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Wu calls on Boston city councilor facing federal indictment to resign
Officials are starting to weigh in on Tania Fernandes Anderson's arrest on federal corruption charges Friday morning.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is calling on Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson to resign, following her arrest Friday morning on federal corruption charges.
Several city councilors also came forward with calls for Fernandes Anderson’s resignation on Friday afternoon.
The District 7 representative was indicted on five counts of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Friday.
“Like any member of the community, Councilor Fernandes Anderson has the right to a fair legal process. But the serious nature of these charges undermine the public trust and will prevent her from effectively serving the city,” Wu said in a statement. “I urge Councilor Fernandes Anderson to resign.”
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The councilor, who represents Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway and part of the South End, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston at 2:15 p.m. Friday.
Other reactions
Tania Fernandes Anderson:
As of 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, City Councilors Ed Flynn, Erin Murphy, and Sharon Durkan, along with Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, have all called for Fernandes Anderson’s resignation.
Flynn said the allegations against the city councilor are “very troubling.”
“This unfortunately follows a series of legal and ethical lapses by members at the Boston City Council over the last several years, which have both reflected poorly on the city and distracted us from doing the people’s business,” Flynn said. “It is critical that elected officials, who have been placed in positions of public trust, work to provide positive and ethical leadership.”
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In a statement to Boston.com, Flynn said he plans to file an order on Friday for a hearing to establish an Ethics Committee at the Boston City Council.
Murphy similarly called the allegations against Fernandes Anderson “deeply disturbing.”
“Elected officials are entrusted with representing the public honestly and ethically, not abusing their power for personal gain,” Murphy said in a statement. “Actions like these erode public trust and perpetuate the damaging belief that our City Council is unworthy of the confidence of those we serve.”
Murphy continued: “I firmly believe that any official who engages in criminal activity or unethical behavior must be held fully accountable. We are here to uplift and protect the people of Boston, not to exploit our positions for personal benefit. To betray this trust is to betray every resident who looks to us for leadership.”
Murphy also said she hopes to see that justice is appropriately served.
“If these allegations are proven true, I expect swift and appropriate action to be taken to ensure that justice is served, and the integrity of our government is preserved,” she said.
Additionally, City Council President Louijeune said Fernandes Anderson should resign to allow for the body to continue to operate without disturbance.
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“Councilor Fernandes Anderson has every right to due process in a court of law. Given the severity of the allegations brought against her, and the direct impact that they have on residents’ ability to see the Boston City Council as their faithful stewards, it is in the best interest of the body that she resign,” she said in a statement. “This would allow the legal process to unfold without undue disruption to the body.”
Durkan said the allegations tarnish the reputation of the council.
“These allegations demonstrate a clear failure to uphold the integrity and fiduciary responsibilities required of a public official,” Durkan said in a statement. “Only by prioritizing accountability and integrity can we build public trust and ensure that City Hall remains a place of service, not self-interest.”
Fernandes Anderson allegedly executed a scheme to hire a relative — which is prohibited by law for Boston city councilors — and agreed to pay the employee $13,000 as a bonus on the condition that some of it would be returned to her, court documents show.
Authorities said the staff member and Fernandes Anderson allegedly arranged to meet at a bathroom at City Hall, where the employee gave the city councilor $7,000 in cash.
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The Massachusetts Republican Party called the councilor’s alleged wrongdoing “completely abhorrent.”
“Boston deserves so much better than this,” the Republican group posted on X.
Just completely abhorrent. Boston City Councilor, Tania Fernandes Anderson arrested on corruption charges. Boston deserves so much better than this. #mapoli #bospoli https://t.co/ER4nHZaUpw pic.twitter.com/Nbu42JsWW2
— MassGOP (@massgop) December 6, 2024
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