Blog

Chambers Named SE Liaison

by Michele D.  Maniscalco
Wednesday Sep 23, 2015

Amy Mahler, who succeeded Jordan Deasy in July of this year as the Office of Neighborhood Services liaison to the South End and Bay Village, will now serve as neighborhood services coordinator in Allston-Brighton, where she lives, effective Monday, September 28, replacing Allston-Brighton coordinator John Laadt, who accepted a job with the city's Environment and Open Space office. Enter Sam Chambers, an aide to Martin J. Walsh's mayoral bid who joined Mayor-elect Walsh's advance team in January 2014.

In a statement announcing Chambers's new position, Walsh said, "I'm excited to have Sam join the Office of Neighborhood Services in this capacity, and I know he will be an invaluable resource to the South End/Bay Village communities. Sam brings an indisputable passion and energy for engaging citizens with their city government, and I thank him for his willingness to serve the people of Boston."

Chambers came to Boston in the fall of 2012 as a government relations intern with the lobbying firm Charles Group Consulting, initially settling in Brighton. The following spring became a press assistant to congressman Stephen Lynch in his bid to challenge Senator Edward Markey. In June of 2013, Chambers joined the Walsh campaign as a press assistant and has remained with the mayor to date.

Anticipating his new role, Chambers said in a written statement, "I'm thrilled to join as the new liaison for the South End and Bay Village communities. The city of Boston has such a diverse population, and I am looking forward to getting people actively involved in helping to shape the future of our city." Chambers continued, "I've always been dedicated to public service and helping people get access to resources and this position definitely helps me do that. I get to help residents navigate City Hall, help give input on important city initiatives and help bring residents together to make the South End and Bay Village neighborhoods even better!"

Now living in South Boston, Chambers is in the process of exploring and becoming acquainted with his new territory. "I really enjoy the restaurant scene there but I also like to stroll and pop into the small businesses and see what I can find," he commented.

In a farewell statement posted to the South End Community Board Facebook group by South End Forum chairman Steve Fox, Mahler wrote, "While my time has been brief, it has been a privilege to work with such a passionate, intelligent community so committed to the character and prosperity of their neighborhood. The South End and Bay Village are two vibrant communities that attract tourists and Boston area residents alike with their exciting restaurants, unique culture and thriving local businesses.

But as the neighborhoods change, Mayor Walsh is aware that we need to address housing needs, public safety solutions, and quality of life improvements...Thank you again for the warm welcome and engaging dialogue about the issues in your community. My colleague Sam Chambers will be your new Liaison and brings with him a bright mind and strong work ethic. I know he will hit the ground running and do an incredible job." In a telephone interview, Mahler reiterated her admiration for the passion and outspokenness of the South End residents with whom she connected.