Where Does Tito Jackson Stand?

BOSTON, MA — Boston's mayoral race is underway, with both candidates so far staking out their positions.

Jackson joined in a hug with friend and, now, competitor, Mayor Marty Walsh Friday at the Roxbury YMCA's Martin Luther King Day breakfast. There Walsh told reporters he "welcomes the chance to debate his record."

Walsh will be putting his record as mayor up against Jackson's as City Councilor, representing neighborhoods from Roxbury to the South End. They will each present a vision for the city.

READ MORE: In Campaign Debut, Tito Jackson Depicts Two Bostons

As the race begins, Patch is laying out Jackson's positions on key issues, as he's presented them at the beginning of this race. We will address Walsh's once he formally announces his candidacy, and then examine both men's campaign positions against their records in office and public statements.

We'll start with Jackson, with information via his campaign website:

Education

"We must restore the cuts made to autism and trauma students, accreditation-required librarians, surround-care for early education, and we must provide a school nurse in every school.

Education doesn’t stop with college acceptance and matriculation; we should also teach trade skills that will lead to profitable careers and pay living wages. A leader in building trades and technology, Boston already has the necessary talent to train our residents in the careers of today and tomorrow. We will create partnerships between trades and schools to build pathways for anyone seeking training."

Housing

"We should all have a place to live at a rent we can afford in the neighborhood of our choice. Each of our 23 distinct neighborhoods has been created by close-knit communities and family legacies. Offering housing opportunities for people of all economic levels is imperative to promoting strong, healthy and resilient neighborhoods.

According to the City, “affordable” housing eligibility means tenants can make up to $61,850 for a family of three. Half of our population makes less than $35,000. The City’s current 13% affordable housing requirement of new construction does not come close to addressing the current housing crisis. It actively displaces our people. We will push to increase this requirement to 20%."

Community Safety

"We must work with both the police and the community to foster safer neighborhoods. We will create spaces increase communication between police and residents. We will bolster supports for families that have been traumatized by violence."

Immigration

"Immigrants, both documented and undocumented, should not fear participating in public life. Boston will protect those who are trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. Those who have committed crimes will be held to the same justice and law as everyone else. We will not assist or cooperate with mass deportation."

Health

"We must address healthcare disparities head on. Asthma rates continue to rise. Access to fresh produce should not be considered a luxury. Family leave and mental health services should not depend on what neighborhood you live in. Boston has the most elite hospitals in the world. We will partner with them to address these health issues at a local level."

Opioid Abuse

"Boston is facing an opioid crisis which has not been addressed. The Long Island Bridge which connected 1,500 people to detox and shelter beds was destroyed by the City in 2014 without a plan to rehouse them. We must fix this injustice through a thoughtful, multi-partner strategy.

This includes providing people with the proper detox and counseling services, and training people to safely keep the city clean from used needles. "

Employment

"Boston must provide access to jobs for younger residents, seniors, the disabled and everyone inbetween. We will push for summer and winter youth jobs, increased access to job training, and transparent hiring processes. We will hold developers to the Boston Residency Jobs Policy requirements. We will negotiate for living wages in new commercial spaces."

Environmental Sustainability

"As both a port city and an incubator of cutting-edge science, Boston should be leading the way in fighting the impact of climate change. Boston has an average of one gas leak every mile. We should cap all of the city’s gas leaks leeching into our soil and promote environmentally conscious development projects."

Fun

"Enjoying people and having fun is one of the best parts of my job. It’s what makes communities. Right now, the City requires restaurants not only to pay for a live music permit, but also pay for a separate permit for dancing. Let’s help people have some fun!

We must do a better job of promoting the many diverse and exciting entertainment. This means supporting the incredible artists, musicians and creative people we have right here. Boston’s lively restaurant, bar, and music scene – as well as our champion sports teams – must be more accessible. We should reinstate the T’s late night service, which helps the late-night scene and working families alike. We should help businesses stay open later. We should let people dance."

Innovation

"Our innovation and start-up community has helped tremendously to make Boston more connected. Whether it’s creating new ride-sharing apps or helping women be more safe at night, start ups are the forerunners to helping Boston be less boring. We should find opportunities for start ups to plug in with existing economies. We should foster creativity and innovation. We can all help to make it more fun."

Image via Tito Jackson for Boston