Latest news with #FernandesAnderson
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
District 7 candidates debate land use, White Stadium at Boston forum
Nine candidates seeking to replace Boston District 7 City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson discussed a number of community issues during a virtual forum Thursday night. But the one issue that remained unsaid during the nearly three-hour forum was the reason Fernandes Anderson's seat is open — her conviction on federal corruption charges. The event, held on Zoom, was organized by the District 7 Advisory Council, a group formed by Fernandes Anderson to lead community efforts and create policies that benefit the area. Despite the elephant in the room, the candidates who participated in Thursday's forum largely praised Fernandes Anderson's work on the City Council, particularly her engagement with District 7 residents and her work increasing citizen participation in the city budget process. 'One thing that I appreciate, and many of the residents appreciate, from Councilor Fernandes is the approach she brought to educating everyone on the budget, but also the funding sources, like where the money comes from, for different projects,' Samuel Hurtado said. 'The residents felt that they were now ... more knowledgeable and more empowered to fight for our priorities.' Said Abdikarim, Mavrick Afonso, Said Ahmed, Miniard Culpepper, Hurtado, Jerome King, Roy Owens Sr., Wawa Bell and Tchad Cort participated in Thursday's forum. Five other candidates—Natalie Juba-Sutherland, Joao Gomes DePina, James Grant, Shawn Dwayne Nelson and Robert Stanley — are also running for the seat and returned nomination papers to be placed on the ballot. It is the largest field of candidates for any Boston city office in the 2025 election. One of the predominant issues in the discussion was the use of city-owned land for future development, particularly for housing. Multiple candidates said that much of the city-owned land in District 7 was taken by eminent domain during the 1960s Urban Renewal movement, which primarily affected families of color. Culpepper and Bell specifically called out Fernandes Anderson's 2022 proposal for a moratorium on the development of this land for housing, saying they would continue to support such an effort to get more community input about the future of the land. 'If you're not taking into account that the land that was stolen from families ... you're doing a disservice to the community,' Bell said. Another major topic of discussion was the redevelopment of White Stadium in Franklin Park. The project has been criticized by a vocal group of residents for its high cost and the fact that the city is partnering with a new professional women's soccer team that will share the Boston Public Schools facility. While some candidates were more strongly opposed to the project itself, all of them agreed that the city should have had more conversations with the community to ensure that the redevelopment was beneficial for all. Ahmed, who ran track for BPS and later became a coach, said the stadium was very special to him, but he believes the aging structure did need to be rebuilt. 'However, there were a lot of missed opportunities,' he said. 'Some community members feel that they didn't get a voice. ... I want to make sure we utilize that facility and make sure it stays in the hands of Boston Public Schools.' Fernandes Anderson attended the Zoom call Thursday evening and spoke at the end of the forum to thank the candidates for participating and the organizers for hosting it. She also participated in the discussion, repeating the questions asked or adding her own comments. At times, she disagreed with the candidates, particularly about the work the District 7 Advisory Council had done. On one occasion, when Afonso said he would add new subcommittees to the council, she wrote, 'That exists.' After Tchad Cort suggested adding a student representative to the council, Fernandes Anderson noted that one of those subcommittees was a 'youth group' and said she was 'looking forward to helping with passing on the baton." 'Great minds think alike,' she said on camera at the end of the event. Fernandes Anderson was arrested in December on charges that she ran a kickback scheme with a family member whom she employed in her City Hall office. She admitted to using public funds to help with her own financial struggles. She pleaded guilty earlier this month. Though Fernandes Anderson has indicated she would resign, she has not yet stepped down. After her sentencing, scheduled for July 29, Fernandes Anderson's seat is expected to remain vacant until a new councilor is elected in November. District 7 voters will narrow down the field of candidates in the Sept. 9 preliminary election before selecting the next councilor on Nov. 4. MIT announces plans to wind down DEI office, eliminate equity VP job Arrested by ICE? Witness an arrest? These are your rights Harvard commencement speaker says it's fitting to 'hear from an immigrant like me' Poll: Trump's approval is soaring with this group of voters Many foreign students already fleeing Harvard University due to Trump order Read the original article on MassLive.
Boston Globe
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Time for Fernandes Anderson to do the ‘right thing'
Advertisement And she remains a source of embarrassment to at least some of her council colleagues, who have attempted to encourage her departure with a Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up After all, what kind of 'credibility' is there for a councilor who At the time of Fernandes Anderson's Advertisement Under a 2012 Fernandes Anderson's sentencing is set for Meanwhile, Councilors Erin Murphy and Ed Flynn have tried repeatedly to have council members at least pass a resolution expressing their own ethical concerns about Fernandes Anderson's continued presence on the council. But they can't even get a vote on the matter. 'The resolution I filed with Councilor Flynn isn't about forcing anyone out — it's about taking a stand,' Why indeed. There is something to be said for public shaming, which is essentially what Murphy and Flynn are proposing. And if Fernandes Anderson needs a reminder of just how egregious her conduct was and why her presence on the council ought to be a continuing source of embarrassment to all, there was the rather candid assessment offered by 'Councilor Fernandes Anderson abused her position of trust for personal gain and turned a public checkbook into her own private slush fund. Her constituents deserve better than this. They deserve a city representative who respects the role of public service and does not use the power and position to line her own pockets.' Advertisement It's time for Fernandes Anderson to do the right thing. Editorials represent the views of the Boston Globe Editorial Board. Follow us
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Listeria alert: Premade wraps at Big Y, Price Chopper trigger health warning
A public health alert has been issued for read-to-eat chicken and bacon wrap products due to concerns of listeria contamination, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The products were sold at Big Y and Price Chopper and were produced on May 2, the USDA statement reads. No recall was requested because the affected products are no longer available for purchase. The 'Big Y quick easy meals Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap' was sold in a 10 ounce clear plastic clamshell package with a sell by of May, 5 and lot code 25122. The 'Market 32 by Price Chopper Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap' was also sold in a 10 ounce clear plastic clamshell package and had a sell through date of May 7 and lot code 25122. The products were shipped to distributers in Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut. The problem was found when a state public health partner notified the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of a product sample that tested positive for listeria monocytogenes, according to the USDA. No confirmed reports of reactions after eating the products has been found, but people concerned about an illness are urged to contact a health care provider. Consumption of food contaminated with listeria can cause listeriosis, a 'serious' infection that especially affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women and their newborns, the agency wrote. People outside of these risk groups are less commonly affected. Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur. For pregnant woman, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Serious or fatal infections can occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to the USDA. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics. People at higher-risk experiencing flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food, are advised to seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food. State police raided bar, stores in Holyoke for illegal gaming machines Budget fight may delay state's payments to child care providers Boston City Councilors renew calls for Fernandes Anderson to resign Dartmouth man exposed himself to detectives in public park, police say 16-year-old boy stole, crashed car in Malden before running on foot, police say Read the original article on MassLive.
