Anne Mahoney

Councillor At-Large Candidate

Email

amahoney0721@gmail.com

Website and/or Social Media Links

VoteMahoney.com

@voteAnneMahoney

fb.com/VoteMahoney

Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent Quincy residents at this time? 

Quincy needs strong, independent leadership now more than ever. Over the past two years, the City Council has voted with the mayor 99% of the time — even as the city budget has grown, our bond rating dropped to AA-, and residents face higher taxes. Without real checks and balances, we risk our city’s financial stability and the public’s trust.

I have a proven record of standing up for Quincy residents — 12 years on the School Committee, six years as Councillor at Large, and three mayoral campaigns focused on transparency and responsible government. I do my homework, ask tough questions, and speak up when something isn’t right — whether it’s the mayor proposing a 79% raise for himself or spending $1 million on a religious statue at a public building without public input or Council approval, all while claiming there was nowhere to cut the budget.

I’m running to restore accountability, fiscal discipline, and public trust. Quincy deserves a City Council that works for the people — not one that simply goes along — and I’m ready to be that voice again.

What three issues are you most concerned about, and if elected, how will you address them?

Fiscal Accountability and Oversight

Quincy’s budget has grown dramatically, yet the City Council has not consistently provided the independent oversight taxpayers deserve. While developers receive generous tax breaks, political donations from those same developers continue to influence local campaigns. Meanwhile, everyday residents wonder who is looking out for them. I will restore independent oversight at City Hall, demand full transparency in budgeting and tax agreements, and ensure that public funds benefit all residents — not just the well-connected.

Balanced Development and Infrastructure Planning

Development in Quincy is moving too quickly without the long-term planning needed to protect our neighborhoods. Roads are congested, schools overcrowded, and infrastructure strained. I will advocate for a comprehensive, citywide master plan that connects development with infrastructure upgrades, preserves neighborhood character, and incorporates meaningful public input before major projects move forward.

Restoring Public Trust in Local Government

Residents deserve decisions made openly, with opportunities for meaningful public input. From proposed salary increases for elected officials to major public expenditures, these choices should never be made behind closed doors. I will push for a City Council that serves as a genuine check and balance — one that asks hard questions, insists on public hearings, and works for the people rather than simply approving without scrutiny.

If elected, what steps will you take to ensure responsiveness and clear communication between you and the Quincy community?

Throughout my public service, I have prioritized being accessible, transparent, and responsive to Quincy residents. I don’t hide behind bureaucracy — I share my cell phone number and email and encourage open communication. I return calls and emails because every resident deserves to be heard.

I previously hosted a podcast, City Limits, to keep the community informed on key issues and decisions at City Hall — and if elected, I plan to bring that back as a regular communication tool. I will attend neighborhood meetings and use multiple platforms — including social media and in-person forums — to share information and hear feedback directly from the people I serve.

Quincy deserves leaders who don’t just show up at election time but stay engaged, listening, and working for residents year-round.

What do you plan to do about Quincy’s $1.6 billion debt? 

Quincy’s $1.6 billion debt is a serious challenge requiring strong oversight, long-term planning, and honest conversations with residents. We cannot continue approving large capital projects or offering tax breaks without fully understanding the long-term costs to taxpayers.

If elected, I will:

  • Push for full financial transparency, including regular public reporting on debt, interest costs, and long-term budget forecasts that clearly show how today’s decisions affect tomorrow’s tax bills.

  • Support smarter capital planning, ensuring borrowing focuses on essential community needs like infrastructure, school capacity, and public safety — not political agendas or personal projects.

  • Hold developers accountable through fair linkage fees, mitigation agreements, and PILOT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) programs, ensuring public support is matched by public benefit.

  • Reform mitigation funds by returning to a system where these dollars directly benefit neighborhoods most affected by development, with clear guidelines, community input, and transparent oversight.

  • Work to restore Quincy’s bond rating by controlling spending, rebuilding reserves, and demonstrating fiscal responsibility to credit agencies and taxpayers.

We cannot keep kicking the can down the road. This debt belongs to all of us — and future generations — and I will ensure it is managed with fairness, transparency, and long-term discipline.

What do you think is the most important role of being a City Councillor? 

The most important role of a City Councillor is to be the voice of the people — to represent their concerns, ask tough questions, and ensure every decision at City Hall is transparent, accountable, and serves Quincy residents’ best interests.

It’s not about going along to get along. It’s about being an independent check on the administration — providing real oversight of spending, development, and city services — and making sure residents are informed, involved, and respected in decisions that affect their lives.

I take this responsibility seriously. I do my homework, show up prepared, and speak up — even when it’s not popular or politically easy. Public service is about doing what’s right, not what’s convenient. That’s the leadership Quincy deserves.

What will you do to increase civic participation and voter turnout in Quincy? 

Civic participation starts with trust, transparency, and access. People are more likely to get involved when they feel heard, respected, and informed — and that’s the culture I will continue working to build in Quincy.

If elected, I will:

  • Improve communication by sharing regular updates on Council actions and community issues through social media, podcasts, and public forums.

  • Host listening sessions in different neighborhoods so residents can speak directly with me about their concerns — not just during campaign season.

  • Bring back my podcast, City Limits, as a tool to break down complex city issues and give people a window into City Hall.

  • Partner with schools and community organizations to promote civic education and engagement — especially among young people, first-time voters, and historically underrepresented groups.

  • Advocate for regular opportunities for public comment at City Council meetings so residents always have a chance to speak directly to their elected officials.

Government should meet people where they are — not expect them to chase information or jump through hoops to be heard. My goal is to make civic participation easier, more accessible, and more meaningful for every Quincy resident.

Will you advocate for the City Council to allow the opportunity for public comment at every City Council meeting?

Yes