Althea Garrison Joins the Boston City Council

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride no more for Althea Garrison who was sworn in to the Boston City Council during the regular meeting on January 9. 

Garrison has run in several city and state elections since the early 80s and served one term as a state representative. 

She is taking over the vacated seat left by Ayanna Pressley who is now in Congress. She was in line for the seat because she came in fifth for the at-large councilors race. 

Garrison thanked her family, friends and supporters for always believing in her. 

“Thanks for keeping the faith in my candidacy,” she said.  

After being sworn in, Garrison said one of the biggest issues she will be focused on is veterans’ homelessness. She also said she wants to focus on rent control and ending evictions without cause.

“We have to put an end to that,” she said.

She announced that she will be running for reelection in the fall.  

In other news, Councilor Josh Zakim called for a hearing to look into limiting the number of road races downtown.

Zakim said the downtown community has been overloaded lately with local races blocking the streets, making it difficult for residents to use city streets and get around. 

“It’s parades, road races, 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, national realtor’s races, national whatever organization happens to be in town races” he said. 

Zakim said the races are usually on the weekend and in the middle of the day. 

“Parents are having a hard time getting their kids to piano lessons or going to the doctor,” he said. 

One of the biggest issues is that the races are not properly advertised like the Boston Marathon. 

“Everyone knows when the marathon is, everyone is excited about it,” Zakim said. “Things that have a long tradition in our community, we welcome, and we want to continue to work to enhance.” 

Zakim encouraged the council to have the hearing soon before the spring, when many of the races begin.