Boston City Councilor Michael Flaherty not seeking re-election after 20 years, citing infighting

Boston City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty announced he will not seek reelection, despite being the top vote-getter after 10 terms on the council.

Speaking at an event at the Curley Community Center in South Boston on Friday, Flaherty told GBH News he felt it was time to step away and spend more time with family after two decades of service. He also cited recent City Council infighting as a reason for pulling his name from a nomination.

"It's just not an atmosphere I think that's conducive for the betterment of Boston, it's not an environment where folks are rolling up their sleeves and being willing to work with one another, and a lot of the good work and the great effort gets lost with some of the infighting, as well as colleagues that have not been engaged in ethical and lawful behavior," Flaherty said.

Last week, Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara was involved in a car crash in which she was reported to have been driving an unregistered, uninsured car with a revoked license, no booster seat for her young son and an expired inspection sticker.

Last month, Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo paid a $3,000 penalty for violating a conflict of interest law by representing his brother in a lawsuit after becoming a city councilor.

The council has also fought over the city's budget and redistricting efforts; arguments that were peppered with allegations of racism and divided along racial lines.

"To see the lack of decorum and to see sort of the level of debate seep to the depths that it's gone, as a lifelong resident and as someone that is active and engaged in the city, it has been disappointing and at times disgusting, so those factors were at play," Flaherty said.

Flaherty advised current and future council members to leave personal issues outside the office. "Leave the finger-pointing ... and the vitriol behind, come to work for the betterment of Boston, come to work knowing that you're held to a higher standard and you have to follow the rules and follow the law."

Mayor Michelle Wu, speaking at the same event Friday, said she was devastated to see Flaherty go, describing him as a confidant and advisor. "He is someone who loves this community and is deeply loyal to the city," she said.

Flaherty said he doesn't have any regrets about his many years on the council, and looks forward to spending time with his family and working at Adler Pollock & Sheehan, where he is a partner.

"I've met some amazing people, I've worked with some amazing people; I've got lasting friendships, helped a ton of folks and had fun doing it," Flaherty said.