Columnists :: Politicalnotes
Mel King endorses Sam Yoon for mayor
by Brandon Simes
Managing Editor
Wednesday Aug 12, 2009
The South End’s own Mel King, the magnanimous community organizer and former elected official, officially endorsed At-Large City Councilor Sam Yoon in this fall’s mayoral election on August 10.
"I am deeply honored to have Mel King’s support," said Yoon. "Mel’s work, both in and out of government, has had a big influence on me and my decision to run."
King was the first African American to run for mayor of Boston-he lost to Ray Flynn in a close race in 1983¬¬-and served as a state rep. for the 9th Suffolk District from 1974 to 1982. King is well known for having led the peaceful and successful Tent City protests in 1968 that stopped a parking garage from being built at the corner of Dartmouth Street and Columbus Avenue, which would have displaced many South End residents.
King focused on education as his guiding issue in endorsing Yoon, saying he wanted to raise expectations of what the city can do for its youth.
"The issue for me is the children and the youth in the city," said King. "Sam’s campaign is working to get all of us involved in making the city and the schools better. We have the opportunity for this year to be the year when Boston embraces the idea that all the city’s children are our children. It is Sam’s leadership and vision in this area that I believe we need."
"The quality of our schools and the creation of a sound physical education program should be the first order of business," added King. "Sam will ensure resources for our schools-not in response to a media report-but because of Sam’s belief that it is our responsibility and that our children are deserving."
The announcement comes as no surprise to Yoon’s mayoral rival and King’s South End neighbor Kevin McCrea.
"Mel had told me back in January or February he was endorsing Sam," wrote McCrea in an e-mail on August 10. "Not a surprise. I’m very friendly with Mel and occasionally attend his Sunday morning round tables."
King holds Sunday breakfasts at his home, which are open to the public.
McCrea added that he had spoken with King about how to end busing in the Boston Public Schools before he declared his mayoral intentions and that he plans to seek King’s advice in the future.
"He and I talked about how we could end busing in Boston and I got some great ideas from him," wrote McCrea. "I look forward to getting more great advice when I’m mayor!"
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