'Bad decision': Boston Mayor Michelle Wu faces criticism for plans to grant children and migrants voting rights on city's budget

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has faced criticism for a plan that would allow children as young as 11 and undocumented immigrants to vote on the allocation of millions of dollars of public funds.

The city's new participatory budget voting process, set to begin in July, empowers Boston residents to determine how a segment of the city's budget is utilized, as reported by the Boston Herald.

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn opposed Michelle Wu's 2025 budget proposal

City Councilor Ed Flynn, a Democrat, expressed strong objections to the plan, particularly the participation of children, in a committee hearing that examined Mayor Wu's fiscal year 2025 budget proposal earlier this week, the New York Post reported.

He also expressed his strong objections in a letter to Renato Castelo, the director of the Office of Participatory Budgeting, where he highlighted his "unequivocal and vehement opposition" to the impending process.

“During this time of great fiscal uncertainty — with a study warning that remote work policies and the city’s declining commercial property values may cost us $500 million in revenue annually, as well as a subsequent proposal to also tax commercial property at a higher rate — now more than ever, it is critical that we show the taxpayers of Boston that we take our financial responsibilities seriously,” Flynn wrote.

“Allowing children to decide the usage of taxpayer dollars would do just the opposite, and be viewed as tone-deaf, unserious and wholly inappropriate by my constituents.”

Residents will get opportunity to decide on the allocation of $2 million in city funds

Boston's participatory budgeting, a process increasingly popular in progressive cities, was first sanctioned by a ballot measure in 2021.

The pertinent board and office were established following council approval last year.

Beginning in July, residents will have the opportunity to decide the allocation of $2 million in city funds, once the Wu administration selects 15 community priorities for consideration.

Flynn contended that the $2 million allocation is too substantial amid the prevailing economic conditions.

Several councilors also complained that the process granted more budgetary powers to taxpayers than to the council itself.

Internet dubs Michelle Wu as 'awful mayor'

Social media users were quick to respond to the report of Mayor Michelle Wu's plan for children as young as 11 and illegal immigrants to have a say in the city’s budget. A reader claimed, "Massachusetts has lost their way. No one takes that state nor Boston serious anymore."

Criticizing Wu's plans, one wrote, "11 year olds don’t even get to vote in their own homes, and for good reason."

Another user said, "She’s an awful mayor, she doesn’t care about the actual taxpayers except the Chinese, she discriminates against the Italians and wants the illegals to have more rights than the actual citizens."

One commentator slammed saying, "They have lost their minds."

"You get what you vote for...a stunningly bad decision by Boston voters to put this person in charge," another individual remarked.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.