Mayor Marty Walsh: 102 Days in Office As Told in 102 Tweets
Photo Courtesy of City of Boston
Just 102 days ago, Mayor Marty Walsh’s life drastically changed—just ask his girlfriend.
The former State Representative vacated his role on Beacon Hill last year, and by January stepped into the shoes of the city’s longest-reigning mayor, Tom Menino.
In the short few months since he first took office, marking a significant new chapter in the city’s storied history, Walsh has thrown the first pitch at Fenway Park’s opening day, rearranged the structure within the controversial Boston Redevelopment Authority’s offices, supported residents and firefighters in a time of tragedy, after two first responders were killed in a Beacon Street blaze, vowed to find a way to pump some life into the city’s after hours scene, and rolled out innovative technology-based initiatives to keep pace with the thriving entrepreneurial culture embedded along Boston’s Waterfront.
These small pillars of achievement were enough to make Walsh stop for a second (likely the first second he has had since taking on the new job at City Hall) and reflect on what has been happening as he continues to get accustomed to life as Boston’s mayor. “I’m energized by the work that has been done and the support we have received in my first 101 days,” Walsh said Wednesday, during a press conference carved out in his schedule to talk specifically about the mini-milestone. “This is only the beginning of a partnership between my administration and the citizens of Boston, as we work to make Boston a city where everyone can succeed.”
While hearing what Walsh has to say about his brief time in office paints something of a portrait of how the city is changing (in some ways for the better, but of course, in some ways arguably for the worse) perhaps a more telling account of this tech -savvy mayor’s pivotal moments so far can be found in the first 102 Tweets he has sent to his constituents.
So, that’s what we did. Here they are:
JANUARY
Day 1:
“It is now official, Marty Walsh is Mayor of Boston.”
Day 2:
“Mayor Marty Walsh directing city agencies to be on alert for extreme cold temps.”
Day 3:
“Meeting with staff and touring Boston Medical Center this morning.”
Day 4:
“I’m proud to announce the appointment of William Evans as Commissioner of Boston Police…It’s a great day for our city. Superintendent-in-Chief William Gross becomes first African-American Chief in history of the Boston Police.”
Day 5:
“Dropping the puck at @FrozenFenway this morning: Boston Police vs. Boston Fire.”
Day 6:
“It’s great to be back in Foxboro #HereWeGo #PatriotsNation.”
Day 7:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 8:
“Starting the day with my friends Mass Governor and Jim Rooney of Mass Convention, welcoming #PCMA to Boston.”
Day 9:
“Here with Mayor’s Youth Council reps talking about neighborhoods & taking questions.”
Day 10:
“Mayor Marty Walsh has let us know he plans to lift the FY15 #bpsbudget by $36 million next year to $973 million.”
Day 11:
“Joined Mass. Governor to announce a plan to make #Boston #ClimateReady.”
Day 12:
“How we’ll shape the future of #cycling in Boston: together.”
Day 13:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 14:
“Go Pats!!!”
Day 15:
“Joining volunteers at Target, BostonCares #MLKDayMA event, honoring legacy of Dr. King with a day of service.”
Day 16:
“Preparing my team for incoming snow- streets are smoother after Public Works filled 2,192 potholes in past 2 weeks.”
Day 17:
“Snow Emergency & Parking Ban to be lifted at 8:00AM this morning. Business as usual at City Hall today…Thanks to all who worked together through this most recent #bosnow storm.”
Day 18:
“Hosting a #twitterchat at 9am- use #AskMJW, and looking forward to hearing from you!”
Day 19:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 20:
“Awesome visit with the Junior Celtics at Madison Park today. Great talent in that room!”
Day 21:
“Good luck to 36 Berklee College alums representing Boston at The Grammys tonight.”
Day 22:
“On the phone congratulating [Denver] Mayor Hancock for the Broncos win & holding up my side of our bet.”
Day 23:
“My best to Jeff Bauman & Carlos Arredondo, courageous #bostonmarathon survivors, joining @FLOTUS at #SOTU.”
Day 24:
“Improved service delivery & increased collaboration: a new cabinet structure for Boston.”
Day 25:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 26:
“Too many futures cut short by illegal guns, alcohol and substance abuse, too many residents living with the trauma.”
FEBRUARY
Day 27:
“The new behind-the-scenes video taking you inside my first 25 days in office.”
Day 28:
“The new behind-the-scenes video taking you inside my first 25 days in office.”
Day 29:
“Working with my team to plan for several inches of snow expected Wednesday.”
Day 30:
“I’m proud to join the @demandaction coalition, helping push a national agenda for common sense gun reform.”
Day 31:
“Public Works currently have 583 pieces of equipment across the city, & 100 inspectors currently inspecting roads across the city. #bosnow.”
Day 32:
“Property owners must clear [snowy] sidewalks. Citations issued. Report problems.”
Day 33:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 34:
“Join me at 1:30 today for a Facebook Q&A on #education & #innovation.”
Day 35:
“So many great questions in our @facebook Q&A- more answers posted today. Stay tuned for more digital forums & thanks!”
Day 36:
“Boston Youth Fund music series in City Hall lobby today: join us 12:30-1 for @necmusic violin + $2 pizza or byo lunch.”
Day 37:
“Today, @bostonschools are open & no parking ban declared at this time. Our latest #bosnow updates.”
Day 38:
“Celebrating Valentine’s Day at the Warren-Prescott School in #Charlestown today.”
Day 39:
“My team is coordinating in advance of another winter storm on the way today/tonight.”
