Is a functioning City Council too much for Bostonians to ask for?
We didn’t think so, yet here we are, stunned as a routine council meeting devolved into chaos, insults and a demand for an apology.
It’s only January.
Liz Breadon, in her first meeting as Boston City Council president, started off by seeking immediate passage of her proposed Council rules for the 2026-27 term.
Adopting the Council rules is standard procedure, but not this time. There was pushback, and the rules were punted to a subcommittee for a formal hearing after Councilor John FitzGerald objected to an immediate vote.
“I have not had a chance to personally review the rules, having three children, snow day … (and) this being the first day of school of the week,” FitzGerald said, explaining that he wasn’t provided with a written copy of the rules until shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
TMI, Councilor.
Councilor Sharon Durkan then made a motion to adjourn the meeting, about 20 minutes after it began.
“Since some of my colleagues decided to not show up for work ready for work, I would like to make a motion to adjourn the meeting,” Durkan said.
And they were off to the races.
Newbie Breadon called for the meeting to be adjourned based on Durkan’s motion, however, it needed to be seconded and voted on — as she was quickly reminded by City Clerk Alex Geourntas.
No one seconded the motion, and they continued.
Councilor Ed Flynn, not for the first time, tried to reset the tone.
“We have a long meeting coming up,” Flynn said. “I think it’s important that we conduct the meeting and treat each other … with respect. It’s going to be a controversial meeting, but residents are watching us, and I think it’s important for us to be courteous to each other and to be respectful to each other.”
That would be nice, professional, and befitting an elected body representing the people.
But this is a council that spent much of last year embroiled in drama over one member’s indictments and slow-walked resignation. Dysfunction seems to be in its DNA.
Councilor Erin Murphy demanded an apology from Durkan, invoking Rule 38 while emphasizing that she was offended by Durkan’s remark about her lack of preparation for the meeting.
Addressing Breadon, Murphy said “there have been many tries to talk about changes to my committee, and I appreciate that you did try and we had conflicts, but I think that a member saying that none of us came to work prepared deserves an apology, because that, to me, is an insult.”
The council will address this issue at the next meeting.
FitzGerald had earlier noted that the council had a 15-page agenda to get through. How much of the people’s work was done?
“I don’t believe the Council did our job today,” Durkan added. “This delay impacted our work as no dockets were put in committee so I believe my frustration is warranted.”
She’s frustrated? Imagine how voters feel as a meeting to address city needs was essentially wasted. Yes, council meetings will undoubtedly have their share of controversies, but they should be over policy differences and political viewpoints, not personal comments.
Flynn is right: residents are watching. And they don’t need this kind of show from their elected representatives.
