South Boston Native Joins District 2 Council Race

South Boston resident Bob Ferrara announced on Monday that he will join the race for District 2 City Council, challenging incumbent Bill Linehan alongside former BPS principal .

“The City of Boston is going in the wrong direction,” Ferrara said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “I love our neighborhoods and I won’t sit on the sideline as its future prosperity is jeopardized.”

Ferrara, a longtime coach and self-described community activist, was born and raised in South Boston. If elected, he would represent a portion of the South End in addition to Bay Village, Chinatown, South Boston and part of Dorchester.

A Boston College graduate, Ferrara is currently employed as an independent sales consultant. In his statement, he stressed his involvement in local unions and sports programs such as the South Boston Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading program, which he co-founded.

“My local activism has taught me that much can be accomplished if you have the courage to speak your mind and are willing to roll up your sleeves and go to work,” he said.

He also disparaged the "inside baseball and backroom deals" that he said have become "acceptable practice" since Linehan took office in 2007 following the death of Councilor Jimmy Kelly.

"Since [Kelly's] passing...District 2 has not had a voice independent from our mayor," Ferrara said. "I have seen enough."

The final day to take out city councilor nomination papers is today, May 17, and the last day to submit voter signatures is May 24. A primary election will be held September 27 with a general election on November 8.