/11 attacks and the Marathon bombings. The chamber also held an induction to the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians, honoring Joyce and Bill Cummings of Cummings Properties; Carol Fulp of The Partnership Inc.; and Sandra and Paul Edgerley of the Edgerley Family Foundation.
The event featured Keith Lockhart leading a rendition of the National Anthem, as well as remarks from Gov. Charlie Baker, and chamber president James Rooney.
Walsh spent little time on economic issues and did not mention that GE broke ground in the Seaport District yesterday.
“The fact is, every issue that affects workers is a business issue,” said Walsh, who is in a re-election battle with City Councilor Tito Jackon, who has accused Walsh of neglecting the city’s neighborhoods in favor of downtown.
Walsh then launched into a discussion of racial disparity.
“Boston is overdue for more open, intentional conversation on race,” Walsh said. Calling on the business community to join in, he said, “We can’t pat ourself on the backs, and call our work done. We saw some of this evidence why that is in recent incidents at Fenway Park last week. Greater Boston does have a long way to go in rooting out racism and healing the wounds of history. But we can’t treat these as isolated incidents. We must recognize overt racisim as a sign of ongoing systemic injustice.”
Walsh then appeared to take aim at President Trump.
“I too believe that divisive and cruel rhetoric from national leaders emboldens these hateful actions and attitudes,” he said. “We can change that here in the city of Boston. We are better than that.”