06-05-2025
- Politics
Boston councilwoman pleads guilty to federal corruption charges in a kickback scheme
BOSTON -- A Boston city councilor on Monday pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges after prosecutors accused her of taking most of an inflated bonus that she paid to a relative who worked for her. Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. In exchange, prosecutors dropped four wire fraud counts against the 46-year-old lawmaker, who in 2021 became the first African immigrant and Muslim-American elected to the council. Anderson was going through financial difficulties in 2023, partly because the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission told her it would fine her $5,000 for hiring immediate family members, according to prosecutors. Council members aren't permitted to hire immediate family members as paid staff. 'Councilor Fernandes Anderson abused her position of trust for personal gain and turned a public checkbook into her own private slush fund,' United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said in a statement. 'Her constituents deserve better than this. They deserve a city representative who respects the role of public service and does not use the power and position to line her own pockets ... Ms. Fernandes Anderson leaves a legacy not of a selfless trailblazer, but one of fraud, greed, and deceit.' According to prosecutors, Anderson told her relative that she would give her a $13,000 bonus, which was more than twice as much as the combined bonuses she gave to the rest of the staff. After taxes, the staffer received about $10,000. She withdrew the money in several bank transactions in May and June of 2023 before exchanging texts to meet Anderson in a City Hall bathroom that June 9, where she gave Anderson $7,000 of the money. The government is seeking a sentence of one year and one day in prison followed by three years of supervised release and restitution in the amount of $13,000 when she is sentenced on July 29. Anderson could have faced up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the fraud charges. The theft count carried a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Outside of court, Anderson didn't directly address the allegations that led to her guilty plea. She said she 'loved' her constituents and would remain focused on putting together a transitional plan for whomever replaces her. 'When I knew or decided that I needed to agree to a plea, I've been planning to make sure that my staff was OK, that my constituents were OK so that there's a softer landing, that my family, my children are secure and OK,' she said, adding that she hoped the media would forget her in the weeks ahead. When the plea deal was announced in April, Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said Anderson had agreed to resign. Anderson indicated she planned to do that this summer. 'Our residents look to elected officials to lead with integrity, and the Boston City Council must continue to do just that,' Louijeune said. 'I am coordinating with counsel and staff to ensure that the rule of law and the rules of the body are executed effectively as we continue to receive information.' ___
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Boston City Councilor pleads guilty to federal corruption charges
BOSTON (WWLP) – Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to wire fraud and theft connected to a federal funds program. Fernandes Anderson, 46, of Boston, was indicted in December 2024. She currently serves as City Councilor for Boston's District 7, including Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and a portion of the South End. She was first elected in November 2021 and was re-elected in 2023. Damage caused by suspected vandalism at South Hadley High School Charging documents stated that Fernandes Anderson hired two of her immediate family members as salaried employees on her staff in 2022, which city councilors are prohibited by law from doing. As a result, Fernandes Anderson was required to terminate their employment in August 2022. In May 2023, the Massachusetts Ethics Commission also notified Fernandes Anderson that it was seeking a civil penalty payment of $5,000 from her as a result of the violation. In November 2022, Fernandes Anderson emailed a City of Boston employee to notify them that she was hiring an employee. This employee was a relative of Fernandes Anderson, but she falsely reported that they were not related. The charging documents further stated that in early to mid-2023, Fernandes Anderson reportedly faced financial struggles, including the outstanding payment to the Ethics Commission. In May 2023, she told her employed relative that she would give them a large bonus if they gave a portion of it back to her. A $13,000 bonus check was processed for the employee without disclosing to other City of Boston employees the repayment arrangement. The check was deposited on May 26, 2023, and Fernandes Anderson instructed the employee to make three separate cash withdrawals over the following weeks. After the final withdrawal, Fernandes Anderson and her relative met in a bathroom at Boston City Hall on June 9, 2023, where she reportedly received $7,000 in cash from her relative. The signed plea agreement stated that Fernandes Anderson also used funds from her campaign account for her personal benefit, and for tax years 2021-2023, she used fraudulent federal income tax returns with the IRS. Fernandes Anderson omitted approximately $11,000 in income that she earned from a Massachusetts-based corporation from her tax return in 2021, willfully omitted campaign funds in 2022 and 2023, and willfully omitted the $7,000 kickback that she received from her relative from her 2023 tax return. On Monday, Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. Her scheduling is sentenced for July 29. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