Days 40-44:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 45:
“More than 4,800 potholes filled by Public Works since Jan 6- how many can you help them spot?”
Day 46:
“I’m hosting a Twitter chat Monday. Hey Matt, you in? #askmjw #faxingmattdamon.”
Days 47-49:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 50:
“You don’t have to fax to reach me- #twitterchat today at 3.”
Day 51:
“Proud to partner with #OperationLIPSTICK, empowering women to be part of effort to make our neighborhoods safer”
Day 52:
“Yesterday I joined Mayors from across US to lobby for more fuel assistance in @BarackObama upcoming FY15 budget.”
Day 53:
“We’ve set out to connect 4,000+ elderly & disabled residents w/ needed services.”
Day 54:
“Extending my very best wishes and sincere thanks to @mfaboston’s Malcolm Rogers.”
MARCH
Days 55-57:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 58:
“Thank you @Marathon_Sports, @sugarheavenbos for having me this weekend.”
Day 59:
“Inspiring meeting last night to kick off 2014 @ONEin3 Council Term. Thank you all for your ideas and your energy.”
Day 60:
“@cuppacoffeeMA great cappuccino—thank you!”
Day 61:
“Be sure to download the Citizens Connect app to report issues.”
Day 62:
“Proud to support the South Boston Boys & Girls Club at today’s luncheon.”
Day 63-65:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 66:
“Great mtg this morning w/ Homeland Security Sec. Jeh Johnson @DHSgov, discussing marathon preparation, FY15 federal funding.”
Day 67:
“Good discussion w/ Senator Elizabeth Warren around student loan reform, NIH funding, & climate change.”
Day 68:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 69:
“You asked and we listened- thrilled to pilot new, expanded hours for #foodtrucks in #Boston.”
Day 69 continued:
Joined @mbta & Mass. Governor today to announce late night service coming to MBTA March 28.”
Day 70:
“Working to streamline the way we do business in #Boston — Pet owners can now apply for dog licenses online.”
Day 71:
“Beautiful day for the Shamrock Shootout in #WestRoxbury today.”
Day 71 continued:
“Mayor Menino has always been here for Boston & we’re behind him today. Thoughts & prayers are with him, Angela, their family & friends.”
Day 72:
“Learning how to take a #Southie #selfie with @SpeakerDeLeo.”
Day 73:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 74:
“I applaud Mass. Governor & Sec. Galvin & Legislature for work to mitigate LIHEAP funding cuts.”
Day 75:
“Taping Urban Update with @Byron_Barnett & @ColettePhillips discussing @_GetKonnected diversity awards.”
Day 76:
“Unveiling the 2014 @b_a_a _ #BostonMarathon banners with @JohnHancockUSA @jhboston26 today.”
Day 77:
“Kicking off “Mondays w/ the Mayor” in #Brighton 3.24- join me & dept heads for in-person conversation.”
Day 78:
“ICYMI: new video taking you inside my first 75 days in office.”
Day 79:
“I’m the Mayor for all people of Boston, and I want to represent you and hear from you.”
Day 80:
“Several #BackBay road closures: avoid area for evening commute if possible due to #backbayfire.”
Day 80 continued:
“Tonight we mourn the loss of 2 of our own. Lt. Ed Walsh, Firefighter Michael Kennedy lost their lives battling a 9-alarm fire on Beacon St.”
Day 81:
“We mourn the loss of @BostonFire heroes Lt. Ed Walsh & Firefighter Michael Kennedy.”
Day 82:
“Lt. Walsh & FF Kennedy will be remembered in Boston’s history as men who embodied our city’s & our nation’s highest virtues.”
Day 83:
“Proud to help break ground on affordable senior housing in Mission Hill today.”
Day 84:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 85:
“Don’t forget to check posted street cleaning schedules for 4/1- learn more about our fleet.”
APRIL
Day 86:
“On this #mayors4service @NationalService Day, we’re honoring those who give back through volunteering. How has service changed your life?”
Day 87:
“No money can replace our lost firefighters, but I’m thankful for these steps to increase Line of Duty Death benefit.”
Day 88:
“Thank you to @SpeakerDeLeo and MA House for passing #DomesticWorkers Bill of Rights. Proud to support #DWDignityMA as a Rep & now Mayor.”
Day 89:
“What an honor to throw the first pitch at the Red Sox home opener today. I got a little practice in.”
Day 90:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 91:
“Honored to take part in this year’s Greek Independence Day parade.”
Day 92:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet.)
Day 93:
“We’re talking spring cleaning with #scrubthehub. First up: watch this animated #PSA for easy bulk item pickup.”
Day 94:
“Presenting the FY15 budget to City Council.”
Day 95:
“We’ll be bringing #wickedfreewifi to all Main Streets districts, plugging us into the global economy.”
Day 96:
“RT to wish Mayor Walsh a #HappyBirthday! –staff.”
Day 97:
“City Hall is open for business- now, look for greeters in red vests ready to help with your visit.”
Day 98:
“Honored to participate in the live auction for tonight’s Edwina House event – great cause, great turnout.”
Day 99:
“3:15pm: I’ll be reflecting on #Boston’s strength, what’s in store for this year’s #marathon.”
Day 100:
“This past year, we have all been tested, and we have persevered. For families who lost loved ones, for injured, it’s what life is about now.”
Day 101:
“We’re at 101 days- thanks for support, comments & questions. Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far.”
Day 102:
(Wicked busy, can’t tweet … yet.)
