City Councilor Fernandes Anderson Delivers Her Maiden Speech

Her hearing order states that, “The cost of rent throughout Boston has outpaced wage inflation and government rental assistance for decades, and has disproportionately impacted low-income residents.” In Roxbury, the district Councilor Fernandes Anderson represents, the average family earns 81% less than Boston’s average household income.”



Councilor Fernandes Anderson is no stranger to the life lived by her residents, having lived it on her own. During her maiden speech, she spoke of the journey she traveled before reaching City Hall. “1989. Academy Homes, where gun violence was at its peak, but this was my home. Project heat would dry my skin up, but this was my home. With little to eat, neighbors shared meals. Where we dealt with our quarrels, but no one dared to call po-po. Where Ms. Elba told us stories about the old days in Puerto Rico, we’d get interrupted by drive-bys. Where food stamps were sold alongside stolen brand name fashion. Where the little girls and the old ladies took turns in a seat to get their hair braided. Where the corner store allowed layaways. Where the boys rapped on summer stages with dreams to become stars. Where friends got killed and where police beat us. Where mothers died from crack. Where the government left us to die. This is what we called home.”



She continued, “Imagine a city where after all of those experiences, you are afforded the opportunity to own your own home. This is why as one of my first official duties, I chose to file an order for a hearing to explore a Rent-to-Own Pilot Program as one way to creating solutions to break the chains that bind us in cycles of oppression and poverty.” 



Property ownership represents the largest asset and source of wealth for Americans; and the ability to tap into the wealth gained from the value of property allows a cushion from emergency costs and a greater ability to invest in diverse ways.



“When we talk about solving this housing crisis, it’s not enough to just produce apartments to rent. We must help people to find a home. Our Boston should be the proving ground for the democratic experiment, where no matter where you begin, you have the opportunity to live a life of justice and liberty, according to your own merit and determination,” said Councilor Fernandes Anderson.



She spoke of the new barriers that will be constructed, and those who will feel this is a dream all too big, but reminded everyone that the power of people is stronger than the power of politics and that there is nothing we can’t do.



She closed by thanking her supporters for trusting her with this mission. “With God’s will and your support, I won’t let you down.”



Her hearing order was assigned to the Committee on Housing and Community Development for further discussion.



You can listen to Councilor Fernandes Anderson’s maiden speech.