Politics

In Quincy, it’s now a 4-way race for mayor

By Jill Terreri Ramos

May 11, 2015

2 minutes to read

It’s now a four-way race for mayor in Quincy.

Former mayor William J. Phelan, who was elected in 2001 and defeated in 2007 by Mayor Thomas P. Koch, announced Monday that he will again seek the office.

Phelan challenged Koch in 2009 and lost with 46 percent of the vote. He said he is hoping voters want him back.

“I think my history of being able to lead the city would be helpful right now,’’ he said in an interview.

The mayoral race in Quincy has drawn experienced politicians, in addition to Phelan and Koch, and marks the first time voters will elect a mayor to a four-year term. School Committee Member Anne M. Mahoney and City Councilor-at-large Douglas S. Gutro are also running.

The election could change the direction of the city at a pivotal time. Downtown Quincy is under construction, and has been for years, as developments have stalled and projects have run over budget. Koch has made several announcements about new projects, but his political opponents have questioned the ways in which deals have been done and are trying to position themselves as better managers of city affairs. Koch’s handling of federal flood maps has also come under fire by his opponents.

Phelan, 55, lives near Quincy Center. His experience in the office will help him deal with complicated development questions and management of city finances, he said. He noted that as mayor, he turned a deficit into a surplus.

“I really think we have to be a little smarter on how we spend our taxpayer dollars,’’ he said. “I see a lot of projects that seem to be ill-advised. No one seems to be watching the bottom line.’’

Under his watch, the city changed its zoning regulations and design guidelines, but more needs to be done, he said.

“We need to move forward in a smart way, in a way that’s going to benefit our future,’’ he said.

While other cities and towns on the South Shore have flourished with new shopping and dining destinations, Phelan said he fears that Quincy is going to be left behind.

Phelan is interested in education and was a member of the School Committee in the two years before he was elected mayor. He enjoyed education issues during his mayoral tenure as well, and noted that while he was in office full-day kindergarten was implemented and the citywide early literacy curriculum was overhauled.

After leaving office, Phelan returned to his private law practice and for the past three years has been town administrator in Holbrook.

“I like municipal government,’’ he said. “I like that you get to help people on a daily basis.’’

Phelan’s campaign was announced in a well-produced video. An adviser to his campaign is Kate Norton, former press secretary to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

Koch has proved to be a strong fundraiser and formidable candidate. In the last election, two years ago, Koch secured another term without facing opposition. Four years ago, Mahoney challenged Koch and lost with 44 percent of the vote.

Municipal elections in Quincy are non-partisan. Voters will cast ballots in a preliminary election on Sept. 22. The two candidates who get the most votes will be up for a vote Nov. 3.