The democratic systems that Americans have long relied on to provide hope for a better day are under tremendous pressure from a president who acts like a king and a Congress that has been ceding its constitutional authority to him. It remains uncertain that the federal judiciary can, or is inclined to, preserve the checks and balances between the three co-equal branches of the government that the nation’s founders envisioned.

At this perilous moment in history, local elections represent one of the best opportunities available to voters to defend democracy and assert their legitimate interests.

The Banner’s editorial board has interviewed the two finalists for the District 7 seat on Boston’s City Council, an open seat because Tania Fernandes Anderson was convicted of corruption charges and sentenced to prison. The diverse district composed of Roxbury, the Fenway and parts of Dorchester and the South End will elect a new councilor Nov. 4, with early voting from Oct. 25-31.

Said Ahmed, a Somali refugee, narrowly topped a large field of candidates in the September preliminary election. A former track star, he is affectionately known to many as “Coach” because of his work with youth teams. An adult spending time with children in an organized activity is a valuable contribution to the community. Ahmed has also worked with students in positions in the Boston Public Schools.

As a first-time candidate, Ahmed has displayed organizing skills in contacting voters and turning out his supporters. They include immigrants from his native Somalia. The participation of newcomers benefits the city’s democratic process.

The 43-year-old Ahmed touts himself as an energetic “go-getter,” drawing a contrast to the age of the other finalist, Rev. Miniard Culpepper, who is 71. At a recent candidates’ forum, other, more important contrasts became apparent. Ahmed, easygoing and amiable in personal encounters, came off as nervous before the audience, two moderators and his opponent. What’s more, Culpepper showed a much deeper and broader command of public policy issues and government programs that matter in the district.

The Banner endorses Culpepper in the District 7 race. He has political acumen, ethical bearings and government experience, all of which can add ballast to the council, benefiting not just the district, but the entire city.

Culpepper is the longtime pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Dorchester, retired regional general counsel of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a former congressional aide. At the HUD office in Boston, he was also the chief ethics officer for the department in New England.

He hasn’t been content to just preach on Sundays. He and his congregation have reached out to young people in the neighborhood to steer them away from gangs, feeding them meals and presenting them with adult role models. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the reverend took it upon himself to distribute masks to people in Nubian Square.

From his decades at HUD, Culpepper has expertise in housing and urban development. Affording a place to live in Boston ranks as one of the city’s biggest problems. He has proposed allowing Section 8 vouchers be used to buy homes, enabling tenants to buy public housing units and creating an empowerment zone to attract investment in the district’s business areas. The city can’t accomplish those goals on its own, but Culpepper knows how to navigate the corridors of the federal government to bring home the needed approvals and resources.

The Banner agrees with the job description of the next District 7 councilor that Richard Taylor, board president of Roxbury Main Streets, laid out in opening the candidate forum that the business promotion organization sponsored.

“This district needs stabilized, strong leadership,” Taylor said.

“What we’re looking for is strong, focused leadership to bring resources to Roxbury.”

The Banner urges voters in District 7 to cast their ballots for Culpepper.

The editorial board is impressed with Ahmed as a campaigner but believes he needs to grow as a candidate who is better versed in public policy. At the Roxbury Main Streets forum, he on occasion attacked Culpepper, who did not retaliate, suggesting both candidates sense Ahmed is behind in the race. Not many candidates win their first campaign. This is Culpepper’s third, after unsuccessful runs for mayor and state Senate.

Also on Nov. 4, voters citywide will elect four at-large councilors. The Banner endorses incumbents Ruthzee Louijeune, Julia Mejia and Henry Santana.

Louijeune is the council’s current president and, by our reckoning, has a bright political future. Mejia has been a forceful advocate, for Black and Latino residents, in particular. In his first term, Santana has been at times distracted by the health challenges facing his mother, but we think he deserves another chance to establish himself on the council. We do wish he would display more independence from Mayor Michelle Wu.

For our fourth endorsement in the atlarge race, we chose Will Onouha, who would bring the experience of having been a city employee for four decades. He has worked under multiple mayors dating back to Thomas M. Menino, including in roles that pertain to housing.

The races in District 4 in Dorchester and District 5 in Hyde Park, Roslindale and Mattapan don’t look to be competitive. In both, the Banner endorses the incumbents, Brian Worrell in 4 and Enrique Pepén in 5.

With democracy under attack, the Banner urges voters to back candidates with the experience and wherewithal to promote orderly, effective government and stand up to the would-be king in Washington, D.C.

Ronald Mitchell
Editor and Publisher, Bay State Banner